15 Little-Known Gems to Discover in New York City

Do you want to discover New York City like a local? Then I have some fantastic tips for you! After living in NYC for years, I know many unique spots off the beaten path. You won’t find the Statue of Liberty or the Empire State Building on this list! While I always recommend seeing the more prominent landmarks and sites, these secret spots are honestly the best if you want to see the real New York. If you plan on visiting NYC soon, make sure you check out all of these fantastic places. 

Track 61

Deep under Grand Central Station is a secret train platform called Track 61. This private railway was used by presidents to secretly go from the train directly into the Waldorf Astoria Hotel. The track hasn’t been used since the 1960s, but an old antique car still remains for you to visit. There are no public tours to track 61, but if you find a willing Grand Central docent, they may be nice enough to take you down.

City Hall Subway Station

If you are looking for more exciting train spots, then you need to check out the abandoned City Hall subway station. You will get to see breathtaking vaulted ceilings, tiled walls, and brass chandeliers. The station was put out of commission years ago since the new, long Subway cars could not fit inside. The NYC Transit Authority Museum does offer occasional tours, or you can catch a glimpse of the station if you take the Downtown 6 train and look out the window as it leaves the Brooklyn station to head back uptown. 

New York Federal Reserve Gold Vault

About 80 feet below the New York Federal Reserve Bank in the Financial District is said to be the world’s largest amount of gold. The vault is buried into the bedrock and is a rotating cylindrical shape containing 122 separate mini vaults. It is surprising that tourists can visit this incredible vault and see the over 7,000 bars of gold, but you do need to register 30 days in advance to take a tour. There are clearly lots of security measures in place to keep the gold safe! 

Doyers Street Tunnel, a.k.a The Bloody Angle

Chinatown has not always been a historically safe place. In fact, it has often been riddled with crime. Doyers Street, found between Pell and Mott Streets, was stained red for much of the city’s most violent years. The sharp 90-degree angle of the street made it the perfect spot for gangsters to hang out, attacking their victims as soon as they turned the corner. Part of the tunnel is now gone, making it much safer, thank goodness! But it is still an interesting place to visit and think about New York’s storied past. 

The Houdini Museum

Calling all magic lovers! You must visit the Houdini Museum to see firsthand some of the over 1500 belongings of the most famous magician in the world. Here, you will find extreme handcuffs, escape restaurants, and secret escape tools that Houdini himself used. The best part is that the museum is free! That itself is a rare NYC find.

The Whispering Gallery

While almost every tourist has heard of Grand Central Station, only some know about the Whispering Gallery. Located just outside the Oyster Bar, the station’s low, domed ceilings create an acoustic phenomenon. When you whisper into one corner of the arch, your voice travels across the ceiling, allowing someone on the opposite side to hear you clearly. This is a fun spot to experience a little bit of NYC magic.

77 Water Street

The 77 Water Street building may not seem that remarkable at just 26 stories high, but sitting on top of the roof is a replica of a World War I fighter plane. The building’s designer wanted to decorate the roof with something unique, and a massive plane sure does the trick! You also need to check out the penny candy store in the building lobby, which has old-time brands and candy that actually cost just a penny. 

Superhero Supply Store

If you are a superhero, this is where you shop. It is as simple as that! The superhero supply store in Brooklyn has everything a superhero could ever need. However, this store has a little secret that is even more powerful than anything they sell. The store is actually a front for a learning center that offers help to kids ages 6-18 with their homework. The non-profit company has extensive tutoring services but wants kids to continue believing in the magic of superheroes. Learning is, after all, a true superpower!

Midtown Waterfall

You may not think there would be a waterfall in the middle of NYC, but there is! Between Second and Third Avenues on East 51st Street, there is a small privately owned green space called Greenacre Park. While it may be small, it features a 25-foot waterfall, heat lamps, and plenty of benches flanked by flowers. This secret zen spot is the perfect place to escape the hectic streets of NYC. 

Valentino Pier

You don’t have to get on a boat to see the Statue of Liberty. You can see it from Brooklyn’s Valentino Pier! The shipping industry initially used the pier but now offers a grassy spot for people to sit and relax. Now, you can relax in this secret spot and enjoy views of Governor’s Island, the Manhattan skyline, and New York Harbor. You can even rent a kayak and head out into the East River if you dare! Don’t worry, it is much cleaner now!

Berlin Wall Segment

Any history buffs need to visit the Berlin Wall Segment, which is hidden in plain sight on Madison Avenue. Most people walk right by the five original sections of the Berlin Wall despite being covered in colorful graffiti—some of that street art is even from very famous artists! The colorful sections definitely stand out among the sleek surrounding office buildings. This hidden landmark serves as a wonderful reminder of the city’s important connection to global events. It is always good to remember the importance of freedom and unity!

Ramble Cave

Central Park isn’t just a bunch of green grass. It is actually home to a zoo, a castle, multiple fountains, and a place most people don’t know about called the Ramble Cave. The Ramble Cave is a hidden gem in the park’s woodsy area. This secluded spot was originally part of the park’s design in the 19th century and was intended as a quiet retreat for visitors and those living in the city. The cave entrance is now sealed for safety reasons, but it still adds an air of mystery and adventure to the otherwise busy city park.

The Elevated Acre

If you need a peaceful break from the busy streets of the Financial District, The Elevated Acre is the perfect hidden retreat. Perched on top of an unremarkable building, this small park is a true gem that many people overlook. It’s filled with lush greenery, winding paths, and gorgeous views of the East River. Whether you’re enjoying a quiet lunch or just want to step away from the city chaos for a bit, this serene spot offers a much-needed escape—and it’s almost always uncrowded, making it even better.

Merchant’s House Museum

Right in the middle of NoHo, the Merchant’s House Museum takes you back to 19th-century New York. This old home still looks just like it did in the 1800s, with its original furniture, decorations, and even creaky floors. The house feels frozen in time, and some say it’s even haunted! It’s one of the last historic homes left in the city, giving you a real sense of what life was like back then. If you love history or enjoy a few ghost stories, this is a spot you won’t want to miss.

The Vessel at Hudson Yards

The Vessel at Hudson Yards is one of New York City’s most unique and eye-catching landmarks. Its striking honeycomb design and interconnecting staircases make it stand out as both an art piece and a must-visit destination. While climbing isn’t allowed anymore, it’s still a great spot for photos and to soak up the atmosphere of the area. Whether you’re an architecture lover or just exploring Hudson Yards, The Vessel is a place you won’t want to miss.

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This article was first published on the RB ITALIA Blog.