Think you’ve eaten the whole Big Apple? Not so fast! There is always something to discover in New York. Here are some ‘secret’ attractions that most guidebooks don’t mention.
Updated Sep 3, 2014
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Vincent Fortier THE PRESS
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After six visits to New York, you might think you’ve seen everything from Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens.
To discover the city differently, far from the crowds, research on blogs dedicated to the protection of New York’s heritage is useful. Intriguing places abound.
Take a look, from north to south, at 10 places that are often only known to New Yorkers… and more!
Fort Tryon Park
Coming out of the subway, at the northern end of Manhattan, you completely forget that you are in New York. Fort Tryon has extensive gardens with views of the Hudson. It is also here that we find The Cloisters, a building built in the 1930s from old cloisters imported from Europe, stone by stone, and which houses the medieval collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Station: 190th Street (ligne A)
Pomander Walk
In the middle of the tall neighboring towers, Pomander Walk, a residential complex made up of 27 houses which immerses us in the London of another era, is surprising. The inner mini-courtyard is only accessible to residents, but passers-by returning from Central Park can appreciate the unique architecture of the facades.
West 94th and 95th Street, between Broadway and West End
Berlin Wall
You have to search a bit to find the five sections of the Berlin Wall that some curious people photograph. The relics have been behind 520 Madison Avenue (accessed from 53rd Street) since the 1990s. Graffiti by artists Thierry Noir and Kiddy Citny cover these parts of the wall.
520, Madison Avenue
Roosevelt Island
Roosevelt Island, located on the East River, has been overrun with condo buildings, but it’s worth a look. The cable car that connects Manhattan to the island is worth the trip alone. On site, head towards the southern tip to admire the ruins of the old hospital built in the 19th century and, just next door, the hyper-modern park paying homage to President Franklin D. Roosevelt, which offers lovely views of Manhattan and Queens.
Cable car: 2nd Avenue and East 59th Street
Greenacre Park
In Midtown East, this park is a true oasis of peace known almost only by neighbors and local workers. We settle in the Zen pavilion and we let ourselves be lulled by the sound of the high waterfall, which completely drowns out the noises of the city.
East 51st Street, between 2nd and 3rd Avenue
Earth Room
Since 1977, a room in a building in SoHo has been filled with 127,300 kg (the equivalent of 20 adult African elephants!) of black dirt. The public can visit this unique work of art for free. As soon as you push the door of 141, Wooster Street, the smell of earth rises to your nose, and this, even if the installation is only on the second floor.
141, Wooster Street
Statue of Lenin
From East Houston, at the corner of Avenue A, one is surprised to see, looking up, Lenin saluting New York! It is a professor of sociology, owner of the building nicknamed the Red Square (Red Square), who would have installed the statue of the revolutionary there.
250, East Houston Street
City Hall Station
The old subway station under City Hall is beautiful with its vaulted, glass ceilings. But it hasn’t been served since 1945! However, visitors can see it by taking the 6 train south and staying on board after the very last stop (Brooklyn Bridge/City Hall). The train then makes a loop and passes through the old station. Above all, don’t blink!
Elevated Acre
This park isn’t the most spectacular in town, but its location, high up, sets it apart from the others. In the buzzing business district, take escalators to reach a green square (measuring exactly one acre) and admire the view of Brooklyn.
55, Water Street
Prospect Park South
New York is not just about sky-high apartment towers. There are also real real houses! In the historic district of Prospect Park South in Brooklyn, they are even very large! The most impressive are to be admired in Albemarle and Buckingham streets.
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Vincent Fortier
THE PRESS
–
After six visits to New York, you might think you’ve seen everything from Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens.
To discover the city differently, far from the crowds, research on blogs dedicated to the protection of New York’s heritage is useful. Intriguing places abound.
Take a look, from north to south, at 10 places that are often only known to New Yorkers… and more!
Fort Tryon Park
Coming out of the subway, at the northern end of Manhattan, you completely forget that you are in New York. Fort Tryon has extensive gardens with views of the Hudson. It is also here that we find The Cloisters, a building built in the 1930s from old cloisters imported from Europe, stone by stone, and which houses the medieval collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Station: 190th Street (ligne A)
Pomander Walk
In the middle of the tall neighboring towers, Pomander Walk, a residential complex made up of 27 houses which immerses us in the London of another era, is surprising. The inner mini-courtyard is only accessible to residents, but passers-by returning from Central Park can appreciate the unique architecture of the facades.
West 94th and 95th Street, between Broadway and West End
Berlin Wall
You have to search a bit to find the five sections of the Berlin Wall that some curious people photograph. The relics have been behind 520 Madison Avenue (accessed from 53rd Street) since the 1990s. Graffiti by artists Thierry Noir and Kiddy Citny cover these parts of the wall.
520, Madison Avenue
Roosevelt Island
Roosevelt Island, located on the East River, has been overrun with condo buildings, but it’s worth a look. The cable car that connects Manhattan to the island is worth the trip alone. On site, head towards the southern tip to admire the ruins of the old hospital built in the 19th century and, just next door, the hyper-modern park paying homage to President Franklin D. Roosevelt, which offers lovely views of Manhattan and Queens.
Cable car: 2nd Avenue and East 59th Street
Greenacre Park
In Midtown East, this park is a true oasis of peace known almost only by neighbors and local workers. We settle in the Zen pavilion and we let ourselves be lulled by the sound of the high waterfall, which completely drowns out the noises of the city.
East 51st Street, between 2nd and 3rd Avenue
Earth Room
Since 1977, a room in a building in SoHo has been filled with 127,300 kg (the equivalent of 20 adult African elephants!) of black dirt. The public can visit this unique work of art for free. As soon as you push the door of 141, Wooster Street, the smell of earth rises to your nose, and this, even if the installation is only on the second floor.
141, Wooster Street
Statue of Lenin
From East Houston, at the corner of Avenue A, one is surprised to see, looking up, Lenin saluting New York! It is a professor of sociology, owner of the building nicknamed the Red Square (Red Square), who would have installed the statue of the revolutionary there.
250, East Houston Street
City Hall Station
The old subway station under City Hall is beautiful with its vaulted, glass ceilings. But it hasn’t been served since 1945! However, visitors can see it by taking the 6 train south and staying on board after the very last stop (Brooklyn Bridge/City Hall). The train then makes a loop and passes through the old station. Above all, don’t blink!
Elevated Acre
This park isn’t the most spectacular in town, but its location, high up, sets it apart from the others. In the buzzing business district, take escalators to reach a green square (measuring exactly one acre) and admire the view of Brooklyn.
55, Water Street
Prospect Park South
New York is not just about sky-high apartment towers. There are also real real houses! In the historic district of Prospect Park South in Brooklyn, they are even very large! The most impressive are to be admired in Albemarle and Buckingham streets.
South of Prospect Park, Brooklyn
Photo Vincent Fortier, special collaboration
The statue of Lenin (to the right of the clock painting) was installed on the roof of a building named Red Square.
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Photo Vincent Fortier, special collaboration
Located high up, the Elevated Acre offers a superb view of Brooklyn.
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