New York is a huge city, and although it might seem touristy and crowded, it’s full of places that tourists haven’t heard of. We have 12 hidden gems in New York for you, unknown or lesser-known, some of which are literally a stone’s throw from major tourist attractions! If you think you’ve seen everything in New York and you’re looking for unique places, you’re in luck.
Greenwood Cemetery – 12 Hidden Gems in New York
Greenwood Cemetery is beautiful in itself, but what’s truly breathtaking is the view of Manhattan. This cemetery is located on the highest hill in Brooklyn, and from it, you get an incredible view of downtown Manhattan. We arrived there when a storm was raging over Manhattan (and we ourselves had to seek shelter from the rain after a few minutes), and we’ll never forget the view from this place! Besides the view, the cemetery is simply stunning; it has a chapel, a pond, and countless monumental tombs.
Pomander Walk – 12 Hidden Gems in New York
One of the last private lanes on Manhattan that looks like it’s frozen in time. Pomander Walk is located on the Upper West Side, and unfortunately, you can usually admire this place only through a gated entrance. Charming, low houses with colorful shutters and gas lamps reminiscent of those from centuries ago create a unique atmosphere.
Septuagesimo Uno – 12 Hidden Gems in New York
The smallest park in New York, covering only 160 square meters, is a curiosity on the city map located on the Upper West Side. This place is more like a paved gap between buildings with a few trees and benches.
Sylvian Terrace – 12 Hidden Gems in New York
Another lane that looks like it’s frozen in time. Sylvian Terrace is located in the northern part of Harlem, right next to the Morris-Jumel Mansion; we wrote more about this place here.
Ford Foundation Building – 12 Hidden Gems in New York
The Ford Foundation Building itself isn’t particularly impressive, and it’s quite short for Manhattan standards. In the building’s lobby, you’ll find impressive gardens where you can feel like you’re in a jungle (high humidity and temperature). The gardens are open to the public for free.
Winter Garden – 12 Hidden Gems in New York
Winter Garden is another indoor garden, this time part of the Brookfield Place shopping center, located literally a stone’s throw from the World Trade Center memorial.
Washington Mews – 12 Hidden Gems in New York
Cobbled alley with Dutch-style houses, which also looks like time has stood still for it. Unlike Pomander Walk, there are not apartments here, but public-use institutions (mostly Dutch) and the street isn’t guarded by a closed gate.
Grove Street – 12 Hidden Gems in New York
Grove Street is another incredibly charming street in New York. It might not seem as old as Washington Mews or Pomander Walk, but it’s worth a stroll. Especially since it’s right next to the Friends Apartment building, which played the facade of the apartment inhabited by the friends from the TV show Friends. If you’re going there for that reason, don’t forget about Grove Street; many people completely overlook it in their excitement about the show’s location!
Grace Court Alley – 12 Hidden Gems in New York
Grace Court Alley is located in Brooklyn Heights, so it requires a trip beyond Manhattan, which we highly recommend, as the entire Brooklyn Heights is an incredibly picturesque area that somewhat resembles Greenwich Village but without the tourist crowds. Grace Court Alley is a street where old stables were converted into luxury lofts, and it also looks like it’s from a different era.
Eldridge Street Synagogue – 12 Hidden Gems in New York
The lack of popularity of this place surprises us greatly. In our opinion, the Eldridge Street Synagogue has one of the most beautiful interiors we’ve seen in New York! We wrote more about this exceptional place here.
The Morgan Library & Museum – 12 Hidden Gems in New York
Extraordinary interiors of the stunning library founded by financier and businessman J.P. Morgan. We’ve written more about this place here. It’s one of those places that leave a huge impression but are rarely mentioned among the noteworthy museums in NY.
Albertine – 12 Hidden Gems in New York
Albertine is a French-American bookstore on the Upper East Side with a ceiling painted to resemble the sky. Beautiful, atmospheric interior filled with books. You can just stop by to see it inside, but if you’re looking for something to read in English or French, you’ve come to the right place.
