New York City is full of iconic attractions that draw millions of visitors every year. But if you want to explore the city beyond the usual tourist spots, there are plenty of hidden gems waiting for you. Here are 10 under-the-radar experiences that will make your trip to NYC unforgettable.
The Woolworth Building
This historic skyscraper was once the world’s tallest and is known for its stunning Gothic Revival architecture. The lobby is usually closed to the public, but you can book a tour to admire its intricate details and learn about its history.
The City Reliquary Museum
This quirky museum in Williamsburg showcases a collection of NYC artifacts, from subway tokens to seltzer bottles. You can also see exhibits on topics like closet archaeology, neon signs, and pizza boxes.
Snug Harbor Cultural Center
This former home for retired sailors on Staten Island is now a cultural oasis with a botanical garden, art galleries, and historic buildings. You can stroll along the cobblestone streets, visit the Chinese Scholar’s Garden, and catch a performance at the Music Hall.
Student performances at The Juilliard School
If you love theater, dance, or classical music, you can watch some of the most talented young performers in the country at The Juilliard School. The prestigious performing arts school offers recitals and showcases that are open to the public and usually cost $20 or less.
Sunset Wednesdays at Wave Hill
Wave Hill is a beautiful estate in the Bronx that overlooks the Hudson River and the Palisades. On Wednesday evenings during the summer, you can enjoy outdoor concerts from local musicians while admiring the sunset.
The Noguchi Museum
This serene museum in Queens displays the works of Japanese-American sculptor Isamu Noguchi. You can see his sculptures, drawings, furniture, and gardens that reflect his minimalist aesthetic and his fusion of Eastern and Western influences.
Roosevelt Island Smallpox Hospital Ruins
Roosevelt Island is a narrow island in the East River that has a dark history. It was once home to a smallpox hospital, a lunatic asylum, and a prison. You can still see the ruins of the hospital, which are hauntingly beautiful and eerie.
Brooklyn Brainery
If you want to learn something new or pick up a new hobby, check out Brooklyn Brainery. This adult education center offers classes on topics ranging from DIY beauty products to HTML coding to the history of toilets. The classes are fun, affordable, and taught by experts from all over the city.
The Cloisters
The Cloisters is a branch of The Metropolitan Museum of Art that focuses on medieval art and architecture. It is located in Fort Tryon Park in Upper Manhattan and features four cloisters that were reconstructed from European monasteries. You can also see tapestries, stained glass windows, sculptures, and manuscripts.
The Tenement Museum
The Tenement Museum is a unique museum that preserves and recreates the lives of immigrants who lived in tenement buildings on the Lower East Side. You can take guided tours of the apartments, meet actors who portray residents from different eras, and learn about the history and culture of this diverse neighborhood.
