There are few travel destinations as exciting as New York. After all, this is the place that is also known as “The capital of the world,” the ‘Center of the Universe,” and the “Empire City.” It would be very disappointing if it didn’t live up to those epithets. There are some landmarks that are very well-known, even to those who have never set foot in NYC, like Central Park, the Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building and Central Park; if you travel to the City, you might want to discover some of the lesser-known spots as well. Here are some of the ones you should consider adding to your itinerary so that you can make sure your trip is truly unforgettable.
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Old City Hall Station
New York’s first subway opened in 1904, and you can still visit the City Hall station after so many years. It features a distinctive architectural style, with vaulted ceilings, glass tiles and chandeliers. By the mid-1940s, the station was obsolete from a technological standpoint and could not accommodate a sufficient number of trains in order to meet the demands. Since renovation work would have been far too expensive, the City Hall station was closed, with the last day of service being December 31st, 1945. However, tourists can still admire the beautiful design, including the intricate skylights.
Mmuseumm
Going to museums is a must anytime you travel to a new place. Since the exhibits are unique every time, you will want to send pictures to those you love the most. Don’t miss the chance to document and share your museum experiences with family and friends back home. To ensure reliable connectivity throughout your trip, consider an eSIM. See this page to find the best options that require no registration and no roaming fees.
And while there are several popular and well-known museums, there are also some that fly under the radar of most tourists. The Mmuseumm is one of them. It is located in a freight elevator and houses overlooked and ignored objects. Among the objects, you can find the show thrown at George W. Bush in Baghdad, and the collection is refreshed every year.
Roosevelt Island Cat Sanctuary
Cat lovers cannot miss the opportunity to interact with the felines of Roosevelt Island, located in the borough of Manhattan. The ruins of a hospital that hosted smallpox patients are also on the island and can be visited as well. But for those who don’t feel inclined to see this reminder of one of the most challenging diseases humanity has ever had to face, there’s always the option to come for the cats. In 2004, a local cat known as Princess Yin Yang died, which inspired a local group to create an adoption program to trap and neuter the strays. Nowadays, you can see them lounging around in their sanctuary.
17th century
The New York of today is a hypermodern metropolis, easily recognizable from its lofty skyscrapers and glistening facades. But those who want to experience the city of a bygone era can do so by gazing at a display protected by glass and located in the pedestrian area at 85 Broad Street.
These remnants date from the days of the colonial era, and thousands of people pass by them every day without paying them any attention. The remains are what remains of the old Dutch colony of Manhattan, which, at the time, stretched just a few blocks to the north. The steps of the Lovelace Tavern remain, as well as pottery and glass pieces.
Pier 54
Everyone knows the tale of the ill-fated Titanic. The survivors arrived in New York after several days of bad weather at Pier 54. Initially, the ship was meant to dock at Pier 59, but that was only the destination of Titanic’s lifeboats. Just three years later, in 1915, another ocean liner left Pier 54 and was sunk off Old Head of Kinsale in Ireland. The event was part of World War I, with the ship torpedoed by the Imperial German Navy. If you’re not aware of the grim history of this location, it is easy for it to pass unnoticed.
Campbell Apartment
There’s something alluring and charming about the 1920s. If you’re also a fan of the glitz, glamor, decadence and sheer fun of the era, you need to stop by the Campbell Apartment. Despite the name, this isn’t an apartment at all but rather a classy bar and cocktail lounge that was once the office of John W. Campbell, a millionaire financier. The current remodeling dates back to the late 90s, as the space had fallen into disrepair over the years. The menu includes many classic cocktails, as well as wine, beer, non-alcoholic beverages and kombucha. Live jazz shows are also hosted at Campbell Apartment periodically.
Gimbel’s Bridge
Art Deco style is widely appreciated by people from all over the world. While there are many buildings in New York that feature this design, such as the Majestic Apartments, the Eldorado, the American Stock Exchange, 120 Wall Street, the Beekman Tower and the Rockefeller Plaza, among many others, there are also smaller landmarks that show the luxury and finesse of Art Deco. Gimbel’s Bridge is a remnant of the early 1900s when Saks-34th Street was one of the city’s fashion hubs. It was built in 1925 by the same company that developed the Empire State Building soon after. It is no ordinary bridge, being about three stories tall, with wall-to-wall windows and a copper façade.
The Ganesh Temple of Queens
The stereotypical New York skyline doesn’t include a Hindu Temple. The Ganesh Temple is the first of its kind built in the United States and was built during the 70s, at a time when the immigrant population of New York was rising. The temple features the South Indian style and displays incredible craftsmanship. It serves as both a place of worship and a community center.
You can visit even if you’re not Hindu, but make sure to respect the rules and not take any photographs in areas where they’re not allowed. There’s a basement canteen as well, where you can sample dosa, a savory crepe made of fermented batter. Shoes are not allowed inside the temple, and you must respect the dress code that calls for no fur or leather, as well as nothing too short or sleeveless tops.
When you visit New York, there are several iconic landmarks that you should see with your own eyes. But there are also many hidden gems that should be on your travel list.
