End Of Summer Secrets
As a true New Yorker born and raised, there are places I know to avoid because everyone will be there. Places like Times Square, Dominique Ansels Bakery (that place thats...
As a true New Yorker born and raised, there are places I know to avoid because everyone will be there. Places like Times Square, Dominique Ansels Bakery (that place thats known for inventing the Cronut), museums like the MOMA and hanging out in Central park. These places are all staples for a reason but that's also what makes them very crowded and lets be honest, overrated. So instead of spending our nights in the most talked about bars and famous places to visit during the day, here is a list of New York City’s best kept secrets. These hidden treasures are for those who are looking for something a little different and a more authentic way to spend your time in NY.
1. Midtown East’s Greenacre Park
When you think of New York you probably think of the Empire State Building or 5th avenue shopping, very fast paced streets and businessmen. But when you need a break from the city traffic and high energy, its always nice to have that quiet spot to escape to, thats where this little gem comes in. Located at 217 East 51st Street, is Greenacre Park, a tucked away little oasis that features a serene waterfall in the middle of Manhattan.
2. Helicopter Tours of NYC and Manhattan
It’s common knowledge that the best views of the city are from Top of the Rock or The High Line, but the only way to get the full beauty is from a bird’s eye view. Helicopter Tours of NYC and Manhattan fly over a number of New York staples such as Governor’s Island, Ellis Island, Manhattan and Brooklyn bridges to the Verrazano Bridge, Uptown, Midtown and many others. This is a truly unique experience of a lifetime and definitely worth checking out.
3. Brooklyn Barge Bar
We like barges, they're very New York, and we love bars (if you haven't notices), bring the two together and you get the Brooklyn Barge Bar. Located in the up and coming neighborhood of Greenpoint Brooklyn, this seasonal bar is open until 2am, offers breathtaking views of the City and it floats! Open until late November, be sure to check it out.
P.S. We had a photoshoot there last year and it was aweosme!
4. Berlin Wall, Manhattan
There are certain places that are a staple for selfies and Instagram posts. From the wall art of the Kelsey Montague Art Wings to Banksy’s “Love is the Answer”, we’ve all seen the posts. So to know that a piece of the Berlin wall is in Battery Park is surprising. If you want a new backdrop or genuinely find it fascinating to see a piece of German history is in Manhattan, this spot is a must see.
5. Holographic Studios Inc.
Holograms are a fun form of art, which is a 3-D image molded by light beams from lasers. Holographic Studios Inc. is the world’s largest collection of motion image holograms located on 26th Street in the Gramercy Building. This studio is NYC's only holography gallery and laser laboratory which provides tours to see celebrity portraits, images that jump out of holograms and how holograms are made.
6. Brooklyn Crab
With so many restaurant options it was hard to pick one…but Brooklyn Crab offers outdoor seating overlooking New York Harbor and buckets of crabs and raw oysters. They also have mini golf and other games so you don’t need to eat and run. With a chill environment, fresh food and great views, its worth checking out and can be found at 24 Reed Street, in Red Hook Brooklyn.
7. Cloisters at The Met
Everyone knows the Met for its artwork and the Gala but what most people overlook from the MET are the Cloisters. Featuring outside gardens and medieval European art and architecture, this spot is totally unlike anything else in the city. Its opened year-round and is included in the price of a standard MET ticket, so don't forget to see it!
8. Speakeasy’s
PDT (Please Don’t Tell) is a speakeasy, a secret bar, located inside Crif Dogs. Enter through a vintage phone booth located inside the restaurant by picking up the phone and ringing the buzzer once. You can enjoy all the cocktails, wine and beer you like while also ordering food from the restaurant. Making it the ultimate place to satisfy your drunchies. This is only one of many speakeasy's in the city, so try your luck finding and going to as many as you can.
9. Sublimate
What is more secret than a party where you have to get the locations texted to you? To get the details on the secret underground parties you can either sign up on their website, RSVP at NYCSublimate@gmail.com or order tickets from Resident Advisor. This is a monthly party, which provides DJs, drinks and a subBass sound system texts you the address. NYC Sublimate has DJ Mood II Swing, Turtle Bugg and Sagotsky spinning for the ultimate dance party.
New York City is known for being the city that never sleeps… “If you’re bored in New York, it’s your own fault.” The city has so much to offer for whatever mood you’re in and any activity you like. While everyone wants to see the traditional spots in NY, there are so many hidden treasures to be discovered. With these New York City secrets you’ll be sounding like a real New Yorker in no time. But shhh, keep some favorites to yourself.
