13 Secrets About NYC That Even Locals Don’t Know
New York City is always referred to as a city that is always awake, a network of a culture, narratives, and encounters. As many come here for the skyline view, Broadway, or the pizza, there is a side of NYC that even locals don’t pay attention to. There are so many more hidden gems, stories of the past, and just plain weird facts that exist underneath the concrete jungle of this city that it is truly amazing.
These secrets make this already enchanting place even more magical if you are a resident of New York or just a tourist. Here are some wonderful enigmas that may surprise even those who have lived in the area for a long time.
The Whispering Gallery of Grand Central Terminal
Tucked within the grand central bustling terminal is a fascinating acoustic oddity: the Whispering Gallery. The low ceramic arches near the Oyster Bar are very effective at carrying sound in the most peculiar of fashions. Stay in a corner, turn your back to the class, and whisper. At the other end of the line, someone will hear you as clear as a bell.
The Abandoned Subway Station at City Hall
There is a stunning piece of New York City’s early subway history hidden beneath City Hall. The first station called City Hall was inaugurated in 1904 and was famous for its chandeliers, stained glass ceiling and beautiful tiles. It was closed in 1945 because the new trains that were being introduced could not fit into the station’s short curved platform.
The Hidden Flats Within the Public Library
Everyone knows that the New York Public Library stores literary treasures, but only a few people know that some branches contain actual apartments. During the early part of the twentieth century, some library custodians were provided with living accommodations for performing their duties. Although such apartments are no longer used, some of the artifacts are still visible, for example those in the Jefferson Market Library.
A Berlin Wall in Midtown New York
Amid the skyscrapers of Midtown Manhattan lies an unexpected piece of history; a section of the Berlin Wall. Located in the yard of 520 Madison Avenue, this artifact has a story of division and unification that is far from the spirit of New York. Such a work on the streets of the city is a rather thoughtful and optimistic view of the Spirit and endurance all intertwined and immersed into the everyday work.
The Tiny Door of Washington Square Park
There are many peculiarities in Washington Square Park, but the small door hidden in the tree is something special. Some say it is a fairy door, others say it is an art piece or a joke. Where ever it has come from, it provides people with a reason to become curious and makes this park as enchanting as the rest of its features.
The Art Museum in a Subway Station
There is an underground art museum at the 14th Street–8th Avenue station. Whimsical bronze sculptures put together by artist Tom Otterness make up the Life Underground installation in the station. This public art runs the gamut from tiny figures climbing pipes to a money bag with legs, and is a welcome surprise for commuters.
The Forgotten British Cannon in Central Park
Central Park is no stranger to statues and memorials, but one relic often goes unnoticed; a British cannon from the Revolutionary War. Discovered in the course of construction of the park in the nineteenth century, the cannon was hidden and abandoned for years. Today it stands unobtrusively by the East 79th Street entrance, a symbol of the city’s past.
The ‘Fake’ Townhouse at 58 Joralemon Street
The building at 58 Joralemon Street in Brooklyn Heights is designed to look like other brownstone buildings in the neighborhood, but it is not a house. Surprisingly, this townhouse is a disguised subway ventilation shaft and an emergency exit. A painted front door and windows keep its exterior looking good, making it one of the most unique optical illusions in NYC.
The Roosevelt Island Smallpox Hospital Ruins
Originally used as a quarantine facility in the 19th century, the remains of the Smallpox Hospital now has a gothic look in the middle of the modern buildings. Now a historic landmark, the site has attracted photographers and other lovers of abandoned buildings and structures.
The Secret Bar Hidden in a Hot Dog Stand
Crif Dogs in the East Village appears to be just another hot dog eatery at first sight, butt get into the phone booth inside, dial a certain number and you will find yourself in one of the best speakeasies with the best cocktails. This witty reference to the secretive nature of the entire prohibition era is a nod at the fact that while New York City may love to show off, it also loves to store its best assets out of sight.
The Rockefeller Center Rooftop Gardens
While the Top of the Rock observation deck is the main attraction of the Rockefeller Center, few people pay attention to the numerous rooftop gardens. Originally laid in the 1930s, it was used for cocktail parties and even contained a victory garden during the Second World War. They are not available for the public today, but they still are a wonderful sight to behold in the middle of the concrete structures.
The Brooklyn Bridge Love Locks
Although love locks are prohibited in most of the NY’s bridges, there is a more private area close to the Brooklyn Bridge where lovers continue to leave their padlocks. This unofficial “lock of love” location is located on a pedestrian only path leading to the Dumbo.
The Oldest Candy Store in New York City
Economy Candy is a confectionery store located in the East Village of New York City , which has been in business since 1937, and has endured wars, economic crises, and New York City real estate. Entering the shop is like going back in time and seeing all the best things from every generation.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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Even if you’ve been on a safari in the past, an African photo safari is something you want to experience or at the very list add to the top of your bucket list.
But first, what is a photo safari? The phrase “photo safari” is not a common sentence structure but its meaning can be deduced easily. An African photo safari in general context means going on an adventure with the sole purpose of taking high-quality pictures.
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