Nissan’s Globetrotters series is taking you back to one of the biggest cities in the world: New York City.
People flock to NYC to fulfill their life-long dreams, fall in love (maybe), or to just have a great time.
There’s plenty of people and places to meet in the Big Apple, but the best spots take a little digging. Some of the best places you might have walked past plenty of times. In fact, did you know there are subway stations you can actually walk through? Or parks that are filled with wonderful landscapes instead of hipsters playing hacky sack?
Home to tourist attractions like Times Square, the Empire State Building, and the monumental Freedom Tower, many of the city’s most interesting spots are located where tourists don’t go.
For today’s Throwback Thursday, we’re going to give you a reminder of some of the places you’ve missed out on during your trip to New York. As for our fellow New Yorkers, make sure you consider these spots for your next hangout.
Check out more cool people, places, and things in Nissan’s Globetrotters series here.
1. Whispering Gallery in Grand Central Terminal
The biggest destination point in the city can also be the best place to play telephone. The Whispering Gallery was discovered by folks due to its elliptical ceiling. Standing in the corners close to the Oyster Bar restaurant, you can hear light whispers from the other side of the terminal. Try it out!
2. Regional Thai Taste Restaurant
New York has hundreds and thousands of great restaurants. One quaint spot you should check out is the Regional Thai Restaurant in Chelsea. The pink decor and carpet walls are just as mind-blowing as the tasty mango dumplings and other Thai delicacies.
3. The Old City Hall Subway Stop
Known as New York’s first official subway station built in 1904, the City Hall subway stop stayed active for over 40 years. While there are tours of the historic station, you can also stay on the 6 train past its Brooklyn City Hall stop as it loops around the hidden station.
4. Banksy Art
Sadly, many of the pieces created by Banksy in 2013 have been defaced or removed from their hiding places around the city but if you’re lucky, you might be able to see some for twenty bucks.
5. Little Red Lighthouse
Jeffery’s Hook Light, or The Little Red Lighthouse, is Manhattan’s only lighthouse located in Fort Washington Park. You can get a tour of the lighthouse from June to October. Check out more info here.
6. First Street Garden
First Street Garden is a community garden put together in 1999. Since then, this serene getaway has flourished into a park filled with creativity where artists create beautiful murals. For your viewing pleasure, check out some more pieces here.
7. 5 Pointz
Sadly, the Institute of Higher Burnin’ was demolished in August. For over 20 years, the graffiti mecca was an outlet for artists and admirers to explore some of the best street artwork. Check out a look at 5 Pointz above.
8. Fake Brooklyn Heights Townhouse
For giggles, check out the fake brownstone on 58 Joralemon Street in Brooklyn to see the “not-so-secret” subway exit. The fake brownstone (middle) is a subway ventilator and was allegedly made for safety reasons. Read more about it here.
9. Greenacre Park
Need a moment to look at a waterfall and reflect over the big lunch you just had? Check out Greenacre Park, the waterfall located on 51st street between 2nd and 3rd avenue.
10. Oficina Latina NYC
If you’re looking for Pan-American dishes with a vintage atmosphere, check out Oficina Latina. The dishes have special origins from Venezuela, Mexico, and other Latin destinations.
11. Rooftop Films
Take a break from the typical movie theater and head to Brooklyn for a film under the stars. Rooftop Films plays some of the most classic films, ’80s favorites, and today’s indie offerings.
12. City Island
Most travelers stay in the city to find good food and fun destinations, but City Island is a great spot for seafood and good times. Located in the Bronx, the island has a homey feel and plenty of restaurants to choose from.
13. Hart Island
Hart Island is one of the largest cemeteries in the country and the most mysterious. Also located in the Bronx, the island has been home to prisons, psychiatric wards, and a children’s reform school. The island is only available to people with family members buried there, but lawmakers are pushing to make it into a public park. Find out more here.
14. Community 54
Community 54 has changed locations in the past year, but the premise remains the same. The shop is a great spot for men’s consignment and has cool arcade games and fascinating artwork.
15. Inwood Hill Park
A great park that still captures the soul of old New York, Inwood Hill Park is a great spot to relax and get reacquainted with nature again.
What are you waiting for? Go check out these spots today.
PHOTO CREDIT: Getty, Facebook, Tumblr
