37 Unforgettable Hidden Gems in NYC to Visit in 2024
When visiting the Big Apple, it’s easy to miss some of the best hidden gems in NYC. Sure, you may think of visiting the Statue of Liberty, paying respect at the 9/11 Museum or seeing a Broadway show, but there is so much more to the city than surface-level tourism. What are some unique places in New York that go overlooked? Are there hidden tunnels in NYC?
Finding the answers to these questions can make your trip much more fun and lead to an exciting adventure and impactful memories. We will help answer these questions and more in this article. Here are 37 of the best hidden gems in NYC to visit.
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- Best Hidden Gems in NYC to Visit
- Hidden Gems in NYC - Restaurants
- Hidden Gems in NYC - Bars
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Best Hidden Gems in NYC to Visit
1. City Hall Station
What is the prettiest place in New York City to visit if you love history and architecture? It is City Hall Station. This deserted train station was one of the first built in New York City. The station's architecture has largely been unchanged, making tourists feel like they are stepping into the past.
Book a tour with the New York Transit Museum to explore this amazing piece of history. You won’t want to miss it! Anyone who has gone would agree it is one of the best hidden gems in NYC to visit.
2. Smallpox Hospital
The Smallpox Hospital on Roosevelt Island is filled with history, ghost stories, and beautiful Gothic revival architecture. The hospital was built in 1856 and is now long abandoned. It is by far one of the creepiest hidden gems in NYC.
If you’re not a fan of scares, this hospital still has something for you, as it is also a cat paradise! The hospital grounds are home to hundreds of feline friends, making it one of the best hidden gems in NYC for animal lovers.
3. AKC Dog Museum
We shared one of the best hidden gems in NYC for cat people, but we can’t forget about the dog lovers! You likely know of many famous NYC art galleries, such as the Museum of Modern Art or the MET Gallery, but did you know that New York has a museum specifically for dogs? This museum is home to over 4,000 pieces of literature and 1,700 artworks all regarding our four-legged friends.
In addition to its impressive art displays, the museum offers interactive exhibits and educational programs, making it a family-friendly hidden gem in NYC for dog lovers of all ages. Visitors can explore everything from portraits of famous dogs to artifacts highlighting dogs' essential roles in society.
4. Explorers Club Headquarters
Explorers Club Headquarters is filled to the brim with artifacts brought by explorers from across the globe. It was created in 1904 as a place for adventurers to house their discoveries. It is a fascinating visit for anyone interested in history, artifacts and treasures. It is located on the Upper East Side of New York and is one of the most intriguing hidden gems in NYC.
5. Museum of Jewish Heritage
The Museum of Jewish Heritage shares Jewish people's rich, expansive history, including the stories of Holocaust survivors, refugees and much more. This museum aims to be a living memorial and ensure that we never forget the horrors of the Holocaust. It protects the historical records of Jewish Heritage and educates the public.
The museum features personal artifacts, photographs, and survivor testimonies, offering visitors an intimate understanding of Jewish experiences before, during and after the Holocaust. According to the BBC, camps like Auschwitz were at the center of the Holocaust, and only through the lens of survivors can we truly understand the impact.
Through its educational programs, special exhibitions and events, the museum also fosters reflection on human rights, tolerance and the ongoing fight against antisemitism. It is one of the most important and historic hidden gems in NYC.
6. The Museum of the Moving Image
The Museum of the Moving Image is a one-of-a-kind museum and is one of the best hidden gems in NYC. Inside, guests can watch historic and monumental films and even glimpse some of the genuine props behind classic shows and movies.
One of their most stand-out exhibits features puppets from the Muppets Show. You can check out this museum in Queens, New York. It is the perfect spot for any cinema nerd to spend an afternoon.
7. Spyscape
Spyscape is an interactive spy museum and a hidden gem in NYC that allows guests to put their spy skills to the test. First, guests get to learn about real spies throughout history. Next, they will perform various tasks such as navigating through laser-filled rooms, beating lie detectors and completing brain puzzles. Come with friends or family for team-building activities, a birthday party or an experience gift in NYC.
You can even speak to real CIA or FBI agents to learn about their work or be trained in the field. By the end of your spy adventure, you will be given a score to determine how you would fare in the real world as a spy. This is one of the most interactive and immersive hidden gems in NYC. It’s a unique experience you won’t want to miss and is definitely one of the best indoor activities in NYC.
8. Color Me Mine
Where are the least touristy locations in New York, and how do I not dress like a tourist in NYC when visiting said places? Consider an art studio, and dress in casual attire. Color Me Mine is a hidden gem in NYC that you should add to your list.
This art studio is located on the Upper West Side in NYC. It is a fantastic spot where you paint your custom pottery piece. Pottery painting is a great way to relax and unwind. Take a date or a friend, or go on your own. You not only gain the painting experience, you get to go home with a painted pottery piece.
Be sure to plan this towards the start of your visit, as the staff will take a few days to glaze and fire your piece before you can pick it up again. It is one of the more laid-back hidden gems in NYC and is the perfect way to spend a calm afternoon to decompress from all the crowds and noises of the city.
9. Alice Austen House
The Alice Austen House is a historic site, home to one of America’s first prominent lesbian woman photographers. Inside the house, you can see her photographs hung up on the wall, documenting the people and environments of New York City. Austen lived from 1866 to 1952 and did photography for most of her life.
Her house is one of the most historic hidden gems in NYC. It is a must-see spot for anyone interested in photography, women’s history, diversity in art and queer history. It may even inspire you to take a few photography classes in NYC.
Hidden Gems in NYC - Restaurants
10. Burger Joint
Burger Joint serves one of the best burgers in NYC . It is a hidden restaurant and one of the mainstays of the New York burger scene. It exists behind a curtain in a hotel lobby.
Burger Joint has a posh, 1970’s style interior, and serves everything from burgers to brownies and milkshakes. It has been open for over a decade now and is one of the must visit hidden gems in NYC.
11. The Museum of Food and Drink
The Museum of Food and Drink isn’t what you’d think of as a typical restaurant, nor is it a typical museum. You wouldn’t typically go into a museum looking for something to eat, but this is no ordinary museum. It is one of the stranger hidden gems in NYC for sure.
The Museum of Food and Drink guests to taste test the various food and beverage options on display. The museum has a wide array of foods to try, making it perfect for those who want to branch out and try new things. Come with an appetite, because you’ll want to try all the museum has to offer!
12. Bubby’s
Bubby’s is one of the best hidden gems in NYC to satisfy your sweet tooth. It is known for its mouth watering pancakes and pies. Anything from keylime to pecan crumble to peanut butter chocolate, Bubby’s has pies that will appeal to just about anyone’s tastes. Whether you’re coming for breakfast, lunch, or just a sweet treat, Bubby’s probably has something for you.
13. Cilantro
Cilantro is a small Mexican restaurant on the Upper West side of New York. It may not look like much, but the food is one of the best hidden gems in NYC. Make sure to try the fajitas while you’re there! Cilantro is hidden away enough that it is not bogged down by tourists, giving you space to relax and take a break from the hectic city.
14. Marea
Marea is an underestimated and not widely known seafood and pasta restaurant located south of Central Park. With its fresh seafood and Italian inspired cuisine, it is one of the most overlooked hidden gems in NYC you have to try.
Prices are on the higher side, but you will quickly realize why when you see the quality of the seafood they have to offer. Things such as fresh lobster and oysters, Marea is a seafood lover’s dream come true.
15. LOX at Café Bergson
LOX at Café Bergson is an on-site café at the previously mentioned Jewish Heritage Museum. It serves Jewish and Russian cuisine and is an accessible dining spot for individuals who follow Kosher diets. Located on the second floor of the museum, it is one of the best hidden gems in NYC if you’d like to expand your horizons and try a new cultural dish.
16. KPOT Korean BBQ and Hot Pot
If you missed out on the Korean fried chicken in NYC before heading upstate, try this restaurant. KPOT is often compared to the hidden gems in NYC and is at the forefront of a cultural dining revolution!
This one-of-a-kind, interactive, all-you-can-eat experience blends the classic flavors of Asian hot pot with the bold tastes of Korean BBQ. There are plenty of soup, sauces and meat options, making this the ideal spot for first-timers who want to try hot pot or Korean BBQ. It is one of the most popular hidden gems in Upstate New York and offers a contemporary twist, combining the deliciousness of hot pot and Korean BBQ with a lively bar scene and vibrant nightlife ambiance.
17. Chez Josephine
Chez Josephine is located on West 42nd Street and is the perfect romantic French dining experience. Inside feels like 1930’s France, filled with jazz music and old style architecture in paintings.
The environment is great, but the food is the real highlight, It’s one of the best hidden gems in NYC. Enjoy a variety of high dining French style foods such as char-grilled octopus, lobster salad, duck breast, crab cake sandwiches and more.
18. Banter in Brooklyn Heights
A cozy café perfect for brunch with friends or light bites on the weekend, Banter is a hidden gem in Brooklyn that you simply must try. It is known for its Australian-inspired menu and great coffee.
This establishment is an employee-owned enterprise, and the pride that every employee shows in their workplace is evident in the design and customer service. The location is relaxed and simply appointed with modern decorations and tasteful greenery. There is also an outdoor space to enjoy on cool fall afternoons.
When you visit this hidden gem in NYC, try the Nutella French toast topped with fresh berries. It is rich and delicious without being too sweet. Pair it with a mimosa with freshly squeezed juice for an afternoon brunch that is indulgent and delightful.
19. Samurai Papa BS
A ramen lover’s paradise that flies under the radar, known for its delicious broth and tender noodles, Samurai Papa BS is a hidden gem in NYC that locals often recommend. The restaurant is simple, but the food is delicious, the service is friendly, and the take-out process is a breeze to navigate.
The restaurant receives rave reviews for its use of fresh ingredients and Kaiki water with a natural mineral balance for all its food preparation. The water’s ceramic purification system is the first of its kind in the world.
The establishment’s tonbara ramen with creamy pork, perfectly cooked ramen and a charsu topping comes highly recommended. A full bar is also available, so this is a hidden gem in NYC that is ideal for casual outings with friends.
Hidden Gems in NYC - Bars
20. Please Don’t Tell
Please Don’t Tell is a hidden away bar inspired by secret bars from the prohibition era. It is quite literally one of the hidden gems in NYC, as the entrance is disguised to hide it from those who aren’t in the know. In order to enter, guests have to enter a phone booth, pick up the phone and buzz once.
Inside is a speakeasy style cocktail bar built to fit no more than four dozen people. Because of this, it is reservation only. It truly is a one of a kind bar that will make you feel as though you’re in on a secret the rest of the city is unaware of.
21. The Office of Mr Moto
The Office of Mr Moto is one of the most unique hidden gems in NYC. It is both a bar and a museum, all with a Japanese influence. To enter, guests must decode a cipher and guess a secret passcode.
Enjoy a 21 course menu, a glance at historic Japanese artifacts and more. The fun doesn’t end once you leave either. Upon exit, guests are given a notecard with yet another cipher to solve. Be sure to visit, if you can figure out the code, and experience one of the most mysterious and cryptic hidden gems in NYC.
22. Little Branch
Little Branch is located in West Village NYC, and has a cave like environment with a prohibition theme. It has limited, first come first serve capacity, making it less crowded than your standard bar environment.
They play live jazz and have a classy feel without being too overly formal. Little Branch is a relaxed bar, making it one of the best hidden gems and date ideas in NYC. Just make sure to come early if you want to get in.
23. George Bang Bang
George Bang Bang is a prohibition style speakeasy that leans into the theme so much that it is lit by oil lamps and plays its music through record players.
It is an immersive and old timey location that is perfect if you want a high class night out. Be sure to make a reservation ahead of time, and explore one of the most classy hidden gems in NYC.
24. Patent Pending
Patent Pending is located in the cellar of the Radio Wave Building. The building is where Nikola Tesla lived and experimented with radio waves, making it a historical hidden gem in NYC. Its menu leans into the radio theme and the drinks are sorted into four categories of descent, energy, frequency, and vibration.
During the day it is a coffee shop, and at night it is a speakeasy style bar. Whether you enjoy drinking or not, Patent Pending may be one of the perfect hidden gems in NYC for you.
25. The Hidden Pearl
The Hidden Pearl is located behind a ramen shop called Wanpaku. It is small and brightly lit and the perfect spot to escape a crowd. It offers many Japanese style cocktails and appetizers.
It is one of the best hidden gems in NYC for people who want a drink, but aren’t a fan of the typical overly crowded and noisy bars the city has to offer. Enjoy a drink and one of their small plates, and try some ramen from Wanpaku while you’re there!
26. Blind Barber
Blind Barber seems like your ordinary barbers shop from the outside, but unlike other hair salons, your haircut comes with a free drink. Behind a sliding wooden door in the shop is a bar with cocktails and music.
It’s one of the perfect hidden gems in NYC for those who enjoy drinking and dancing. Leave at the end of the night with a fresh new haircut and a drink!
27. Employees Only
Employees Only is a prohibition style bar hidden by a fortune teller's lair. The bar has a beautiful art deco interior and the environment is one of the best hidden gems in NYC. Grab a drink of wine or a cocktail and pair it with one of their high class dining options.
Order oysters on the half shell, ricotta gnocchi and more. The kitchen is open late so you can enjoy yourself into the early hours of the morning.
Free Hidden Gems in NYC
28. Berlin Wall Fragment in Madison Avenue
Right by the Museum of Modern art, you can find one of the largest fragments of the Berlin wall that exists outside of Berlin. The wall is located inside the lobby of 520 Madison Avenue, and is open to the public to view as a historical hidden gem in NYC.
The wall is covered in all sorts of graffiti and street art. While there is lots of beautiful NYC street art, this wall in specific stands out through its rich historical context. Most visitors wouldn’t think to look for the Berlin Wall while in New York, making it one of the most remarkable and historic hidden gems in NYC.
29. The Staten Island Boat Graveyard
If you go to southwestern Staten Island, you will find a boat graveyard in the Arthur Kill. This spot is a salvage yard with over 100 boats from different points in history. The area is isolated from central New York and isn’t what one would typically think of when visiting the city.
It is one of the most surprising hidden gems in NYC. If you need a break from all the skyscrapers and billboards, you should definitely add the Staten Island Boat Graveyard to your bucket list next New York trip.
30. Stone Street
Stone Street is located in central Manhattan, but it makes you feel like you have been transported to old Europe. It is a true hidden gem in NYC. The site was one of the first streets in New York to be lined with cobblestone and has been preserved beautifully since then. No cars are allowed on this street, making you feel like you’ve taken a trip back in time.
It is one of the most remarkable hidden gems in NYC. Visitors are welcome to walk down this street of their own accord, but there are also many walking tours, if you’d like something more guided.
31. Brooklyn Bridge Park Kayaking
Kayak for free and explore some amazing views in Brooklyn Bridge Park! This park allows guests to experience kayaking free of charge every Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday during select hours each day.
Experience some beautiful scenes and spend some time outdoors. This is one of the best hidden gems in NYC for nature lovers and explorers alike. You won’t want to miss it.
32. Brooklyn Book Festival
The Brooklyn Book Festival is one of the best hidden gems in NYC for book lovers of any genre. Literary enthusiasts can enjoy intimate and up-close meetings with some of their favorite artists throughout the week.
From September 22nd to 30th every year, you can enjoy free authors’ panels, meet-and-greets with artists from across the globe and approachable book signing events. Schedule your next Big Apple trip around this exciting hidden gem in NYC!
33. Governor’s Island
Take the ferry over to Governor’s Island for free every weekend before eleven! Once there, you can experience free public art exhibits, recreational events, amazing food vendors and so much more.
It is one of the most versatile hidden gems in NYC for those who want a day away from the main city. There’s something for everyone, and you can spend an entire day exploring all the island offers.
34. Socrates Sculpture Park
New York is filled with many beautiful art exhibits and locations. Socrates Sculpture Park is no exception. The park has a rotating collection that is always changing, meaning you can visit time and time again and get a new experience each time.
This is one of the best hidden gems in NYC for artists and art admirers alike. It is a great way to spend an afternoon out in nature and see some amazing artwork all at the same time.
35. Carl Schurz Park
Carl Schurz Park has a beautiful waterfront view and is home to various activities such as a playground, pickleball courts, basketball courts and more. If you are able to come on a holiday, they also feature year-round events for days such as Earth Day, Halloween and Christmas.
They are the oldest park conservatory in NYC and are an amazing spot to check out. Central Park tends to get all the love, but Carl Schurz Park is one of the best hidden gems in NYC.
36. The Elevated Acre
Tucked away in the bustling Financial District, The Elevated Acre is a hidden gem in NYC that is easy to miss. This spot offers a peaceful retreat high above the city streets. The beautifully landscaped rooftop park is an unexpected oasis, complete with lush greenery, a small amphitheater and panoramic views of the East River, Brooklyn Bridge and even the Statue of Liberty.
Despite its central location, it is often overlooked by tourists, making it the perfect spot to escape the city's noise and enjoy a quiet lunch, read a book, relax with a date or simply take in the stunning waterfront scenery.
Whether you seek solitude or a scenic break from sightseeing, the Elevated Acre offers a tranquil and intimate experience, making it a hidden gem in NYC worth checking out.
37. Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
The Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge is located in Queens and is one of the best hidden gems in NYC for nature lovers, especially bird lovers. There are over 70 different species of birds that nest within the refuge. The park is over 9,155 acres and is full of beautiful hiking spots. If you want to escape the concrete jungle for a day, this wildlife refuge is the place for you!
So there you have it, a comprehensive list of some of the best hidden gems in NYC. Hopefully, you have found something that piqued your interest with an array of museums, historic sites, restaurants, bars and more. New York is filled with hidden treasures if you are willing to explore a bit, so make your trip or afternoon adventure in your hometown your own and something you can wow your friends with.
They may have seen the Statue of Liberty, but your trip will be truly one of a kind when you explore hidden gems in Brooklyn, hidden gems in Upstate New York or hidden gems on the streets that you love and know so well.
For even more things to do in NYC, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!
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