Hidden Gems in NYC (You’ve Probably Never Heard Of)

Ay, I’m barkin’ here! 

NYC is a dog-crazy city and, good news if you are too: there’s a museum dedicated entirely to man’s best friend. Not only that, but it’s actually got one of the largest collections of canine art and interactive exhibits–one of which tells you which dog breed you look like most, if you’re brave enough.

Go fetch!

Who you gonna call? That’s right, that Ghostbusters HQ. 

The iconic Ghostbusters Headquarters is tucked away in Tribeca, and is actually the real-life firehouse Hook & Ladder 8. 

If you’re a fan, you won’t have trouble recognizing its façade from the classic movie but you might not have realized that this is still very much an active fire station. 

Spoiler Alert: This iconic location is included in our Slow Boat to Chinatown route!

New Yorkers are city folk who apparently never meet their neighbors and can’t tell a yucca from a carrot, right? Wrong. 

6BC Botanical Garden in the East Village is a community-run hidden oasis, bursting with lush plants, winding paths and art installations lovingly maintained entirely by local volunteers. 

As for what to do when you get here, as long as the garden is open you can take a walk around the plants, enjoy a picnic, bring your dog (as long as it’s leashed), and just enjoy a quiet, natural space away from the hustle and bustle of the city...

It wouldn’t be a list of hidden gems in NYC if we didn’t include somewhere haunted, would it?

The Morris-Jumel Mansion is Manhattan's oldest surviving house, and, as such, it’s been a key witness to some incredible periods of American History. 

Originally, it was built for and belonged to Colonel Roger Morris, a British Army Officer who retired to New York in 1764 (but because of the American Revolution, Morris went back to England after the British defeat and, interestingly, died in old York, back in England). 

During the Revolutionary War, the mansion was used as George Washington’s headquarters, a tavern, and, of course, it apparently has some domestic ghosts.

Speaking of George Washington and the Revolutionary War, if you’ve ever wanted to raise a glass where revolutionaries once plotted, put Fraunces Tavern on your itinerary.

While it might look like any other bar or restaurant, Fraunces Tavern is one of the coolest and most historic hidden gems in NYC. This is where George Washington bid farewell to his troops, and stepping inside is like dining in a living museum—with much better beer.

Not all hidden gems in NYC are old, though.

Amidst the 9/11 Memorial stands the Survivor Tree, a living symbol of resilience and hope. 

This Callery pear tree withstood the devastation caused by the catastrophic events on 9/11 and was nursed back to health for nine whole years. 

Since 2010, the Survivor Tree has become a living testament to New York City's enduring spirit and a physical symbol of overcoming hard times through dedication and care.

Tucked away in Prospect Park, the Vale of Cashmere is one of those hidden gems in NYC that feels like a world away from the city's hustle. 

Named after a Thomas Moore poem, this secluded nook has winding paths, a serene pond, and lush greenery. Unfortunately, this part of the park fell into disrepair years ago but there’s something about its overgrown state that I find kind of endearing.

Once a courthouse, now a whimsical library, the Jefferson Market Library boasts stunning Gothic architecture and plenty of “did you know?” trivia tidbits. 

Its castle-like appearance might make you expect a dragon, but, don’t worry, there’s no danger to be found here (anymore). 

While you explore inside, it’s worth remembering that when it was built, the Adult Reading Room was a civil court, the Children’s Room was a police court, and the now gorgeous brick arches in the basement were once where huddled prisoners stood, waiting to go to jail or to trial.

Who knew that so many of the hidden gems in NYC were trees? Well, we did–and now you do too! 

Standing tall in Washington Square Park, the Hangman’s Elm is the oldest known tree in Manhattan. Legends whisper of public executions held here—spooky, right? 

Whether myth or fact, it's a fascinating piece of NYC lore and if we ever manage to communicate with trees, I’ve got a lot of questions for this one.

You’ve probably never heard of Nicholas Roerich and, hey, he doesn’t have quite the global acclaim that other painters enjoy, but that doesn’t mean this place isn’t worth visiting.

If you’ve already done the Met and seen the Cloisters and visited just about every other art gallery in NYC, add this one to your list. 

The mystical world of Nicholas Roerich at his dedicated museum on the Upper West Side showcases over 200 works by the Russian artist and philosopher, and they’re unlike anything you’ve ever seen before. Besides, since this particular gallery isn’t marketed to the masses, you won’t have to wait in line to get it.

Some hidden gems in NYC are so well hidden, you have to stumble across them to know they’re there–and the best example of this is probably Christopher street. 

If you didn’t already know, Christopher Street is the heart of NYC’s LGBTQ+ history and culture, but it’s also the oldest street in the West Village. 

It’s no coincidence that it’s home to the historic Stonewall Inn, where patrons fought back against a police raid in June 1969, sparking the beginning of the gay liberation movement in NYC. 

These days, it’s a celebration of pride and diversity for many, and it’s a nice, vibrant area with boutiques, cafes and nightlife.

Ever eaten a pizza slice in a former church? Didn’t think so.

Times Square is probably the last place in NYC you’d expect to find hidden gems but, again, looks can be deceiving. 

Don’t dismiss this place as a tourist trap: this beautiful former church turned pizza palace has incredible stained-glass ceilings, and the pizza is truly incredible too. Oh, and if you’re into cocktails or mocktails, you won’t be disappointed here either.

Known as "The House of Death", this seemingly typical looking brownstone at 14 West 10th Street has been the site of numerous ghostly sightings and eerie occurrences. 

One of the most famous names to “haunt” the building is none other than Mark Twain, who once called this place home. He’s not alone, though. 

Rumor has it that a gray cat, a woman in a white dress, and a little girl also have spirits that linger here, and if you’re looking for a spooky slice of history, this is as good as you’re going to get…

If you’re thinking this place would sound better placed in The Netherlands, you’re right on the money! 

Much like another of my favorite hidden gems in NYC, The Tenement House, The Vander Ende–Onderdonk House is a time machine that allows you to see what life was like for some of NYC’s early residents. 

The Vander Ende–Onderdonk House is the oldest Dutch fieldstone house in NYC. Nestled in Ridgewood on the boundary between Brooklyn and Queens, this place has 3 floors of exhibits to explore and almost 300 years of history to absorb.

On the subject of old Dutch buildings, did you know that this is the city’s oldest house of worship in continuous use? 

The Old Quaker Meeting House in Flushing, Queens was built in 1694, and the first recorded meeting to take place here occurred the same year on November 24th. 

Its simple design reflects Quaker values—plain but profoundly peaceful, and you’d never guess that during the Revolutionary Wars, this place was seized by the Royal Army in 1776 and converted into barracks, a prison and a hospital for soldiers.

It’s only been a few years since the global pandemic ruptured our lives but if you look closely, there’s another tell-tale sign in NYC that it wasn’t the first disease to wreak havoc on its residents. 

Cherokee Apartments on the Upper East Side were designed to combat tuberculosis outbreaks in the early 20th century. The idea came from Dr Shively (who the building was originally named after) and funded by the Vanderbilts. The apartment complex opened in 1912. 

Today of course, fresh air and sunlight are also valuable commodities for renters and home buyers in NYC but back then, they were the only “known” cures for tuberculosis. 

The apartments all feature open-air balconies and abundant light, and they’re absolutely gorgeous. Check them out if you’re in the area!

If you’re looking for hidden gems in NYC that reveal a lot about a long forgotten region of Austria that also serves up great food and beer, go to Gottscheer Hall in Ridgewood, Queens. 

This traditional beer hall serves hearty Austrian cuisine, live music, and a welcoming atmosphere that feels worlds away from the typical city bustle and busy bars. It's been a neighborhood staple since 1924, preserving the cultural heritage of the Gottscheer people, named after the region they hailed from.

Similarly, one of the most poignant hidden gems in NYC is tucked away in Battery Park City and is actually made up of stones from each of Ireland's 32 counties. 

The Irish Hunger Memorial is a thought-provoking tribute that recreates an Irish countryside affected by the Great Famine. It's a moving blend of landscape and legacy—not your typical city park, and a stark reminder of what many past New Yorkers left behind.

As one of the lesser-known hidden gems in NYC, Bristol Basin is an intriguing insight into the practicalities of dealing with devastation during WWII. 

This unassuming site in Staten Island was built using rubble from Bristol, England, shipped over as ballast in American vessels returning after World War II. 

The debris wasn’t just any old garbage, though: it was all that was left from buildings destroyed during the Blitz, offered to US ships to help them return safely to America after dropping off huge shipments of goods to help Britain while the nation was at war.

Looking for a blend of art and fresh air? Socrates Sculpture Park in Queens is one of the hidden gems in NYC that offers exactly that. 

Once a landfill, this waterfront park now showcases rotating contemporary art installations with the Manhattan skyline as a backdrop. It's the perfect spot to ponder avant-garde sculptures while enjoying a picnic or a stroll around. 

Best of all, admission is free, making high culture accessible without the high price tag!