7 HIDDEN GEMS IN NEW YORK CITY

by Alex Millsupdated on October 1, 2024June 19, 2024Leave a Comment

UNIQUE PLACES I BET YOU HAVEN’T HEARD OF BEFORE

Are you looking for some hidden gems in New York City? You’re in the right place! We were lucky enough to call Manhattan our home for two years and discovered some places ‘off the beaten track’, we’d never heard of before, even though we’d visited many times!

Of course, everyone knows about the iconic Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty and Central Park already but in this guide, we’ll reveal some amazing places and hidden gems that are not so touristy but definitely worth visiting. Read on for more!

OTHER GUIDES YOU SHOULD READ:

OUR FULL GUIDE TO GOVERNORS ISLAND

HOW TO GET AROUND NYC LIKE A LOCAL

PERFECT FAMILY-FRIENDLY 4 DAYS IN NEW YORK ITINERARY

THE BEST HIDDEN GEMS IN NEW YORK CITY

1. GOVERNORS ISLAND

I’m going to be bold and say that Governors Island is New Yorks best kept secret. It’s an island, just an 8-minute ferry ride from Downtown Manhattan and it was our favourite day out when we lived in NYC.

There is so much to do on Governors Island and it is the perfect way to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. You’ll see epic views of the Manhattan Skyline, relax in a free hammock, or maybe check out the spa.

Governors Island is also a great place for kids, it’s home to NYC’s longest slide as well as a cute playground. The Urban Farm was my son’s happy place (we lived in NYC when he was two-four years old.) It’s a great allotment space where kids can dig and water plants. They usually also have a craft or activity running.

OUR FULL GUIDE TO GOVERNORS ISLAND

2. ROOSEVELT ISLAND TRAMWAY CABLE CAR

Did you know there’s a cable car in Manhattan? I didnt either, but it’s such a cool and unique thing to do.

The cable car costs the same as a subway trip (currently just $2.90 each way) and takes you from the East Side of Manhattan to Roosevelt Island.

This is another location where you’ll be treated to great views of the Manhattan Skyline. You’ll probably only need half a day on Roosevelt Island. There’s not loads to do there but it’s a nice place for a stroll. In spring, it has the most beautiful blossom trees.

3. THE MET CLOISTERS

You will have heard of the Metropolitan Museum of Art but did you know they have another site called The Met Cloisters? Located in North Manhattan but you’ll feel like you’re in Italy. This is a truly beautiful location.

The Cloisters are not easily accessible for pushchairs. It’s an old building with a lot of steps. Luckily we had taken our favourite travel pushchair (the Joolz Aer+) so we could easily fold it and carry it up. I don’t think our UppaBaby Vista would have fit around the staircase’s corners!

4. THE NYC FERRY

Everyone told me about the Staten Island Frerry but no one ever mentioned the NYC Ferry. While the NYC Ferry isn’t free, it’s the nicest way to get around, especially if you have kids. It’s spacious for pushchairs (strollers) and when it’s warm, you can sit on the top deck for the best views of the Manhattan skyline.

A one-way ticket is just $4 and you can use it to transfer boats for 120 minutes after its first use. Or you can buy a book of 10 for $27.50. Kids under 44 inches tall travel for free.

I mentioned taking the ferry to Governors Island earlier in this post, other great places to consider include Long Island City, Dumbo or Rockaway if you fancy a day at the beach!

SEE THE NYC FERRY ROUTE HERE

5. THE NORTH WOODS, CENTRAL PARK

Central Park was our happy place during our time in Manhattan. There is so much to explore there and in my opinion, it’s the best park in the world! One area that often doesn’t get mentioned is The North Woods and it is a real hidden gem.

If you venture far enough from the main tourist areas, you’ll discover forests, waterfalls and wild chipmunks. This is a lovely place for families to explore. Another great area of Central Park you might not have heard of is The Ramble. This is similar and not so far off the beaten track.

6. THE MANHATTAN BRIDGE

Again, everyone will tell you to walk the Brooklyn Bridge but has anyone ever told you, you can actually walk the Manhattan Bridge as well?

The views from this bridge include the Brooklyn Bridge; if you’re a city lover like me, they’re stunning.

Kid Tip: My son preferred the Manhattan Bridge as subway cars run through the middle of it so you can see them quite close up. We all guessed how many would go past during our walk and then counted them. Of course, he won!

View of New York from the Manhattan Bridge

7. PIER 57

Finally, Pier 57 is so underrated and I don’t know why this is still one of the hidden gems in New York City. A lot of people know about Chelsea Market, which is also a cool place to visit but Pier 57 is just around the corner and I think it’s better.

On the entry-level floor is a food market with lots of delicious options. Take the elevator up to the secret roof terrace. Here you can see breathtaking views of Downtown Manhattan for free!