New York off the beaten track: the city's hidden gems
Be it your first, second or tenth time in the Big Apple , perhaps you have overlooked this list of museums, galleries, hidden gardens, restaurants and bars yes ** New York is not alone** the fifth Avenue , discover them one by one:
CONSERVATORY GARDEN _(Fifth Avenue & 105th St) _
Designed by Gilmore D Clarke and inaugurated in 1937, is the only classic formal garden (those gardens based on order and symmetry) in Central Park , an oasis of calm and serenity in the frenetic New York atmosphere. the recognized gate Vanderbilt welcomes us, what used to be the entrance to the mansion of Cornelius Vanderbilt II.
Its more than 20,000 square meters are divided into three gardens: English, with magnolia and lilac trees , next to the statue of author Frances Hodgson Burnett; the Italian , adorned by apple and yew trees; and the French, with spring tulips next to the sculpture by Walter Schott.
It is worth visiting at any time of the year. , you could even get married here! Open to the public every day, from 8 in the morning.
Conservatory Garden, Central Park
** THE FRICK COLLECTION (**
_1 E 70th St) _ This museum is a real gem in the Upper East Side , with pieces by artists from Rembrandt, Bellini, El Greco, Goya, Titian, Vermeer, Gainsborough and Whistler.
Promoted by magnate Henry Clay Frick and based in his majestic French-style residence , with Renaissance and Rococo ornamentation, its doors have been open to the public since 1935.
If you are lucky, you will be able to witness the classical music days which take place on Sunday evenings.
The Frick museum exhibits works by Rembrandt, El Greco and Goya
** SOCIETY OF ILLUSTRATORS _(128 East 63rd St) _**
Located in the Upper East Side , the Society of Illustrators is the oldest non-profit organization dedicated to this kind of art in the United States. Since 1901 he has fostered illustration and in 1981 he succeeded in establishing the Museum.
Offers thematic exhibitions throughout the year, arts education programs and conferences. It houses 2,500 pieces cataloged for academic use, which are usually on display and, in 2012, they created the MoCCA Gallery , a space dedicated to comics and cartoons.
One place to keep in mind is The 128 Bar & Bistro , located on the third floor and set in the 1920s. Perfect for enjoying a drink before continuing.
PALEY PARK AND GREENACRE PARK WATERFALLS (3 E _53rd St and 217 E 51st St) _
This little shelter is hidden in the epicenter of new york and was conceived by William Paley in 1967, in commemoration of his father, Samuel, creator of CBS. A fascinating and quiet corner in a bustling city, with a splendid waterfall , tables and chairs around.
At a small pace (ten minutes at a leisurely pace), the Greenacre Park (created by the foundation of the same name and designed by Hideo Sasaki and Harmon Goldstone), It is another of those charming places and yes, it also shows a hidden waterfall among its facilities. Why not have lunch in these public spaces while you take a well-deserved break?
Paley Park and its fascinating waterfall
THE HOUSE OF MARLON BRANDO (Patchin Place & 10th St)
patchin place It is a dead end street that was born in 1848 when its owner, Samuel Milligan, decided to build ten houses. One of them was inhabited by the legendary actor Marlon Brando , who lived in West Village with his sisters at the beginning of his career. Once in the place you can only approach the portal, although from there you will be able to recognize the residence.
** THE CLOISTERS ** _(99 Margaret Corbin Drive) _
We can spend hours walking through the corridors of the MET , the **MOMA** and the Guggeheim. But have you ever visited The Cloisters? Located in Washington Heights, this fabulous extension of the New York Metropolitan It is a tribute to European history.
It opened its doors in 1938, commissioned by John Rockefeller Jr. , who acquired the renowned collection of George Gray Bernard medieval art . Due to lack of space, he asked the architect Charles Collens to build a huge museum.
medieval-inspired, chapels, gardens, sculptures and galleries are enveloped in a masterful nature. they rest there cloister fragments , gates, manuscripts and stained glass windows from countries such as France, Austria, England and Spain. The langon church and the tapestries of the unicorn hunt are just some of the must-sees.
The Cloisters
** TRINITY PLACE BAR _(115 Broadway) _**
If any place brings it all together, it's definitely New York why not have one culinary experience in the old vault from a bank? Created by Andrew Carnegie and restored in 2006, this fascinating artifact is now part of a fancy irish restaurant.
In the heart of the financial district and run by the chef donald crosbie , offers typical Irish dishes, as well as being recognized for its oysters. It has a featured wine selection.
The environment and decoration are impressive , precisely because of a chandelier in the main hall.
CROWN PARK _(Queens, New York) _
It is the largest park in queens –and the fourth in the city of New York–, was designed by the renowned urban planner Robert Moses . in the last century has hosted two World Fairs , paying homage to the technological promises of the future.
At the 1964 exposition, two permanent structures were installed: the Unisphere, located in the heart of the Beaux-Arts landscape, and the futuristic New York State Pavilion, designed by Architect Philip Johnson.
Corona Park is the largest in Queens
Three years later, the municipal park was opened, which currently has sports stadiums, the Zoo, the Queens Botanical Garden , museums, a marina, six playgrounds and an amphitheater.
US open tournament venue , in it you can practice all kinds of activities: soccer, baseball, tennis, volleyball , cricket, bicycle and kayak in one of its lakes, Meadow and Willow.
** JULIETTE ** (135 N 5th St, Brooklyn)
Located in the heart of Williamsburg , Juliette is an attractive french bistro with a hidden winter garden inside and a terrace on the top floor.
Invites you to disconnect and taste a traditional brunch with fresh ingredients. They offer delicious omelettes, eggs benedict , hamburgers and an unforgettable creme brulee.
And while you're there, don't hesitate to visit Spoon & Sugartown Books , a bookstore packed with new titles and used books, mainly specializing in contemporary art, literature, philosophy and design.
CITY HALL STATION
Built in 1904 within the framework of the new york subway opening , this station was closed in 1945 due to the inability to adapt the trains, in addition to their disuse and lack of passengers.
The closed subway station in 1945, City Hall
The architecture of the place is wonderful, with stately arches, glass tiles and giant chandeliers. The Valencian Rafael Guastavino He was in charge of the design and construction of City Hall, with its legendary Tile Arch System patented in the United States in 1885.
For many decades it has been impossible to visit, but today tours of the New York Transit Museum can be hired , although it is a requirement to be partners. The other option is stay on line 6 “Brooklyn Bridge/City Hall” to the final station and from the eighth or ninth car, admire the splendor that it still retains after so many years.
THE BERLIN WALL
In New York? That's how it is. In 1980, Thierry Noir began to paint certain parts of the wall near his apartment in Berlin. The rest is history. Many of the pieces of the wall used in german projects . And many other pieces were sold and even auctioned off.
Now there are five parts of the wall distributed throughout the city. Where are they? in the garden of the United Nations , in the square Kowsky in Battery Park, at the Ripley's Believe it or Not museum in times square , at 520 of the Madison Avenue and, the last, in the museum Intrepid Sea-Air-Space.
There are five parts of the Berlin Wall in New York
THE SPEAKEASY OF NEW YORK
Perhaps today the speakeasy They are no longer so unknown to the public, but the mysticism they contain makes them earn a place on this list.
**The Back Room**, in Lower Manhattan, is one of the classics . He was born during the Dry Law of the 20s and it is still standing, with a very vintage decoration and the same access door that was used in the beginning. Here they have not lost the habit of serve drinks in teacups.
Another option? Please Don't Tell. Go through a phone booth –Although you must first enter the Crif Dogs restaurant –, order a wonderful cocktail at its bar or relax in one of its armchairs. You will be surprised by the originality of Jim Meehan's creations.
GANTRY PLAZA STATE PARK (47th Rd, Long Island City)
If you already know the empire state , the Rockefeller and the observatory World Trade Center , you must interfere in this surprising overlook on long island , little known by tourists and with great views of the skyscrapers of Manhattan.
Although it is not only a viewpoint, it is also a park full of recreational facilities , a basketball court, playground equipment, seating, and a dock. It is the ideal place to have a picnic by the river.
The view to the skyscrapers of Manhattan from Gantry Plaza
If you have a predilection for photography, you will appreciate genuine views of the building of the United Nations and the chrysler . The sunset has a bonus track, since you can enjoy the buildings of the Big Apple with the orange colors of the sunset.
IRISH HUNGER MEMORIAL _(North End Ave & Vesey St) _
immersed in the financial district , this memorial has been created by the architect Gail Wittwer-Laird and the artist Brian Tolle, in commemoration of the million people who suffered from the Great Irish Famine in 1840.
Entirely renovated more than two years ago, this irish country landscape remains elevated, with a cabin dating back to the 19th century, various kinds of flora and rocks of the 32 counties of the country . From the top you will catch a glimpse of the Statue of Liberty and the Ellis Island.
New York continues to dazzle us . Get away from the classics, or what is better, extend your route, book more days in the city and let it surprise you for exceptional New York magic.
The Irish Hunger memorial is located in the financial district