Photo of Fort Tryon Park by Kristine Paulus (CC BY 2.0)
Of all the cities and atmospheres in the world, New York City still remains one of the most interesting ones. The city is a mecca for a variety of different industries including entertainment, music, film, art, finance, and much more. With so much to do in the big city, it can be hard to pick what to do, and this can also lead to missing some very cool things. While everyone knows to check out things like Times Square and the Empire State Building, there are also some real diamonds in the rough that many people may miss. Here are five underrated things you should check if you are new to NYC or just visiting.
1. Fort Tryon Park
New York City is famous for their parks which include places like Central Park, Washington Square Park, Prospect Park, etc. However, one of the best in the entire city is one that gets much less attention than those three. Fort Tryon Park (built by philanthropist and businessman John D. Rockefeller) is one of the most stunning parks in the city and offers incredible views of the Hudson River and the George Washington Bridge. While the entire place is breathtaking and full of history a must-see is the Cloisters. The Cloisters is a brilliant collection of medieval art and buildings, which rivals even the greatest museums. So not only do you get to be surrounded by nature all day but you get to learn some history as well.
2. Boroughs of the Dead
New York is home to dozens and dozens of tours, and while they can teach you some things, they are largely just the same thing over again. However, when it comes to Boroughs of the Dead, it is far from standard. This is a ghost tour that tells you terrifying and macabre tales of New York. You’ll become immersed in the stories that will stay with you in your mind long after the tour is over. Yes, you’ll learn some macabre tales of New York but you’re sure to be entertained (maybe even a little bit frightened) along the way. Not only tourists find this tour appealing as it’s also a favourite of the locals.
3. Sleep No More
In a city full of unique and fun experiences, this one might just take the cake. Sleep No More is an interactive play that takes place in an abandoned hotel and is unlike anything else in the New York theater scene. Sleep No More tells the tragic story of Macbeth, with audience members completely free to walk anywhere in the hotel and let the epic story develop around them. Each audience member must wear a mask and they aren’t allowed to talk. If you fully immerse yourself in this story and explore throughout the hotel, this will surely be one of the coolest experiences of your life.
4. Whitney Museum of American Art
New York is without a doubt one of the best cities in the world for art and culture. As a result, there are dozens of museums there. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Museum of Modern Art, and the Tenement Museum are some of the most famous. As a result, these museums are often very packed which makes it hard to enjoy the exhibits. However, one museum that is a little bit more underrated is definitely the Whitney. Not only is the building itself very unique, but inside of that building are thousands of great modern pieces of art from all across the country. If you can appreciate 20th and 21st American art, this is definitely a spot to check out and spend a day at.
5. Flushing
New York City has a number of different neighborhoods and boroughs which each have their own intricacies and nuances. However, one place in particular that should be on your list of places to hit is Flushing, Queens. Flushing is one of the largest and fastest growing Chinese enclaves outside Asia. It has food unlike anywhere else in the city and is perhaps the best way to see authentic Asian culture outside of Asia. Despite the amazing food and atmosphere in the area, the place isn’t a tourist trap or incredibly, and is a place that locals also speak very positively about. If eating great food is your thing and you want to immerse yourself in an atmosphere unlike any other in the city, Flushing is the place for you.
