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New York Travel Guide: The Big Apple’s Top 5 Hidden Attractions

If ever there was a city that needed little introduction, it’s New York. The Big Apple’s attractions have been widely publicized in books, movies, and tunes, but while places like the Empire State Building and the Brooklyn Bridge remain timeless, New York City is constantly evolving into something more advanced and exciting.

All visitors need to do is scratch the surface to discover some better-hidden delights, but to help you out, here’s our alternative New York travel guide:

1. The high line

Located on the West Side of Manhattan, The High Line, a relatively new addition to New York guidebooks, is a beautiful mile-long linear park situated on a former section of the elevated New York Central Railroad.

Opened in 2009, The High Line, adorned with flowers, plants and landscaped lawns, stretches from the trendy Meatpacking District through Chelsea and to 30th Street.

A New Yorker’s favorite New York attraction, the High Line offers an excellent opportunity to get away from the chaos of the Big Apple while enjoying spectacular views of Midtown and the Hudson River.

2. East River Park

Few major international cities can boast 57 acres of waterside parkland, but despite its size, East River Park remains relatively unknown to visitors.

Offering spectacular views across Brooklyn over the East River, the Williamsburg Bridge, and the Manhattan Bridge, East River Park is a highly valued area of ​​green space featuring bike paths, sports courts, and playgrounds.

The center of the park’s appeal is its amphitheater, which often hosts concerts and theater performances that are free to the public.

3.Williamsburg

Arguably the most exciting neighborhood in Brooklyn, Williamsburg’s bohemian vibe is reminiscent of Spitalfields and Shoreditch in East London.

He is known across the US for his rejection of sterility and commercialism, and despite his proximity to the glittering towers of Manhattan across the river, men in suits are being replaced by hipsters, artists and authors.

One of Williamsburg’s most popular attractions is shopping – the neighborhood is home to many thrift stores, so prepare yourself for some of the best vintage shopping in New York. A good place to start is Beacon’s Closet, which has 5,500 square feet of space filled with retro outfits to explore.

4.Harlem

Having well and truly shaken off its stigma, Harlem, America’s most iconic black neighborhood, has established itself as the home of the country’s soul-food.

New York maps will point you in the direction of the world famous Sylvia’s restaurant on Lennox Avenue, which is probably the best place to sample African-American culinary delights. Sylvia, also known as the ‘Queen of Soulfood,’ established the restaurant back in 1962, and her excellent reputation extends well beyond New York’s borders.

Food aside, Harlem is famous for music: acts perform regularly at the iconic Apollo Theater and Lenox Lounge, while the sweet tones of a gospel choir are never far away.

5. Saint Mark’s Square

A renowned section of 8th Street in the East Village, St Mark’s Place is arguably the most vibrant section of one of New York’s most revered neighborhoods.

It’s full of character – home to numerous record shops and bookstores, the street has an inescapable Camden feel with its open-air markets. These are interspersed with great restaurants, prohibition-style bars, and tattoo parlors, making for an interesting mixed crowd.

An excellent spot for people watching, St Mark’s Place is one of the few streets in New York dominated by pedestrians rather than vehicles. Once you’ve explored, you’re just a short walk from the best-known attractions in Midtown, Chinatown, and Little Italy.