Off the Beaten Track | 7 Hidden Gems in NYC

While many travel to the Big Apple to get a taste of New York City‘s top sights and monuments, travelers are missing out on the true excitement of secret treasures that take a bit of digging to find. With an endless amount of mystery and surprises waiting to be discovered, here are seven must-see hidden gems in NYC that will have you awe.
Interested in other hidden gems and off the beaten track highlights from around the world? Follow our Local Insiders on Epic Trips to reveal the best places to explore that you won’t find in your guidebooks.
The Whispering Gallery
Building, Museum

The Elevated Acre
Park

The Smallpox Hospital on Roosevelt Island
Building, Memorial, Ruins, Park

Water Street Rooftop
Building
For more inspirational city break ideas, take a look at our collection of Mini Trips for the perfect small-group experience.
Secret Gardens of Rockefeller Center
Building, Cathedral, Park

Rockefeller Center is a hotspot for travelers coming to NYC. When individuals arrive to the plaza, they see the ice skating rink, the Christmas tree and Jeff Koon’s massive flowering sculpture. But what people don’t see is the little green gem hidden high above the streets of NYC. Scattered about the rooftops of this art deco building, you will encounter 620 Loft and Gallery. This open space offers a gorgeous private garden that boasts perfectly-shaped greenery and incredible views of St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Rockefeller Center maintains five spectacular roof gardens originally designed by English landscaper Ralph Hancock between 1933 and 1936. The gardens have been closed since 1938, but three can be spied from the Top of the Rock observation deck. You can also check out the scenic view in the original Spiderman movie.
A Piece of The Berlin Wall
Park

The Old City Hall Subway Stop
Park, Building

Still looking got some time to burn in New York? Read our guide to the best things to do in New York.
Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip
meet our Local Insider
Hanna

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?
2 years.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?
It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.
WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?
I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!


Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.


KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?
Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.