5 Hidden Gems of New York That Are Rarely Visited

If there’s any place that can be termed “the City of Dreams” in the United States of America, it is indeed New York. With over 56 million travellers from around the globe, New York is the most visited city in the United States. According to the prominent tourism journal of the US, NYC Tourism, 61.8 million global visitors were welcomed to the “Big Apple” last year.

Most people visiting New York are eager to visit world-famous sites such as Times Square, the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, and the immense skyscrapers of Manhattan. However, as a keen traveller, you must see places in New York that are less known but are equally mesmerising. This article delves into the details of many such marvellous sites in New York that are less visited yet equally rivetting. 

Whispering Gallery

Well, you must have experienced the echoing of sounds in deep valleys. But have you ever wondered about a place where you could listen to people whispering? The Whispering Gallery is such a hypnotic place that it ranks on the world’s most romantic sites list. The romanticism of this place lies in the magnificent architecture of New York’s Grand Central railway station, coupled with the acoustic sensation of the whispering sounds. The entire hall is surrounded by secretive walls that allow the slightest sounds to echo through the domed ceiling. Thus, if two people are talking at the diagonal arches, they can hear each other’s whispers clearly. According to experts, this occurs because the whisperer’s voice trails the curve of the domed ceiling. So, when you have deboarded at New York’s Grand Central Station and head towards the terminal’s dining concourse opposite the famous Oyster Bar & Restaurant, you will be genuinely dumbstruck by hearing every conversation at the place. You’ll undoubtedly admire the ornate beauty of the gallery walls' murals. 

Elevated Acre

You must have spent your weekends or special occasions at a sky lounge in your metro city. Nevertheless, you can’t escape the chaos of the busy city life below, as the gleaming lights and traffic are always visible. Imagine if you can purge yourself of the bustling city life in a plush oasis atop a skyscraper! This is precisely what the Elevated Acre is about— a complete resort in the sky. Artistically located between two buildings of 55 Water Street, the Elevated Acre is a grassy paradise high above the busy roads of the Financial District. The entire meadow spans an acre area and offers a fantastic panorama of the Brooklyn Bridge and Hudson River. Besides, you can enjoy activities like skating and cycling in this urban oasis built with world-class landscaping. What’s more, this high-end paradise has recently got a juicy Beer Garden that offers various craft beers on tap, where people can enjoy their beer while talking at the top of the Big Apple. 

The Museum of Ice Cream

New York is undoubtedly a city of museums, some exhibiting various forms of ancient or modern art, while one is wholly dedicated to the dreaded 9/11 mishap. However, one museum is still hidden from people’s sight, and that’s the most delicious one – The Museum of Ice Cream! It's a tasty heaven for travellers with a sweet tooth. Here, visitors spend their afternoons viewing a river of sprinkles, skimming through the chocolate room and tasting samples of some of the most delectable ice cream sundaes. The most exciting thing about this museum is that every summer, it opens up in a different location, pop-up-style. The organisers distribute their newsletters days before the opening so that you get to know where to reach and relish the taste of paradise.

Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center

While visitors from around the globe are too excited to visit the picturesque Niagara Falls that separates the United States from Canada, only some are aware of an underground heritage centre whose entrance point rests along the banks of the Niagara River. When the American Civil War was fought for the emancipation of slaves, the Underground Railroad served as the “Bridge of Freedom” to transport the slaves northwards. Although the New York City Subway has replaced the underground railroad, the site still holds historical significance and has been converted into a museum. 

The museum’s entrance reads, "One More River to Cross." It takes visitors on a vast guided journey, familiarising them with the inspiring anecdotes of the freedom seekers escaping the South and about the heroic deeds of their leader, Abraham Lincoln. 

New York’s Hidden Tropical Rainforest

It’s evident that New York is one of the world’s most developed cities. At a time when infrastructure development takes a heavy toll on a place's flora and fauna, New York’s administration has preserved some of the rarest varieties of tropical rainforest vegetation in the immense herbarium known as New York’s Hidden Tropical Rainforest. When you are bored of the concrete jungle of the Empire City, this place will rejuvenate your soul. The greenhouse uses a steam condensation system from the harvested rainwater, creating a humid mini-ecosystem, keeping the preserved tropical plants lush green throughout the year.

Also Read: Best Family International Holiday Destinations

Free yourself from Financial Worries in the World’s Financial Capital.

Now that you have planned to explore these hidden gems of the Big Apple, it's time to preplan your finances for such a vast trip. Additionally, you must safeguard your journey with a suitable travel insurance policy such as Care Explore, an all-inclusive international travel insurance from Care Health Insurance. This can protect you and your family from the financial risks arising from various health, medical, and economic risks.

Disclaimer: Plan features, benefits, coverage, and claims underwriting are subject to policy terms and conditions. Kindly refer to the brochure, sales prospectus, and policy documents carefully.