Planning a trip to the Big Apple always involves the usual suspects – the Statue of Liberty, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the 9/11 Memorial & Museum – and they are all worthwhile. But, if you’re interested in seeing a different side of New York City, consider adding these spots to your itinerary.
The High Line
Built on a historic, elevated rail line, originally destined for destruction, The High Line has become a 1.45-mile-long walkable green space lined by native trees and flowers. The structure runs from Ganesvoort St. in Chelsea to 34th St. along Manhattan’s West Side and is entirely funded by a non-profit organization, Friends of the High Line. With multiple elevators along the way, The High Line is accessible to all and free to the public. A stroll through the native plants softens the surrounding concrete and creates an oasis of color and birdsong in the middle of the busiest place on Earth. www.TheHighLine.org
Little Island
Towards the south end of The High Line is Little Island, another free, accessible green space with sprawling flower beds, walking paths, and an amphitheater. Built on the historic Pier 54, Little Island presents a new story to the Hudson River harbor. Originally, this is where the Lusitania, a British ocean liner, departed on its first voyage in 1906 and was ultimately sunk by a German U-boat in 1915. It was where Titanic survivors returned to after being rescued in 1912. Today, New Yorkers and visitors can enjoy a stroll through Little Island, catching a new view from each path and hill. On a clear afternoon, visitors can catch a glimpse of the Statue of Liberty. https://LittleIsland.org
Hall des Lumières
Situated in a 19th-century bank in lower Manhattan, which served as an aid center in 2002 after the 9/11 attacks, the Hall des Lumières is an immersive feast for the eyes. Culturespaces, the European creator and manager behind Atelier des Lumières in Paris, converted the old bank into a digital art center and opened in 2022 with its inaugural exhibition Gustav Klimt: Gold in Motion. Like any museum, the exhibits change throughout the year. Over the summer, patrons enjoyed Destination Cosmos, followed by Hip Hop Til Infinity. Chagall, Paris, which spotlights the young Russian painter Marc Chagall, begins in October. www.HallDesLumieres.com/en
Federal Hall
In the heart of the Financial District is Federal Hall, a free museum where patrons can learn about some of the most notable moments in American History. It was here, in June 1788, where nine states gathered to ratify the Constitution. It was also here where the first Congress convened and inaugurated General George Washington as the first president on April 30, 1789. Inside Federal Hall are documents and artifacts for history buffs to enjoy. With plenty of other tourist spots in the area, Federal Hall offers a quick look at what was going on in New York City more than two hundred years ago. https://FederalHall.org
SUMMIT One Vanderbilt
There are a handful of observation decks, old and new, to enjoy in Manhattan – Top of the Rock, Empire State Building, One World Observatory. (If you visit the Met, be sure to explore the rooftop space!) However, one observation space is going unmatched: SUMMIT One Vanderbilt in Midtown East. Opened in October 2021, SUMMIT is approximately 65,000 square feet across three floors, surrounded by glass and mirrors, with both indoor and outdoor spaces more than 1,200 feet above the street. The observatory is a multi-sensory experience with light, sound, and motion, with plenty of room to navigate among other visitors. Here’s a tip: It’s totally worth aligning your visit with the sunset. SummitOV.com
It was in Federal Hall, in June 1788, where nine states gathered to ratify the Constitution. It was also here where the first Congress convened and inaugurated General George Washington as the first president on April 30, 1789.