Here’s how you can explore the Big Apple in ways you never thought possible.
1. Visit City Hall station
First opened in 1904 and closed in 1945, the abandoned subway station offers breathtaking sights that take you back to an era that’s almost long-forgotten. The original southern terminal station of the New York City Subway first opened in 1904, but due to its inability to update itself with the new systems and trains, as well as its proximity to the Brooklyn Bridge station, its use was discontinued in 1945. Think curved cavernous ceilings (a style from Valencian architect Guastavino), brass chandeliers, patterned skylights and an ancient architecture that will take one back to a bygone era that’s full of charm. Public tours are offered by the New York Transit Museum about 16 times a year.
2. Shop at the Brooklyn Flea
Not one for shopping at all the luxury shops on Fifth Avenue? Head to Brooklyn, where you’ll find, well, great finds at the Brooklyn Flea. Open every weekend, the flea boasts over 100 vendors selling a smorgasbord of treasures, vintage or otherwise.
3. Head to 5 Beekman Street
Whether you’re an architecture aficionado or one for the ‘gram, the 10-story building, built in 1882 (and then known as Temple Court), is a masterpiece that’s steeped in history. The building has since been converted into a luxury hotel in September 2016, but its charm still remains. From its warm terracotta facade to its spacious interiors and ornate Victorian railings, the place is well-worth a visit, paid guest or not.
4. Ride the Roosevelt Tramway
The skyscrapers aren’t the only place where you can get a bird’s eye view of New York. Commuting between the Upper East Side and Roosevelt Island, the tramway, which is suspended on a cable, offers great views of the iconic Manhattan skyline above the ground. It’s also convenient to ride too: it’s part of the New York City subway system, so you can simply tap your subway card and go.
5. Attend taped shows
Plenty of them are filmed in New York City – from The Ellen DeGeneres Show, The Late Night Show with Jimmy Fallon to Lip Sync Battle and the Late Show with Stephen Colbert. While you can book free tickets in advance on certain websites, they run out quickly. So act fast! If you fail to get yours, you can choose to wait in line at the studios for the standby options, but you might have to wait for the entire day.