5 Hidden Places You’ve Never Seen in NYC

New York City holds plenty of world-famous attractions from the Statue of Liberty to Central Park, but there are lots of hidden places you’ve probably never heard of. From gardens to museums, here are five hidden places to put on your radar.

Grand Central Terminal Whispering Spot
Grand Central’s bustling corridors has a few secrets of their own. Head over to the famous Oyster Bar & Restaurant where the acoustics crashing against the low, ceramic arches turn a low whisper into a shout. Send your travel companions to an opposite corner of the entryway and whisper to see if they can hear you. It’s also a good reminder not to share secrets at Grand Central because who knows who will hear you.

Secret Apartment in Radio City
Even long-time locals aren’t in the know about the secret apartment tucked away in Radio City Music Hall. Dubbed the Roxy Suite, the Art Deco apartment has hosted celebrities and dignitaries that once served as the living quarters for Samuel “Roxy” Rothafel that has largely gone forgotten since his death in 1936. The apartment features 20-foot-high gold leaf ceilings, custom-made furniture, marble, entertaining area, kitchen, bedroom and more. The apartment was recently reopened to host special occasions and events and, of course, to host the elite.

The Earth Room
Visitors get a sense of that “only in New York” vibe when they see The Earth Room in Soho. The interior sculpture design by Wlaterde Maria features 250 cubic yards of earth across 3,600 square feet of floor space at 22 inches deep. Go ahead and visit this quiet sanctuary, but know you’re staring at dirt. There are even curators who regularly water the dirt and remove occasional mushrooms found sprouting.

The Houdini Museum of New York
Tourists and locals usually walk right by the nondescript building housing the Houdini Museum of New York. Located near Penn Station, the museum features magic lectures, magic shows, an animatronic Houdini escape from a straight jacket and a variety of memorabilia. Even if you’re Houdini buff, there’s still something new to see. The Houdini Museum takes pride in its rare collection of the magician’s publicity posters, secret tools to escape and footage.

6BC Botanical Garden; 622 East 6th Street
Come relax and meet the locals at the tucked away 6BC Botanical Garden in the East Village. But don’t let the small size fool you. This compact, cozy garden features hundreds of plants, flowers, waterfalls and koi pond. After touring the gardens, stay and browse the horticultural library to brush up on your garden knowledge.

Although you can’t see every hidden spot on the list like the Radio City secret apartment without VIP access, there are plenty of hidden gems around New York City worth exploring. Find your new favorites to add to your must-see