5 Hidden Travel Gems in New York City
Holidays in New York give you the chance to see some of the world’s most famous buildings and attractions up close and personal. From the Statue of Liberty to Times Square, you will certainly not be short of iconic sights to see.
But as the US city is also home to a number of hidden travel gems you may want to seek out some of its lesser-known attractions.
And for a slightly different cultural experience in New York, why not consider visiting the Staten Island Museum?
Founded in 1881, the museum – located in the borough of Staten Island – contains thousands of items, including a vast natural science collection incorporating everything from fossils to birds’ eggs.
Art lovers are also sure to find that a trip to the Staten Island Museum is a captivating element of New York holidays. The institution first began to display art in 1905, with the works on show covering a range of styles and periods of time, including pieces by Jasper F Cropsey and John LaFarge.
Open seven days a week, the museum is located just two blocks from the free-to-ride Staten Island ferry, so if you’re staying in Manhattan making the journey over the water to see its works should be a simple task.
Holidays to New York could provide you the chance to see a number of towering skyscrapers but to find out more about these fantastic structures head to the Skyscraper Museum. Situated in Manhattan, you will be able to learn about some of New York’s most iconic buildings, as well as skyscrapers from throughout the world.
Containing a mixture of permanent collections – including one that looks at the impact of 9/11 – and temporary exhibitions, you can be sure a visit to the Battery Park City-located museum will always offer something new to see.
However, if you want to get back to nature during a holiday in New York a trip to the Queens Botanical Garden can be a great way to do this.
Containing a wide range of plants and flowers, a visit to the gardens – located in Queens – is sure to offer plenty of opportunity to see wonderful flora, no matter what the season is.
A number of special events and activities are held in the gardens throughout the year, making it the perfect location for a family day out.
There is also a bee garden and a gift shop where you can pick up some souvenirs of the fun you’ve had.
Similarly, a trip to the Fort Greene Park in Brooklyn can be a great place for a little fresh air.
With tennis and basketball courts, as well as various playgrounds, you can certainly stretch your legs here. However, the park is also steeped in history. Originally the site of forts built during the Revolutionary War, visiting Fort Greene today means you can see the Prison Ship Martyrs Monument, which was built in tribute to the 11,500 people who lost their lives in the conflict.
You can also see four magnificent sculptured eagles made from bronze during a trip to the park.
If you enjoy watersports, holidays to New Yorkcould offer the perfect chance for you to try your hand at kayaking. The volunteer-run Downtown Boathouse in Manhattan offers kayak lessons and trips along the Hudson River from a number of piers along the waterfront between May and October.
And it won’t cost you a penny to take part, as all the activities offered by the Boathouse are open to the public and free of charge.
New York has so many captivating hidden attractions that no matter what your interests are, you’re bound to find something for you.
