Exploring New York City's Underrated Tourist Attractions
New York City, with its numerous iconic landmarks and attractions, can sometimes feel overcrowded and overexposed, leading visitors to miss out on some truly captivating gems. While tourists flock to Manhattan's popular spots, the other boroughs and even some lesser-known areas in Manhattan offer hidden treasures. Let's take a closer look at three of these undervalued attractions in New York City.
1. The Transit Museum Brooklyn
Despite its modest but hugely informative exhibits, the New York City Transit Museum remains one of the city's most underrated attractions. Located in an abandoned subway station at Court Street in Brooklyn, the museum provides a fascinating insight into the history of the New York subway system.
The highlights of the collection include fully restored subway cars from almost every decade since the subway's inception. Visitors can wander through these vintage vehicles, learning about the evolution of the subway system. The museum's overall collection might be small—most can be easily covered in 90 minutes—but the experience is enriching and the admission price is quite reasonable.
While navigating Brooklyn's street grid can be confusing due to its different layout from Manhattan, the Transit Museum Brooklyn is still worth the trip. It's conveniently located just a five-minute walk from Jay Street, making it easily accessible for intrepid explorers or history buffs.
2. The Museum of the Moving Image Queens
Another hidden gem in New York City is the Museum of the Moving Image. Situated in a former production studio in Astoria, the museum has been providing a captivating look into the world of cinema and television technology since it opened its doors in 1988. However, its recent permanent installation in its current location began only in 2011, adding a new dimension of educational and entertaining content.
The museum combines exhibits on cinematography and television with displays on digital productions. While the entrance can be a slight challenge (it's an 8-minute walk from the nearest subway station on 36th Avenue), the daily-opening schedule and relatively affordable ticket price of $20 make it a worthwhile experience. The museum is open Thursday to Sunday, ensuring visitors have consistent hours to explore its various exhibits.
3. The Cloisters, North Manhattan
Another must-visit hidden treasure is the Cloisters in northern Manhattan. This museum, a branch of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, showcases medieval art and architecture in a building that mimics early French architectural styles. Although it offers a unique experience, the location can pose challenges for visitors.
The Cloisters' setting on a hill in Washington Heights adds to its atmosphere, but accessing it may be a bit of an uphill battle. The nearest subway station is a 12-minute climb away, which might deter less dedicated visitors. However, the museum does provide a free shuttle for those with mobility issues, and one city bus line directly reaches the museum, alleviating some of the transit woes.
To really enjoy the experience, the Cloisters entrance fee of $30 includes admission to the main museum, making it a good value for the money. The attention to detail in its medieval exhibits provides a window into a bygone era, perfect for history enthusiasts or those with a love for the arts.
In conclusion, these three hidden attractions in New York City provide a fascinating and enriching experience for tourists and locals alike. From the eclectic collections of the Transit Museum to the technological wonders of the Museum of the Moving Image, and the unique ambiance of the Cloisters, these underrated spots offer a memorable break from the city's more bustling and famous destinations.