Things to do / Travel Guide
If you want to see those sites that even many native New Yorkers have never seen, or even know exist, here are a few unconventional attractions that will go a long way to satisfying that desire.
Madame Tussauds in New York City
Don't forget to stop by Madame Tussauds on West 42nd Street between Seventh Avenue and Eighth Avenue. Check out the undeniably creepy House of Horror, as well as the hundreds of wax manifestations of movie stars, public figures, and historical figures. The complex has ever-changing exhibits and is also perfect for kids.
Roosevelt Island Tramway in New York City
Enjoy a spectacular view from this overhead ride, the only commuter aerial tram in North America. During the four-minute-long ride aboard the Roosevelt Island Tramway you will be treated to a gorgeous view down the East River with views of the United Nations Building and four bridges connecting to Manhattan (the Queensboro, Williamsburg, Manhattan, and Brooklyn bridges). On a clear day you might even be able to spot the Statue of Liberty. As there are sometimes mechanical problems, make sure it is running before making plans to see this attraction.
MTA's #7 Train in New York City
Tour the world without leaving New York City by taking a ride on what many people endearingly call the International Express. Travel out of Manhattan and through Queens and you will pass one ethnic neighborhood after another - Indian, Thai, Chinese, Korean, Peruvian, and Columbian communities all reside in the areas you'll be passing through. As it's just another subway ride if you don't get off the train, be sure to hop on an off in the different neighborhoods to get the complete “international” experience.
Hunt's Point Fish Market in the Bronx
For another truly “New York” experience, make your way to the Hunt's Point Fish Market, one of the world's largest seafood markets. Formerly located on Manhattan's Fulton Street, the fish market moved to the Bronx in 2005. It's best to go right at dawn or early in the morning, when the fish is as fresh as the day. Seeing all the different types of fish is a great experience in diversity, as is watching the buyers and sellers haggle over them. The fish market has both fresh fish and frozen fish for sale, and you can get everything from frozen cod to the loopy and slippery coils of squid.
Chelsea Market
The Chelsea Market is where the National Biscuit Company (Nabisco) first set up shop in the 1890s. Here, ovens once baked everything from Saltines to Oreos. The original Oreo cookie factory is now a block-sized market selling gourmet foods, flowers, and knick-knacks, and offering restaurants, bars, art space, and special shows. The market smells heavenly throughout.
Fulton Ferry Landing in Brooklyn
Strolling along Brooklyn's Fulton Ferry Landing and promenade will afford you a great view of Manhattan. In this area you can also explore the lovely residential streets of Brooklyn Heights near the Brooklyn Bridge or visit the hip cultural center of Park Slope.
Harlem
Learn the history of this reviving neighborhood, taste the variety of down-home soul food, and enjoy some of the most emphatic and vivacious jazz sounds in the city at the Harlem Spirituals/New York Visions. Take a stroll down 125th Street, the Harlem boulevard famous for its history, still in the making. Flood your senses with its music and the diversity of stores and restaurants. Breeze the sensuous stalls selling all sorts of things, from homemade jewelry to fresh bean pies. Entrance yourself listening to the street prophets and musicians.
City Island in the Bronx
City Island is a New England-style fishing village in the Bronx, famous for its seafood and lobster. It's as though someone plucked the village right out of Massachusetts and plunked it down right in the heart of the Bronx. To see such a sharp contrast from “typical New York,” is quite striking to say the least.
The World's Fair Grounds in Queens
The World's Fair was held in Queens in 1939-1940 and 1964-1965, in Flushing Meadow Park. The fairs came and went, but left behind some mementos. A collection of “modern ruins” rests on the site of two of the largest World's Fairs ever held.
The Little Red Lighthouse
Probably 99% of New Yorkers haven't heard of this one: The little red lighthouse stands proudly right next to the massive tower of the George Washington Bridge. For context, read the children's book “The Little Red Lighthouse and the Great Grey Bridge.”
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