Off the Beaten Path Sights in New York City

Also known as the "City Hall Loop," the former subway station located in Lower Manhattan was part of the original New York City subway system in 1904. But due to its location and design, the station was unable to accommodate longer trains and ultimately closed for service in 1945. Now the station is a National Register of Historic Places known for its elegant architecture, featuring Guastavino tile vaults, decorative skylights, and ornate chandeliers.

Unexpectedly, a segment of the original Berlin Wall is placed on display in the middle of New York City. Standing 12 feet high and 20 feet wide and covered in colorful graffiti and murals, the segment by a commercial office building in Midtown Manhattan. The piece of the wall was purchased by Jerry Speyer, the building's owner shortly after the fall of the Berlin Wall.

Surrounding a preserved Civil War fortress, the pristine stretch is a glimpse into New York’s past. Urban Park Rangers lead regular tours of the fortress and the wildlife surrounding it highlighting the site of a former Civil War-era fort, which was later used as a military base and training center.

A speakeasy style restaurant with just 25 seats, the Bohemian was once home to Jean-Michel Basquiat. Offering a Japanese-themed dining experience, the restaurant is known for its minimalist and understated design, with a cozy and intimate atmosphere.

Located inside the Grand Central Terminal, the Whispering Gallery is an acoustic wonder brought on by its circular shape with a domed ceiling. Designed by Spanish architect Rafael Guastavino, the tile and masonry space shows city's architectural and engineering history.

Standing as the oldest surviving building in the Bronx, the building became a museum in 1897, and was restored and furnished to how it may have looked originally. It is interesting to note, during the American Revolution, General George Washington used the Van Cortlandt House as his headquarters.

While tourists normally head to the top of the Empire State Building for their photos of the skyline, another location boasts a better view of the city. At Sunset Park in South Brooklyn, a spectacular look at the Manhattan skyline can be found at sunset every day.

The Morgan Library & Museum is a cultural institution located in the Murray Hill neighborhood of Manhattan. The property was once the private library of financier and collector J.P. Morgan and features rare books, manuscripts, drawings, and other works of art from around the world. Most notably, the space holds an exceptional collection of illuminated manuscripts, including works by artists such as Rembrandt, Michelangelo, and Leonardo da Vinci.

The Museum of Chinese in America (MOCA) is located in Chinatown and serves to preserve the history and culture of Chinese Americans. Featuring artifacts, photographs, documents, and other materials, the range is part of exhibits, programs, and events that tell the stories of Chinese Americans from their arrival in the United States in the 19th century to the present day.

Used in Martin Scorsese’s film 'The Godfather,' the catacombs of the Basilica of Old St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Nolita is truly a unique thing to do in the city. The Catacombs by Candlelight tour takes you through a 90-minute guided journey through the catacombs, the organ, and the cemetery, which are off-limits to the public.