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Visit these beautiful, off-the-beaten path locations in New York City

People around the world know New York City for Time Square, Central Park and many other well-known attractions. Now, as Broadway starts selling tickets for its fall shows and people start to return to the city in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, let’s have a look at some alternative destinations. Then, catch one of New York’s famous yellow cabs to take you there.

1. City Hall Station, New York

Image Rhododendrites/Wikimedia Commons

The first subway in New York City was built by the Interborough Rapid Transit Company and opened in October, 1904. The City Hall station on this particular track was built with fine architectural details, including beautiful glass tiles and chandeliers. However, regrettably all the finery was lost on most commuters, as that particular station was the least used and its design didn’t help in any way.

Image Joe Wolf/Flickr

Finally, in 1945, the City Hall Station was closed. However, its fine architectural details still remain, making it a pleasant visit. Periodic tours are available via the New York City Transit Museum – check their website for more details..

2. The Woolworth Building, New York

Image by Aude/Wikimedia Commons

The Woolworth Building was once the tallest building in the world. It was also the site where people enjoyed the “highest dinner ever held in New York." However, this beautiful building now boasts the most expensive penthouse in New York City.

The dream of Frank Winfield Woolworth, President Woodrow Wilson opened the Woolworth Building in 1913. He did so by pressing a button in the White House, which caused 80,000 light bulbs to come to life on Broadway. Edison himself joined a banquet for 900 other prominent guests that was dubbed “the highest dinner ever held in New York.” During the event, radio pastor Samuel Parkes Cadman dubbed the building the “cathedral of commerce,” a nickname that has stayed with the building ever since.

More than 100 years later, most of the building’s glory remains, though the average passerby wouldn’t know it. Very few tourists have been inside the building in many years. However, things are starting to change. Regular paid tours are being offered of the Woolworth Building, where visitors can view the stunning lobby.

The grand Heinigke & Bowen stained-glass ceiling itself is more than worth the visit, where border panels are devoted to great empire-builders like Spain and Russia. Other panels reveal the Woolworth “W” placed to celebrate the first opening of “Woolworth’s Great Five Cent Store” in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

3. 5 Beekman Street, Manhattan, New York

In crowded New York City, you would think an abandoned, nine-story building would be unlikely. 5 Beekman Street is located just one block from City Hall and is an awe-inspiring structure – however for many years it stood empty, with passersby having no knowledge of the mystery behind its brick terracotta facade.

Vacant since the 1940s , this is one of New York City’s earliest pre-skyscraper office buildings and only the third to accommodate an elevator. The Victorian-style, late 19th century building is also one of few in Manhattan to sport a full height atrium and skylight, with a beautiful design of cast-iron railings and ceilings.

While it stood empty for many years, in September 2016, the building was converted into a posh hotel, appropriately named The Beekman. If you can’t afford to stay at the hotel, the good news is that the lobby and restaurants in the hotel are all publicly accessible. Those interested in seeing the original, vacant building can see a series of images on Atlas Obscura’s website.

Explore these fascinating and beautiful locations on your next visit to New York City!