10 Hidden Gems Every Tour Guide Should Know About
As a tour guide, you want to make sure your guests have the best experience possible. That means showing them the popular sights, but also introducing them to some hidden gems that they may not have known about. Here are 10 hidden gems every tour guide should know about:
1. The Whispering Gallery in Grand Central Terminal
Most people know Grand Central Terminal as a bustling transportation hub, but many don't know about the Whispering Gallery. Located in front of the Oyster Bar & Restaurant, the gallery is a tiled archway where whispers can be heard from across the room. It's a fun and unique experience that your guests will love.
2. The Elevated Acre in the Financial District
The Elevated Acre is a hidden oasis in the middle of the Financial District. It's a one-acre park that sits on top of a parking garage and offers stunning views of the East River and Brooklyn Bridge. Your guests will appreciate the peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
3. The City Hall Station
The City Hall Station is a hidden gem for history buffs. It was the original subway station for the first subway line in New York City, but it was closed in 1945. Today, you can still see the station's beautiful architecture and design by taking a tour with the New York Transit Museum.
4. The High Line
The High Line is a public park built on an elevated railroad track. It runs from Gansevoort Street in the Meatpacking District to West 34th Street, and offers stunning views of the city and the Hudson River. Your guests will love the unique perspective and greenery of this hidden gem.
5. The Tenement Museum
The Tenement Museum is a museum that tells the stories of immigrants who lived in a tenement building on the Lower East Side in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Your guests will learn about the struggles and triumphs of these immigrants, and gain a deeper understanding of the city's history.
6. The Cloisters
The Cloisters is a museum dedicated to medieval art and architecture. It's located in Fort Tryon Park in Upper Manhattan, and offers a peaceful escape from the city. Your guests will love the beautiful gardens and stunning views of the Hudson River.
7. The Green-Wood Cemetery
The Green-Wood Cemetery is a hidden gem for nature lovers. It's a historic cemetery in Brooklyn that offers beautiful landscapes, stunning architecture, and the final resting place of many famous New Yorkers. Your guests will appreciate the peaceful and serene atmosphere.
8. The Alice Austen House
The Alice Austen House is a museum located on Staten Island that celebrates the life and work of Alice Austen, a pioneering female photographer. Your guests will learn about Austen's life and work, and gain a deeper appreciation for the art of photography.
9. The Louis Armstrong House Museum
The Louis Armstrong House Museum is a museum located in Corona, Queens that celebrates the life and work of jazz legend Louis Armstrong. Your guests will learn about Armstrong's life and career, and gain a deeper appreciation for jazz music.
10. The Noguchi Museum
The Noguchi Museum is a museum located in Long Island City that celebrates the life and work of Isamu Noguchi, a Japanese-American artist and designer. Your guests will learn about Noguchi's life and work, and gain a deeper appreciation for art and design.
These 10 hidden gems are just a few examples of the many unique and interesting sights that New York City has to offer. As a tour guide, it's important to keep these hidden gems in mind and to share them with your guests. They'll appreciate the opportunity to explore the city in a new and exciting way.