by Joyce Chen
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, the recent global distribution of vaccines has left many to consider the possibility of traveling again. As one of the busiest cities in the world, New York is definitely at the top of the list for anyone who loves the hustle and bustle of city life. However, New York is also a place full of cultural diversity, with a multi-ethnic population that contributes to its enriching and enigmatic history. Rather than visiting popular tourist attractions such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Times Square, or the Empire State Building, perhaps a better way to experience the vitality of the city is to do so like a New Yorker.
Here are a few destinations, all located in Lower Manhattan, that are less commonly known as tourist attractions. Knowing that COVID-19 has negatively impacted many small, independent businesses, what better way to approach a new era of travel than to focus on benefiting the local communities while avoiding overcrowded tourist hotspots?
Here are a few destinations, all located in Lower Manhattan, that are less commonly known as tourist attractions. Knowing that COVID-19 has negatively impacted many small, independent businesses, what better way to approach a new era of travel than to focus on benefiting the local communities while avoiding overcrowded tourist hotspots?
The High Line
Closest subway station: 14 St. / 8 Ave. (if getting on from Chelsea Market) Located at the heart of the Meatpacking District, the High Line is a 2.33 km-long elevated park constructed from an old rail line. What makes the High Line particularly special is that it was created, under the request of the community, with the intention of repurposing old industrial sites into green public spaces. Spanning from Gansevoort Street in the Meatpacking District all the way to Hudson Yards in Midtown, the High Line connects through the Chelsea neighborhood, allowing visitors to appreciate the city from a couple of stories above the ground. If visitors get bored of walking along the park, they should feel free to exit from the many staircases and elevators located throughout the High Line, as there are also an abundance of art galleries between 10th and 11th Avenue that can be visited. |
View from the High Line, photograph by Joyce Chen
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Christopher Street
Closest subway station: Christopher St.
Home of the iconic Stonewall Inn, Christopher Street (between Waverly Pl. and 7th Ave. S) is a historic area in Greenwich Village significant to the LGBTQ+ community. As of today, it is still a common venue for pride rallies. Stepping out of the Christopher Street subway station will lead visitors straight to the entrance of the Stonewall National Monument, which is located on the 7th Ave. S-Christopher Street intersection. While walking through the small park, visitors will also encounter the Gay Liberation Monument, a sculpture by artist George Segal, depicting two men standing and two women sitting on a park bench beside them. The nearby Stonewall Inn can be toured during its opening hours.
Closest subway station: Christopher St.
Home of the iconic Stonewall Inn, Christopher Street (between Waverly Pl. and 7th Ave. S) is a historic area in Greenwich Village significant to the LGBTQ+ community. As of today, it is still a common venue for pride rallies. Stepping out of the Christopher Street subway station will lead visitors straight to the entrance of the Stonewall National Monument, which is located on the 7th Ave. S-Christopher Street intersection. While walking through the small park, visitors will also encounter the Gay Liberation Monument, a sculpture by artist George Segal, depicting two men standing and two women sitting on a park bench beside them. The nearby Stonewall Inn can be toured during its opening hours.
Strand Bookstore
Closest subway station: 14 St.-Union Sq
For all the bookworms out there, the Strand Bookstore is a must-visit independent bookstore located in the East Village. One of the bookstore’s most noticeable features is the numerous “dollar carts” lined up on the sidewalks of the storefront, which are stocked to the brim with a wide selection of secondhand books all generously priced from $1-$5. Whether visiting the bookstore or just passing by, it’s always a good idea to check out these dollar carts for some interesting finds. The bookstore itself is also worth visiting for its four stories-worth (3 floors above ground and 1 basement floor) collection of books. Even without purchasing any books, visitors should definitely visit the store’s treasured “Rare Book Room” on the top floor, which houses an extensive collection of rare books including Shakespeare, pre-1900 literature, poetry, and more.
Closest subway station: 14 St.-Union Sq
For all the bookworms out there, the Strand Bookstore is a must-visit independent bookstore located in the East Village. One of the bookstore’s most noticeable features is the numerous “dollar carts” lined up on the sidewalks of the storefront, which are stocked to the brim with a wide selection of secondhand books all generously priced from $1-$5. Whether visiting the bookstore or just passing by, it’s always a good idea to check out these dollar carts for some interesting finds. The bookstore itself is also worth visiting for its four stories-worth (3 floors above ground and 1 basement floor) collection of books. Even without purchasing any books, visitors should definitely visit the store’s treasured “Rare Book Room” on the top floor, which houses an extensive collection of rare books including Shakespeare, pre-1900 literature, poetry, and more.
Union Square Park
Closest subway station: 14 St.-Union Sq
Walking a couple of blocks north of the Strand will lead visitors to Union Square, which is the intersection point of 3 subway lines and therefore a common meetup spot. Aside from the busy streets, the park itself is also worth visiting for its Greenmarket, an outdoor farmers’ market open on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays (vendors are updated by the day). “I started visiting the farmers’ market with my boyfriend after the pandemic hit,” says New York University alumna Angeli Jocson. “It gave us a way to connect with people and to appreciate what nature could offer us each season.” During the holiday season, however, the park is best known for its annual Holiday Market (temporarily closed last year due to COVID-19), where both tourists and locals can enjoy seasonal foods and treats, as well as look for holiday presents for their friends and families. To experience the festive season in its entirety, make sure to buy a cup of hot apple cider before wandering around the market.
Closest subway station: 14 St.-Union Sq
Walking a couple of blocks north of the Strand will lead visitors to Union Square, which is the intersection point of 3 subway lines and therefore a common meetup spot. Aside from the busy streets, the park itself is also worth visiting for its Greenmarket, an outdoor farmers’ market open on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays (vendors are updated by the day). “I started visiting the farmers’ market with my boyfriend after the pandemic hit,” says New York University alumna Angeli Jocson. “It gave us a way to connect with people and to appreciate what nature could offer us each season.” During the holiday season, however, the park is best known for its annual Holiday Market (temporarily closed last year due to COVID-19), where both tourists and locals can enjoy seasonal foods and treats, as well as look for holiday presents for their friends and families. To experience the festive season in its entirety, make sure to buy a cup of hot apple cider before wandering around the market.