Tag Archives: Ellis Island

Discovering Hidden Gems: Things to Do in New York City

Ellis Island touristy attraction in New York city

Discovering Hidden Gems is what we love the most, so check out some cool things to do in New York City.

Ellis Island touristy attraction in New York city
An amazing shot of the US flag in a park on the Manhattan skyline background

Are you looking to discover some hidden gems in New York City? Today we will share with you some of our favorite things to do in NYC!

With the hustle and bustle of the city, it can be easy to overlook some incredible activities and attractions that are off-the-beaten-path.

In this blog post, we will provide tips on how to uncover these hidden places for locals and visitors alike – so that you don’t miss out on any of the amazing things New York City has to offer!

From delicious Italian eats in Little Italy to sampling craft beers at Yonkers Brewing Company, there are plenty of undiscovered adventures waiting for you.

Read on for our ultimate NYC guide!


Find the best things to do in New York City

Curiosities Our Bucket Lists Carroll Gardens June
June Wine Bar, in Carroll Gardens

Welcome to the city that never sleeps! New York City is truly a place like no other, with an endless array of things to see and do.

After exploring the well-known touristy spots, from the bright lights of Times Square, attending the best Broadway shows and witnessing some of the best musical and theatrical performances in the world….be sure to get tickets to the off-Broadway theaters like Cherry Lane, in the West Village, the longest continuously running Off-Broadway theater.

You should also start exploring to the quiet streets of Brooklyn where or the most amazing local vendors, hidden bars and local gems are.

Be sure to explore Carroll Gardens and Cobble Hill with so many local stores, coffee shops and super hype wine bars like June, on 231 Court Street – loved by locals!

Also, after taking a stroll through Central Park (that I have to say that should AWAYS be explored, regardless of the tourists) or grabbing a bite to eat in one of the trendy neighborhoods like SoHo or the Upper West Side, why not head up to explore Harlem?

We love having lunch or dinner at Seasoned Vegan, one of the best vegan restaurants in NYC.

Dining Seasoned Vegan Harlem Raw Lasagna
Seasoned Vegan – Photo Credit: Kim-Julie Hansen

I’ve taken MOST the meat-eating friends there and they can’t get enough of all the delicious dishes – and always want to go back again. I promise it’s going to surprise you!

If you decide to extend the day a bit more…Harlem is known for some of the most famous and traditional Jazz spots. One of the hidden spots we love is Room 623 – Harlem’s Speakeasy Jazz Club.

Or head down to spots in Manhattan love by locals and jazz lovers like Smalls, Blue Note and the hidden like spot: Zinc!

And don’t forget to explore the incredible street art and live music scene that thrives in this bustling city. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, there is always something new to discover in New York City.

 

Attend unique events

Show at Irving Plaza in New York City

Looking for something out of the ordinary to do this weekend? Why not attend a unique event and discover some hidden gems?

Jazz clubs are the perfect place to unwind and explore some new sounds, while also enjoying a night on the town (like we just mentioned above).

Or, if Halloween is your jam, check out the annual Halloween parade in Greenwich Village, but after head to Blood Manor: New York’s Premier Haunted Attraction. You never know what kind of creative costumes or spooky surprises you’ll encounter along the way!

Exploring unique events can add a little excitement to your routine and give you the opportunity to discover something new.

So go ahead, grab some friends, and try something different this weekend. Be sure to check out venues like the Irving Plaza, or the Metropolitan Museum of Art for some interesting and offbeat events they host during the year (but you need to stay tuned to be sure to not to miss them).

For some Brooklyn spots, be sure to go to Bushwick. There you can explore places like The Keep NYC – a rustic vintage lounge with live music, psychic readings and burlesque performers; or Elsewhere – a huge venue featuring several spaces (including a roof terrace) with live music and DJ nights.

Plus, you’ll get the chance to explore some of New York City’s gems that are often overlooked.

 

Uncover interesting outdoor activities

Day Trips and Travels Macari Vineyards Fernanda Paronetto
Ou founder Fê, at Macari Vineyards located in the North Fork of Long Island. Photo Credit: Renata Meirelles

Looking for some fun outdoor activities to check off your bucket list this summer?

If you’re a first timer in NYC, be sure to get lost in New York City’s Central Park, walk the High Line path, and experience the Hudson River Park.

But, after checking off these touristy spots, be sure to head to attractions like Domino Park in Williamsburg Brooklyn or the underrated The Met Cloisters in Inwood (at the very tip of Manhattan). They are a branch of the Metropolitan, showcasing medieval art in a French monastery overlooking the Hudson – the sunset is priceless!

And, of course, head upstate! The Hudson Valley is super exciting and full of incredible outdoor experiences. If you enjoy hiking, canoeing, biking, or just finding a remote spot with no visitors for a delicious picnic, plan your trip.

On the other hand, if you prefer the beach or enjoying a wine tasting, Long Island can be the perfect destination – from the secret Sag Harbor town to Macari Vineyards and , they have it all!

With so many exciting options, your summer adventure in NYC is sure to be unforgettable!

Sample amazing cuisine

Dining Frevo Restaurant Entrance Gallery
Frevo – 1 star Michelin restaurant hidden behind a painting in a gallery in the West Village.

If you’re a foodie, there’s no better place to be than in New York City! From classic American dishes like pizza and hot dogs, to mouthwatering international cuisine, the city has it all. You could spend a lifetime exploring all the amazing food spots in the Big Apple and still never try everything.

And with so many talented chefs creating unique twists on traditional dishes, you’re sure to find something new and exciting every time you venture out to eat. So why not embark on a culinary adventure and sample some of the best cuisine New York has to offer? Your taste buds will thank you!

We recommend restaurants like: Roberta’s Pizza in East Williamsburg, the traditional Nathan’s hotdog, the Mediterranean restaurant Lighthouse BK.

We also love Chinese Tuxedo in Chinatown and Frevo – a 1 star Michelin restaurant with a hidden entrance behind a painting in a tiny art gallery in the West Village!

New York with never let you down!

 

Visit iconic sites and landmarks

BTSNYC Experiences On Going Abandoned Ellis Island Hospital Tour

Now, these following spots are definitely NOT hidden gems, but just true New York Gems! They are all must-visit spots.

Exploring the iconic sites and landmarks of a new city can be an exhilarating experience.

When visiting New York City, taking a tour of the Statue of Liberty should be at the top of your list. This iconic landmark represents freedom, hope, and opportunity, making it the perfect symbol of what America stands for.

But, a true unique experience, stop at Ellis Island. They have a secret tour called Behind The Scenes Tour Of The Abandoned Ellis Island Hospital. There, you’ll visit an abandoned hospital, walk into what was once an autopsy room, visit a former contagious disease ward and access spots not opened to the general public! How cool is that!?

Alternatively, for a closer look at the Brooklyn Bridge, take a stroll across this piece of engineering history. As one of the oldest suspension bridges in the United States, it stands as a testament to human innovation and vision.

Regardless of which landmark you choose, both will leave you in awe of the immense greatness that can be achieved when humans work towards a common goal.


New York City offers a truly unique experience unlike any other. From Broadway shows to local street art and music, the city is filled with interesting things to do and see.

There are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy like jet skiing in the Hudson River or exploring Central Park. And, a wealth of delicious cuisine to try.

Don’t forget to check out some of the unique events! Continue following us to get stay tuned with the best off-the-beat-path spots, events and brands!


Photo Credit: Courtesy of the venues, Kim-Julie Hansen, Renata Meirelles and wirestock on Freepik

Behind The Scenes Tour Of The Abandoned Ellis Island Hospital

BTSNYC Experiences On Going Abandoned Ellis Island Hospital Tour

The Behind The Scenes Tour Of The Abandoned Ellis Island Hospital is the perfect tour, if you’re the adventurous type, love exploring out of bound spots and also enjoys a bit of history and exciting stories!

BTSNYC Experiences On Going Abandoned Ellis Island Hospital Tour
BTSNYC Experiences On Going Abandoned Ellis Island Hospital Tour Statue of Liberty
BTSNYC Experiences On Going Abandoned Ellis Island Hospital Tour Room
BTSNYC Experiences On Going Abandoned Ellis Island Hospital Tour Morgue
BTSNYC Experiences On Going Abandoned Ellis Island Hospital Tour Mental Illness
BTSNYC Experiences On Going Abandoned Ellis Island Hospital Tour Corridor
BTSNYC Experiences On Going Abandoned Ellis Island Hospital Tour Door
BTSNYC Experiences On Going Abandoned Ellis Island Hospital Tour Hall
BTSNYC Experiences On Going Abandoned Ellis Island Hospital Tour Houses
BTSNYC Experiences On Going Abandoned Ellis Island Hospital Tour Kids
BTSNYC Experiences On Going Abandoned Ellis Island Hospital Tour Kitchen
BTSNYC Experiences On Going Abandoned Ellis Island Hospital Tour Chair
BTSNYC Experiences On Going Abandoned Ellis Island Hospital Tour Ferry
BTSNYC Experiences On Going Abandoned Ellis Island Hospital Tour Museum
BTSNYC-Experiences-On-Going-Abandoned-Ellis-Island-Hospital-Tour
BTSNYC-Experiences-On-Going-Abandoned-Ellis-Island-Hospital-Tour-Statue-of-Liberty
BTSNYC-Experiences-On-Going-Abandoned-Ellis-Island-Hospital-Tour-Room
BTSNYC-Experiences-On-Going-Abandoned-Ellis-Island-Hospital-Tour-Morgue
BTSNYC-Experiences-On-Going-Abandoned-Ellis-Island-Hospital-Tour-Mental-Illness
BTSNYC-Experiences-On-Going-Abandoned-Ellis-Island-Hospital-Tour-Corridor
BTSNYC-Experiences-On-Going-Abandoned-Ellis-Island-Hospital-Tour-Door
BTSNYC-Experiences-On-Going-Abandoned-Ellis-Island-Hospital-Tour-Hall
BTSNYC-Experiences-On-Going-Abandoned-Ellis-Island-Hospital-Tour-Houses
BTSNYC-Experiences-On-Going-Abandoned-Ellis-Island-Hospital-Tour-Kids
BTSNYC-Experiences-On-Going-Abandoned-Ellis-Island-Hospital-Tour-Kitchen
BTSNYC-Experiences-On-Going-Abandoned-Ellis-Island-Hospital-Tour-Chair
BTSNYC-Experiences-On-Going-Abandoned-Ellis-Island-Hospital-Tour-Ferry
BTSNYC-Experiences-On-Going-Abandoned-Ellis-Island-Hospital-Tour-Museum
previous arrow
next arrow
BTSNYC-Experiences-On-Going-Abandoned-Ellis-Island-Hospital-Tour
BTSNYC-Experiences-On-Going-Abandoned-Ellis-Island-Hospital-Tour-Statue-of-Liberty
BTSNYC-Experiences-On-Going-Abandoned-Ellis-Island-Hospital-Tour-Room
BTSNYC-Experiences-On-Going-Abandoned-Ellis-Island-Hospital-Tour-Morgue
BTSNYC-Experiences-On-Going-Abandoned-Ellis-Island-Hospital-Tour-Mental-Illness
BTSNYC-Experiences-On-Going-Abandoned-Ellis-Island-Hospital-Tour-Corridor
BTSNYC-Experiences-On-Going-Abandoned-Ellis-Island-Hospital-Tour-Door
BTSNYC-Experiences-On-Going-Abandoned-Ellis-Island-Hospital-Tour-Hall
BTSNYC-Experiences-On-Going-Abandoned-Ellis-Island-Hospital-Tour-Houses
BTSNYC-Experiences-On-Going-Abandoned-Ellis-Island-Hospital-Tour-Kids
BTSNYC-Experiences-On-Going-Abandoned-Ellis-Island-Hospital-Tour-Kitchen
BTSNYC-Experiences-On-Going-Abandoned-Ellis-Island-Hospital-Tour-Chair
BTSNYC-Experiences-On-Going-Abandoned-Ellis-Island-Hospital-Tour-Ferry
BTSNYC-Experiences-On-Going-Abandoned-Ellis-Island-Hospital-Tour-Museum
previous arrow
next arrow

So start, we are proud to say that we have NYC’s top partners offering the best tours in the city. The behind the scenes tour of the abandoned Ellis Island Hospital is one of them!

Practically every Saturday (and a couple of Sundays), groups leave around 12pm and head towards Ellis Island. Guests are taken to explore a few out of bound spots not offered to the general public that will blow their minds and spark even more curiosities!

BOOK NOW!

Have you ever imagined visiting an abandoned hospital and walking in what was once an autopsy room? Or visit a former contagious disease ward – today cleared up, of course!? Plus, access spots not opened to the general public?

BTSNYC Experiences On Going Abandoned Ellis Island Hospital Tour Photo Credit Stephen Wilkes
Photo Credit: Stephen Wilkes

Here is a small description on what to expect from this tour:

The abandoned Ellis Island Hospital complex—once the standard for United States medical care (and later transformed to the FBI headquarters when the island served as a detention center)—has been left to decay for nearly 60 years. 

Now, our amazing partners is bringing you behind-the-scenes for a unique exploration of the abandoned facility.

On this experience, you’ll visit the contagious disease wards and the autopsy rooms. And still, have exclusive access to places usually closed to the public.

While Ellis Island has become one of New York City’s top tourist attractions, drawing over two million visitors per year, the 22-building South Side hospital complex is hidden in plain sight. It’s just to the left of disembarking passengers headed towards the Great Hall…

Looking at its desolate, skeletal frame, it’s difficult to imagine the backstory as one of the largest public health undertakings in American history.

Join us for our upcoming hard hat tour, guided by a Save Ellis Island docent. We’ll uncover its many, buried secrets.”

OMG!!! So cool, right? Save Ellis Island has their own tour. But, this one has a few extra secrets, as we mentioned in the beginning. We do access some pretty sweet out of bound spots to the public!

This is one of the tours we love the most! But, then again, we are always psyched about exploring abandoned spots that have groundbreaking history!

You’ll learn the most curious facts and have opportunity to shoot several “Instagram worthy” pictures. They will leave your followers in “awe” and might even go viral!

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:

  • Discover buildings over 100-years-old, which have not been occupied since 1954
  • See an exhibition installed by the world-renowned artist JR, who has placed life-sized historic photographs of Ellis Island immigrants on interior walls of the hospital buildings
  • Visit the Laundry Building, where 3000+ pieces of laundry were washed and sanitized daily
  • Discover infectious and contagious disease wards, the kitchen, the autopsy room and other usually off-limits places

TOUR DETAILS:
Price: $90 / person — Your ticket includes the price of the ferry to and from Ellis Island.
Getting to the ferry: After purchasing this experience, you will receive a separate email a week prior to your tour date, which will include your Ferry ticket. Print this ticket and show it to security to board the Ferry. To reach the site, visitors will have to board a Statue Cruises ferry, which takes off by Castle Clinton in Battery Park, lower Manhattan. The tickets can also be used interchangeably for departure at Liberty State Park in New Jersey. Please REMAIN on the boat past the Statue of Liberty to get to Ellis Island.
Ticket Confirmation: After you book this experience, you will receive a confirmation email from our partner confirming you are attending the tour!

BOOK NOW!

In order to be on Ellis Island by the beginning of the tour (2pm), we recommend following this schedule:
– Start 11:30: Arrive to Castle Clinton ahead of time to allow time to clear the airport style security
– Then 1:10pm:
 Board the ferry at Castle Clinton (the ride is roughly 40-minutes)
– Finally 1:50pm: Arrive at Ellis Island and head to meeting location

What to wear: Closed-toe-shoes are mandatory. Please dress appropriately for the weather, as the buildings are not climate controlled.
What to know: The tour is approximately 2 hours long. It will make scheduled stops for quick photographs, but tripods and uni-pods are not allowed. Due to the nature of the buildings, all guests must stay with the tour guide at all times. The tour is inaccessible for people using wheelchairs or powered scooters, and kids must be 10+ years-old to join. Tickets are not refundable however we can accommodate changes up to two weeks prior to the tour date.


Did you enjoy our Behind the Scenes Tour at the Abandoned Ellis Island Hospital? If you are looking for a behind the scenes tour for your team or clients, contact our experts to learn more about our Corporate Experiences.

You might also enjoy our “Secret Behind The Scenes Grand Central Terminal Tour“!


Texts excerpts by our Partner!
Photo Credit: The featured image is Stephen Wilkes. He worked on a photo exhibition about the place, so locations visited may currently have a different layout.
*Last Update on Feb/2020.*

Kid Friendly Things To Do In New York City

Luna Park Kid Friendly Things To Do in New York City Behind the Scenes NYC

Yes, New York is an amazing place to go with kids! So, we put together several kid friendly things to do in New York City to help you out!

Summer Jane's Carousel Kid Friendly Things To Do in New York City Behind the Scenes NYC

There are so many kid friendly things to do in New York City that it can be hard to figure out what to do at first.

If you’re going to the city with kids, it can be even harder.

You might think of New York as the perfect getaway for adults. But, it’s actually set up for kids to have the best time of their lives, and there are many things for kids to do in NYC.

No matter how much time you have in New York, you’re sure to run out of time (and maybe space on your laptop for storing photos if you don’t do a hard drive cleanup before you go!) if you don’t plan ahead and know what you want to do and see.

Here are some of the best things for kids to do in New York City to get your family trip started.


Luna Park

Luna Park Kid Friendly Things To Do in New York City Behind the Scenes NYC

Even though you have to take a 45-minute train ride from midtown Manhattan to get to Luna Park, it’s one of the best things to do in NYC.

Coney Island is known for its fun rides and great street food. While you’re there, don’t forget to try a Nathan’s hot dog or Feltman’s!

There are rides and games for kids and adults of all ages at Luna Park. You can easily spend a whole day there if you don’t plan ahead.

 

Ellis Island

Ellis Island NYC Tours Kid Friendly Things To Do in New York City Behind the Scenes NYC

To get to Ellis Island, you have to take a ferry from Battery Park in Manhattan. It is possible to take a ferry to Ellis Island and then to Liberty Island, where the Statue of Liberty is located.

All immigrants who came to New York did so through Ellis Island, which is now a fascinating museum that tells the stories of the 12 million people who went through the center from 1900 to 1954.

This should be at the top of your list of things to do in New York City with your kids that will both teach them and keep them busy.

Do take a look at an exclusive experience called “Behind The Scenes Tour Of The Abandoned Ellis Island Hospital“! You’ll have access to out of bound spots not offered to the general public that visits Ellis Island! Note: This is recommended to older kids.

 

The Statue of Liberty

Statue of LIberty Kid Friendly Things To Do in New York City Behind the Scenes NYC

Seeing the Statue of Liberty should be at the top of any New York City visitor’s to-do list. It’s not too difficult to get to because, like Ellis Island, you can take a ferry from Battery Park to get there.

Get to the top of the Crown, if you can. In addition to the amazing scenery, you’ll also get to tick that off your bucket list.

However, keep in mind that you need to be 48 inches tall to go up that high, and there are, as you might think, many narrow steps to climb.

The Statue of Liberty Museum is another must-visit since it houses the historic torch from the statue itself, which measures 16 feet in height, among other artifacts.

Oh, and during the summer, an amazing activity is the jetski ride on the Hudson River! It’s definitely a memorable experience!

 

New York Transit Museum

New York Transit Museum Kid Friendly Things To Do in New York City Behind the Scenes NYC

Anything different is sure to keep kids very busy. The New York Transit Museum could do very well as a different thing to do in NYC.

It’s in a building that used to be a subway station, so you have to go underground to get there, which is always fun.

Once you get there, you’ll be able to look at old subway trains and even sit in the driver’s seat. You’ll also be able to learn as much as you can about how the huge subway system that so many New Yorkers and tourists use today got started.

It’s a small museum that you can see in about an hour. So, it’s a great place to stop on any day of your trip.

Here to can read more about it and a few other under the radar museums in NYC!

 

The American Museum of Natural History

American Museum of Natural History Kid Friendly Things To Do in New York City Behind the Scenes NYC

The American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) is a great place to take the kids if you want to figure out what to do in NYC with them.

It is 150 years old and has lots of interesting things to look at that will keep everyone busy for hours.

There are some high-tech things to do, like 3D exhibits, but you can also see some amazing real-world things, like the t-rex skeleton and the famous, huge blue whale model.

Kids ages 5 to 12 can learn how to put dinosaur bones together and do a lot more in the Discovery Room.

 

Jane’s Carousel

Jane's Carousel Kid Friendly Things To Do in New York City Behind the Scenes NYC

No one can refuse a spin on an old-fashioned carousel at the carnival.

Jane’s Carousel in Empire-Fulton Ferry Park (near the Brooklyn Bridge) is always a terrific time, so be sure to include it in your itinerary when visiting New York City.

Everyone knows about this carousel. It’s one of the last remaining classic carousels, having been constructed in 1922.

It’s a great time, it still operates flawlessly, and it’s a historic piece of New York.

And, not far from Dumbo, be sure to check out Domino Park that was renovated not that long ago. There’s an amazing view of Manhattan, a beautiful wall by the river, food vendors, some activities and sports area.


Photo Credits: @BehindTheScenesNYC and Courtesy of New York Transit Museum

css.php
MENU

Pin It on Pinterest