Must-visit hidden streets in NYC right now
New Yorkers might be very familiar with their city, but there are still some hidden spots in NYC to find.
New things often replace old ones in NYC, but there are still many old places to explore if you know where to look.
Here are some amazing hidden streets in NYC you can visit right now, including historic residential groves, narrow roads left behind due to car traffic needs, and alleyways once used for horses and carriages.
Grove Street (West Village)
Grove Street in the West Village of New York City is a charming and historic street known for its picturesque brownstones, tree-lined sidewalks, and vibrant community atmosphere. Located in the heart of one of Manhattan's most sought-after neighborhoods, Grove Street offers a blend of residential tranquility and urban convenience.
Historically, the West Village, including Grove Street, has been a hub for artists, writers, and bohemians, dating back to the early 20th century. Today, it retains much of its artistic flair with eclectic shops, cafes, and art galleries scattered along its cobblestone sidewalks.
One of the notable features of Grove Street is its architecture, characterized by rows of well-preserved brownstones and townhouses that reflect the area's rich history. Many of these buildings date back to the 19th century and contribute to the neighborhood's distinctive charm.
Grove Street is also famous for its role in popular culture. It has appeared in various films and television shows, cementing its place in the collective imagination of New Yorkers and visitors alike. Its proximity to other landmarks such as the High Line, Hudson River Park, and Washington Square Park adds to its appeal as a residential and cultural destination.
Grove Street (West Village)
This landmark is named after Samuel Milligan, the area's original landowner and first resident, who built his home on the land in 1799.
Milligan Place is a charming, secluded courtyard with four buildings dating back to 1852.
These old buildings inspired a lot of new theater. George Cram Cooke, founder and director of the famous Provincetown Players, and his wife Susan Glaspell, a Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright, lived on Milligan Place from 1913 to 1917. They recognized the talent of playwright Eugene O'Neill and produced his early work, helping to elevate American drama to an art form. O'Neill also lived on Milligan Place.
Today, you can still rent an apartment on Milligan Place. The New York Person-Centered Resource Center, a mental health facility, also has offices there.
Stone Street
Stone Street in New York City is a historic cobblestone street located in the Financial District of Manhattan. It is known for its vibrant dining scene, charming atmosphere, and rich history.
Stone Street dates back to the 17th century when it was originally known as "Brouwer Street" during the Dutch colonial period. It was one of the first paved streets in New Amsterdam (now New York City) and was renamed Stone Street after the British took control of the city. The street's cobblestone paving, which gives it a unique old-world charm, has been preserved and restored over the years.
Today, Stone Street is famous for its array of restaurants and bars, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists. The street is pedestrian-only, allowing visitors to enjoy outdoor dining in a relaxed and scenic setting. The variety of eateries offers diverse culinary options, from traditional American fare to international cuisine.
Sylvan Terrace (Washington Heights)
This street was originally the carriage drive for the Morris-Jumel Mansion. In the 1800s, the property was sold, and by the late 1800s, 20 wooden houses were built here for working-class civil servants and laborers, according to Atlas Obscura. Since 1970, Sylvan Terrace has been a city landmark and has been kept uniform. Recently, one of these homes was listed for sale at $1.5 million. Lin-Manuel Miranda has said this is one of his favorite inspiration spots in NYC.
Gay Street (Greenwich Village)
In the late 19th century, Greenwich Village was the center of New York City's African-American community, and many people living on Gay Street were people of color and musicians. Notable residents included Ruth McKenney and her sister Eileen. Their time living in the basement of house 13 inspired the story "My Sister Eileen," which was turned into a book, a play, and a movie.
You can't see the whole street from one end because it bends at the northern part. The street, located between Christopher St and Waverly Pl, feels more intimate than most New York streets. The buildings on the street are noticeably different. Since the street was narrow, it was widened in 1833. That's why the houses on the west side are in the federal style (around 1780-1830), and the houses on the east side, built after the widening, are in the Greek-revival style.
Doyers Street (Chinatown)
Doyers Street, once known as the Bloody Angle, is a 200-foot-long curved street between Pell Street and Bowery. Today, it is filled with restaurants like Nom Wah Tea Parlor, barbershops, and other stores. However, in the early 20th century, it was one of the deadliest streets due to numerous killings by the Tong Gangs, including hatchet killings and shootings. The street's curve follows an old stream's path and was the location of NYC's first Chinese language theater. Now, it is a pedestrian-only street popular for its restaurants and bars. It is no longer as hidden as it once was.
Washington Mews (Greenwich Village)
Washington Mews was originally farmland that became horse stables in the 19th century for residents of Washington Square North. In the early 20th century, some stables were turned into studios for artists like Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney and Edward Hopper.
Since 1950, New York University has rented the street, using the buildings for housing, offices, and other university facilities.
Built in 1840, a single-family home on the block is for sale. It’s currently a large two-bedroom with two-and-a-half bathrooms.
Jason Walker, the Douglas Elliman agent with the listing, told Mansion Global, "Everything’s beautifully restored. You’ve got wood floors, wood banisters, lots of light, beautiful fireplaces with mantels, modern appliances, and a long skylight that floods the house with light."
A formal foyer leads to the kitchen, which has high-end appliances and a large central island. Casement windows above the kitchen sink overlook a peaceful courtyard.
Pomander Walk (Upper West Side)
Pomander Walk is one of the best-kept secrets on the Upper West Side. It's a series of low-rise garden apartments that remind you of England. It is located on West 94th Street between Broadway and West End Avenue. The apartments are co-ops, and the vetting process is strict to ensure that new shareholders will be part of the community.
There are 61 units in this community, and none are available for sale right now. A year ago, there was a duplex with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms for sale for $2.3 million, with a monthly maintenance fee of $2400.
Sniffen Court
Sniffen Court is a stone-paved alley with ten brick stables built in the 1850s. It's located in the Murray Hill Historic District on 36th Street between Lexington and Third Avenues. These buildings, designed by John Sniffen in the early Romanesque Revival style, were turned into private townhouses in the 1920s. There is a studio at the south end and The Amateur Comedy Club at the north end. The gated courtyard is locked, offering a quiet and charming spot in midtown Manhattan.
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