Viewing NYC Articles Categorized Under Urban Exploration

[WATCH] New York’s Forbidden Pedestrian Tunnel

2026-05-31T12:00:00-04:00

“New York’s Forbidden Pedestrian Tunnel” explores the fascinating history of the Gimbels Passage, a subterranean link built in 1910 that once connected Penn Station directly to the legendary Gimbels department store in Midtown Manhattan. Designed during the City Beautiful era by visionary architect Daniel Burnham, this passage was a tactical marvel, aiming to draw commuters into the store and shaping a fierce retail rivalry. However, with the demolition of the original Penn Station and the decline of Midtown retail, the passage fell into disuse and neglect, eventually becoming associated with crime and leading to its permanent closure in 1991. Despite a proposed $100 million restoration, the tunnel remains sealed beneath the city, a forgotten relic whose fate is intertwined with stalled development projects and the challenges of modernizing urban infrastructure. The video delves into what remains of this historical corridor and the obstacles preventing its revitalization, painting a picture of urban decay and enduring mystery in New York.

The post [WATCH] New York’s Forbidden Pedestrian Tunnel appeared first on Viewing NYC

[VIDEO] New York City's Weird Folklore

2026-05-16T12:00:00-04:00

This video delves into the strange folklore and urban legends surrounding New York City. It explores bizarre tales of hidden subway stations and secret platforms, including a mysterious incident on the G train and rumors of a hidden station beneath the Brooklyn Public Library. The video also uncovers the story of a secret nightclub called The Night Heron, located in a Chelsea water tower, accessed via a cryptic invitation. It highlights the acoustic phenomenon of the Whispering Gallery at Grand Central Station. Historical legends are shared, such as the supposed boat race that determined Staten Island's allegiance to New York, and the persistent urban myth of alligators lurking in NYC's sewers, a legend even commemorated by sculptures and backed by some historical sightings. The video touches on the TWA Flight 800 crash and the various conspiracy theories surrounding it. Finally, it unearths the forgotten history of cattle tunnels beneath Manhattan, confirming their surprising existence with historical documents, and recounts the disturbing true story of Ota Benga, a Congolese man tragically exhibited at the Bronx Zoo in the early 20th century.

The post [VIDEO] New York City's Weird Folklore appeared first on Viewing NYC

[WATCH] Overnight On NYC’s Tiniest Island

2024-10-01T12:00:00-04:00

We're crossing New York's East River for a solo camping mission to make the city’s smallest island our home. Rooms average $300-400 a night here… and they don’t even have this view!!

The post [WATCH] Overnight On NYC’s Tiniest Island appeared first on Viewing NYC

[WATCH] Exploring NYC's Creepy Forbidden Island | North Brother Island

2024-09-10T12:00:00-04:00

Join me on a thrilling kayaking adventure to the infamous North Brother Island, a forgotten piece of New York City's history. Paddle through the unpredictable waters of the East River and discover the island's eerie abandoned buildings, once home to patients suffering from contagious diseases.

Witness the remnants of the past, including the iconic Riverside Hospital, where the infamous "Typhoid Mary" was quarantined. Explore the overgrown ruins, feel the island's haunting atmosphere, and enjoy this mysterious and captivating location.

Don't miss this unique opportunity to experience the chilling and untamed beauty of North Brother Island!

The post [WATCH] Exploring NYC's Creepy Forbidden Island | North Brother Island appeared first on Viewing NYC

[VIDEO] Urban Explorer Reveals Union Square Subway Platform Shut Down In 1910

2024-03-08T12:00:00-05:00

That platform was once visible and could be seen from the uptown 14 St. IRT platform, just across from the local track. There was even an open but narrow staircase on the mezzanine, with just a single chain across its top leading down to it. I always enjoyed that glimpse into the station's past, but sometime in the 1980s or 1990s that wall was built, hiding the platform from view and the staircase leading down to it was removed & the floor paved over.

The post [VIDEO] Urban Explorer Reveals Union Square Subway Platform Shut Down In 1910 appeared first on Viewing NYC

[WATCH] Exploring NYC's Abandoned Ghost Platforms

2024-01-05T12:00:00-05:00

Infiltrating infamous City Hall station underneath New York city!

The post [WATCH] Exploring NYC's Abandoned Ghost Platforms appeared first on Viewing NYC

Watch This Urban Explorer Climb to the Top of the Brooklyn Bridge

2023-12-20T12:00:00-05:00

Brooklyn-based photographer Victor Thomas (previously) is an Urban Explorer and Instagrammer in New York City that scales buildings, rooftops, and bridges to get the perfect aerial view. In this daring video from Thomas, watch as he and a few buddies explore the top of the Brooklyn Bridge during a heavy snow storm.

The Brooklyn Bridge was designed by John A. Roebling. Construction began in 1869 and was completed in 1883. At the time, it was the longest suspension bridge in the world.

The post Watch This Urban Explorer Climb to the Top of the Brooklyn Bridge appeared first on Viewing NYC

Wednesday, March 16th, 2022, Good Afternoon!

2022-03-16T14:00:00-04:00

Good afternoon! Wishing you a happy Wednesday, March 16th, 2022 from all of us at Viewing NYC!

Here's what the weather looks like in the City right now.

The post Wednesday, March 16th, 2022, Good Afternoon! appeared first on Viewing NYC

Tuesday, October 5th, 2021, Good Afternoon!

2021-10-05T14:00:00-04:00

Good afternoon! Wishing you a happy Tuesday, October 5th, 2021 from all of us at Viewing NYC!

Here's what the weather looks like in the City right now.

The post Tuesday, October 5th, 2021, Good Afternoon! appeared first on Viewing NYC

[WATCH] Urban Explorer Exposes the Abandoned Bowery NYC Subway Station

2021-08-26T16:00:00-04:00

Deep under the streets of NYC lies a labyrinth of half-used subway tunnels that connect to the lost Bowery Street Platform. This is from one of my first nights in the tunnels with Steve and I still have a scar on my shin from this labyrinth of restricted subway tunnels. Watch out for those workers at the end!

The post [WATCH] Urban Explorer Exposes the Abandoned Bowery NYC Subway Station appeared first on Viewing NYC