Beauty in Unexpected New York City Places

There's a lot of beauty in New York City, and it often shows up in unexpected places. It can be a surprising architectural design or unusual details on a building you walk by every day but never really noticed. It can be a section of Central Park you hadn't seen before, or a small garden you happen onto while walking the streets.

But the typical New Yorker rarely looks around. He's more interested in getting to work, getting to the subway, getting home, etc., than taking it all in.

That's why tourists (as annoying as they can sometimes be to the residents) have a unique opportunity in New York. Sure, they can take in the same typical activities all the tourists take in. But if they open their eyes, they'll be the ones most likely to see some really beautiful and amazing things.

As Yogi Berra once said, "You can observe a lot just by watching."

180 Maiden Lane:

Detail, 180 Maiden Lane:


The George Hecht Viewing Garden, 3rd Ave at St. Marks Place:


Detail, 56 Pine Street: