CityRealty Insider > Not In Your Guidebook: Insider Info on Iconic City Landmarks

Not In Your Guidebook: Insider Info on Iconic City Landmarks

SEPTEMBER 30, 2008

Small secrets on some of New York City's biggest icons

If you're a New Yorker, chances are good that you don't spend much time—if any—at these iconic landmarks. But if you do decide to visit, these background bits might impress your guests or just make the experience a little more interesting.

Empire State Building Observatory
You may already know that you should visit first thing in the morning or during the early evening hours and purchase a ticket online in advance to avoid the lines. But if you ever fantasized about tying the knot atop the cinematic spire, this may be your chance.

Statue of Liberty
File these facts under, "Don't try this at home." On August 23, 2001, French stuntman Thierry Devaux tangled his parasails on the statue's torch in an attempt to bungee jump from it. He was unharmed by the experience, but was charged with misdimeanor offenses. In what was perhaps his most famous stunt, David Copperfield made the statue disappear in 1983.

Grand Central Terminal
Just outside the famous Oyster Bar restaurant, there's a special spot called the "whispering gallery." If you and a friend stand at opposite corners of the spot and whisper to each other, you'll be able to hear your voices loud and clear due to the curvature of the vaulted ceiling.

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