47th Street New York
Diamond district
There is more to New York's famous diamond district than its eye-aching brightness and glitter. Of interest to me are the people who work there---on the street, at the counters and in the back rooms. All kinds of nationalities, races, accents, religions and motives bring them from all over world and from all over New York to this one midtown block between Fifth and Sixth Avenues.
What look like storefronts are actually entrances to ‘malls’, each containing dozens and dozens of individual dealers---buyers, sellers, traders, all facets of the trade necessary to indulge in this form of commerce. Reportedly, there are more than 4,000 dealers on this block. It is little more than an indulgence, for other than money there is naught necessary to sustain life, not even restaurants.
During a financial crisis in the 70s, I saw 47th Street filled with hundreds, maybe thousands of people with bags and packages wanting to sell their gold and silver treasures at what was then mind boggling high prices. Isn’t it the way that in crises?---gold and silver the first things converted back into cash.
What’s inside today's bundles and lunch bags being carried from shop to shop to bank?
While strolling the street, looking past the window displays to the counters inside, I feel my focus avoided, welcomed, leered at, suspected and invited. I have even been reprimanded.
Their business, with its feinting, is not for the faint of heart.
Near Rockefeller Center, worth a stroll.
About this spot
41 West 47th Street
- Mon - Fri 09:00 - 17:00
US$
free
Find your way with 304 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in New York
Queens Bakehouse
New York Style patisserie
"Queens Bakehouse" in NYC was an instant hit with me. Their inventive twists on classics are what really stole my heart - the croissant loaf, for example.
by
Paula
Ryszkiewicz
Rainey Park
Western Queens oasis
When you step into "Rainey Park" in New York City, it feels like you have been welcomed into the shared backyard of Astoria residents. Compact & sunny!
by
Paula
Ryszkiewicz
Malachy's Donegal Inn
Pint-sized Irish bar, UWS
"Malachy's Donegal Inn" is an Irish bar in New York city that's a survivor. There's an ingrained (or ingrown) sense of comfort, 'cares abandoned'...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Utopia
Old-fashioned breakfast
"Utopia" is my neighborhood go-to breakfast joint. It's a real old-school kind of place; I go with my newspaper and am always served well and fast.
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Central Park Benches
Poignant inscriptions
"Central Park Benches" in NYC (apart from their comfort) are known for their commemorative plaques. One of them is dedicated by the citizens of Liverpool...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
BANKSY locations New York
Contemporary street art
You can find "BANKSY in New York" in the Upper West Side. 'Boy With a Hammer' is the only one of his pieces that hasn't been 'repurposed'...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Silvana
Live music, café, boutique
"Silvana" is a large cafe, boutique, shawarma and falafel bar in NYC that also offers live music performances on their downstairs stage. Great acts!
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Mo's Famous Burgers
Hamburger Food Truck
The menu is simple: hamburgers, French fries & toppings. No over-the-top ingredients, no superfluous adjectives, and high-value food at rock-bottom prices.
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Elizabeth Street Garden
Sculpture garden NoLita
"Elizabeth Street Garden" New York: formerly the site of a large, important school house, it was reclaimed in the '90s and turned into a sculpture garden.
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
UWS Phone Booth
Last payphone booth
One block away from a 21st century LinkNYC WiFi tower on Broadway sits one of three West End Avenue working telephone 'booths', the last in NYC...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Anthony & Son
Old-school sandwich shop
After, "Anthony & Son" Panini Shoppe's Italian-style super-sandwiches, no regular New York sandwich will ever taste as good again...
by
Nick
Papa
Dutch Kills
Upholding cocktail culture in Queens
"Dutch Kills" in New York isn't hiding it's one of the best bars in the city, but it isn't publicizing the fact, either. No password to enter, however!
by
Nick
Papa
Heading to New York?
304 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
Heading to New York?
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 304 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Art & culture
Our team loves New York
Get to know our other Spotters from New York
As featured on:
