Verdi Square New York
People Watching
Verdi Square cradles the northern head house of the four-track 72nd Street Subway Station (Broadway IRT 1, 2, and 3 trains), which serves 7.8 million riders yearly. The beautiful iron fenced, mature treed square is proximate to two 120 year old ‘Golden Age’ buildings (The Ansonia at 73rd Street and The Dorilton at 71st Street ), the 1928 Central Savings Bank and the original 1905 head house on the south side of 72nd Street.
Giuseppe Verdi's Carerra marble likeness (sculptor Pasquale Civiletti) was unveiled in 1906. During the 1950s and 60s, the square was a hangout for injected drug users, inspiring the 1966 James Mills novel (and subsequent film) ‘Panic in Needle Park’.
Things have changed. Now, a sun soaked park bench is a destination neighborhood residents know, spending time there in observation of the uncountable comings and goings of all those people while feeling through their feet the rumble of the trains bringing them here.
I’ve noticed that smokers sometimes occupy seats at either end because, though smoking is not permitted in most places, it seems to be tolerated when smokers are attentive to their infringement on the air quality of others. Further, it is legal to smoke weed in The City if you are at least 21 years old and hold three ounces (54 grams) or less.
Because 72 Street is an express stop for this beautiful and very expensive neighborhood, the spectrum of people who pass through will range from the highest levels of fashion and personal grooming to the lowest.
It’s one of the more fabulous NYC stages.
Find your way with 301 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in New York
Stand Up NY
UWS Comedy Club
Its bright neon sign is easy to spot. Stand Up NY feels like a proper theater as it has a street-level entrance and the programming is mad extensive,
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
NYC Pride March
The Greatest Show on Earth!
This year's "NYC Pride March", World Pride, will be held in the city to commemorate the Stonewall Riot of 1969. Don't miss this once-in-a-lifetime event!
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
American Folk Art Museum
Free recitals
The American Folk Art Museum in New York hosts free live jazz and eclectic concerts, with thoughtful exhibits and a folksy gift shop worth browsing.
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Fall Foliage
Central Park
A walk through Central Park in New York is probably your best way of appreciating the folliage change colors. I recommend walking along the allée of elms.
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Sisters
Soul/Jamaica Fusion in Harlem
"Sisters" in New York is a Jamaican restaurant. Let's put it like this: when I go to Jamaica, I don't seek a restaurant until I come back!
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Patisserie des Ambassades
Senegalese/French café
"Patisserie des Ambassades" in New York has extensive opening hours and prepares dishes & desserts for every time of day. It's refreshingly old-fashioned.
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Loeb Boathouse
Central Park
"Loeb Boathouse Restaurant" in New York's Central Park is in the vicinity of the Bethesda Fountain and I think it's best for a warm-weather drink...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
1166 Sixth Avenue
Lichenstein & Otterness
In the lobby of 1166 Avenue of the Americas in NYC hang some significant tapestries by Lichtenstein & a large bronze homage to capitalism by Otterness...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Subway Nostalgia
Vintage subway train excursions
The MTA in NYC offers subway "nostalgia rides" during the summer months on old cars from the '30s and '40s. Book your ticket now!
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Teranga
Senegalese food at the Africa Center
"Teranga" in New York City, in the Africa Center, is a restaurant as well as a library. It feels musical and maintains a feeling of communal comfort...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
S&P Lunch
1928 Lunch Counter
S&P Sandwich Shop, opened in 1928, serves Jewish classics like matzoh ball soup and latkes in a nostalgic setting that feels like stepping back in time. A must-visit!
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Heading to New York?
301 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 301 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 New York
Our team loves New York
Get to know our other Spotters from New York
As featured on:
