Eleven Places to Explore Off the 1/2/3 Subway Line

For first-years intent on skipping NSOP programming and returning students that tend to stay close to home, here is a guide to exploring the city from our very own 116th subway stop.

116 Street Subway Station. Photography by Haley Scull/The Barnard Bulletin

By Haley Scull

August 28, 2024

For new students eager to explore the vast plane of New York City and returning students looking to venture beyond their usual haunts, the 1/2/3 subway line offers something for everyone. The 1/2/3 line, though often jokingly referred to as the “tourist” line, is just minutes away from a mix of iconic landmarks and hidden gems to explore. Whether you’re looking for a new book to read, an international plate of food, or a vintage shopping spree, The Barnard Bulletin has got you covered.

Upper West Side 

1) Grand Bazaar

Located on West 77th Street/Columbus Avenue and only open on Sundays, this spot is hailed as the city’s largest curated weekly market. The Bazaar boasts artisanal crafts, vintage clothing, local food trucks, and more. Inspired to spruce up your wardrobe by Barnard students’ notoriously unique fits or want some fun decor to spice up your dorm room? Check out the Grand Bazaar.

2) American Natural History Museum

As a Barnard student, you will undoubtedly visit the ANHM several times throughout college (for cheap or free with a local student ID), so why not start the tally now? Between permanent fixtures like the gem hall or dinosaur exhibit and interesting seasonal ones, the ANHM is a fun spot to beat the heat (or, come November, the cold).

3) Westsider Rare & Used Bookstore

This is one of my personal favorites for a quick trip out of the neighborhood. Though a small storefront, Westsider has a vast collection of insanely discounted used books stacked to the ceiling, most only costing between $3-6. Grab a book or two and spend the afternoon reading in Central Park just a few blocks away!

Morningside Heights & Harlem

4) Restaurants between La Salle and 125th St. on Broadway

Do you need to take the subway to get here? Definitely not. Is this technically one location? No. I just had to include it because I find myself at these restaurants far too frequently to not pass on the knowledge. Whether you want Mexican, Italian, American, Asian, or fusion food, this magical strip of restaurants between La Salle and 125 Street on Broadway has absolutely got you covered. Student-favorites include El Porton, Toast Uptown, La Salle Dumpling Room, Pisticci, 314, and The Expat (just around the corner on Tiemann Place). 

5) Uptown Night Market

From April until October on every second Thursday of the month, this open-air market in Harlem features a wide range of food and drinks as well as activities and live-music performances. Whether you're a foodie or just looking for an evening off-campus, the Uptown Night Market offers a fun way to experience Harlem. Just come ready to eat!

Midtown

6) New York Public Library (Bryant Park)

Used as the backdrop for dozens of famous movies like Spider-Man and Ghostbusters, this NYPL location in Bryant Park is one of the most picturesque landmarks in the city. Whether you are already weighed down with readings for your first day and need a pretty place to work or just want to take a break from the sun, head on over to Midtown. Bryant Park, just west of the library, also offers a variety of fun events and workshops!

Fun fact: you can get a library card with your student ID! Check out our local branch in Morningside Heights.

7) Broadway Theater District

You almost certainly have heard of the theater district before, but have you heard about the Broadway lottery? Available for almost every show open on Broadway (and some off-Broadway as well), the lottery offers a spontaneous and affordable way to see New York’s best theater. In my first few months at Barnard as a first-year, I was able to see Hadestown, Book of Mormon, and Come From Away, each ticket being $50 or less. Check out Lucky Seat and Broadway Direct to see which shows have lottery tickets available.

Upper Manhattan & The Bronx

8) The Cloisters

Already toured the famous Metropolitan Museum of Art on the Upper East side and craving more? Head uptown to see The Cloisters, a branch of the Met that focuses on medieval European art surrounded by beautiful gardens. While you’re uptown, take advantage of Washington Heights/Inwood’s rich, Afro-Latino cuisine and try out local restaurants like Elsa La Reina Del Chicharron and Taqueria Emilio.

9) Van Cortlandt Park

If you’ve ever been on an uptown-bound 1 train, you are likely familiar with at least the name of this park. As NYC’s third-largest park, Van Cortlandt is perfect for any number of activities: a hike, a picnic with friends, even a round of golf (if you are feeling particularly ambitious). Take advantage of the beautiful weather at the start of the semester and head on up!

Brooklyn

10) L-Train Vintage (Prospect Heights)

This one may be cheating a bit (you’ll have to take a 20-minute walk from the nearest subway to get here) but the sheer size of this store makes it worth it. As with any thrift store, you’ll have to be a bit patient as you sort through it (yes, I have found a pair of Minion overalls here) but there’s always bound to be some hidden gems in here.

11) Brooklyn Flea

As the largest flea market in Brooklyn, you will have endless access to antiques, vintage clothes, artisanal crafts, and more. It’s open both weekend days throughout the first semester, so don’t worry if you miss out early—you’ll have plenty of opportunities to check it out. After a few hours of perusing the market, enjoy the NYC skyline and walk the Brooklyn Bridge back to Manhattan.