Riverside Church seen in the distance from the Bronx

Recently, Elizabeth of About New York & The House in Marrakesh tagged me to participate in a fun blogging event called My City Secret, which The Guardian UK started.  I’m a bit late with my contribution but I’m thinking that it’s better late than never.  Right?  

There are many best kept secrets in New York.  One of my favorites is the Riverside Church Bell Tower and Observatory (located in Riverside Church, the tallest church in the United States, by the way.) in Harlem.  I’d never get tired of visiting there.  I love the view, I love the peaceful feeling high above the noisy and busy city streets, I love the sounds of the bells mixed with the wind.  I even love the little trip it takes just to get to the observatory.  First you take the elevator to the 20th floor and then the rest of the way, you have to climb up a narrow iron stairway that seems to go on forever till you reach the bell tower.

The 392-foot high, Gothic-style tower houses the largest carillon in the world (74 bells) and the observatory provides a stupendous view of the West side and beyond.  I prefer this place instead of the Empire State Building and other Observatory sites, where it is usually crowded, the wait to go on the observation deck can be as long as five hours, and the admission price is way too much money. 

The cost to visit the Riverside Church Bell Tower and Observatory is $2!  TWO bucks!  There aren’t many places in NYC, where you pay so little money and get a big reward.  I love it!

Okay, so I’ve shared this best kept secret with you but now I have a little bit of bad news.  I called to confirm visiting hours and admission price and found out that the tower and observatory is closed.  "Indefinitely."  The building structure and facade are being inspected and they aren’t sure how long it will take.  

Why did I tell you about the tower and observatory if it’s closed?  Because when it’s open again, it is worth the visit.  So, if you’re interested, call before you go to make sure it’s open.

By the way, I posted some earlier photos, which you can check out here and here.

Riverside Church Bell Tower & Observatory is located between 120th and 122nd Street between Riverside Drive and Claremont Avenue in Harlem.  (212) 870-6792,