Top five: New York City's coolest subway stations

Learn the secrets of and histories behind five of New York City's coolest subway stations—and find out how to see one hidden but beautiful old stop.

By Amy Plitt Fri Aug 17 2012

There are more than 400 New York City subway stations, some of which date back to the transit system's earliest days. While many of these hubs seem thoroughly unremarkable, or even a pain to navigate—Penn Station, we're looking at you—there are plenty of stops that have fascinating stories. Read on for our picks for New York City's five coolest subway stations, as well as how you can view one abandoned stop.

Photograph: Jonathan Aprea

Bushwick Ave–Aberdeen St (Bushwick Ave between Aberdeen St and DeSales Pl, Bushwick, Brooklyn)
Plenty of subways are accessed via odd locations (the sole entrance to the Clark Street stop in Brooklyn Heights is inside the St. George Hotel building), but this Bushwick L stop is likely the only one you’ll find within a car dealership. (The station came first: It opened in 1928.) The entryway is a small, plain structure, but you’ll find more decorative details—including colorful tiles—inside the station itself, particularly on the Manhattan- and Brooklyn-bound platforms.

You might also likeSubway secrets
Top ten: MTA subway art
Ten must-sees at the New York Transit Museum
Best subways for street-art spotting
See more in Things to Do