Abandoned places around the world

City Hall Subway Station – New York City

Beneath the bustling blocks of Downtown Manhattan lies City Hall Subway Station. First opened in 1904, this virtually unspoiled station is a time capsule of art deco splendour. With its domed ceilings and skylights made of glass tile mosaics, the station was designed to be the face of the new era of the underground subway. Unfortunately, despite its beauty, neighbouring Brooklyn Bridge Station proved more popular and convenient for commuters. 41 years later, City Hall Station shut its doors permanently. In 1979 the station was given interior landmark status, which allowed its vaulted ceilings, twinkling chandeliers and glamourous look to remain untouched.

Gaining access to this American beauty isn’t easy, as it’s generally off-limits to the public. But, the NYC Transit Museum hosts a few 90-minute tours throughout the year, usually in April, August and December, to museum members. You can buy an annual membership for between $35 and $50. This pass doesn't just allow you to book your slot on the City Hall Station tour, it gives you unlimited visits to the Transit Museum, previews to exhibits and events and admission at history and science museums worldwide.

Dip beneath the concrete jungle in Manhattan on this seriously exclusive tour. Tickets sell out pretty fast so be sure to keep a close eye on releases.

Fancy a trip to the city that never sleeps? Take a look at our New York deals.

Valle dei Mulini (Valley of the Mills) – Sorrento

Set slightly inland from the picture-perfect Sorrentine peninsula, and just down the road from the culture-crammed town of Piazza Tasso, stands the Valley of the Mills. Dipped below street level, this gully is a walker’s paradise, with narrow footpaths weaving around wild woodland and offering up unbeatable views of the vast gorge. The abandoned spot also shows off a huge plant collection which has bloomed despite the dimly lit surroundings. At the well of the valley sits a trickling waterfall. And, nestled within clusters of lemon trees, around the Canneto River, you'll find 25 abandoned mills. These flour mills, some of which date as far back as the 13th century, were abandoned in the 1940s due to developing production methods. Throughout the decades these relics grew crowns of lush, green vegetation and developed a character that attracts culture-vultures from far and wide.

Tempted by some Italian history? Step back in time to Sorrento.

Abandoned plane - Bali

It's not every day that you see a jet on the ground outside of an airport. But, that’s exactly what you’ll find in the southern town of Kuta, in Bali. Just a short journey away from Kutuh, known for its palm-fringed Pandawa beach, you’ll find an abandoned Boeing 737 passenger plane. And there’s a lot of speculation among locals around how it arrived there. Some say it was bought to be transformed into a house by someone who soon realised they were in over their head. Others suggest that it was intended to be a tourist attraction but the owner was a bit strapped for cash. Regardless of the reasons behind the random appearance of the plane, it’s attracted people from around the globe, drawn in by the unsolved riddle of the passenger plane.

Want to take a look for yourself? Explore laidback Bali.

Feeling Inspired?

 

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Author: Kirsty Schneider