New York Marble Cemetery

Not to be confused with the other, larger New York City Marble Cemetery a block away, the New York Marble Cemetery is the East Village’s most secret garden: The half-acre landmarked oasis was built in the 1830s, and remains hidden in a small alleyway. All 156 of its nonsectarian vaults are buried beneath the lawn, and the monument-free expanse beckons you to rest in peace (for an afternoon, anyway). Though it’s usually closed to the public, the graveyard opens its doors once a month during the spring and summer.