2 days in New York

2 Days in New York

By Sarah Harris

Whether you’re looking to see the sites, learn more about the area, or just live like the locals, you’re sure to find something to keep you busy in New York City. If you’re planning a short trip to the Big Apple, the city can seem a little daunting - the area is so massive and there’s a lot of ground to cover. Where do you even begin? Well, don’t worry - that’s where we come in! To learn more about how you can maximize your vacation time, check out our guide to the best things to do in the city.

Day 1 - (Explore the City)

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With only a short time in New York, of course, it makes sense to explore the city’s vibrant cultural center - Midtown Manhattan. We suggest starting off by checking out the classic Metropolitan Museum of Art. Affectionately known as ‘’the Met’’ by NY locals, this landmark gallery is well-recognized as the largest institute of its kind in the western hemisphere. With its Gothic Revival style and iconic tiered steps, the building is a work of art in itself. Inside, visitors can enjoy a comprehensive repository of over two million pieces stretching way back over 5, 000 years. The museum’s permanent collection is most certainly broad; you’ll find everything from classical paintings and ancient Egyptian masks to modern fashion and pop art pieces all under one roof. You can grab lunch at the Met’s great cafe, though we suggest taking the subway to Grand Central to rest your tired feet for a while.

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Ah! Grand Central Station. This place is quintessential New York, and a total sight to behold. For a gourmet lunch and classic NY experience all wrapped into one, head over to the Grand Central Market. A city landmark since 1917, this spot features a wide array of vendors serving up mouth-watering delicacies with locally-sourced fresh produce. Try a currywurst hot off the grill, grab a bento box, or enjoy an authentic reuben as you watch the trains pass by. As a train station, this place may sound unassuming - but trust us when we say that it deserves a visit. As the epicenter of the city, you might recognize Grand Central from your favorite TV show or movie. Take time to walk around and appreciate its soaring, starry ceiling and Beaux-Arts architecture. Some of its most beautiful attributes include the Whispering Gallery, the Tiffany clock, and the Information Booth Clock, now worth approximately $20 million.

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Now that you’re at Grand Central, you can take a ride to almost anywhere in the city. Still, we recommend that you check out the Morgan Library on Madison Avenue. Once the private collection of financier J. Pierpont Morgan, this exquisite palazzo-like building is now open to the public all year round. Upon entrance, visitors can enjoy a magnificent collection of some of the world’s most important literary works. Highlights include Milton's manuscript of Paradise Lost, Charles Dickens’s manuscript of A Christmas Carol; and Henry David Theroux’s journals. In addition, this place houses historic documents from some of the world’s greatest musicians and artists. Amongst its permanent collection, you’ll be able to view original pieces by the likes of Mozart, Schubert, Chopin and more. For history buffs and art enthusiasts alike, this place is a total must-see.

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Midtown Manhattan presents a myriad of cool things to do in the evening time, but what could be more classic than catching a Broadway show? Though Broadway travels all over the globe now, the experience of seeing a play in the famous theater where it all started is not to be missed. Here you can see everything from Shakespeare and musicals to side-splitting comedies all under the same roof. The theater maintains much of its beautiful history, whilst its state-of-the-art updates make it the perfect place to view a play. We recommend booking ahead, since this place sells out pretty fast! After the play, we recommend heading over to Koreatown where you can grab some of the best Korean food in the city.

Day 2 - (Have a Blast!)

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Whilst Midtown Manhattan is New York’s most popular tourist hub, it isn’t the center of everything. When visiting a new city, it’s always good to branch out a little so you can learn more about the area and see new things. This is why for your second day in the Big Apple, we recommend checking out Brooklyn, New York’s coolest borough. But where to start? Though there are many great spots to check out in the area, we recommend the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, a lush green oasis nestled right in the center of the concrete jungle. A total haven for nature lovers, this spot it known for its lovely pavilions, winding romantic pathways and gleaming lily ponds. And as if that wasn’t enough, this place is great for animal lovers, with butterflies, chipmunks, and mockingbirds making this spot their home.

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If you’re feeling a little peckish by this point - don’t worry! Brooklyn is teeming with great places to eat - but why limit your choices? For a true taste of everything that Brooklyn has to offer, make a stop at DeKalb Market Hall, the borough’s prime food market. Stop here, and you’ll have a fantastic amount of choice. With its vibrant atmosphere and tempting options, this is forever our go-to.

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And of course, a day in Brooklyn just wouldn’t be complete without making a stop at the Brooklyn Bridge. This spot was first opened in 1883, and has since become an emblematic feature of the city, drawing in millions of visitors each year. The bridge is often dubbed as the ‘’eighth wonder of the world’’ for its strength and durability- however, it’s the bridge’s undeniable beauty that draws people in from near and far. An architectural masterpiece, this landmark is well known for its steel cable wires and two stately towers. If you plan to walk the Brooklyn Bridge, we recommend bringing your comfiest walking shoes and plenty of water. The entire walk takes around an hour for most people, so it’s pretty easy to tackle.

New York, New York - a city so fantastic they named it twice! Explore the area to its full potential with GoCity’s All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass. If you’d like to know more, connect with us on Instagram and Facebook. With Go City, you can see more, for less.

Sarah Harris
Go City Travel Expert

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Top of the Rock vs Edge
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Top of the Rock vs Edge - Compare Observation Decks

Do you know what's better than one observation deck overlooking Manhattan? Two observation decks overlooking Manhattan. That's right, we're talking about Top of the Rock and Edge. Double trouble. The gruesome twosome. Now imagine, if you will, that these two static buildings suddenly came to life. No, please don't click away. So they're alive, right? And they have to, like, fight and stuff. Who would win? Well, let's explore their strengths and weaknesses as Top of the Rock faces off Vs. Edge. Let's get ready to rumble! Top of the Rock Vs. Edge: A brief history You'll find Top of the Rock at the top of 30 Rockefeller Plaza. If that combination of words sparks recognition in that withered brain of yours, it's likely due to the hit sitcom 30 Rock, which takes place within its walls. The Plaza is nearly 100 years old, being built back in 1933, so it's certainly the older of the two. It's also been home to some of America's biggest companies, including General Electric, Comcast, and NBC - 30 Rock's network, funnily enough. Edge, on the other hand, is the baby of the two. It's a newly-established observation deck at the newly-renovated Hudson Yards, which has evolved from a shipping district to a cool, gentrified neighborhood. It's named as such due to its proximity to the Hudson River. But other than that, there's not much more history to cover. Top of the Rock Vs. Edge: The view As you'll find both, there are bound to be landmarks you'll see from both Top of the Rock and Edge. So, let's explore each in more detail, so you'll know what to point your camera at! From the Top of the Rock observation deck, you'll get clear views of the Empire State Building, the whole of Central Park, the Statue of Liberty (on a clear day, but don't count on it), Times Square (more likely a night due to all the LED light), and the Chrysler Building. So, plenty to see! From Edge, you'll also see the Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building, and maybe Lady Liberty on a good day. But what else will your eyes gaze upon? Well, you'll see the One World Trade Center, The Vessel (an interactive art installation in Hudson Yards, and the Hudson River. What can you do at Top of the Rock? Yes, there is the observation deck, but we'll get to that. Patience is a virtue, after all. Why are we making you wait? Well, because there's more to 30 Rock than just the observation deck. Start at the bottom, where you'll find multiple exhibits dedicated to the building, the area, and New York in general. You'll see video footage of the Rockefeller Center's historic 10-year construction during the Great Depression in the 1930s. You'll even learn more about the life and times of the building's namesake, John D Rockefeller. Drink all that in, and then it's time for the ascent. The ride up itself lasts but a minute, shooting you up into the sky like some kind of advanced catapult - though a lot more comfortable. Then, you'll exit the elevator and be hit by the view. Get your camera or phone out and get snapping. Snap like there's no tomorrow. Snap like your life depended on it. After that, you're done! Feel free to head back down and explore Manhattan! What can you do at Edge? No messing around here. Head straight in, and take the elevator up to the 100th floor. Then, step out onto the open-air viewing platform and see for yourself. When you're up there, you can drink the view. Ah. Just sip it so it lasts longer. Delicious view. In the middle of the observation deck, you'll find a glass floor. Why is that there? Well, it's for daredevils like you to walk on top of, so you can see the ground hundreds of feet beneath you! Then, when you're done, head back down and take a mosey around Hudson Yards. It's not just newly built flats but an entire ecosystem of shops, restaurants, bars, and parks to explore. How to get to Top of the Rock There are several ways to get to Top of the Rock. These are them! If you're going on the subway, the B, D, F, and M lines stop at the 47-50th Streets-Rockefeller Center station, just a short walk from Top of the Rock. Alternatively, take the 1, E, or C subway lines to the 50th Street station. If the bus is the best boy, you're in luck; several routes head into the area, including the M1, M2, M3, M4, M5, M6, M7, M27, M50, and M104. If you're driving, there are several parking garages in the area. However, traffic downtown can be utterly brutal. So maybe leave the car at home. You could always get a taxi if you want it to be someone else's problem! Then, when you're there, purchase a ticket or show your pass to beat the queue and get in straight away. How to get to Edge If you plan on taking the subway, the closest subway station to Hudson Yards is the 34th Street-Hudson Yards station (funnily enough), that's served by the 7 train. From the subway station, you can walk to Hudson Yards in a few minutes. If you're taking a bus, several routes serve the Hudson Yards area, including the M12, M34, and M34A. If driving's your poison, you'll find several parking garages in the area. But parking in Manhattan can burn through cash quicker than a bad habit, and driving around there isn't much better. Then, when you're there, purchase a ticket or show your pass to beat the queue and get in straight away. Save on New York Activities and Attractions And now you know everything anyone ever need know about Top of the Rock faces off Vs. Edge. Rather than pick just one, go to both to make the most of the differing views and experiences! Does booking both sound expensive? It needn't be. With Go City's All-Inclusive Pass and Explorer Pass, you can head to both, as well as tons more of New York's best bits, for one low price!
Dom Bewley
Edge vs Empire State Building
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Edge vs Empire State Building - Compare Observation Decks

Batman Vs. Superman. Freddie Vs. Jason. Kramer Vs. Kramer. It seems that, as a species, we have a fascination with face-offs. We even have a classic 1997 action thriller named after them! So, clearly, humans love a good head-to-head. In the spirit of healthy competition, let's pit two of New York's best attractions against one another and see which comes out top. The Edge Vs. the Empire State Building. Young blood versus the old guard. Youth Vs. Experience. Who will win? Does visiting both make you the real winner? Let's explore. Round 1. Fight! Edge Vs. Empire State Building: Backstories The Empire State Building likely needs no introduction. Once the proud owner of 'the world's tallest building' moniker, it has since been beaten by some ungodly tall creations in the past 50 years. Still, it's arguably one of the most recognizable landmarks on the planet. At nearly 1,500ft tall, it towers over the rest of Manhattan like a beacon of capitalist excess. Around 4 million people ascend its many floors to look out over the city every year. So it's probably going to win the popularity contest. Image courtesy of Mike Van Moonlight/Shutterstock The Edge, on the other hand, is the guitarist of U2. Wait, that's not right. Just going to check our notes. No, this Edge is, in fact, a massive observation platform found in the gentrified redevelopment of Hudson Yards. Surrounded by new builds and moderno architecture, its tower of sights is unmissable. As it's so new, there isn't much backstory to mention here. But, given the comparisons between its name and a certain stadium-rock guitarist, one could only imagine there is some crossover there. Just to be clear, there isn't. We had to say that for legal reasons. But one can imagine. Edge Vs. Empire State Building: Cinema stylings Image courtesy of Drop of Light/Shutterstock The Empire State Building has a rather storied history on celluloid. Who could forget King Kong climbing the tower's summit with damsel in hand while planes pepper them with gunfire? But that's just one of many. In fact, it's likely one of the most photographed landmarks in cinematic history. How does Edge measure up? Well, given its relative infancy, not so well. In fact, no matter how hard we looked, we couldn't find a single film that featured it. However, while it may not be in any movies, you can actually watch movies up there. Yes, the Edge has its own outdoor cinema thanks to a partnership with NY's Museum of Modern Art. Beat that, Empire State Building! What can you do at Edge When you arrive, you'll likely want to see the view from the top and discover what all the fuss is about. So, head inside and ride the elevator a might 100 stories up. Then, step out onto the open-air viewing platform and see for yourself. Oh, did we mention that platform has a glass floor? No? Well, if you're already up there, you'll learn the hard way. Once you're braving it, dare to sip some champagne and look out on the city's skyline in wonder. Take some snaps too, because a chance like this should not go begging. Then, when you're done soaking up the views, head down into Hudson Yards. You'll find plenty of places to eat, drink, and even shop in this new development, so go ham. What can you do at the Empire State Building While it may be tempting to head straight to the top of the Empire State Building, settle down. Take it slow and soak it all in. Start at the bottom, where you'll be greeted by the recently-restored Art Deco lobby, which boasts 24-karat gold and aluminum leaf ceiling murals. Enough opulence! Time to move on. Next, immerse yourself in the Empire State's interactive museum, which features a dozen galleries that explore the history of the building, from its conception and creation through to today. Selfies ahoy with the large King Kong statue on display. Then, head up to the 80th floor and wander the art exhibits that are all dedicated the icon of the NY skyline. Now, yes, it's finally time to make your way to the summit and experience the best views in the city. You'll get a 360-degree view of the city that is as Grammable as any other skyline. Come rain, shine, or freezing temperatures, your time in the summit will be aided by state-of-the-art heaters that will keep you warm and toasty during New York's most arctic months. How to get to Edge For starters, head towards Hudson Yards. You can get there on the subway by taking the Number 7 through Times Square to Penn Station. Bus-wise, the M34-SBS, M12, and M11 bus lines stop within a few minutes walk of the tower. You could even hop on two wheels and bike there. Cycle to the Hudson River Park along the West Side Highway and follow the trail down the Hudson Yards. Easy, peasy, and good for the ol' heart! How to get to Empire State Building If you're in New York City, you're halfway there. However, there's no need to live on a prayer, because it's pretty easy to see it with the eye test. Just look up from most places in the city, because you'll be able to orient yourself with no problem! If you're heading in from further outside the city center, the nearest metro stations are Herald Square and Penn Station. Or, if you're getting the train, disembark at Grand Central, and it's a short 10-minute walk from the station. We've even got a blog dedicated to the best times to visit the Empire State Building. So, if you're not sure when to head there, have a look and see what we suggest! Save on New York Activities and Attractions The battle is over. But who won? That's up to you to decide. No matter who reigns victorious in the Edge Vs. Empire State Building face-off, you should definitely check out both when you visit New York. And, when you're in the city that never sleeps, make sure your itinerary is loaded up for a full 24 hours with Go City. Thanks to our All-Inclusive Pass and Explorer Pass, you can see Edge, the Empire State Building, and New York's best of the rest at one low price!
Dom Bewley
high-angle-aerial-view-manhattan
Blog

Things to do Near the Empire State Building

Standing at over 100 stories tall and built in an Art Deco style, the Midtown Manhattan skyscraper has made its way onto postcards, T-shirts, and souvenirs. It's one of the United States' signature architectural feats.
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