5 Days in New York

By Sarah Harris

Spanning 59 community districts, each with their own unique vibe, New York offers countless attractions and points of exploration for every type of traveller. As exciting and innovative as ever, there’s no place quite like New York; the city’s art scene has some of the greatest institutions in the world, its architecture remains unmatched, and its nightlife boasts killer bars and restaurants. What’s more, the city is always coming up with new ways to surprise us, whether if it's with quirky fun hotspots or interesting hidden gems. No matter what you choose to do here, you’ll never be bored in the Big Apple! So, if you’re thinking about taking some time off to explore the concrete jungle, check out our list of the best things to do in the area. Whether you’re an art lover, a history geek, or a foodie, you’re sure to find something to suit your tastes.

See the Sites

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One of the most distinguishing features of New York is its striking and varied architecture. If you want to see more of the cityscape, there’s no better place to be than the Empire State Building. Truly one of the city’s most iconic attractions, the building stands out for its incredible height and stature. For the bravest of travellers only, the observation deck provides amazing views of the city from way up high. A thoroughly unmissable NYC attraction and one-of-a-kind experience, this stop should be at the top of everybody’s itinerary!

Another one of our favorite things to do in New York is visiting the Statue of Liberty. A total must-see for those looking to learn more about the development of the United States, the historic monument serves as an emblematic symbol of freedom and hope. The statue is so much more than a beautiful structure; it stands as a tells the story of the American dream. Whilst visiting, it is also customary to check out Ellis Island, where you can discover the background of what was once the busiest immigration point in America. In fact, 40 per cent of Americans can trace their roots back to the island. The most popular thing to do here is visit the National Museum of Immigration, but there are other great activities, such as the hard hat tours and boats trips which we highly recommend looking into. A totally fascinating and incredibly moving experience, this one is great for those of all ages.

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Though New York is known for its modern skyscrapers, the city is also home to many incredible venerable structures. For those who are interested in the constructural integrity of the city, we recommend a walk along the Brooklyn Bridge. For architecture lovers and history buffs alike, this attraction offers a fine example of Gothic Revival architecture; get up close, and you can view its commanding towers and steel cables in all of their glory. Today, the bridge still maintains its beauty and offers spectacular views of the cityscape and the East River. We suggest wearing your comfiest shoes and checking the weather beforehand since it’s a pretty long walk!

Take in the Atmosphere

No visit to New York is complete without exploring Central Park. Situated right in the heart of the city, this manmade urban green space draws in millions of visitors each year – and with good reason! A quintessential NYC attraction and the most filmed location in the world, the park is one of the most picturesque spots in the city. Still, we’d argue that it’s much more than just a pretty face; it’s actually home to myriads of interesting attractions, events and activities. Here, you can visit the zoo, historic gardens and landmarks, or even kayak. Whatever your interest, you’ll be sure to find it right in the middle of Central Park!

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If you’re visiting New York, then you can’t leave without seeing Grand Central Station. We don’t want to be labelled as shallow, but the first thing that stands out about this place is its incontestable beauty. Still, though, that isn’t all that Grand Central Station has to offer; under its historic roof, you’ll be able to find a wealth of great shopping and dining options. As a bonus, you can take the subway to your next destination to live your true New York life!

Learn Something New

Teeming with art and culture, New York is undoubtedly one of the best cities in the United States for creative types. Though the city presents an impressive wealth of art galleries, our top pick has got to be the Whiney for its expansive collection of modern and contemporary American art. Walking around the institution, visitors can view a first-class repository of over 25, 000 pieces across all mediums. The museum is located in the Meatpacking District, which is a trendy neighborhood with lots of great sites and food markets to be explored.

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Long recognized for its incredible museums, New York is a total treat for any visitors with a thirst for knowledge. Situated on the Upper West Side, the American Museum of Natural History seeks to cultivate fascination and intrigue in the world around us. Covering over 2 million square feet, the institution is known for holding the largest repository of its kind in the world. Inside, you’ll be able to view an impressive collection of over 34 million specimens, including Native American artefacts, dinosaur bones, and of course, its famous blue whale. We love this place because it’s impossible to leave without having learned something new.

There are endless things to do, see and experience in New York. Cultural institutions, major historical landmarks, and fantastic attractions – it’s all at your fingertips. Whilst you certainly wouldn’t run out of interesting activities, you might struggle to narrow down your itinerary. If you’re only visiting for a short time, we recommend planning ahead to make your trip a little less overwhelming. Still, whatever you choose to do, we know it’ll be great – it's New York City, after all! To make the best out of your vacation, check out Go City’s All-Inclusive Pass and Explorer Pass. For more information, connect with us on Instagram and Facebook. With Go City, you can see more, for less.

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Compare The Sightseeing Pass vs Go City vs The New York Pass

Heading to New York City and trying to do it all – but still want to save on attraction admission? There are several sightseeing passes in New York geared towards tourists that help visitors save on attraction admission while still getting the full New York City experience. In this post, we compare four of the most popular New York sightseeing passes: The New York Pass, The Sightseeing Pass - Flex Pass, Go City, and The Sightseeing Pass - Day Pass, so you easily compare the similarities and differences and choose the best pass for your trip. The comparison chart below shows an at-a-glance comparison of the New York sightseeing passes based on important factors, like how many attractions you can visit, how long the pass is valid for, ease of use, benefits, savings, price ranges, and more. To better understand the chart, the first two passes are most similar in that they let you choose how many attractions you want to visit. The second two passes are most similar in that they let you choose how many days you want to sightsee. See below. The Sightseeing Pass – Flex Pass Go City The New York Pass The Sightseeing Pass – Day Pass Number of attractions to choose from 100+ 100+ 130+ 150+ Number of attractions you can visit 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10, or 12 Depending on the pass you purchase 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 10 Depending on the pass you purchase Unlimited Unlimited Days the pass is valid once activated 7 60 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, or 10Depending on the pass you purchase 1, 2, 3, 5, or 7Depending on the pass you purchase Mobile ticketing? Yes: Print or use on your phone Yes: Print or use on your phone or download mobile app Yes: Print or use on your phone or download mobile app Yes: Print or use on your phone Pass delivery? No No No No Pass pickup available? No No No No Skip the line Select attractions Select attractions Select attractions Select attractions Savings vs buying tickets individually Up to 50% Depending on which attractions you visit Up to 50% Depending on which attractions you visit Up to 70% Depending on which and how many attractions you visit Up to 65% Depending on which and how many attractions you visit Price range $74-$264 $73-$218 $117-$305 $129-$319 Things to Consider When Choosing Which Pass to Get: Each New York sightseeing pass includes everything you need to visit attractions – once you have the pass, you don’t need to pay for admission at any of the included attractions. One of the important differences between the passes you’ll need to consider when choosing is either how many days you want to sightsee, or, how many attractions you want to visit. The pass you end up choosing will largely depend on how long you plan on being in the city, how many attractions you want to visit, and how many attractions per day you plan to visit. The unlimited attraction passes (The New York Pass & The Sightseeing Pass – Day Pass) encourage a more active sightseeing itinerary – the more attractions you visit, the more money you can save on admission as you pay a flat fee and can visit as many as you want. The passes that let you choose how many attractions (Go City & The Sightseeing Pass – Flex Pass) allow you to sightsee at your own pace. However, with Go City, your pass is valid for 30 days, which offers significantly more flexibility than the Sightseeing Pass – Flex Pass, valid for just 7 days. For all of the New York sightseeing pass options, how much you’ll save on attraction admission tickets largely depends on which attractions you visit (more expensive attractions mean more savings) and how many attractions you visit if you’re using an “unlimited” pass (the more attractions you visit, the more you’ll save). All of the New York sightseeing passes are easy ways to save money when traveling to New York if you want to visit lots of popular attractions, go on tours, and see the sights. Unlimited Passes – Choose Number of Days You Want to Sightsee The New York Pass vs. The Sightseeing Pass - Day Pass The New York Pass and The Sightseeing Pass – Day Pass are very similar; they both offer unlimited admission to 100+ included attractions. Biggest differences? The New York Pass offers savings of up to 70%, The Sightseeing Pass is up to 65%. Generally, the cost of The New York Pass is less than The SightSeeing Pass. The New York Pass comes with a free guidebook, The Sightseeing Pass does not. Both offer skip-the-line privileges at select attractions, exclusive discounts at restaurants and other entertainment venues, a hop-on hop-off bus tour (though they’re operated by different companies), and lots of popular NYC attractions, including Top of the Rock, the Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty, and more. The New York Pass: The New York Pass is valid for the number of days you choose to sightsee. You can buy a 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, or 10-day pass and use it for consecutive days. You can visit as many of the 130+ included attractions as you want while your pass is valid. Each pass comes with a free guidebook you can pick up in-city or access via the mobile app. The SightSeeing Pass - Day Pass: The Sightseeing Pass - Day Pass is valid for the number of days you choose to sightsee. You can buy a 1, 2, 3, 5, or 7-day pass and use it for consecutive days. You can visit as many of the 150+ included attractions as you want while your pass is valid. Passes That Let You Choose How Many Attractions to Visit Go City vs. The Sightseeing Pass – Flex Pass Go City and The Sightseeing Pass - Flex Pass are similar in how they work; they both let you choose how many attractions you want to visit, and then you can choose from any of the included attractions at a savings of up to 50%. Biggest differences? Your pass with Go City is valid for 30 days, The Sightseeing Pass – Flex Pass is valid for only 7. With Go City you get a free guidebook, The Sightseeing Pass – Flex Pass does not offer this. Both passes offer skip-the-line privileges at select attractions, including a hop-on hop-off bus tour as an attraction choice (though they’re operated by different companies), and tons of popular New York attractions to choose from, including Top of the Rock, the Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty, and more. Go City lets you choose how many attractions you want to visit. You can buy a 3, 4, 5, 7, or 10-attraction pass. You can choose from any of the 100+ included attraction choices and your pass is valid for 30 days from first use. Each pass comes with a free online guidebook and has a free mobile app available. The Sightseeing Pass – Flex Pass lets you choose how many attractions you want to visit. You can buy a 2, 3, 5, 7, or 10-attraction pass. You can choose from any of the 100+ included attraction choices and your pass is valid for 7 days from first use.
Casey Makovich
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Ripley's NYC Discount Tickets & Tips for Visiting

In New York and planning to visit Times Square? Then you need to add Ripley's Believe It or Not! to your itinerary. With twenty-two Ripley’s “Odditoriums” in North America alone, the Times Square location is the largest of them all, at 18,000 square feet. The remarkable pieces in Ripley’s NYC bring to light the inherent schizophrenic joy one experiences when visiting. There is no running theme except for one thing: fun. Check out our helpful guide for visiting Ripley's Believe It or Not! Times Square, packed full of ways to save on admission, tips for visiting, other nearby attractions, and much more. Looking for Ripley's Believe It or Not! ® Discount Tickets? We’ve got you covered – Ripley's Believe It or Not! ® admission is available with the below money saving options, so you can choose the attraction pass that’s right for you: 1. Explorer Pass – Choose as you go. Includes admission of up to 5 attractions. 2. Build Your Own Pass – Select the attractions you want to visit prior to visiting. See all available passes, attractions & prices – Learn more. Nearby Attractions There are plenty of other fun things to do located nearby.. I mean, you're in New York City. Here are a few we suggest adding to your itinerary... Madame Tussauds, the famous wax museum, is right next door. Save 10% off admission when you present your New York Explorer Pass. Hop aboard THE RIDE, which is a unique, interactive experience that turns the streets of New York into an entertaining stage for talented street performers. Caroline’s is a comedy store a few blocks up that regularly has shows from some of the greatest (and most famous) comics in the country. Ignore the hecklers trying to sell you a comedy show, and go right to Caroline’s if you want to laugh. To eat, you can’t miss the iconic Carmine’s, a family-style Italian restaurant with great food, huge portions, and a perfect touch of New York sass What to Do There Come for the fun of clambering through the Black Hole, or seeing Dean Cain explain how a headless chicken lived for two weeks. Come for the giant Mastodon skeleton, or to see a real piece of the Berlin Wall. Even just come for the staff, some of the nicest people you’ll ever meet working at a museum. Let me help set the scene... You’re walking through Times Square, the intense lights and dense crowds overwhelming your senses. Thirty-foot posters of actors, models, and comedians loom above you, innumerable giant screens flash blinding messages at each other, and a news ticker snakes around a building, endlessly scrolling with current events in gleaming letters. In the midst of all this, you happen upon what looks like a theater, encased in glittering lights. Even in the astounding overload of sights and sounds, the pounding beat of “Holding out For a Hero” is apparent, and draws you in. A kind woman clad in blue opens the door for you, and you enter. You find yourself in a luxurious hall, The entrance floor covered in clay-hued tile. Beyond you can see a balcony with a railing of ornate wrought iron. To your right, there is a massive head of an elephant, born with two trunks (the tusks not real ivory, the elephant died naturally, the docent assures you). Next to it is a gorgeous reproduction of a swirling water vortex, encased in plexiglass. To your left are two hulking statues of Bumblebee, from Transformers, and Captain America. Both are made entirely out of car parts. The effect is astounding, and yet you’ve only just begun your experience at Ripley’s, Believe it or Not! You can put your body through a portal and make yourself look like Johnny Eck, a freak show performer who was born without the lower half of his torso, and who also was a star of the iconic 1932 film Freaks. In the entryway , you’re treated to a sampling of the oddities that Ripley’s is known for: figures of famed individuals with fascinating gifts. There’s the bearded woman, the lizard man (complete with forked tongue), and the fierce Maria Christina, who wears a corset that could be seen in any goth club. There are some unexpected exhibits too, like the jaws of a megalodon, or giant shark. These jaws stand at least twelve feet high. Nearby, a taxidermied albino giraffe stands, quite lovely and serene despite being so near massive shark teeth. On the second floor, you’ll enjoy a tiny holographic man singing a song that could come straight from a Tim Burton film, then a secret panel opens to the next room. There are also two different floor exhibits that you are encouraged to walk on, one a replica of the New York City skyline. You can also take a photo hugging the Empire State Building like King Kong, hold a real piece of Mars, or maneuver through a room of lasers like a superspy. A warning to those with bug phobias: on the second floor there is an exhibit displaying giant hissing cockroaches, and you’re encouraged to put your head into a dome in the center. So if you’re afraid of bugs, keep an eye out. It’s right across from Ripley’s impressive beer stein collection. However, the coup de grace of the interactive experiences at Ripley’s comes nearly at the end, with “The Black Hole.” It’s a cylindrical tunnel with a catwalk suspended through the center, all black but glinting with sparkling stars. The tunnel spins around you, and the effect is exhilarating and disorienting as you enter the maelstrom. Some people go through several times. However, there is also a “coward’s bypass” that leads you to the next room, if you’re concerned the effect will be too upsetting, or possibly nauseating. One of the more interesting features sprinkled throughout the museum are portraits or statues made out of unusual objects. Then also there is a portrait of Lady Gaga made out of crayons, a sculpture of King Kong made out of tires, a likeness of President Obama made out of gumballs, a mural made out of postage stamps, and even the face of Jimi Hendrix made, poetically, out of cassette tape. Perhaps the strangest of these items is a full representation of John Lennon made completely out of dog hair. At the base of one stairwell there is a genuine piece of the Berlin wall, one of only six in the United States. Need to Know Hours Daily, 9:00 am-1:00 am (last ticket is sold at midnight) Open 365 days a year Directions & Address 234 West 42nd Street, Times Square New York, NY 10036 By Subway: A, C, E, or S trains to Port Authority/42nd Street; 1, 2, 3, N, R, Q, or 7 trains to Times Square/42nd Street. Save on Tickets with a New York Explorer Pass Remember, the New York Explorer Pass® is the best choice for maximum savings and flexibility, which includes Ripley's Believe It or Not! NYC tickets, plus admission to your choice of other top attractions. Save up to 50% on top museums, tours, and activities vs. paying at the gate. Visit multiple New York City attractions for one low price.
Lindsay Eagan
Blog

Things to do in East Village New York   

Facts first: We love the East Village! Formerly part of the Lower East side, the area is widely considered to be the birthplace of punk. Today, this thriving urban hub presents great opportunity for exploration: from interesting cultural amenities and historical landmarks to trendy bars and restaurants, this place has it all. No matter what you choose to do here, it’s impossible to be bored. But where should you start? Well, if you’re planning to make the visit, read through our list so that you can experience the best of everything in the East Village. Get Cultured One of the most exciting to do in New York is going to see a show. Though the area presents a wealth of great playhouses to choose from, our first choice is always the Orpheum Theater. Established in 1904, this place is known for popularizing The Little Shop of Horrors and Stomp. Today, you can catch everything from side-splitting comedies to evocative dramas all under one roof. With its unique history and understated elegance, there’s no better place to be for lovers of the performed arts. Famed for its history of social activism and creative thought, the nightlife of the East Village is second to none. Those heading to the area looking for first-class artistry will not leave disappointed! An emblematic cultural gem and mainstay of the East Village arts scene, the Nuyorican Poets Café is known for giving slam poetry its legs. For decades, the institution has served as a home for seminal works of poetry, music, theater, and more. With its outstanding performers and laid-back atmosphere, this place is perfect for grabbing a few drinks and soaking up vibe of the East Village in all its glory. There’s nothing better than catching a movie with some friends. If you’re looking for the perfect spot, then don't worry – we've got you covered! For the most passionate cinephiles and casual viewers alike, the Anthology Film Archives screens a wonderfully diverse range of arthouse movies. From old favorites and total classics to indies and silent comedies, there’s a little something for everybody here. After a long day of touring, this is a great place to just kick back and relax. Explore the Area If you’re interested in learning more about the history of the area, you might want to check out the Museum of the American Gangster. Once known as one of the city’s most notorious speakeasies, the institution now works to examine the history of organized crime in the United States. Amongst its unusual and fascinating collection, you’ll find John Dillinger’s death masks, bullets from the Saint Valentine’s Day Massacre investigation, and shell casings from Bonnie and Clyde’s final shoot out. Though the museum is small, we’d argue that its holdings make it well worth the visit. New York City presents no shortage of great cultural institutions, with the East Village minding some of the city’s more interesting specialty encounters. Designed by Ukrainian-American architect George Sawicki, the Ukranian Museum is recognized as the largest institution in the United States committed solely to the cultural heritage of the community. In its unusual collection, you’ll find everything from fine art and intricately embroidered traditional dress to historic photographs and documents. The museum also offers gallery talks, concerts, and creative workshops for those who are interested. After some diehard exploration, you may well be looking to rest your weary feet. Luckily, the East Village presents many beautiful green spaces, perfect for unwinding and soaking up some rays. Once the nave of criminal activity in the area, Tompkins Square Park is now a great place to hit up for a spot of recreation. Go for a stroll, have a picnic, or watch live musical performances. If you’re travelling during Halloween, we also recommend checking out the Halloween Dog Parade, where you can watch the neighborhood pooches strutting their stuff in their finest holiday attire for a grand prize of thousands of dollars. What could be better than that? See Some Cool Landmarks Steeped in living history and culture, the East Village has much to offer the curious traveler with its beautiful landmarks. If you’re a history buff, there’s no better place to spot these structures than in the East Village/Lower East Side Historic District. Situated at 59 East 2nd Street, the Russian Orthodox Cathedral is one of our favorites for its incredibly striking exterior. The cathedral was designed by esteemed architect Josiah Cleveland Cady, who would later go on to build such emblematic landmarks as the first Metropolitan Opera House and the auditorium for the American Museum of Natural History. Visitors can take tours to view its high ceilings, beautiful decorative paintings, and intricate carvings. Whether you’re interested in the background of the area or looking to uncover your spiritual side, this place is well worth the visit. Whilst Midtown is known for its towering skyscrapers, the East Village is home to many venerable structures telling the neighborhood’s rich history. Built in 1910, Meserich Synagogue is reflective of the area’s strong ties with the Jewish community around the turn of the century. The building stands out for its striking Neo-Classical stone façade, and its inside features a commanding ark and stained-glass windows. Though the building has seen renovation, this hidden gem still speaks to both the greater immigrant experience in the city and a crucial time in Jewish history. Vibrant and packed with culture, the East Village is easily one of the trendiest areas in NYC. The neighborhood is cheaper to explore than other parts of The Village, though no less interesting. It would be easy to spend an entire day just admiring the architecture and soaking up the atmosphere of the neighborhood. Whether you’re a foodie, a history buff, or an artsy type, the area has so much to offer. To find out how to save money on your trip, check out our Explorer Pass and All-Inclusive Pass. For more details, make sure to connect with us on Instagram and Facebook.
Sarah Harris

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