Empire State vs One World

Empire State Building vs. One World Trade Center

What's the most breathtaking observatory of them all?
By Katie Sagal

Two intriguing skyscrapers, two dazzling observation decks, each with an expansive view of the Big Apple. Which of these New York icons will you visit? Or - will you check out both?

What are the main differences between the Empire State Building and One World Trade Center?

Both observation decks are located in major cultural attractions in New York City, and both have much to offer curious travelers, whether you’re interested in art, architecture, history, or just great aerial views of NYC. They are also both located in Manhattan but offer different views and different visiting experiences. We’ve put together a list of the basic differences and similarities between the two attractions, arranged by:

  • What’s included with general admission
  • Location
  • Scenic views of New York
  • Building history
  • Tips for visiting

Thinking about visiting the Empire State Building or One World Trade Center?

With a pass by Go City®, you will save on admission to both attractions, plus your choice of other popular New York attractions. Another fun alternative is the Top of the Rock, which also provides stunning aerial views of the city and is also available on the pass.

Check out our post comparing the Top of the Rock and One World Trade Center for more information on how they stack up.

What’s included with general admission

Both attractions include admission to the observation deck itself, as well as special exhibition areas within the building. To help you compare the two, here is a summary of what general admission includes for both.

Empire State Building General Admission

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Empire State Building General Admission

  • Access to the Main Deck, an 86th-floor open deck observation space. This place has been the setting for a whole bunch of movies and television shows, so you’ll likely recognize the space.
     
  • Multimedia exhibits including the Sustainability Exhibit and the Dare to Dream Exhibit. The Sustainability Exhibit highlights the Empire State Building’s efforts to reduce its carbon footprint by significantly decreasing energy usage, carbon emissions, and energy costs. A must-see exhibit for anyone interested in green building, or environmental issues in general.
     
  • The Dare to Dream Exhibit is a fascinating collection of historical documents, photographs, architectural drawings, and more, which all tell the story of how this iconic building was conceived, designed, and constructed in the early twentieth century.
     
  • The famous Art Deco Lobby is one of the very few building interiors in New York to be officially designated as a historic landmark. Restored to its full glory in 2009, this stunning lobby features ceiling murals (complete with 24-carat gold leaf) and a 3-D image of the building on the wall above the Fifth Avenue front desk.
     
  • The new Visitor’s Center is located on the second floor of the building. Here is where you can introduce yourself to the attraction and learn more about the layout, as well as process your admission.
     
  • An elevator ride that proceeds from the 2nd floor to the 86th in less than a minute.

One World Observatory General Admission

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One World Observatory General Admission

  • Access to the building foundation exhibit (on the first floor), which allows you to walk through the bedrock the building is constructed upon.
     
  • A SkyPod Elevator ride with a digital time-lapse that highlights 5 centuries of New York City’s evolving landscape.
     
  • SEE FOREVER THEATER™, an audio-visual experience that explores NYC’s skyline
  • Admission to the main observatory on the 100th floor, which offers panoramic, 360-degree views of Manhattan, Brooklyn, New Jersey, and more.
     
  • Observatory: Sky Portal, a clear glass floor that allows you to look 100 stories below your feet to the city beneath you. Not for the faint of heart!

Location

Both buildings are found in Manhattan, but are approximately four miles apart from one another.

Empire State Building: Located in Midtown Manhattan by Penn Station, Grand Central Terminal, and the iconic NYC department store Macy’s.

One World Trade Center Observatory: Located near the southernmost point of Manhattan, this is close to the Financial District and the waterfront.

Comparing the Scenic Views

While these two observation decks aren’t very far apart in the grand scheme of things, they do offer distinct views and unique perspectives.

In the southern part of Manhattan near the water, One World Observatory has excellent views of the Financial District below, the Hudson River and East River, and northeastern New Jersey (including Lady Liberty).

The Empire State Building, on the other hand, offers stunning views of Midtown Manhattan, the Chrysler Building, as far north as Central Park, and as far south as the Statue of Liberty.

One World Trade Center is completely enclosed, while the Empire State Building has both open-air and enclosed observation decks. Keep in mind that both buildings offer skyline views that include the other building.

View from the Empire State Building

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View from the Empire State Building

The Main Deck of the Empire State Building is on the 86th floor, providing stellar views of Central Park, the Hudson and the East Rivers, the Brooklyn Bridge, Times Square, and the Statue of Liberty, as well as the wealth of attractions in Midtown Manhattan below. Of course, from the Empire State Building, you can see One World Trade Center.

View from the One World Observatory

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View from the One World Observatory

The observation deck is found on the 100th floor of the One World Trade Center. It offers amazing views of the Chrysler Building, Grand Central Terminal, the Flat Iron Building, the Brooklyn Bridge, the Statue of Liberty, other buildings in the One World Trade Center complex and the Financial District, and plenty of buildings below from the glass-bottomed viewing deck. And from One World Observatory, you can see the Empire State Building.

Building history

The Empire State Building

empire-state-building-manhattan-new-york

The Empire State Building

Begun in 1930 and officially opening to the world in 1931, the Empire State Building is coming up a century old. The architecture firm Shreve, Lamb & Harmon Associates was responsible for the design and construction of the building, and the lights were first illuminated by a button pushed by President Hoover - who was all the way in Washington, DC.

It was built as a monument to American industrial progress and was deemed one of the seven greatest architectural achievements in the United States by 1955. The lobby (now restored to its original beauty) was a model of Art Deco architecture and represents some truly impressive artistic contributions to the building.

Today the building is home to a variety of commercial enterprises (including restaurants that are well worth your time and money to visit – even just for a cocktail or two), as well as the observation deck and historical exhibits. It is located on Fifth Avenue.

One World Observatory

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One World Observatory

With the completion of its construction in 2013, One World Trade Center is significantly newer than the Empire State Building. It is currently the second-tallest building in the Western Hemisphere and the sixth-tallest in the entire world.

This observation deck was created as part of the reconstruction efforts in the wake of the tragic devastation of the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. Today the building also serves as a primarily commercial site, although it also houses historic exhibits and the observation deck itself.

Tips for visiting the Empire State Building and One World Observatory

Tips for visiting the Empire State Building
 

  • If possible, plan to visit the Empire State Building early in the morning to avoid elevator lines. Weekdays may also be less busy, too, although not in the summer.
  • Give yourself at least an hour to see the exhibits and the observation deck itself – not counting time through the security line.
  • After you check on the second floor, go straight to the Sustainability Exhibit.
  • Download the free app before your visit to make the most of your trip, available for most devices.
  • Skip the ticket office line with your pass and get to the top faster.
  • Pack a camera or smartphone for photos, and plan to take advantage of the binoculars while you’re up there.
  • Dress in layers, as the observation deck on the 86th floor is open-air, and it will be colder at the top than at street level.
  • If you want to snap photos of the sunset over the city, be sure to get there well in advance – the lines will be longer this time of day.
  • For more tips, check out our in-depth guide to visiting the Empire State Building

Tips for visiting One World Observatory
 

  • To help avoid crowds, try to visit One World Observatory early in the morning or during weekdays.
  • Security is very thorough, so be prepared to submit to TSA-style screening.
  • Be sure to bring a camera or binoculars to see the best views; keep in mind that cloudy days will limit your visibility, especially because you’re so close to the water.
  • While you’re in the area, consider a visit to the 9/11 Memorial and Museum which honors the 3,000 lives lost on September 11, 2001.
  • Again, if you want sunset photos be sure to arrive well in advance of the hour before sunset.
  • On your way out, check out the Oculus, part of the transit hub connecting the New York City Subway and the NJ PATH trains.

In summary (the biggest differences)

View from One World Observatory

In summary (the biggest differences)

Each of these attractions is incredibly popular with tourists, but both offer different views and cultural perspectives.

The Empire State Building is a historic structure – perhaps one of the most famous buildings in the world – and boasts an incredible history stretching back to the mid-twentieth century.

One World Observatory is much newer but has a history of its own because of its ties to 9/11. The Empire State Building offers views from further up in Manhattan, so you’ll see more things like Central Park and the famous museums than you could from the One World Observatory.

Conversely, the One World Observatory is near the southernmost tip of Manhattan, so you’ll see more of the water and New Jersey and Brooklyn, and the Statue of Liberty is closer.

Save up to 50% on visiting the Empire State Building and One World Observatory

Don’t forget – the pass for New York with Go City® is your smart choice for saving and flexibility when it comes to your NYC adventures. You’ll get admission to the Empire State Building and the One World Observatory, plus tickets to your choice of other top New York attractions, including Top of the Rock Observatory, the Statue of Liberty, and more.  

🤩 >> If you want to see and do as much as you can, our All-Inclusive Pass is for you.    

😎 >> If you want to pick just a few attractions and visit at your own pace, our Explorer Pass is the perfect option. 

Katie Sagal
Go City Travel Expert

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New York in June

Looking for the ultimate summer in New York experience? Wherever your interests may lie, the city is the perfect destination with fantastic activities, spectacular landmarks, and world-class cultural amenities to embrace your sense of wonder and thrill. Head out for a day of kayaking at the Brooklyn Bridge Park Boathouse, enjoy some sweet tunes at the Blue Notes Jazz Festival, or have a blast at the Coney Island Mermaid Parade – this place has it all! Whatever you choose to do, we promise you won’t leave disappointed! With Go City, you can see more, for less. Experience the Culture of the City New York comes alive in the summertime with some great musical events. From June 15th right through to August 15th, audiences can catch contemporary jazz masters doing what they do best, as hosted by the Blue Note Jazz Club. The annual jazz festival features over 80 acts at a variety of city venues, but we think that the best place to hear some tunes is right against the backdrop of Central Park – honestly, we couldn’t think of a better way to spend the afternoon. A well-recognized intellectual hub, New York presents a wide array of incredible museums for visitors all year round. Celebrating the city’s rich concentration of culture, the Museum Mile Festival provides the opportunity for visitors to view some of the area’s most revered art and history repositories. Stretching along Fifth Avenue, the block party includes some of the city’s finest institutions, such as the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the Museum of the City of New York. With specialities ranging from modern, contemporary and historic art to Latin American and Jewish history, there’s a little something for everybody here. Get the perfect taste of New York from favorite local vendors as you explore the Bronx across the Harlem River. Run by a diverse, female-operated team, the Bronx Night Market seeks to showcase the vibrancy of the area through its food and culture. A total feast for the senses, the event features a broad array of delicious provisions at super affordable prices. Whether you’re more savory or sweet, one thing’s for sure – you won’t be leaving on an empty stomach! In addition to all the great food, the market also offers some interesting stalls to browse as well as live performances from local musicians. Try Something New Summers in New York can get, shall we say, a little humid? If you’re looking for a fun way to cool down, why not try kayaking? Running from the beginning of the month, visitors can head down to the Brooklyn Bridge Park Boathouse to for a free session. All paddlers are accompanied by friendly watersport experts and provided with proper kayaking equipment to ensure full safety. Granting amazing views of lower Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty, this truly one-of-a-kind experience should be at the top of everyone’s itinerary! When the summertime rolls around, many of the city’s renowned cultural institutes transform themselves to suit the weather. A cornerstone of New York City culture, the Lincoln Center consolidates art with nature with a number of outside programs. During the month of June, visitors can relax in the outdoor reading room or catch live jazz performances and cabaret concerts under the stars. In addition, the establishment's newly designed park serves as the perfect place for fun and recreation after a busy day’s exploring. One of our favorite things to do for June in New York is head down to Brooklyn to catch the Coney Island Mermaid Parade. Eccentric and lively, the event is the country's largest art parade and one of the city's greatest summer events. Bringing together creatives from all over the nation, the festival celebrates ancient mythology whilst serving as a total flourish of self-expression. A must-do for lovers of all things campy, this one-of-a-kind fiesta involves outlandish nautical-themed costumes, huge floats, and fun marching bands. Artsy, exciting, and downright ludicrous - hey, isn’t that what New York City is all about? Get Festive June in New York brings a whole host of fun and festivities. Drawing in tens of thousands of participants and millions of spectators each year, the city’s pride parade is one of the largest LGBTQ+ marches in the world. If you’re looking to join in on the fun, head down to Fifth Avenue towards the end of the month to experience the incredible and vibrant parade take to the streets. Complete with rainbow-colored floats, high-spirited dancing and iconic performers, you won’t want to skip this one. Those familiar with New York can attest that the city provides a wide array of fun festivals for visitors throughout the summertime. Kicking off towards the end of the month, Juneteenth is a federal holiday commemorating the emancipation of African-American slaves and celebrating diversity in culture. Perhaps the most conventional way to celebrate the holiday is by rocking up to the Juneteenth NYC, which kicks off at 5 p.m. in Brooklyn each year. In addition, the city hosts many cool and unique ways to celebrate black culture across all five boroughs, including special screenings at the Museum of Moving Image, Broadway productions celebrating black performers, and Juneteenth Freedom Fest NYC: Block Party. Those who are looking for a fun and affordable ways to experience the city might be interested in the next item on our list. Originally created in the aftermath of 9/11, the River to River Festival was presented with the intention to soothe and celebrate the city’s strength through art. Starting from mid-June, the event features everything from music and dance performances to live installations and screenings. With an incredible atmosphere and so much to see, this one is fun for all the family. New York is what vacation destination dreams are made of. Whether you’re a foodie, an artsy type, or a music lover, you’ll be spoiled for choice with great things to do in the city. Explore the area to its full potential with Go City’s All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass. If you’d like to know more, connect with us on Instagram and Facebook.
Sarah Harris
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American Museum of Natural History Discount Tickets & Tips for Your Visit

Check out our helpful guide for visiting New York's American Museum of Natural History, packed full of ways to save on admission, tips for visiting, nearby attractions, and much more. Fans of the Night at the Museum series will recognize the massive façade of New York’s American Museum of Natural History, complete with the iconic sculpture of Teddy Roosevelt – although this one doesn't talk! There is a reason that this museum has been the setting for so many films and books; in addition to its architecture and Central Park adjacent location, it is filled with some of the world’s oldest and most spectacular wonders. How to buy American Museum of Natural History discount tickets? We’ve got you covered – American Museum of Natural History 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 10 attractions. 2. Build Your Own Pass – Select the attractions you want to visit prior to visiting. See all available passes, attractions & prices – Learn more. Please note: Your Pass entitles you to free general admission. If you would like to upgrade your admission ticket to include a temporary exhibit, IMAX or 3D film, OR a Hayden Planetarium Space Show, you may do so directly at the Museum. How much time do you need at the American Museum of Natural History? There is so much to see and do inside the museum, you could spend the whole day there! Plan to take at least 2 hours and 30 minutes to tour the museum to make the most of your visit. However, if you are planning on viewing a show or special exhibition, plan to be there for up to 3 hours and 30 minutes. What should I bring to the American Museum of Natural History? Camera: The museum encourages visitors to document their experience in photos, but keep in mind that selfie sticks aren’t allowed. You can use flash photography, although not in all areas. Bottle of Water: The museum doesn't allow outside food, but you can bring in a bottle of water. Well-placed water fountains make great places to top off your bottle. Nothing bigger than a purse: You will need to check any items larger than a purse at the Coat Check, and the museum won't allow you to check small luggage or oversized bags. Keep in mind that coat check does cost an additional $2, and the lines can get very long in the cold months. There is an extra coat check located in the Rose Center that is available during winter months (with much shorter lines!) Hall of Biodiversity and Environmental Halls These first-floor exhibits explore the world’s natural life. The Hall of Biodiversity contains many interactive experiences that can help visually illustrate the ways on which all life is interconnected. The Hall of North American Forests features some impressive examples of centuries-old redwoods, and of course, no trip to the museum would be complete without a stop at the Irma and Paul Milstein Family Hall of Ocean Life. Here visitors can see the massive blue whale, one of the museum’s most famous inhabitants. Birds and Reptiles and Amphibians Halls Full of wildlife, the dioramas and exhibits on the second and third floors show examples of some of the world’s most exotic small creatures. These animals hails from all over the globe, and from right around NYC, to give you a sense of the scope. Visitors can check out replicas of these animals in their natural habitat and learn more about how they evolved over time. Mammal Halls The Museum of Natural History’s dioramas are perhaps the most famous of their kind in the world. These incredibly detailed representations of some of the world’s most fascinating creatures in their natural habitats are so realistic that you will almost think you see them moving! Creatures from all over the world are presented in full-scale meticulous detail - did that tiger just blink? Earth and Planetary Sciences Halls These areas of the museum are fascinating for people of all ages, as they contain examples of rare gemstones and objects related to minerals and geology. The Arthur Ross Hall of Meteorites contains the massive Ahnighito, a 34-ton piece of meteorite which is estimated to be 4.5 billion years old. In the Gottesman Hall of Planet Earth visitors will be able to see examples of how minerals and rock formations occur to make our natural landscape. Fossil Halls The top floor fossil halls are definitely one of the museum’s highlights. Want to meet a T-Rex? The Hall of Saurischian Dinosaurs contains one of these terrifying creatures, in addition to examples of velociraptors and Allosaurus.* There's even an excitingly massive Titanosaur! Enormous extinct mammoths are found in the Paul and Irma Milstein Hall of Advanced Mammals, and massive sharks and sea creatures, straight out of a horror movie, are in the Hall of Vertebrate Origins. *Please note that as of Winter 2018, the Hall of Saurischian Dinosaurs is currently undergoing restoration work and will reopen upon completion. Please consult the attraction website directly to confirm the status of this section during your visit. Human Origins and Cultural Halls While the museum has an abundance of information about the natural environment, it is also filled with artifacts from the history of human life. With examples from Tibetan Buddhism in the Gardner D. Stout Hall of Asian Peoples and massive totems from Native Americans in the Hall of Northwest Coast Indians, much of the museum is truly a journey through human history. Be sure you make it to the Margaret Mead Hall of Pacific Peoples to meet the Easter Island head, who you may know as "Dum-Dum." Don't be shy, and get up close and personal with the model for some unforgettable photos! Rose Center for Earth and Space The museum is also dedicated to exploring the cosmos and the Rose Center is home to exhibits exploring the history of the universe. The world-famous Hayden Planetarium is located here, but you can still learn plenty if you decide not to buy the additional ticket for a show. Which attractions are near the American Museum of Natural History? There are plenty of other great attractions located nearby. Here are a few we suggest adding to your itinerary... The Metropolitan Museum of Art is a beautiful walk (or cab ride) through Central Park and explores the cultural history of the world in great depth. The Guggenheim Museum, which focuses on more contemporary art forms, is also a pleasant ride through Central Park. The Frank Lloyd Wright-designed building is one of New York's most iconic structures. The New York Historic Society is a few blocks away and focuses on significant events in the history of New York, many of which are tied into important events in American history. Where to eat near the American Museum of Natural History? What restaurants are near the American Museum of Natural History? Museum Food Court - Inside the museum visitors can stop at the lower level food court for a vast selection of dishes appropriate for palates of all ages. Café on One & Four - There is also a small café with light bites on the first floor and another on the fourth floor. Starlight Café - Located on the first floor, adjecent to the Hayden Planetarium. That being said, there are plenty of options for dining around the Upper West Side location. Shake Shack (366 Columbus Avenue) - No longer do you need to stand in long lines to enjoy the burgers and fries at Shake Shack, one of New Yorkers’ favorite places to grab a quick bite. Jacques Torres (285 Amsterdam Avenue) - Visiting in the middle of winter? You can't miss a Jacques Torres hot chocolate. While the menu focuses around chocolate, this makes a great place to reward the family after a long museum visit! How to get to the American Museum of Natural History? Hours Daily, 10:00 am-5:45 pm Closed Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. All holiday hours are subject to change without notice. Directions & Address Central Park West at 79th St. New York, NY 10024 The main entrance to the Rose Center for Earth and Space is located at 81st Street between Central Park West and Columbus Avenue. Public Transportation: By Subway: B (weekdays only) or C trains to 81st Street station; 1 train to 79th Street station at Broadway. Walk two blocks east to the Museum. By Bus: M79 to 81st Street Is there parking at the American Museum of Natural History? There is a parking garage at the American Museum of Natural History. You can find it at 81st Street between Central Park West and Columbus Avenue. It is open from 8 am–11 pm and costs up to$26 for 1 hour, $29 for 2 hours, $36 for 3-5 hours, $46 for 5-10 hours and $51 for max to close. Save on Tickets with a New York City Explorer Pass Remember, the New York City Explorer Pass® is the best choice for savings and flexibility, which includes American Museum of Natural History 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
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New York in October

Searching for interesting activities and exciting events in New York this Autumn? Well, you’ve come to the right place. Whether you’re planning a fun family trip or travelling solo, the city provides a wide array of engaging experiences to keep you busy in the fall. Those looking for stunning architecture, delicious food and world-class art will not be disappointed. If you’re planning to make the trip, read on for some of our top things to do in New York during October. Explore the City If you’re looking to avoid those rainy Autumn afternoons, don’t worry – we’ve got you covered. Built into a stunning building overlooking the Hudson River, The Cloisters specializes in European medieval art, with an emphasis on the Romanesque and Gothic periods. A total must-see for art lovers, the repository holds an expansive collection of over 5,000 paintings, sculptures, tapestries and more. Fascinating and exciting, this place provides a delightful educational experience for those of all ages. Those who are interested in exploring the history and culture of New York might want to check out the Merchant’s House Museum. Though once serving as a home to the Tredwells, a prospering merchant-class family, this fully intact row house now seeks to provide an intimate glimpse into Old New York. Listed as a National Historic Landmark, this small venerable building is considered to be one of the best remaining examples of Greek Revival and late-Federal architecture. Visitors can take self-guided walking tours to view the elaborate plasterwork and rare art pieces whilst learning more about those who lived there. Don’t let the weather ruin your vacation. If you’re wanting to stay dry whilst soaking up some culture, why not check out the New York Film Festival? Standing out amongst other fantastic attractions in the city, this event is one of the longest-running and most prestigious film festivals in the United States. Screening a broad selection of feature films, short pictures, and documentary pieces, there's more than enough to choose from. Those who are particularly interested in learning more about cinema can also catch special events, masterclasses and talks. Find Interesting Activities There’s always a fun event to attend in the city. Attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, the New York Wine and Food Festival brings together some of the world’s most celebrated chefs and sommeliers together for this annual four-day extravaganza. A great stop for all foodies, the event offers a wide array of culinary events, including walk-around tastings, intimate dinners, culinary demonstrations and late-night parties. Elegant, relaxing and affordable all at once - what's not to love? The city presents a wide variety of indoor attractions once the weather starts to cool down. If you’re interested in pop culture, you might want to check out New York Comic Con. Since establishing itself in 2006, the event has grown to become one of the biggest Comic Cons of them all, celebrating all things nerdy! The festival features everything from exciting workshops and artist and celebrity Q&A panels, to lightsaber battles and cosplay contests right in the center of Manhattan. With previous guests like Adam West, David Harbour and Bryan Cranston, you won't want to miss out on this one! How could we talk about October in New York without mentioning Oktoberfest? Running from the start of the month, this traditional Bavarian festival is undoubtedly one of fall’s finest delights. Celebrations take place across all five boroughs at various restaurants, bars and outdoor spaces. Soak up the suds at the biergarten, dig into a hot bratwurst straight off the grill or enjoy an authentic music performance – the choice is yours! Arguably, one of the greatest things about New York City is its delicious gastronomic offerings. Those who are looking for a taste of the city should head down to the Brooklyn Bagelfest for an unparalleled cultural and culinary adventure. Enjoy the best bagels from a wide variety of favorite New York vendors, as well as craft beer on tap. As if that wasn’t enough, the festival also features bagel-themed activities, art and music. Get Festive October is Halloween season, and we refuse to just ignore it. If you’re looking to kick the spookiness into high gear, you might want to look into Central Park’s Pumpkin Flotilla. Amongst the best fall foliage in the city, you can hear ghost stories, check out a costume parade, and carve out a delightful pumpkin! After the festivities, watch fifty gourds glow up the Harlem Meer at twilight. Feel free to dress up for the occasion! Another one of our favorite October events is the Village Halloween Parade. Drawing in millions of spectators each year, the event is recognized as the world’s largest Halloween procession. Billed as ‘’New York’s Carnival’’, the spectacular parade features around 50, 000 costumed participants, exceptional marching bands, remarkable floats and enormous puppets. A little quirky and a whole lot of fun, the festival delivers a one-of-a-kind holiday experience to remember for years to come. If you were thinking that Halloween was the only way to celebrate in New York in October, you were wrong! A national holiday for many, Columbus Day celebrates the discovery of the New World whilst also serving as an important festival for the Italian American community. Drawing in around a million spectators each year, the Columbus Day Parade brings a whole host of family-filled fun, complete with colorful floats, lively musical performances and dancing. Those who are travelling during the federal holiday should keep in mind that other attractions may be closed for the rest of the day. The East Coast dazzles all year round, but we particularly love New York in the vibrant autumn months. The air is brisk, the colors are changing, and the city comes alive with a whole host of seasonal experiences. Whether you're looking for fun Halloween events like the Pumpkin Flotilla, or something cozier like a quiet museum day, the city presents a wide array of engaging experiences to keep you busy in the fall. Explore the city to its maximum potential with Go City’s All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass. If you’d like to know more, connect with us on Instagram and Facebook.
Sarah Harris

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