People in front of the Macy's store, New York

How to see the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade - and other New York attractions to see

By Go City Expert

People watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade

The annual world-famous Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York starts at 9am EST and ends at noon EST. It's one of America’s favorite holiday events and a New York City tradition since 1924. Past years have seen around 3.5 million people in attendance to see more than 1,500 dancers, thousands of clowns, and 30-plus floats in the parade, featuring big-name characters from movies and cartoons. Every year brings traditional favorites and fresh new performers to the lineup.

Now you’re probably thinking, 'Okay, do I need tickets to see the Macy's parade?' The answer is no  - but you might be able to get tickets! Read our guide to find out more, and discover the best ways for you to watch the Macy's parade.

💰 >>  See how you can save up to 50% on New York attractions 

🗓️ >>  Check out our example New York itineraries 

Secure a spot on the street

It's easy - and free! If you're an early bird, then get down to join the other spectators, who'd typically be lining the streets around 6 am or even earlier.

Dress for the weather (and wear comfortable shoes), bring food and drink, charge your phones, use the restroom before you arrive – there are no public facilities on the parade route –and stay put. Macy’s recommends between 61st and 72nd on Central Park West as the best place to watch Tom Turkey leading his way through Manhattan.

A lot of the performances happen around 34th Street, so know that location will have the most coveted spots and be the most difficult to get - along with spots at the beginning of the parade, 77th Street and Central Park West and where it ends at Macy's Herald Square in Midtown, on 34th.

If you're in or around NYC beforehand and want a chance to see the balloons for the floats being inflated, head to 77th and 81st streets (between Central Park West and Columbus Avenue) from 3-10 pm on Wednesday, before the parade.

Get Macy's Parade grandstand tickets

This one is for those with friends and family in the know - or even in the parade itself. Technically, Macy’s doesn’t sell grandstand tickets to the general public. But if you know any parade participants, or Macy’s employees and volunteers, you might be able to score a free ticket.

Book a hotel room with a view

Grandstand seating and street spots may be harder to come by, but if you act quickly, you can get VIP access to the parade through one of the hotels along the route. Hotel rooms with a view and VIP packages both come at a premium - but once you see what’s in these exclusive packages, you just may find it’s worth it.

Previously, some package options included the Mandarin Oriental, the New York Hilton Midtown’s Thanksgiving Packages, the JW Marriott’s Buffet Brunch Package or Parade-View Room Package, and the Residence Inn Prime View Package. Check out each hotel's official website for specifics on this year's packages.

Top tips for staying safe during the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

Musicians in the Macy's parade

👉Make sure you know this year's parade route (as it has changed in the past). Check out the official Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade site for the complete lineup, parade route, and much more info.

👉 Follow @Macys on X (Twitter) and check out all social media with the #macysparade hashtag to get the latest Parade updates, photos, and to join the conversation.

👉 Make sure your phones and cameras are fully charged before you arrive – you won't find a place to charge your tech during the parade and you won't want to miss out on photos!

👉 Use the restroom before you arrive – there are no public facilities on the parade route.

👉 Expect massive crowds, and be cautious with your children. Keep the family together at all times!

👉 Be aware that this parade will cause a lot of attraction closures along the parade route. Save exploring with your New York Pass for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

💸 Bonus: If you happen to want to do a little shopping while you're in the city after the parade, be sure to stop by the mezzanine level of Macy's Herald Square for a 10% off Visitor's Savings Pass.

Save up to 50% on New York attractions

Of course, we know the Macy's Day Parade in NYC is the main event on Thanksgiving, but you have a long weekend to see other top attractions in the city. Discover our full line-up, including The Empire State Building, 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. 

Grab whichever New York pass suits you best and save while you sightsee!

Go City Expert
Go City Travel Expert

Continue reading

New York a novembre
Blog

Four Days in New York

Planning to spend four days in New York City and wondering whether it’s enough time to see everything? One of the world’s most intense and invigorating, energetic, and ever-changing cities in the world, the sprawling metropolis has so much to offer, you could live there for a year without seeing and experiencing everything. However, four days in New York is enough to see all the top attractions and get a feel for the city. While you’ll have your work cut out for you and will end up walking a good few miles, it’s just enough time for you to take a bite out of the Big Apple and fall in love. So, what to see and where to go? This four-day itinerary will guide you through the top sights and food spots you simply can’t miss on a visit to New York City. Top Tips for First-Time Visitors to New York City With just four days in New York, time is of the essence, so here are a few tips to help make the most of your stay. Comfortable shoes are essential! New York City is best explored on foot, and you’ll spend a lot of time walking around. It’s essential to bring a pair of comfortable walking shoes for your four-day adventure. Expect long lines at popular places New York City is one of the most visited cities in the world and is busy year-round. Prepare for long lines at the top attractions. Get the 7-Day Unlimited Ride Metro Card New York City has an outstanding public transportation system that provides a quick way of getting around the city. The 7-Day Unlimited Ride Metro Card is worthwhile if you plan on using the subway. For only $33 you’ll have unlimited access to the metro for seven days. Now that you’re prepped, let’s hit the streets! Four-Day Itinerary for New York City Day 1 Morning in Central Park Your first stop on your Big Apple adventure must be Central Park. One of New York’s most recognized attributes, Central Park is the lush green heart of Manhattan. Designed by the award-winning landscape architect team, Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, the park spans 843 acres and is home to everything from a lake to an ice-skating rink. You could spend the entire day in the park and not see everything, so why not use your pass to rent a bike from Central Park Full Day Bike Rental on two wheels! Visit the most popular attractions in the park like the picturesque Loeb Boathouse, the historic Belvedere Castle, Sheep's Meadow, and the rolling Strawberry Fields. When you’re done exploring, head to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, one of New York’s top museums. Founded in 1870, the MET is home to over two million pieces of art spanning 5,000 years. Don’t miss Monet’s Bridge over a Pond of Water Lilies and Vincent van Gogh’s Self Portrait with a Straw Hat. If you prefer archeology over art, head to the American Museum of Natural History on the border of Central Park in the Upper West Side. Use your pass to gain access to the museum and marvel at the incredible collection of natural wonders. Don’t miss the life-size model of a 94-foot blue whale in the Hall of Ocean Life. Afternoon in Midtown After lunch, it’s time for a bit of retail therapy on one of the best shopping streets in the world! Head down Fifth Avenue to browse the stunning window displays of the top luxury brands in the world and do some shopping if your credit card will allow it. Make a stop at the Saint Patrick’s Cathedral along the way. Hailed as one of the most beautiful churches in the world, the Neo-Gothic style cathedral took 21 years to complete due to the Civil War. Use your pass to enjoy express entry into the cathedral where you can wander around in awe of the breathtaking architecture. Evening in Times Square Times Square is one of New York’s most visited attractions and can’t be missed during your NYC sojourn. Brace yourself for the massive screens and neon lights lighting up the night sky. Be prepared for crowds – Times Square heaves with tourists, especially at night, but it’s an experience of a lifetime that will leave lasting memories. Another must-do when in New York is to catch a Broadway Show if you can afford it. Broadway Shows are an integral part of New York and even if you’re not the greatest theater fan, watching a show like The Lion King or Wicked on Broadway is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Use your pass to enjoy a Broadway and Time Square Walking Tour. Walk in the footsteps of stars as you visit legendary Broadway locations like the Edison Hotel and Shubert Alley. Day 2 Morning in Greenwich Village When in New York, do as New Yorkers do and grab a bagel for breakfast. You’ll find plenty of bakeries and cafés selling mouthwatering versions – try salmon and cream cheese if you really want to be a New Yorker. The best way to explore this charming neighborhood is on a walking tour. Use your pass to join a Greenwich Village Walking Tour and enjoy a two-hour guided tour of the ‘birthplace of American Counter-Culture.’ Visit Washington Square Park, the symbolic heart of Greenwich Village and a gathering place for avant-garde artists and students from NYU. Eat your bagel on the steps of the fountain and watch street art performers and musicians ply their trade. Discover film locations (Friends and Mozart in the Jungle) and learn about the area's famous residents like Edgar Allan Poe and John Wilkes Booth. Visit the birthplace of the LGBTQ+ Movement in America, the Stonewall Inn. Afternoon in Soho, Little Italy, and Chinatown Your next stop is the neighboring areas of SoHo (South of Houston Street), Little Italy, and Chinatown. Save some time by using your pass to enjoy a SoHo, Little Italy & Chinatown Walking Tour and dive right into the heart of Manhattan. Enjoythe ritzy shops and their museum-worthy window displays in SoHo and shop until you drop. Venture into Little Italy and be prepared to salivate as you wander around NYC’s tastiest neighborhood. Discover the rich history of Chinatown and explore its secret underground tunnels. Evening in Chelsea As the sun begins to set , head to the unique High Line Park to take in some spectacular city views. The once-disused railroad track was converted into a verdant floating garden that now passes through some of New York City's most historic neighborhoods. Wander along the elevated park on a High Line, Chelsea & Meatpacking District Walking Tour with your pass. Take in the art installations and admire some of New York's most famous buildings, including the Empire State Building and Frank Gehry’s IAC Building. When you’re done walking the High Line, pop into Chelsea Market for something to eat. The world-famous food hall is home to a mix of restaurants and shops selling an array of mouthwatering gourmet goodies. Day 3 Morning at the 9/11 Memorial and Museum and One World Trade Center Visiting New York City without spending a few hours in the 9/11 Memorial and Museum would be remiss. Based next to the overwhelming might of the monolithic One World Trade Center, the museum details the horrific events that took place on that day and honors the almost 3,000 victims of these attacks and all those who risked their lives to save others. Use your pass to gain entrance to the museum and be prepared for a deeply moving and reflective experience. Join a 9/11 Museum Workshop with your pass where you’ll learn about the nine-month recovery period after the events of 9/11 and the people involved. Don’t miss the never-ending waterfall that cascades into twin reflecting pools where the Twin Towers once stood. The names of victims of both the 1993 and 2001 attacks are engraved in stone around the waterfall. Afternoon in Wall Street and Brooklyn As you wander towards Wall Street and the Financial District, be sure to check out the architecturally significant and rather curious design of the Oculus Mall, which is like the spine of a long-forgotten fish. Walk around the Financial District and see the iconic New York Stock Exchange. Have a photo taken with the famous Charging Bull and admire the historic Trinity Church. Next stop, the famous Brooklyn Bridge and the charming neighborhood of DUMBO. Connecting Manhattan to Brooklyn, the Brooklyn Bridge is one of the oldest bridges in the country and one of New York’s most iconic attractions. A lovely way to explore this area is on a Brooklyn Bridge and DUMBO Walking Tour. Stroll across the architectural icon and be sure to take tons of photos – it’s one of the most photographed landmarks in NYC. Learn the history of the bridge from your guide as you soak up spectacular views of the Manhattan skyline. Stroll around the trendy Brooklyn neighborhood called DUMBO which is famous for its art galleries, high-end boutiques, and scenic waterfront views. This is the place for out-of-this-world New York pizza, so find a spot for dinner! Day 4 Morning at in the Diamond District Your first stop today should be the beautiful Grand Central Station. Take in the breathtaking design and the grandeur of the celestial ceiling of the central terminal. Grab breakfast and a coffee in the food hall downstairs. A short walk from Grand Central Station is the Museum of Modern Art. Fondly known as MoMA, the striking Yoshio Taniguchi-designed building houses one of the most significant collections of modern art in the world, with works by world-renowned, such as Van Gogh, Picasso, Cézanne, Magritte, Pollock, Matisse, and Warhol. Use your pass for free access to the Museum of Modern Art and spend the morning marveling at masterpieces. Afternoon at the Empire State Building You can’t leave New York without visiting the Empire State Building. This world-renowned building is a short walk from Bryant Park and is the perfect place to see the sunset over Manhattan. Built during The Great Depression, Empire State Building is a glorious example of Art Deco design with a magnificent lobby boasting 24-karat gold and aluminum leaf ceiling murals. Use your pass to gain access to the Empire State Building and head up to the 86th floor to get a 360-degree panoramic view of the city. Take in the city from the observatory deck and see Connecticut and Pennsylvania more than 80 miles away on a clear day or watch the city lights begin to twinkle as it gets darker. Evening at Madison Square Garden Spend your last evening in New York watching a Knicks basketball game or the New York Rangers on the ice at Madison Square Garden. The 20,000-seat venue in the heart of Herald Square witnessed Marilyn singing ‘Happy Birthday’ to JFK and hosted two Ali-Frazier fights. If you aren’t lucky enough to get tickets, you’ll find plenty of top-notch restaurants in and around the square for your last NYC dinner.
Alex Birungi
View from One World Observatory
Blog

Top of the Rock vs One World Observatory - Comparing the Two Observation Decks

Climbing up to an iconic viewpoint and watching as the city unfurls before you is one of the most popular activities when visiting New York. Whether you're up there in the daytime or visiting at sunrise or sunset, you'll surely be spellbound.
Casey Makovich
Blog

Where To Stay in New York

Planning a trip to New York and not sure where to stay? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Whether you’re a first-timer looking to see the sites or wanting a more authentic NY experience, we've put together a list of our favorite places to stay in the area. Wherever you choose to stay, the Big Apple packs so many fun attractions and hidden gems within its boundaries that it's impossible to be bored there. With Go City, you can see more, for less. See the Sites If it’s your first visit to New York, there's no greater place to stay than Midtown Manhattan. Located right in the heart of the concrete jungle, this vibrant district is the best choice for soaking up the true atmosphere of the city. Attracting millions of visitors each year, the area remains the most popular tourist destination in the entire city – and with good reason! Stay here, and you’ll be just a stone's throw away from countless emblematic attractions, including the Empire State Building, Central Park, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and more. There are also great restaurants, theaters, shopping opportunities and bars – basically, you name it, they have it! Staying here also means that you’ll have your pick of some of the most iconic hotels in the city. With the city’s big reputation and all of the excitement to match it, it’s only natural that you’d want to stay near the center of it all. Still, if Midtown isn’t quite your scene, we recommend staying on the Upper West Side. This area is a great middle-ground for first-time explorers because it has an abundance of interesting attractions but with less of a buzz. Here, you’ll find everything from fantastic museums and parks to great restaurants and markets. Undoubtedly picturesque and quintessentially New York, the Upper West Side has a certain beauty and elegance you won’t find elsewhere. Live Like a Local New York is a city of enchanting contrasts, with an animated spirit and countless great neighborhoods and districts to explore. Still, one of our top picks to stay in is Chelsea for its vibrant art scene and great nightlife hotspots. The area presents an interesting array of industrial landmarks, modern structures, and of course, galleries to boot. Stay here, and you’ll be very close to the Whitney and the Rubin, amongst countless others. Dense with creativity and humanity, Chelsea is the perfect area for any artsy types coming to visit the Big Apple. Though we might have been led to believe otherwise, New York isn’t just all about Manhattan! If you’re looking to stay further out from the city center, we recommend checking out hotels in Brooklyn. Standing out as one of the coolest boroughs in New York, the area has a more laid-back feel than Manhattan, but without giving up all of the fun and intrigue. As one of the city’s liveliest urban spaces, you’ll find everything from interesting museums and landmarks to great bars and restaurants all in one place. Stay in Brooklyn if you’re looking for something a little different from the usual New York experience. When looking at places to stay in New York, many forget about the surrounding boroughs. Well, not us! Just a short ride away from Manhattan, Queens is one of our favorite destinations for its great attractions and diversity in culture. Other than that, the best things to do in the area run the gamut; from visiting historic landmarks and art museums to trying out some of the best cuisines in the city, you’ll find many reasons to love this unique spot. Those looking to soak up the urban atmosphere without feeling overwhelmed will undoubtedly enjoy Queens. Try Something New If you’re looking to live like the locals, look no further! Most certainly one of our favorite areas of the city, the West Village is known as the birthplace of 1960's counterculture and the gay liberation movement. Today, the area is flanked with federal-style townhouses, trendy restaurants and artsy boutiques, making it one of the most picturesque areas in New York to stay in. In addition, the neighborhood is well-recognized for its historic bars, theaters, and comedy clubs. Whilst this area appeals more to a younger crowd, there are no rules here! Aside from being super famous, New York has a little something for everybody – interesting history, alluring shopping destinations, great dining, and a whole heap more! Known for being the birthplace of punk, the East Village is good for those who want to experience the grittier side of city living. For creative types and dreamers, the area presents no shortage of galleries, hip restaurants and vintage stores to be discovered. Come nightfall, you’ll be right in the center of all of the fun, with an abundance of old school bars and music venues to choose from! Painfully cool and forever exciting, the area is perfect for anybody who’s looking to see a different side of the city. Another great place to stay in New York is SoHo. Lively and rich in culture, this area is kind of like the East Village’s grown-up older brother. With its elegant cast-iron structures, trendy cafes, and cobblestone streets, this neighborhood is truly the stuff movies are made of. At night, this place comes alive with high-end restaurants, bars and wineries to be enjoyed. For art lovers and anybody with a passion for fashion, Soho would be the perfect option. New York presents so many great places to stay in, each with their own unique sights, sounds, tastes and history. The city has a lot to offer, from trendy urban boroughs to High-end residential districts. Whether you’re an art lover, a shopaholic, or a foodie, you’re sure to find the perfect spot to suit your style and itinerary amongst the city’s wealth of options. To get the most out of your visit, check out our All-Inclusive Pass and 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

Have a 5% discount, on us!

Sign up to our newsletter and receive exclusive discounts, trip inspiration and attraction updates straight to your inbox.

Thick check Icon