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. 

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One Day in NYC Itinerary - Experience New York in a Day for Under $100

Traveling to New York City with only one day to explore? It can be hard to decide what to do with such limited time in your schedule. There are so many exciting New York attractions to visit, so having only one day to explore the city can be challenging. From museums and sightseeing to shopping and nature walking, fitting everything into just one day seems impossible. Fortunately, we’ve put together a one day in NYC itinerary to help you make the most of your one day in the city. This one-day itinerary includes: Hop-On Hop-Off Big Bus Sightseeing Tour Empire State Building Observation Deck Chelsea Market & the High Line (free!) 9/11 Memorial & Museum Spending more time in New York? Then take a peek at one of our sample 2 day, popular 3 day NYC itinerary, or for even longer stays - a week in New York City - enjoy! Stop #1: Hop-On Hop-Off Big Bus Sightseeing Tour A hop-on hop-off sightseeing tour with Big Bus, is one of the best ways to start your trip. This classic bus tour includes loops of Downtown and Uptown Manhattan. On the Uptown Route, you'll see top sites like the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Madison Square Garden, 5th Avenue, Times Square, and much more. On the Downtown Route, you'll enjoy sights of Broadway, Wall Street, glimpses of Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty, and many top skyscrapers. Every Big Bus double-decker bus features live narration by a professional guide, so you’ll learn all about the city’s history, culture, and more while your guide directs your attention to famous landmarks along the way. There's also the option to enjoy pre-recorded commentary in 10 languages. This Hop On Hop Off bus tour is the perfect way to see the city with limited time. Plus, you can pick and choose which areas of the city you'd like to see. Stop #2: Empire State Building Visit New York City's most iconic building, the Empire State Building, and experience a New York City landmark. With a newly renovated Art Deco lobby, the historical Dare to Dream exhibit, and the Sustainability Exhibit, a visit to the Empire State Building offers more than just an impressive view (though that alone makes a visit worth the trip!). You'll learn all about the historical and cultural significance of the Empire State Building, including its importance as a beacon of hope during a time of despair for the American economy. When you make it up to the 86th-floor observatory, you'll get spectacular views of downtown Manhattan and the water. You won’t find better photo opportunities than this -- be sure to bring your camera for panoramic views of the city. The only landmark you won't be able to snap is the Empire State Building itself! Check out our guide for tips on visiting the Empire State Building Observation Deck before your visit. Stop #3: Chelsea Market (Indoor Option) Spend an hour or so in one of the most popular local shopping areas – Chelsea Market. Filled with everything from crafty shops to local food joints and more, you’ll find everything you could ever imagine wanting at this place. It’s a great neighborhood resource that most travelers don’t know about, so you’ll get a good taste of NYC food culture without the expense of a five star restaurant. Be sure to try some of their French pastries and cheese – a specialty. Chelsea Market is a must visit if you want to experience the city like a local, or if you're looking for unique gifts and souvenirs! Stop #3: High Line Park (Outdoor Option) A rehabilitated stretch of elevated railroad track, the High Line spans about a mile and a half in the Lower West Side. Today this park is filled with beautiful greenery (with a particular focus on native species) and even some wild creatures. The High Line also hosts special events like stargazing and horticulturist-led tours. You'll enjoy fantastic views of the city and the Hudson River, so it's worth it just for the photo opportunities alone. Depending on whether or not you want to walk the entire length, it will take between 20-30 minutes of your time. Check out this Top of the Highline and The Vessel Tour to get a deep dive into this cool area of the city. Stop #4: 9/11 Memorial and Museum If you only have one day in NYC, then your last attraction should definitely be the 9/11 Memorial and Museum. This poignant memorial to the tragic events of September 11, 2001 is compelling and informative, and is one of the most popular museums in all of New York right now. In the Museum, explore multiple exhibit galleries that retell the story of the time before, during, and after the attacks, remember the lives lost in the 1993 bombing and the 2001 attacks, and preserve relics that remain from the destruction of the Twin Towers. The exterior Memorial is striking, too, with its signature water features and light displays. A visit to the 9/11 Memorial and Museum is a moving experience that inspires and touches every single visitor. Save on Attraction Admission With a pass for New York with Go City, you can visit these great attractions all while saving on combined admission vs. paying at the gate. Remember, this one day itinerary is just one of many ways to experience New York City. Your pass gives you the flexibility to create your own itinerary, so you can choose from dozens of top attractions and create a vacation tailored to your interests.
Casey Makovich
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Things to do on 4th of July Weekend in NYC, Fireworks and More

One of the best days on the summer calendar is Independence Day. If you want to have a really special 4th of July, head to the Big Apple. Take advantage of one of the many New York Attractions that the city is famous for. If you’re looking for New York 4th of July Weekend ideas, check out some of these local activities and fun things to do in New York in July, including... Statue of Liberty at Ellis Island Luna Park at Coney Island Macy's 4th of July fireworks NYC Harbor Cruise and more... Save on Admission to Popular Attractions Regular admission to a number of these attractions is available with the New York City Explorer Pass. Choose as you go from dozens of New York attractions & activities and save up to 50% off combined admission vs paying at the gate. See all available passes and New York attractions – Learn more. Please note, some of these special July and 4th of July weekend events may be separately ticketed and not available on the New York City Explorer Pass. Macy's 4th of July Fireworks Show Macy's 4th of July Fireworks Show is an annual event that takes place in New York City. Each year, millions of people line the Hudson River to watch the spectacular display of fireworks and celebrate Independence Day with friends and family. This year, Macy's will be launching more than 75,000 shells from seven barges located between 24th Street and 40th Street along the Hudson River. The show is expected to last for 25 minutes and will feature a variety of colors, shapes, sizes, effects, and other surprises! The Macy’s 4th of July fireworks show has been around since 1958 when it first began as part of the city’s celebration of its 350-year anniversary. Over time it has become one of America’s most beloved holiday traditions with over 3 million viewers each year! As you can imagine there are plenty of activities taking place throughout Manhattan before the start of this amazing show including live music performances on four different stages set up along 12th Avenue near 34th Street. Be sure to get there early if you want to secure your spot amongst all these festivities! Insider tip: Pack a picnic, beverages, a football, and some games to play with friends and get there early to score a good spot. Getting In: The Macy's 4th of July Fireworks are free to watch. Fireworks on the 4th and Other Times of the Year The Fourth of July is a special day for many Americans, and there's no better way to celebrate the holiday than with beautiful firework displays in New York City. On this day, NYC puts on an incredible show that lights up the night sky over iconic landmarks like the Empire State Building and Brooklyn Bridge. Visitors can expect to see dazzling colors and patterns as they take in some of America's most beloved fireworks shows. As if that wasn't enough, many locations also feature food vendors selling delicious treats such as Nathan’s Hot Dogs or classic carnival games where you can win prizes! But New Yorkers often enjoy watching spectacular fireworks shows at other times throughout the year too. Some of these displays happen around major holidays like Halloween or Christmas while others are put on by world-renowned organizations like Disney or Universal Studios. No matter when these events take place, they always bring joy to spectators from near and far who come together to experience something truly magical. Whether it be colorful bursts lighting up Central Park during summertime festivities or a winter wonderland illuminated by twinkling lights - NYC firework shows never fail to amaze! The Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island There's no better way to celebrate Independence Day than visiting one of the most iconic symbols of American freedom. Visit both Liberty Island and Ellis Island to see the Statue of Liberty up close and explore the Ellis Island Immigration Museum. These activities are likely to be extremely popular during the holiday season. Be sure to make any reservations you might want to make for pedestal tickets, etc., far in advance. Getting In: Statue of Liberty Ferry tickets are available as an option with the New York City Explorer Pass. Coney Island The 4th of July is a special day for many Americans, and it's even more special in Luna Park at Coney Island in New York. On this day, thousands of people come together to celebrate the holiday with fun rides, delicious food, and plenty of entertainment. The park has been open since 1903 and is one of the oldest amusement parks in the United States. Visitors can enjoy classic roller coasters, carnival games, fireworks displays over the Atlantic Ocean, and so much more. Luna Park on Coney Island provides an exciting atmosphere that makes celebrating Independence Day even better! At Luna Park on Coney Island during the Fourth of July celebrations, there are numerous activities to take part in throughout the entire day leading up to midnight when fireworks will light up the night sky above Brooklyn’s iconic beachfront area. During the day, visitors can enjoy thrilling rides like The Cyclone and Thunderbolt roller coasters, which offer breathtaking views from their heights as well as thrills like no other ride in New York City. There are also carnival-style games where guests can win prizes ranging from stuffed animals to unique souvenirs from their time spent at Luna Park during the Fourth of July festivities. Don't forget to visit Nathan's Famous Hot Dogs, a beloved staple of Luna Park at Coney Island. Nathan's hot dog stand is one of the oldest places to eat at Luna Park. It first opened in 1916 and has become a tradition for people looking for a bite to eat during their 4th of July celebrations. While it serves up classic hot dogs with all the fixings, it also offers a variety of other tasty items like fries, burgers, and more. The iconic restaurant also has roots that extend beyond just its location at Luna Park on Coney Island - in 1972 they began hosting the annual Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest where competitive eaters from around the world come together to battle it out for the coveted championship title. Getting In: The fireworks are free to watch. Luna Park tickets are available as an option with the New York City Explorer Pass. Enjoy the Outdoors A great way to see the city -- from big ticket attractions to hidden gems -- is to hop aboard your very own bicycle. You'll get a local's perspective on the city and be able to tailor your explorations to suit you interests. Check out a New York bike rental, strap on a helmet, consult a map, and start exploring the city like a true New Yorker. New York has expanded their bike lanes in many parts of the city, so getting around on two wheels is easy in many areas. Many New York attractions are bike accessible, so as hang onto the lock that comes with your rental. Then, stashing your bike during a visit to a museum or restaurant will not be not a problem. Getting In: New York City bike rentals are available as an option with the New York City Explorer. New York SummerStage This popular free NYC event is beloved by locals and visitors alike -- those who know about it, that is. Taking place in Central Park, SummerStage offers a wide variety of music and dance performances that everyone will enjoy. On the weekends around the 4th of July this year, you'll see performances that run the gamut from contemporary Jamaican to house music to soul and more. Keep in mind that although most events are free, some do require tickets. If you want to explore the park after enjoying a bit of these free performances, consider a guided walking tour, which will highlight the most important landmarks and sites of this iconic urban park. Getting In: SummerStage events are free to attend. Central Park Walking Tour tickets are available as an option with the New York City Explorer Pass. Annual Freedom Fest @ South Street Seaport This amazing musical event is the perfect way to really immerse yourself in local NYC happenings. Featuring an expert DJ who'll provide a variety of musical stylings, plus a full summer barbecue buffet and an open bar (!), this is the place to party this 4th of July. Keep in mind that it's a bit pricey, so you may want to consider this event if you have a hefty budget. This event actually kicks off an entire season of music in the Seaport District, so if you're visiting later in the month, be sure to check out their schedule as well. If you want to explore the area more at another time, a must-see attraction in this neighborhood is the iconic Brooklyn Bridge. Take a guided tour across the bridge to get some fresh air and exercise, too. Getting In: Brooklyn Bridge & DUMBO Tour tickets are available as an option with the New York City Explorer Pass. The Freedom Fest is separately ticketed and is not included with the Pass. NYC Cruises For those looking to celebrate the Fourth of July in a unique way, why not take a cruise around New York City? NYC cruises during this holiday weekend offer visitors an incredible opportunity to experience the city from a different perspective. From luxury yachts with open-air decks for sightseeing and dancing under the stars, to more intimate dinner cruises featuring delicious food and drinks overlooking some of the most iconic landmarks in Manhattan, there's something for everyone when it comes to 4th of July cruises in NYC! Getting In: Landmarks Cruise tickets are both available as options with the New York City Explorer Pass. America's Favorite Summer Pastime What better way to celebrate our nation's birthday than with an afternoon enjoying America's favorite summer sport? Though the Yankees don't typically play on the 4th itself, they do have scheduled games throughout June and July. Love baseball, but simply don't have time for a game? Take a guided tour of Yankee Stadium to see this the many facets of this historic arena -- including Derek Jeter's retired number. Getting In: Yankee Stadium Tour tickets are available as an option with the New York City Explorer Pass. New York Yankees ball games are separately ticketed and are not included with the pass. Remember to Save on Attraction Admission There you go - plenty of fun ideas for things to do in New York in July to help you plan your 4th of July weekend itinerary. Remember, many of these great ideas are included on the New York Explorer Pass, where you can save up to 55% on combined admission vs paying at the gate. We really hope you consider adding a few of these popular options to your upcoming plans. Enjoy!
Katie Sagal
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5 Days in New York

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 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. 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! 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. 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.
Sarah Harris

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