Last Minute New York Vacation Tips

By Go City Expert

The prospect of visiting New York City for a day, a weekend or even longer can seem a little daunting at first but don’t let it worry your too much - people have been doing it for decades! The standard belief that residents of the City are rude and obscene is only half true; in reality, New Yorkers are just too busy to stop and help tourists and have no patience for people who slow them down. If you want to have a great vacation in NYC, that’s the first thing you should know - Don’t be one of those people. Here are a few other tips to help make your trip to Gotham the best it can be.

Image of Chart, Plot, Map, Atlas, Diagram,

NYC Subway Map[/caption] Take a few minutes and familiarize yourself with the city map: Obviously you aren’t going to be able to memorize the map in a few minutes but even just giving yourself a general idea of where certain things are (Wall Street is Downtown) and learning the names of various areas of the city (Midtown, Lower East Side, Hell’s Kitchen) will be a big help. Most of the city is a grid with the street numbers increasing as they head north and the avenue numbers increasing as they head west which makes getting around a little easier than in some places. Also, a good trick to remember when trying to orient yourself is that Broadway runs south throughout much of the City. Don’t forget to look up: Of course you want to be paying attention to what is in front of you and what your kids are getting into (hopefully nothing) but don’t forget to take a peek at what is above you from time to time. New York is filled with buildings both new and old that are architecturally significant and the artist community in NYC also likes to decorate up in the sky. [caption id="" align="alignleft" width="269"]Image of Adult, Male, Man, Person, Hat,

NYC Food Vendor[/caption] Be selective about what you buy on the street: Some people love coming to the city and loading up on all the off-market goods (cologne, perfume, watches, purses, etc) that are readily available in different areas of the city, but remember the old saying - you get what you pay for. Of course it can be nice to get a “designer” watch or purse for a vastly reduced price but don’t be surprised if it doesn’t last too long. As long as you don’t have an overly sensitive stomach, a better way to get bang for your buck is to eat from one of the local food carts or food trucks. Competition among food vendors is fierce and attracting customers is vital, so finding good, cheap eats is easier than you might think.

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Things to do in West Village   

Nestled along the Hudson River and flanked with striking brownstones and trendy restaurants, the West Village is one of the most vibrant areas of New York. Whether you’re in a group or travelling solo, you’ll find many reasons to love the neighborhood. From world-class galleries and historic landmarks to fantastic theaters and comedy clubs, you’ll never be bored here. So, if you’re planning a trip to the Big Apple and would like to spend some time in the West Village during your stay, have a read through some of our favorite things to do in the area! Get Cultured A well-recognized hub of innovation and artistry, the West Village has much to offer in the museum department. For first time visitors, a trip to The Whitney Museum of American Art is essential. Founded in 1930, the museum has grown to become one of the leading institutions for modern and contemporary art. The repository features many styles of artwork, from minimalist pieces to conceptual mind-benders. Visit to see works from renowned artists including Andy Warhol, Jasper Johns and Georgia O’Keeffe. An artists’ enclave-turned-current hipster hotspot, the West Village presents a wealth of fantastic cultural institutions for theater lovers. First opened in 1923, The Cherry Lane Theatre is now recognized as the oldest continuously running off-Broadway theater in New York City. The playhouse runs everything from total classics to side-splitting comedies, all under one roof. With its unique charm and elegance, this venue provides an intimate experience that you won’t find at other places. Though the theater is small, this spot has amassed quite a reputation – for this reason, we recommend booking ahead of time. Cinephiles taking a trip to the West Village will be blessed with countless options for places to catch a movie. Still, our resounding favorite for independent cinema has to be the IFC Center. Formerly the Waverly Theater, this place is famed for popularizing the Rocky Horror Picture Show back in 1976. Nowadays, the venue regularly screens an eclectic mix of independent, foreign, documentary and classic films. With its fantastic film picks and laid-back atmosphere, this stop is great for spending time with friends and family. Find Fun Activities Another one of our favorite things to do in the West Village is visit the Museum of Illusions. Breaking away from the traditional museum experience, this spot offers more brain-tricking, eye-tricking fun than any other entertainment location in the city. Learn about vision, perception and the human brain through the institute’s intriguing walkthrough exhibits. From kaleidoscopes and holograms to tiled and reverse rooms, this place is a total feast for the senses. Don’t forget to bring your phone to capture some snaps for Instagram! The West Village isn’t just home to some fantastic cultural amenities and interesting historic sites – it's also a total foodie’s paradise! Whether you’re looking for fine dining, a romantic date spot, or maybe just a quick bite, the area has something to suit all tastes and budgets. For those harnessing a sweet tooth, we recommend checking out Milk Bar. Founded by James Beard Award-winning pastry chef Christina Tosi, this place is famed for its cutesy, nostalgic treats which taste as good as they look. If you’re looking to satisfy all of your savory cravings, head over to John’s Pizzeria. Serving up coal-fired thin-crust pies since 1929, this authentic spot has more than mastered the art of the perfect slice. Though the city is perhaps best recognized for its towering skyscrapers and modern structures, it's also home to some wonderful urban green spaces. Those looking to get some fresh air might enjoy Hudson River Park for its beautiful scenery. Running from Battery Park to 59th Street, the park attracts millions of visitors each year with its stunning views of the river and Manhattan skyline. There are flowers, benches, beaches, and many exciting activities to try out – including kayaking and sailing tours. Take a stroll, have a picnic, or watch the sun set over the river – the world’s your oyster! Spot the Famous Landmarks Teeming with living history and culture, the West Village presents many interesting anecdotal sites to be explored. Recognized as the most famous gay bar in the world, the Stonewall Inn gave its name to the spontaneous demonstrations of 1969, which set the LGBTQ+ rights movement into motion. Today, the bar draws in a diverse crowd in celebration of the history and progression of the gay liberation movement. A National Historic Landmark and mainstay of West Village culture, this place should be at the top of your itinerary. Before visiting, we suggest checking online for drag shows, themed nights and karaoke. The concrete jungle has long been a popular filming destination, with some of the TV’s most recognizable sites tucked away in the West Village. For comedy lovers and pop culture fans, one of the best spots in the city is none other than the original Friends apartment building. Situated at 90 Bedford Street, this redbrick building attracts thousands of fans to catch a glimpse of TV history. Though you can’t go inside the building, this place makes for the perfect photo opportunity! The list of TV shows shot in the picturesque center of New York City is endless. With its beautiful parks and historic architecture, the West Village has long been a favorite for the small screen – in fact, the area minds the home of one very famous New Yorker: Carrie Bradshaw. Sadly, the inside isn’t open to the public, though we like to imagine it overflowing with Manolo Blahniks and Vogues. Undoubtedly stunning and quintessentially NYC, this stop is a total must-see for any Sex and the City fan. Whilst you’re in the area, take time to explore its designer boutiques and hip restaurants in true Carrie Bradshaw style. Well, there you have it: our list of the best things to do in the West Village. Still, to face the facts, you could live in the neighborhood for years and not experience everything that it has to offer, because there’s simply so much to see and do! Whether you’re looking to catch a play with some friends, taste some of the best pizza in the city, or admire the views at Hudson River Park, you’ll find many reasons to love the area. Explore New York 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. With Go City, you can see more, for less.
Sarah Harris
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An All-Weather Guide to New York

New York City is one of our favorite vacation destinations for plenty of reasons. Sports fans will appreciate the strong athletic history of the city, just as artsy folks will love the museum, theatre, and gallery scene. Those who crave adventure and excitement can opt for any number of cruises, tours, bike rides, excursions, and more. Of course, what you might do on your NYC vacation probably depends on the time of year, and the weather. New York weather can be unpredictable, but it’s also fairly consistent depending upon the time of year. There are advantages to traveling to NYC pretty much any time of year, but you may wish to carefully consider any potential drawbacks before making your travel plans. To make your vacation planning a little bit smoother, we’ve put together this all-weather guide to New York. You can’t predict the weather in NYC, but you can make a few plans to make sure that you’ll have a blast regardless of the temps. New York Weather in Spring Spring is one of the best times to visit NYC. The temperatures range from chilly to pleasant, and many of the outdoor attractions like cruises that have been closed from the previous winter will start to open up again. Some of our favorite things to do in New York during the spring include: riding a bike through Central Park, walking the High Line, exploring the burgeoning blossoms at the New York Botanical Garden, or simply enjoying a good lunch on a patio. Keep in mind that you will need to dress in layers, and be prepared for unexpected rain. You should have a light jacket and/or sweater, umbrella, and good shoes. Avoid sandals, as the spring rains could make the streets pretty dirty. New York Weather in Summer Summer is among the more popular times to visit New York, with many families taking advantage of the summer vacation to explore the Big Apple. The temperatures can get quite hot in NYC in the summer, so it’s important to prepare for a lot of direct sun. If you’re looking to stay cool in the summer in NYC, we like the idea of a cruise. The cool breezes will make the heat more bearable, and it’s a fun way to get unique vacation photos. Take a landmark cruise around Manhattan to see all the best sites, or hop aboard the ferry to see the Statue of Liberty. If it should get too hot to be outdoors at all, cool off with a few hours wandering around the Met and scoping out their vast artistic and cultural collections. Credit: Anthony Quintano (license) New York Weather in Autumn Fall in New York is one of our favorite times. The leaves of Central Park are changing color, the air is crisp, and everything is celebrating the flavors of the season. And while many folks are back to work and school, it’s actually a top time for school trips and weekend getaways. See the fall foliage from above with a trip to the top of the Empire State Building. Or, if the weather isn’t too chilly, try a Central Park Tour to see the leaves up close. You could also enjoy a cruise or two before they close for the winter. Autumn also ushers in a bevy of new special exhibits at the city’s best museums, from the American Museum of Natural History to the MoMA. Try ice skating in Central Park for a memorable winter New York City activity. New York Weather in Winter Don’t be scared away from visiting NYC in the winter. It’s true that the air is cold, the snow can pile up (and often in very inconvenient places on the sidewalk), and certain attractions like cruises won’t be operating. At the same time, this is your opportunity to see the city with fewer crowds and more space to explore. Snap photos with your favorite celebs at Madame Tussauds, tour Madison Square Garden (or take in a Knicks game), or check out the Top of the Rock Observatory. If you’ll be visiting around the holidays, join up with this holiday market walking tour or try your hand at ice skating. Keep in mind that NYC is very busy during the December holidays, but it’s worth the congestion to see the gorgeous store windows and the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree. Tips for Visiting New York in All Kinds of Weather Wear sunblock. Even if it’s winter, if you’re walking around at all you’re going to be exposed to sunlight and it’s important to protect your skin. Carry an umbrella at all times. A small collapsible one will save you when it starts to suddenly downpour in the summer or winter. Wear comfortable walking shoes and avoid sandals. You’re going to be walking quite a bit, whether you’re strolling the sidewalks or poking around indoors at a museum, and you’ll need the support. Bring layers, even in warm weather. If you’re hot outside in the summer, you’re going to freeze inside in the air-conditioning. Plan back-up transit. If it does suddenly rain, get windy, or start snowing, walking may not be the best way to get between attractions. We like the hop-on-hop-off Big Bus tour for linking many attractions together. Check the weather on an app before your trip, and regularly during the trip. While East Coast weather is less fickle than in other places in the country, it can still be unpredictable. You’ll want to be sure to keep up on the most current forecast. Reserve some indoors activities for colder, rainy, or otherwise unfavorable days. Check out our recommendations for things to do when it rains in NYC. If you’re visiting in winter, we recommend waterproof boots. While it may not have snowed in a while, half-melted piles of slush can stick around for quite some time. Save on New York Attractions Year-Round Whenever you’re making your trip to NYC, be sure to bring a Go New York pass with you. Save up to 50% on admission to nearly 100 of the city’s best attractions. With something that’s just perfect for any time of year, we’re sure you’ll make the most of this money-saving pass. Share Your Adventure with Us Tag @GoCity in your vacation photos and we'll feature you on our page. Follow the Go City Instagram and Facebook pages for competitions, special offers, and events and inspiration for your chosen destination, too!
Katie Sagal
Things To Do Near Central Park
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Things To Do Near Central Park

Discover the best things to do around Central Park.

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