Things to do on 4th of July Weekend in NYC, Fireworks and More

By Katie Sagal

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

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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

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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

Image of Art, Sculpture, Statue, Landmark, Statue of Liberty, Boat, 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

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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

Image of People, Person, Helmet, Adult, Male, Man, Bicycle, Vehicle, Cycling, Shoe, Handbag, Road, 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

Image of Grass, Nature, Outdoors, Park, Scenery, Adult, Female, Person, Woman, Land, Tree, Vegetation, Woodland, Grove, 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

Image of Bridge, Brooklyn Bridge, Landmark, 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

Image of Boat, Ferry, Vehicle, Person, 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

Image of Office Building, City, Convention Center, Urban, Shop, Shopping Mall, 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!

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Famous NYC Landmarks & the Most Instagrammable Places to Take Pictures in NYC

If you’ve never been to New York before (and honestly, even if you have) everything is visually stunning; from the beautiful buildings to the street performers - the places and people of NYC have such character. Many of us are probably still lacking that sense of restraint that prevents us from taking a picture of each different subway station sign with the sepia filter from Instagram. Our travel experts are here to help you find the best places in NYC to take pictures from your trip. Best Ways to See Famous NYC Landmarks There’s plenty of great places to snap the perfect instagram photo of famous NYC landmarks during your trip. Here are a few fun ways to help you get around while sightseeing... Hop On Hop Off Bus Tours Sightseeing Cruises Bike Rentals Walking Tours Here’s some more info on fun New York sightseeing tours. Many of the photo opps we listed below are located near some of the top attractions in the New York – so you can combine the best sights with the best things to do. See all available passes, attractions & prices – Learn more. Best Places to Take Pictures in NYC1. The Statue of Liberty The Statue of Liberty is an iconic NYC landmark and component of the New York skyline, although it’s technically located in New Jersey waters. Your best angles for photographs will likely come from a ferry ride or cruise ship, as that will give you an unobstructed view in a way that the perspective from land won’t be able to provide. If you take the ferry to Liberty Island, you can also get gorgeous shots from below. 2. The view from the Top of the Rock Image Credit: Top of the Rock Facebook Page Everyone flocks to the Empire State Building for the best bird’s-eye views of the city, but the Top of the Rock is actually more propitiously located for the photography buff. Due to a construction boom in the area around the Empire State Building the last few decades, you actually don’t get an unobstructed view from the top the way you used to. The Top of the Rock is farther away from its taller neighbors, so you’ll see a better vista of the city below. 3. The Brooklyn Bridge The Brooklyn Bridge, as seen from DUMBO. As the first ever steel wire suspension bridge, the Brooklyn Bridge is actually now National Historic Landmark. Although it’s no longer the largest such bridge in the world, it’s still a beautiful and instantly recognizable piece of New York architecture. Walk or bike across this national treasure for shots of the supporting structure from below, or take a picture from a Brooklyn neighborhood like DUMBO for a great perspective from a distance. Bonus – most shots of the Bridge are taken from the Manhattan side, so a shot from Brooklyn itself will be unique. 4. Central Park Image credit: Central Park Conservancy website. It’s hard to list just one thing to take a photo of here, although you certainly shouldn’t try to take them all. To revisit my earlier warning, you can literally take a few hundred pictures between the flowering trees, hidden sculpture gardens, and charming waterfalls. The best approach may be to take a guided tour of the Park, as this will highlight the best features and the elements New Yorkers consider the most valuable. Central Park is beautiful year-round, but late spring through early fall as the best times to visit in terms of greenery. 5. The Gardens at the Cloisters The stavesacre flower, blooming in the Medieval Garden The sister organization to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Cloisters Museum combines a specialized collection of art, artifacts, and even architecture with the charming setting of a medieval cloister. They’re best known for their collection of the famed Unicorn Tapestries (which you can definitely not photograph), but they also have a lovely series of gardens designed to mimic the gardens that were planted in medieval monasteries. Historical AND naturally beautiful! 6. Grand Central Terminal The restored Main Concourse ceiling at Grand Central Terminal Located right in Midtown Manhattan, Grand Central is the main commuter train hub for New York City. Take a stroll around to soak up all the details you’ll recognize from movies, and be sure to visit the awe-inspiring ceiling in the Main Concourse, a beautiful work of art which has only recently completed a long-term restoration project. Fun fact: despite the first versions of the station having been built as early as 1871, Grand Central remains the largest train station in the world. 7. The Brooklyn Botanic Garden Image credit: www.bbg.org If you’re interested in nature photography, New York City has a surprising amount of nature for you to explore that spans the gamut from local trees and wildlife in the larger parks to exotic flowers and imported plants in the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. Along with the Brooklyn Museum, the Botanic Garden is part of Brooklyn’s collection of 19th century architecture and landscape – a wonderfully restored and preserved section of the city that will almost make you feel like you’ve stepped into a period film. 8. St. Patrick’s Cathedral Image credit: Saint Patrick's Cathedral Facebook page. While there are literally dozens of beautiful historical churches and other religious structures in New York, St. Patrick’s has always been my favorite. Unlike some others, it is still a currently operational Catholic Church, so it’s not always easy to tour the interior of the building – but it is definitely worth trying to visit in between masses. With its stained glass windows, artisan-crafted altar, and famous statues and sculptures, this Neo-Gothic structure will remind you of an Italian church. It’s also right in Midtown Manhattan, making it very easy for visitors to find. Plus, they've recently completed a total renovation of the facade, so it's definitely worth a second look even if you've seen it before! You can even take a Rockefeller Center tour after your photo shoot, since you’ll be right there. 9. William the Hippo at the Met William the Hippo; photo copyright Metropolitan Museum of Art The Metropolitan Museum of Art is known around the world for its prestigious collection of art and artifacts, a collection with particular strengths in Egyptian artifacts. While you can find everything from the almost fully-reconstructed Temple of Dendur (dating from 15 BC) to beautifully restored sarcophagi, this faience sculpture of a hippopotamus is one of the museum’s favorite pieces. Affectionately called William, this little hippo has become an icon of the Museum itself. Fortunately, you can take photos of most of the sculpture and architecture in the Egyptian collection, so snap away to your heart’s content! 10. The Lions at the New York Public Library Patience, one of the lions. Image credit: nypl.org In addition to being a fabulous working library (one of the two largest public libraries in the country, in fact), the NYPL is a must-see for lovers of architecture, history, and of course, books. The main building is the most recognizable to visitors, with its front entrance guarded by two reposing lion statues – one of my favorite sites in NYC as a kid. It has been open to the public since 1911 and has served the people of New York since. Today, it is a National Historic Landmark and boasts an impressive collection of materials, among which is a rare copy of the Gutenberg Bible. Let's Recap While this list is by no means exhaustive, it does contain a bunch of our favorite places to take pictures in NYC. From the most popular attractions to skyline views and scenic parks, there’s something to suit every taste when it comes to NYC photo opportunities. Remember, a number of these famous NYC landmarks and attractions are available with the Go NYC Card, where you can save on combined admission prices vs. paying at the gate.
Katie Sagal
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Best Museums in New York 

A major tourist city and distinguished intellectual hub, New York offers some of the most renowned cultural amenities in the world. World-class art galleries, interactive science centers, planetariums, and some of the country’s most significant historic housing make the city well worth the visit. Wherever your interests may lie, New York delivers an astounding range of compelling educational experiences time and time again. If you’re planning a trip, read through our rundown of the best museums in New York to check out whilst you’re there. Get Inspired New York City has always been a revered destination for art, so it’s no wonder that its museums reflect this. Located in Midtown Manhattan, the Museum of Modern Art houses one of the finest holdings of modern and contemporary art in the United States. Attracting 3 million visitors each year, the museum’s collection is comprised of 150, 000 artworks as well as 22,000 films. Famous pieces include Van Gogh’s Starry Night, Monet’s Water Lillies, and Pablo Picasso’s Les Demoiselles d'Avignon. New York is fortunate to have many creative attractions and activities for visitors and locals alike. For shutterbugs and lovers of captured light, the International Center of Photography offers exceptional exhibitions in visual culture. Holding one of the top photographic collections in the United States, the museum displays over 200,000 pieces stretching from the earliest forms of the medium right through to contemporary work. An incredibly thrilling and unique encounter, the institute works to provide a thorough technological and artistic view of photography. With so much to see, the museum makes for the perfect November rainy day activity. If film is more your thing, you might want to consider heading over to the Museum of the Moving Image. Celebrating cinema in all its forms, the educational institution encourages learning, curiosity and expression through the preservation, collection and interpretation of motion picture. In its large and eclectic collection, the museum houses historic filming and production equipment, famous film costumes, illustrations and vintage merchandise. An intriguing and enjoyable way to explore the creative process of film and television, you won’t want to miss out on this one! Soak Up the Culture One of the coolest things about New York is that it offers a large collection of fine educational institutions. Situated in Lower Manhattan, the National Museum of the American Indian seeks to investigate the history and diversity of Native American culture. The museum is a constituent of the Smithsonian Institution and features a large collection of historical artefacts, including various clothes, utensils and artworks, each divided up per habitat. In addition, visitors can catch dance and music performances, educational programs and film screenings that work to tell the Native American story. Whilst New York City offers a wide array of art museums, there is only one top contender for literary museums in our eyes. Built into a stunning designated landmark, the Morgan Library houses one of the most cherished on paper collections within the United States. Combining literature with history, the library holds an impressive collection of timeworn manuscripts, early printed books, and various drawings and prints. In addition, the library also holds important pieces of music, drawings and artwork. As beautiful as it is interesting, this place is a total bibliophile’s dream. A well-recognized cultural mixing pot, New York is home to more cultures than any other city in the United States – so it only makes sense that its museums document the history of immigrant lifestyle. Built into what once served as a residence for new migrants, the Lower East Side Tenement Museum seeks to preserve, protect and showcase the stories of those who once called the historic blocks home. Visitors can choose from a wide array of tours, all of which tell one of America’s most important stories: how settlers became American, and how the United States became a nation. Explore the Lower East Side, sample authentic cuisine, and hear personal stories of life in the past. Learn Something New If you love history, then the next item on our list of the best New York museums is for you! Standing as one of the world’s most influential scientific and cultural institutions, the American Museum of Natural History seeks to cultivate curiosity in the world around us. Located on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, the museum is comprised of 26 interconnected buildings, which house an expansive collection of over 34 million specimens of plants, fossils and meteorites. Through breath-taking exhibits and educational programs, visitors can learn more about human cultures, the environment, and the universe. Exciting and fascinating, this place makes the perfect day trip for those of all ages. Another one of our favorite history museums in New York is the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum. Situated in the Hell's Kitchen neighborhood on the West Side of Manhattan, this educational institution presents a stunning display of American military and maritime history. Interesting and fun, the establishment provides a totally unique experience for viewing legendary aircraft carriers, museum ships, and submarines. Expect to be blown away by the fascinating stories behind air, space and watercraft. Such historic manmade wonders include the first space shuttle, the British Airways Concorde, and of course, the USS Intrepid (CV-11). Whilst many New York museums center around the humanities, the Hayden Planetarium seeks to provide a fun and digestible understanding of the universe for the public. Housed in the American Natural History Museum and run under the direction of Neil Degrasse Tyson, the institute is arguably one of the best of its kind. Highlights include the establishment’s Cosmic Pathway exhibit exploring the known history of the universe, as well as its high-resolution video projection of the night sky. Through spectacular displays and public programs, visitors can investigate the fascinating inner workings of the universe. A major intellectual and artistic city, New York is home to some of the most diverse museums that can leave you overwhelmed with their fascinating and rare exhibitions. Whether you’re looking to learn about the background of the area or view seminal works of historical and contemporary art, the city is the place to be. When you make a visit, take in new information, see evocative pieces, and most of all, have fun! Hey, isn’t that what it’s all about? To find out how to save money on your trip, check out our Explorer Pass and All-Inclusive Pass. For more details, make sure to connect with us on Instagram and Facebook.
Sarah Harris
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10 Nerdy Things to Do in NYC (a geek's must do list)

New York City is the perfect place to embrace your inner nerd. Whether you're a graphic novel nerd, tv and movie nerd, a science techie, or a gamer geek, you'll find your place in one of our favorite nerdiest things to do in the NYC. A number of these nerdy things to do are included as part of the New York Explorer Pass. Choose as you go from dozens of fun New York attractions and save up to 50% off combined admission vs paying at the gate. See all available passes, attractions & prices – Learn more. Ripley's Believe It or Not! Times Square If you're the kind of nerd that has a fascination with the bizarre, you're not alone. In fact, Ripley's Believe It or Not! in NYC was founded by a collector of bizarre paraphernalia, Robert Ripley—and as it turns out, other people were just as interested in his findings! At the "Odditorium" in NYC, you'll find shrunken heads, a six-legged cow, a lock of Elvis's hair, a piece of the Berlin Wall, and much, much more. For a double dose of freakishness, catch one of Ripley's Sideshow Wonders, featuring live acts from performers like "The Incredible Lizardman" and "Nelson Lugo, the Pain-Proof Man." Getting in: Ripley's Believe It or Not! tickets are an included attraction choice with the New York Explorer Pass. Madame Tussauds New York Visit Madame Tussauds New York City in the heart of Times Square! More than just a wax museum, it's one of the best nerdy attractions in New York. You’ll have a chance to get up close and take pictures posing with wax figures of celebs on the red carpet, famous characters from film and TV, pop culture icons, musicians, athletes, and historical figures. Getting in: Madame Tussauds New York tickets are an included attraction choice with the New York Explorer Pass. NYC TV & Movie Bus Tour A in-depth tour of some of New York top TV and movie filming spots. I recommend this tour for anyone who has a favorite TV show or movie that takes place in NYC. Visit over 40 locations from the new Ghostbusters, Trainwreck, American Hustle, Mr. Robot, The Amazing Spider-Man, Marvel’s Daredevil and Jessica Jones, The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, Mad Men, while also visiting classic locations from Friends, Seinfeld. Getting in: NYC TV & Movie Bus Tour tickets (or your choice on another On Location Tour) are an included attraction choice on the New York Explorer Pass. When Harry Met Seinfeld Bus Tour This bus tour covers dozens of film locations north of Times Square, from Columbus Circle to the Trump Tower and beyond. Because there are so many different locations to choose from, each tour may be different and unique! If you have something specific in mind, be sure to request particular locations you want to see and the tour guides will be happy to oblige. Otherwise, sit back, relax, and enjoy the show! In addition to the When Harry Met Seinfeld Tour, On Location Tours also proudly offers options like the NYC TV & Movie Tour, Sex and the City Hotspots Tour, Sopranos Sites Tour, Holiday Lights & Movie Sites, TCM Classic Film Tour, When Harry Met Seinfeld Tour, The Real Housewives of New York City Tour, Central Park TV & Movie Sites Tour, Boston Movie Mile and other private tour options. Getting in: When Harry Met Sienfeld Bus Tour tickets (or your choice of another On Location Tour) are an included attraction option on the New York Explorer Pass. Toy Tokyo Underground This unique showroom explores pop art culture through the world of designer toys. A wide range of artists display their work on an even wider range of mediums, including clothing, vinyl toys, canvas, and film. Although the trend started in places like Japan, China, and Hong Kong, the combination of art and limited edition toy is a mainstream (well, among the nerds) phenomenon in the United States. The gallery space was created and sponsored by the Toy Tokyo Retail Store (another great place for nerds to gather), which sells all the latest in collectibles and international and domestic toys alongside a vast inventory of vintage collectibles. Barcade Credit: Rob DiCaterino (license) For the over-21 crowd looking for a chance to combine your interest in beer with your old geeky love of arcade games, Barcade is the place to go. This bar has a dual focus: "an endless rotation of American craft beer and an equally eclectic lineup of classic arcade games". A heavy 90's rock soundtrack adds to the atmosphere; you'll enjoy your old favorites like Asteroids, Frogger, and Donkey Kong at the old-school price of a quarter per game. Located at 148 West 24th Street in New York, New York, Barcade claims to be 'the original arcade bar.' Gulliver's Gate A model-building hobbyist's dream, Gulliver's Gate features a whimsical world made up of re-creations of iconic cities and landmarks from around the world at 1/87th of their size on display. Ranked one of the 'Top 100 Things to Do in NYC' on tripadvisor®, Gulliver's Gate offers an interactive experience complete with special effects like lighting, sound, and even animation that are sure to spark an interest in the fascinating industry of model building. Getting in: Gulliver's Gate tickets are an included attraction option on the New York Explorer Pass. The Paley Center for Media (Formerly The Museum of Television and Radio) Founded in 1975 as the Museum of Television and Radio, it's dedicated to examining the intersection where media and society meet. Head into the Paley Center library and choose a program from one of the 150,000 in their collection, then watch or listen to the program at a console, either by yourself or with up to 4 people at a "family console." You can watch almost anything from your favorite no-longer-aired cartoons to historic American broadcasts. Great Women of New York: Walking Tour Go on a 2.5-hour walking tour of NYC and learn all about the notable women who have influenced New York City's history and helped shape the city today. You'll learn all about the female pioneers of New Yorks past to present, from the matriarchs of the Lenape Indians, the original Native Americans who inhabited the land that is now New York City to the the first woman to be injured in combat in the Revolutionary War, to social justice crusaders, 9/11 heroes, and more on this education-packed tour of NYC. Getting in: Great Women of New York Walking Tour tickets are an included attraction choice on the New York Explorer Pass. Hamilton Happy Hour Tour Arguably a nerd of sorts himself, go on a tour of the New York City that Alexander Hamilton knew. You'll walk some of the streets in New York's oldest neighborhood, right in the footsteps of one of the most important (and controversial) founding fathers. This 2-hour walking tour is packed with history, but ends on a lighter note with a stop at Hamilton's favorite tavern to toast to Hamilton, freedom, and US-of-A. Getting in: Hamilton Happy Hour Tour tickets are an included attraction option on the New York Explorer Pass. VideoGamesNewYork (VGNY) VideoGamesNewYork (that's right, no spaces) is a paradise for video game fanatics of all ages. In VGNY, you'll find everything from vintage games and consoles to contemporary independent equipment to games rarely found in the United States. But VGNY is more than just a store; their goal is to create a cultural venue that provides you with the history of video games while you explore how games become part of our life. And of course, the knowledgeable (read: even nerdier than you) staff is more than happy to guide you. Brooklyn Superhero Supply Co. (826 NYC) Everything you need to feel like an authentic superhero can be found in this unique shop in Brooklyn. Fun fact: Brooklyn Superhero Supply Co. actually serves as a "front" for a non-profit tutoring and writing center for kids called 826 NYC. In fact, there's a whole chain of these centers fronted by whimsical stores all across the country and the profits made from the stores benefit the learning centers. At the Brooklyn Superhero Supply Co., browse through capes, strange disguises, gear for your secret lair, invisibility devices, and all the paraphernalia that is required of top-of-the-line superheroes. Sleep No More This macabre, 'choose-your-own-adventure' type theatrical experience tells the story of Shakespeare's Macbeth in a completely immersive and innovative way. Audience members wear masks and are encouraged to interact with the set - a five story mansion dimly lit and filled with props - by opening drawers, examining clues, and more as they make their way through the mansion at their own pace. No two people have the same experience. Save on Admission to Many NYC Attractions Touristy things can be nerdy too. The New York Explorer Pass® is the best choice for maximum savings and flexibility, which can include admission to several of these nerdy attractions listed here, plus your choice of other top attractions. Save up to 50% on top museums, tours, and activities vs. paying at the gate. Visit multiple attractions for one low price.
Casey Makovich

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