New York during the day

Things to do During the Day in New York City

It's not all about glittering city lights in the Big Apple
By Katie Sagal

New York sparkles during the day - from browsing iconic art museums to freewheeling through Central Park, here are our favorite ways to spend the day in NYC.

So, you’re planning a trip to NYC and you’re all set to experience nightlife in the city that never sleeps. But what do you do while the sun’s still up and the clubs are still closed? Well, we hope you’ll consider checking out a few of these daytime New York attractions. Whether you’re a culture buff, an artsy sort, or you just love nature, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in the Big Apple.

If you’re looking for daytime activities in New York, check out a few of our favorites, including...

  • Hop-on Hop-off Big Bus Tour
  • Madame Tussauds
  • Empire State Building
  • Central Park Bike Tour
  • American Museum of Natural History
  • 9/11 Memorial and Museum
  • The Met
  • And more!

Hop-on Hop-off Big Bus Tour

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To get a true sense of the city during the day, a comprehensive bus tour seems in order. This hop-on hop-off option from Big Bus is a smart choice because it offers flexibility and freedom alongside entertainment. Choose from more than 25 stops across two popular routes, Downtown and Uptown. If you need any more convincing, you’ll appreciate the fact that Big Bus is the highest-rated bus tour company on TripAdvisor. 

Getting In: Big Bus New York tickets are included on all New York passes.

Madame Tussauds New York

This perennially popular attraction is full of fun and playfulness and is among the top-visited daytime spots in the city. See exquisitely realistic wax replicas of famous people and characters from NYC and around the globe, and snap a selfie with your favorites. Due to its Times Square location, Madame Tussauds New York is also easy to fit into a broader NYC itinerary. 

Getting In: Madame Tussauds New York tickets are included on all New York passes.

Empire State Building

view from Empire State Building

You can’t leave NYC without taking advantage of the opportunity to see the city from above on one of its most famous observation decks. (The view from the street is pretty cool, too!) The Empire State Building Observatory is located on the 86th floor and provides 360-degree views of Midtown Manhattan and beyond. There are many informative exhibits that highlight the building’s history, its Art Deco architecture, and more. 

Getting In: Empire State Building tickets are included on all Go City® New York passes.

Central Park Bike Tour

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For those who love the great outdoors, you simply can’t miss out on exploring NYC’s very own slice of natural paradise – the inimitable Central Park. This massive urban greenspace contains so many attractions within, like Cherry Hill Fountain, the Strawberry Fields and Imagine Mosaic, the Shakespeare Garden, the Naumburg Bandshell, and more. Take a bike tour to explore these sites on two wheels. It’s easy, convenient, fun, and great exercise. 

Getting In: Central Park Bike Tour tickets are included on all Go City® New York passes.

However short or long your trip, see it all with Go City®  

Read our New York vacation itinerary series: 

📅 1-day itinerary 

📅 3-day itinerary 

📅 One week in New York 

American Museum of Natural History

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One of the most enchanting museums in the entire country, the American Museum of Natural History is filled with exhibits, artifacts, and natural objects. Some of their most popular exhibits include their famous collection of dinosaur fossils, brilliant gems, and vivid animal dioramas. Visitors especially love the exhibits in the Milstein Hall of Ocean Life. Be sure to also check out the Museum store for some souvenirs that will prove you did more than party. 

Getting In: American Museum of Natural History tickets are included on all Go City® New York passes.

9/11 Memorial and Museum

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To truly appreciate this iconic global city, you’ll want to spend a little time honoring its past. A visit to the 9/11 Memorial and Museum is a somber but informative experience that allows you to explore archives, photographs, multimedia displays, and more. Don’t forget to scope out the exterior, with twin reflecting pools that contain the largest manmade waterfalls on the entire continent, inscribed with the names of those who perished that fateful day. 

Getting In: 9/11 Memorial and Museum tickets are included all Go City® New York attraction passes.

The Met

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Art lovers from around the globe flock to NYC to explore the impeccable collections of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The seemingly endless galleries feature a wide variety of art objects, from Ancient Egypt to Modern and Contemporary Art. They’ve even got exhibits on Arms & Armor, Asian Art, and Musical Instruments. You can easily spend an entire day roaming these halls. 

Getting In: The Met is separately ticketed.

NYC shopping

If you love a good afternoon spent shopping – whether or not an exchange of money and goods actually occurs – you’ll love roaming through the shops of New York City. Still the shopping capital of the U.S. in the age of online retail, NYC has a store to sell you just about anything you can think of.

Visitors love to explore the pricier stores along Wall Street and across Lower Manhattan generally, as well as the more affordable options in SoHo and Union Square. The Macy’s in Herald Square and the Bloomies in Midtown are also popular spots. 

Getting In: Window shopping is free!

Can't choose? No need, see it all with Go City®

Discover our full line-up of New York attractions, 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. 

Katie Sagal
Go City Travel Expert

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New york skyline at night with lit windows, plus lit-up tops of Empire State and Chrysler building
Blog

Things to do in New York for a Birthday

“It’s up to yoouuu, New York Ne-ew Yoooork!” Take it Frank! Make the promises of that karaoke classic come true. Because there’s nothing better than celebrating a birthday in New York City. And exactly how you celebrate is indeed up to you! Unwrap our suggestions, grab your sightseeing pass and start spreading the news...The Big Apple is too big for an exhaustive list but we hope you’ll be inspired by some of our best NYC birthday ideas. Treats we’ve wrapped up include: The best food in New York New York Harbor Cruises Luna Park on Coney Island Exploring Central Park Following in the footsteps of celebrities Taking in a Broadway show Hitting the high spots (including a New York helicopter flight) Posing for rooftop photoshoot and making memories Discover the best food in New York Let’s start as we mean to go on - filling our faces! Begin your day of celebration with breakfast the American way. Tuck into a tower of fluffy pancakes, served with crispy bacon, blueberries and a stream of sticky maple syrup. Enjoy eggs every way you can imagine. Bag bagels and cream cheese, biscuits and gravy, cinnamon rolls, English muffins, Belgian waffles, fruit salad - all washed down with unlimited caw-fee...Shall we stop yet? The Tick Tock Diner on 8th Avenue (corner of 34th) is not only the largest diner in NYC but serves breakfast around the clock. Happily, whatever the time of day, the melting pot of culture that is NYC means you can find pretty much any cuisine of your dreams - whether you’re satisfied with a street stall or looking to have your cake and eat it at a Michelin-starred restaurant. Pick up some tasty treats at multi-cultural Chelsea Market, in the heart of the funky Meatpacking District, renowned as one of the greatest indoor food markets in the world. Chefs and locals crowd this formerly industrial space to select prime cuts of meat, fresh fish and artisan cheese, whilst tourists stop by for premium burgers, Italian gelato, pizza, pastrami, bagels, hot dogs, Chinese, Korean BBQ...the list is deliciously endless... A Food on Foot Tour will help you discover even more authentic eateries and best kept snack secrets. Choose the Midtown Mix Tour to chow down like a local in Manhattan or the Go West Tour to discover the culinary diversity of historic Hell’s Kitchen. To enjoy the flavours of the neighbourhood known particularly for its Eastern European Jewish community, opt for a Tastes of the Lower East Side walking tour and pick up delicacies such as a true kosher pickle, a knish, a bialy and the famous black and white cookie. Cruise New York Harbor - fast or slow Once you’ve satisfied your appetite, why not push the birthday boat out - literally - with a morning or afternoon of leisurely sight-seeing aboard a Best of New York Circle Line Cruise? Whatever the time of year, indoor seats or a huge outdoor deck make it a fun yet relaxing way to tick off some of New York’s best sights. You’ll cruise all three rivers and see around 130 landmarks including the full Manhattan Skyline, the Yankee Stadium, Greenwich Village and the Financial District. If you’re tight for time, with more birthday fun to pull in, the Circle Line Landmarks Cruise is a shorter - 90 minute - tour of the premium views, including the Brooklyn Bridge and the Chrysler Building. Later, for a magical twilight finale to a special day, set sail on a Harbor Lights Cruise which departs just as the sun sets. An onboard bar serves beer, wine, cocktails and soft drinks so you can raise a birthday toast as you watch that unforgettable skyline twinkle into life. If you’re celebrating a teen birthday - or simply feel the need for speed - maybe ditch the gentle cruise in favour of a blast from The Beast. Get on board this mean, green, jet-powered speedboat to roar down the Hudson river at speeds of up to 40 knots? It’s loud, it’s fast and, since the crew have been known to wield water guns, you’re likely to get wet! Whichever you choose, birthday candles can’t hold a torch to Lady Liberty. Fast or slow, all harbor cruises make time for mandatory photo opps of New York’s most famous icon. Smile please! Ride classic coasters at Coney Island If thrills and spills are your idea of birthday fun, how about a trip to Coney Island’s legendary Luna Park? From families with kids, to coaster connoisseurs, there’s something for everyone at this fun seaside destination, around 10 miles from the city. The first Luna Park, opened in 1903, was renowned for its ground-breaking attractions and the miracle that was electric lights. Although that park burned down in 1944 it inspired dozens more ‘lunaparks’ around the world and the amusement park that still stands on the site has all the colourful quirkiness of the original. Enjoy its timeless charm as you stroll the boardwalk, play the sideshows and thrill to rides including the 137ft Astro Tower, the Steeplechase coaster and the Brooklyn Flyer chair swing. Then brace yourself for launch as extreme thrill ride Slingshot catapults you into the air at 90mph. Luna Park is also home to the historic Cyclone Roller Coaster, a bone-shaking, breath-taking wooden coaster dating from 1927 that is registered as a New York City Landmark. Dare you ride? Explore Central Park Whether you’re looking for action on your special day or prefer more laid-back celebrations you’re sure to find a destination or activity to suit in Central Park, possibly the world’s most well-known urban green space and beloved by locals and tourists alike. Take a carriage tour, relax in a rowboat or get up close to the animals at the zoo...Perhaps you’ll get your legs pumping and your heart singing with a two-hour bike tour that takes in top sights like Belvedere Castle, the Imagine Mosaic and Strawberry Fields. Put your best foot forward on a walking tour of little known paths and ponds along with famous fountains and statues. Or simply pick up some snacks (and a birthday cake of course) and unwind with the perfect picnic. Follow in the footsteps of celebrities Whilst we’re in Central Park are you getting a niggling feeling that you’ve somehow been there before? To sort out the sights you’ve seen on screen try tagging along on a TV & Movie Sights tour. Where did Kevin meet the bird lady in Home Alone? Is that the bridge where Buddy throws snowballs in Elf? Shed light on locations from Love Story, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Enchanted and Glee to name a few...All so familiar. And super fun. If you love that kind of celebrity stalking, why stop at Central Park, when there’s a whole city awash with spots you’ll recognise from the big and small screens. Jump on an NYC TV and Movie Bus Tour to grab a selfie at classic locations like the Friends apartment building, the Ghostbusters Firehouse and familiar places from Ocean’s Eight, Spiderman and loads more... There’s even a special movie tour for fans of Marvel and DC Superheroes. Capes at the ready... Take in a Broadway show New York is known the world over for its sparkling theatre district. So grab your popcorn, get your feet a tappin’ and take your seats for a birthday performance. Even if you don’t know your jive from your jazz hands, with 41 Broadway theatres, each typically offering 8 performances a week, we’re confident you’ll find something you’ll enjoy. There are shows for literally every taste and age group, from straight drama, to comedy, performance art (the Blue Man Group) and original music (like the physical percussive show, Stomp). Or maybe, like most, you’ll opt for the magic of the musicals? Choose from family favourites like The Lion King, Aladdin or Wicked, or long-running classics like Phantom of the Opera or Chicago. Perhaps one of the big-name shows of recent years - think Hamilton or Come from Away - will capture your heart? To scout out the options or learn more about the area, the theatres and the stars, why not join a walking tour of Broadway and Times Square? From the glamour to the ghost stories, you’ll be centre stage for all the showbiz gossip, trivia and history. On your birthday, after all, the spotlight is on you! Hit some high spots Wheeee! A helicopter ride over New York is about as awesome as it gets. Unless you’re some kind of seasoned celebrity it’s an incredible once-in-a-lifetime thrill to soar above the skyscrapers for a unique, birds-eye view of the Statue of Liberty, the Brooklyn Bridge, the Empire State Building and all the rest.There are plenty of private tours on offer, usually including a commentary or fun facts. If you book at sunset you’re guaranteed all the glory of golden hour - though beware if the weather’s cloudy - it would suck to soar but not see... If your budget doesn’t stretch quite that far, take it to the top anyway by hitting one of the city’s many breathtaking observation decks. Gaze down at the distant hubbub from the dizzying heights of the Empire State Building’s 86th floor observatory. Or get a snap of the Manhattan skyline including the Empire State, by zooming up to the Top of the Rock observatory at the Rockefeller Centre. Make memories Whilst you’re feeling on top of the world, a rooftop photoshoot is a super-cool way to ensure a lasting memory of your special day. An expert photographer will capture the moment in a private session, as you pose against the backdrop of the World Trade Center. Or, to be even more original, create your own picture for posterity on a sketching tour with a New York City-based artist. You’ll get a drawing-pad and pencil along with a 90 minute tour of history, culture and the chance to sketch some Lower Manhattan landmarks including the Wall Street Bull, the Washington Monument and the Trinity Church Cemetery (final resting place of Alexander Hamilton.) Let's draw a line. We hope we’ve given you just a rough picture of the many places you might choose to pop a cork and blow out your candles in the buzzy, beautiful Big Apple. To discover some of them and many more New York attractions, pick up an All Inclusive Pass or an Explorer Pass, then sightsee, save and celebrate with Go City. It’ll feel like your birthday every day.
Jo Cooke
Blog

Things to do in Flushing   

New York, New York. A city with such strong cultural prowess and popularity, it was named twice – and with absolutely no explanation needed. Though people tend to fall in love with the city, they stay for everything that the state has to offer. Whilst the surrounding areas might receive less attention, they present a wide array of interesting things to see and do. Known for its fascinating history and diversity in culture, Flushing is one of our favorite places to visit outside of the city. Whether you’re looking to view the oldest house of worship in the country, try out some of the best Chinese cuisine in Flushing, or see an installation of the whole of New York, you’ll find many reasons to love the area. We’ve spent a lot of time in Flushing and are sharing some of our favorite attractions and points of exploration here. So, grab a notebook and get ready to jot some things down! Whatever you choose to do, we promise that you won’t leave disappointed. And when you're done discovering why Flushing should be next on your NYC bucketlist, discover how Go City can help you discover the best of NYC and help you to save on your sightseeing! Explore the Area Without a doubt, New York is widely recognized for its cosmopolitan nature and the great history, culture, and of course, food that comes along with it. In an area as sprawling and diverse as New York, many Chinatowns exist, but trust us – Flushing’s is the real deal! Standing out as the largest Chinese enclave in the state, this place has great shopping, spas, and an endless array of exciting restaurants to choose from. But the best part? The food here is beyond affordable. Dig into a generous plating of chow mein, try all-you-can eat dim sum, and after all is said and done, have a mooncake – the choice is yours! Another one of our favorite things to do in Flushing is visiting the Lewis Latimer House Museum. A modest Victorian house with sweet brick red accents, this place once served as a home to the African-American inventor until his time of death. Today, you can visit to learn about Latimer’s life and greatest achievements, as well as other black scientists. Walking around the museum is a great privilege, and you can feel the history living well within the walls of this humble home, where some of the great influential discoveries and inventions of humanity were made. As fascinating as it is enjoyable, the museum provides a great educational experience for those of all ages. Get Cultured There’s nothing quite like catching a play with friends or family after a long day of exploring. Luckily, Flushing presents no shortage of great performance spaces to satisfy all of your artsy needs! Adapted from the New York State Pavillion, the Queens Theatre has been recognized as the area’s primary playhouse for quite some time. Here, you’ll be able to see everything from classical plays and famous stand-ups to musical and dance performances all under the same roof. For lovers of the performed arts, this place is sure to deliver on all counts. New York is known for its fantastic cultural institutions, with Flushing being no exemption to the rule. Founded in 1972, the Queens Museum is home to a great collection of global contemporary art across a wide variety of styles. Upon entrance, you'll be immediately drawn in by artworks ranging from the ultra-modern and avant-garde right through to the totally bizarre. Still, the institution’s main draw is the Panorama of New York City, a room-size installation of the entirety of NYC in miniature, which is continuously updated. Other highlights include a massive map of the city's water supply system, a collection of Louis Comfort Tiffany stained glass, and memorabilia from the 1939 and 1964 World’s Fairs. Breaking away from the typical art gallery experience, the institute offers something a little quirkier and more fun for all of its visitors. Check Out Some of the Landmarks Those drawn to Flushing for history and culture will be in luck. Standing out for its fascinating background and undeniable beauty, the Hindu Temple Society is a total must-see for history lovers and architecture buffs alike. Built in the 1970s, this traditional house of worship is known as one of the first establishments of its kind in the Western Hemisphere. Visitors will no doubt be wowed by its impressive granite façade - but of course, that’s not all there is to see. Upon entrance, you’ll be able to view intricately carved stone columns and religious shrines. Whilst you’re there, we strongly recommend grabbing a bite at the canteen basement, which is known for serving up some of the finest Indian cuisine in the area. If you’re planning to make the visit, we recommend wearing modest dress as a mark of respect. If you’re looking to explore the history of the area – don't worry, we’ve got you covered! Established way back in the 1600s, Flushing is home to many beautiful venerable structures. Still, one of our favorite cultural treasures to visit in the area is the Old Quaker Meeting House for its unique background and the fascinating story that it tells. Built in 1694, the building is known as the oldest establishment of its kind in New York, and remains a house of worship right up to this very day. Inside, you’ll notice that the handcrafted floorboards and dark wooden benches reflect the modest nature of Quaker culture. Though it might seem simple and unassuming, we love this place for the wonderful history that it speaks. Explore further with Go City®. Ready to explore Flushing and New York's other vibrant neighborhoods? Discover the best bits with Go City. Our passes give sightseers the freedom to do what they want, when they want, whilst making incredible savings. Our passes include top attractions, as well as New Yorks hidden gems, all handpicked by our local experts.
Sarah Harris
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Blog

10 Nerdy Things to Do in NYC

New York is the place where you can find thriving niche communities. Movie buffs, history nuts, and culture vultures will be spoilt for choice here!
Casey Makovich

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