New York City Historical Sites

By Go City Expert

Teeming with history and alive with culture, New York is a rich city for the curious-minded. Whether you’re a history buff or decidedly not, New York attractons will excite, enrich, and expand your mind with their living history lessons. With summer vacation underway, now is the time to take your family to the Big Apple, where you’ll all get a taste of America’s most influential city. Because NYC is on the cutting edge in so many arenas (technology, art, education, finance, and fashion to name a few), it’s fascinating to see how this city developed throughout the last century. So sneak a little learning time into your family’s vacation this summer with some of these historic New York attractions:

Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Ferry Ticket

“Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free...” These are the words with which “Lady Liberty” welcomed millions of immigrants into the United States through Ellis Island for over 50 years. Today, the Statue of Liberty stands tall in representation of the American ideals of freedom and equality. As half of the current population can trace its roots back to ancestors who arrived in America by ship from abroad, the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island remain pertinent parts of New York City culture. With the Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Ferry (re-opened on July 4th!), you can visit both of the most historic sites in New York, and enjoy a ferry ride from Battery Park.

Empire State Building

One of the most historic and beloved New York attractions, the Empire State building stands at an impressive 102 stories, or 1,250 feet, tall. For 40 years after its consturction in 1931, the Empire State Building remained the tallest building in the world—contributing to its status as a global icon. Although no longer the tallest building in the world (or the United States), the Empire State Building is still treasured as an American cultural icon and well known for its distinct Art Deco architecture. Today, you can zoom to the top of the building via high-speed elevator and look out on all of Manhattan from the 360-degree open air observation deck on the 86th floor.

Downtown Tour by City Sights

Combining history with hip current culture and entertainment, the Hop On/Hop Off Downtown Tour by City Sights is the best way to explore the city and learn about its incredible past. From the double decker bus (which is cool in the summer, warm in the winter, and fully water proof in the rain), you’ll feel like you’re part of the action without getting bogged down in the crowds. Best of all, you can hop on or off at any of several points along the way, so that you can further explore the sites that most interest you. Some of the New York attractions you’ll pass include the Empire State Building, Little Italy, Chinatown, the Site of the World Trade Center, Time Square, the Theater District, Wall Street, the Lower East Side, Museums of Lower Manhattan, the United Nations, and much more.

Explore and Save

With Smart Destinations’ you can choose from two ways to explore the City at your convenience while saving money with New York attraction pacakage discounts. Use the New York Explorer Pass to pick from 56 attractions as you go and save up to 45% off of gate prices or try Go Select New York to build your own itinerary before you go and enjoy maximum savings on only your favorite attractions!

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Things to do in Chelsea 

Creative and diverse, Chelsea is one of New York’s best not so hidden treasures. Located on the West Side of Manhattan, the area boasts some of the city’s top cultural attractions, dining spots and nightlife destinations. From the fabulous repositories of The Whitney and Rubin to the buzzing kiosks at Chelsea Market, you'll find much to experience in this vibrant and trendy neighborhood. So, if you’re planning to explore Chelsea, use our list as a starting block. Whatever you choose to do, we promise you won’t be disappointed! Explore the Area Is there any better way to explore the culture of an area than by hitting up the local market? We think not. Housed in the former National Biscuit Company factory building (where the Oreo cookie was created), Chelsea Market is worth visiting if nothing else than for its food hall alone. A total treat for the senses, the market features over 30 vendors serving up culinary delights across a broad spectrum of cuisines. From tacos and bagels to donuts and currywurst hot off the grill, there’s a little something for everybody here. In addition to its delicious dining options, the market also presents an eclectic assortment of stores which are well worth checking out. Dive into the crowds, browse the stalls, and soak up the incredible atmosphere. Hey, what’s not to love? Chelsea has always been a neighborhood dedicated to artistry and culture, so it only makes sense that the area presents some of the best flea markets in New York. Bringing together the best vendors and tastemakers from across the city, the Artists and Fleas Market is an absolute dream for bargain shoppers. From reconstructed vintage and rare collectibles and to original artwork and handmade homeware, this place has it all. We especially love this market for its cool, laid-back atmosphere and one-of-a-kind offerings. If it’s luxury and escapism that you’re after, then look no further. As part of Chelsea Piers Sports & Entertainment Complex, the golf club is recognized as the city’s most popular driving range and teaching academy. Overlooking the Hudson River, this dreamy retreat from the city is the stuff dreams are made of. Welcoming avid golfers and casual players alike, the academy offers practice sessions, private lessons and full-swing simulators. Chill, chip and putt in a beautiful outdoor space. We couldn’t think of a better way to spend a sunny New York’s afternoon! See the Sites Scaredy-cats, look away! For thrill-seekers and risk-takers only, the Edge provides an exhilarating experience to remember. Floating way above the city, this attraction is recognized as the highest outdoor sky deck in the Western Hemisphere. Peer 100 stories down through the glass floor, sip champagne in the sky, and catch remarkable views of the urban landscape as you’ve never seen it before. If the Vessel didn’t do it for you, then this place sure will! When we think of New York, its world-renowned architecture is one of the first things that springs to mind. For enthusiastic Instagrammers and architecture geeks alike, the Vessel is most certainly a sight to behold. Standing at a whopping 150 feet, the striking public art piece offers new perspectives of the city, the river and beyond. We suggest wearing your comfiest shoes, since it’s quite the climb! Though New York City is mostly known for its towering skyscrapers and modern structures, it’s also home to many beautiful green spaces. Sitting high above the Hudson River, Little Island serves as a prime destination of leisure and entertainment. Strolling through the park, you’ll be able to enjoy dazzling views of the cityscape, as well as flowers, trees and shrubs of all kinds. In addition, there is a 700-seat amphitheater facing the Hudson, where you can catch music, theater and dance performances. Spanning 2.4 acres and offering a broad range of programs to get involved in, it’s impossible to be bored here. Get Creative Art plays a fundamental role in Chelsea’s vibrant and unrivalled culture scene. There are over 200 art galleries in the area, but our top pick is unwaveringly The Whitney Museum for its outstanding permanent collection and unique exhibitions. Since its founding in 1930, The Whitney has become recognized as one of the leading modern art institutions in the United States. Amongst its expansive collection, you’ll find paintings by Jean-Michel Basquiat, films by Andy Warhol, photographs by Richard Avedon... the list goes on. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or simply just a curious explorer, this place is sure to take your breath away. A well-recognized cultural hub and trendy hipster hotspot, Chelsea is one of the best spots in Manhattan for creative types. Combining art with history, the Rubin Museum of Art specializes in displaying works from the Himalayas, Central Asia, and Tibet. The museum’s impressive repository is comprised of over 38,000 pieces, and dates way back to the 15th century. Thoroughly fascinating and undoubtably unique, this one should be at the top of everybody’s itinerary! Teeming with creative energy and bursting with culture, Chelsea hardly falls short in the museum department. Thoroughly enthralling (and entirely admission free!), the Museum at FIT is recognized as the only gallery in New York dedicated exclusively to the art of fashion. Upon entrance, visitors can enjoy an expansive collection of over 50, 000 pieces dating way back to the 5th century. Those who are especially interested in fashion can also attend special programs, talks, and book signings with leading designers here. Perpetually cool and buzzing with life, Chelsea has everything to offer for the passionate traveler. The area is primarily known for its art galleries and famous landmarks. But it also attracts many visitors for its quirky markets and trendy restaurants. View world-class art at The Whitney, shop ‘til you drop at the Artists and Fleas Market, and view the city from up high on the Edge - the world’s your oyster! To get the most out of your visit, check out our All-Inclusive Pass and Explorer Pass. If you’d like to know more, connect with us on Instagram and Facebook. With Go City, you can see more, for less.
Sarah Harris
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New York Souvenirs & Places to Remember Your Visit

Did you know that over 50 million tourists from all over the world visit New York City each year. Be one of them. Looking for that perfect memento from your trip to the Big Apple, but uncertain what to take home and what to avoid? We know it can be tough to find the diamond in the rough when it comes to shopping for New York City souvenirs – with so many fvendors coming at you from left and right, you don’t always know what’s worth the money. Fortunately, we’ve got a handy guide to help you out! Credit: Anthony Quintano (license) Where to Buy Souvenirs in NYC For the best souvenirs stop in at one of the stores listed below at New York's top attractions. If you're planning on going to a few New York attractions, check out the New York Explorer Pass, build your own New York Pass, or choose from Value Package Deals itineraries tailored to your interests for discount tickets and savings on classic New York fun. NYC Museums Credit: Monica Arellano-Ongpin (license) Prefer something a bit more cultured? You can’t go wrong with a gift from one of the many museum gift stores that popular Manhattan. From the Metropolitan Museum of Art to the Museum of Modern Art and beyond, these museum stores have some of the best gifts in the entire city. Whether you’re an art lover or not, the Met Store at the Metropolitan Museum of Art has unique souvenirs for everyone. From post cards and framed prints to fine art jewelry and apparel, everything the Met Store has to offer is distinctive, tasteful, and representative of New York City culture. Plus, it's a great place to find a unique gift! From beautiful (and affordable) jewelry and accessories to gorgeous prints and paintings replicated on everything from stationary to umbrellas, you’ll find practically anything you can think of at a museum gift shop. Many of them even have great sections filled with gifts for kids – the American Museum of Natural History especially. Empire State Building Credit: Sigmar (license) The range of souvenirs at the Empire State Building, one of the top-visited New York attractions, is diverse. At the Observatory Store on the 86th floor, you’ll find iconic “I ♥ NY” shirts alongside beautiful panoramic posters of the skyline, a variety of Empire State Building-themed kids toys, and books for all ages. Grand Central Terminal Credit: Christopher John SSF (license) Though sometimes overlooked by first-time tourists, the Grand Central Terminal Gift Shop is often cited as one of the best places to buy souvenirs in New York City. They’ve got absolutely everything here, including eight distinct collections organized by theme (Arts for Transit and Times Square Collection, for example). With a variety of children’s souvenirs, books and technology accessories, vintage memorabillia, unique jewelry, hip home décor, and an impressive map collection, the Grand Central Terminal Gift Shop has it all. Times Square Credit: Javier Gutierrez Acedo (license) Times Square is full of souvenir shops that cater to everyone. Poke into the shops while exploring Times Square or choose from our suggested favorites: the Disney Store, Grand Slam (for all you Yankees or Mets fans), and the Gift Shop at Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Wherever you go in NYC, you’ll find that almost all popular New York attractions have affiliated gift shops or gear. These are usually the best places to buy quality souvenirs and memorabilia. Best attractions, better prices. Check out a New York Explorer Pass build your own New York Pass, or choose from Value Package Deals itineraries tailored to your interests for discount tickets and savings on top New York attractions, museums, activities, tours, and more.
Casey Makovich
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New York Vacation Tips

Traveling to the Big Apple this summer? Whether you’re a first time visitor or a frequent flyer to NYC, it can be tough to sort through all the nitty gritty details. Here are a few of our favorite New York Vacation Tips to help you get through planning the perfect trip. From searching for hotel discounts to skipping the line at attractions and beyond, these tips are sure to come in handy. Don’t forget to pick up a New York Go Select Pass to save on all your attraction visits! Getting to NYC Depending on where you’re coming from, you’ll need to book a flight to NYC. Unless you have some frequent flier miles stocked up, or an unshakeable loyalty to one particular airline, sites that compile most possible flight prices for your comparison are your best bet. Some of the most popular sites include Kayak (which compares prices between all the different discount sites), Expedia, Travelzoo, Hotwire, and the bid-oriented site Priceline. You can’t find every open flight on these sites (remember that affordable carrier Southwest does not post fares on these sites), but they’re a great place to start. Students of all ages should also check out Student Universe for some steep discounts. You need to pay a membership fee to use their site, but if you travel even semi-regularly it’s definitely worth the significant savings. Manhattan Skyline You should also keep in mind that all of the NYC area airports require a significant drive from the airport to reach the heart of Manhattan. JFK is the most popular airport, although many find better fares flying into nearby Newark, NJ (which does offer train service into NYC – a much better deal than a taxi or town car). Be sure to factor transportation costs to and from the airport into your budget. Finding a Place to Stay If you’re not staying with a friend or family member during your vacation, you’ll have to book a hotel. Hotels.com remains the most reliable and comprehensive booking site for hotels in the US, and they frequently offer special discounts on pricing only available through their site. Priceline and Hotwire are also solid, and newcomer trivago is quickly gaining popularity. As with flights, many frequent travelers prefer to begin with Kayak because of its flexibility, although you should be aware that their initial pricing can often be misleading in a market like NYC where hotel prices fluctuate dramatically over the course of a week and season. The Great Hall of the Metropolitan Museum of Art Choose the location of your hotel carefully. In addition to reading a bunch of reviews before booking, you should also scope out a map of the area to see what’s around. It’s always tempting to stay in Midtown in the heart of things (which is a great option, but is also going to be the priciest option), but there are plenty of other great choices when looking to stay in New York – even more if you’re willing to hop a train for your sightseeing and come from New Jersey or Brooklyn. Getting Around NYC This is pretty much a no-brainer. Even if you’ve driven to the city, find some cheap long-term parking and leave the car there. Between NYC traffic, impossible parking near attractions, and the stress and confusion that comes with driving in a strange city, it’s not worth it to try to drive yourself around. Taxis are solid for late night trips (home from dinner or a club, for example), but your best bet during the day is going to be the subway system. The MTA is a sprawling system that covers the entire city and beyond. If you include the regional rail networks that come into Penn Station, you’re also able to get to Long Island and New Jersey without much trouble. The system can seem overwhelming at first, so we recommend acquiring a subway map and consulting it discreetly in advance. (The MTA website’s trip planner service can be a big help here.) Central Park Depending on how long you’re in the city for, you have a few options for purchasing your MTA passes. MetroCards are good for both bus and subway and are refillable, so if you run low you can easily add more money on the same card. The MTA website estimates that if you’re planning on taking 13 or fewer trips during your visit (that’s only six round trips), then you’re better off just paying for your fares by adding money to a MetroCard. If you think you’ll be taking the subway or bus more than that, then the 7-Day unlimited pass is best for you. It costs only $30 and is good for an entire week. Keep in mind when deciding that your base fare for a round trip is $5. (Note: the initial purchase price of a MetroCard includes a $1 new card fee) Exploring NYC The best way to enjoy the best tours, museums, and activities a city has to offer is by picking up a discount attractions pass. The New York Go Select Pass is a great option for travelers that love to plan ahead. Pay for only the attractions you want to see, and don’t feel constrained by an either/or choice. You can take up to 30 days to visit all of your chosen attractions, which means that this pass can potentially be used for more than one trip. The New York Pass also includes extra VIP benefits like skip the line privileges at top attractions (a must-have for places like the Empire State Building) and included admission to some special exhibits and shows. With more than 60 different options to choose from, you’ll save on practically everything you want to do in New York with a New York Pass. From helicopter tours and scavenger hunts to top museums and historical sites, the New York Go Select Pass can be custom-built to create your perfect itinerary. With Smart Destinations’ exclusive digital delivery option, the New York Pass is easy to obtain and even easier to use. Display on your smartphone for admission or print it out if you prefer. If you have less of a definite idea about what you want to see, consider the New York Explorer Pass, which allows you to choose the attractions you want to see as you go along. It’s also available for your mobile phone, so you don’t need to worry about keeping track of tickets or paper booklets. Both the New York Explorer Pass and the New York Pass are invaluable savings resources on any New York vacation. Happy Traveling!
Katie Sagal

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