New York City Marathon 2019 Guide

By Katie Sagal

The TCS New York City Marathon is an annual race held each November in NYC. It is arguably the second-most famous marathon in the United States, after the one and only Boston Marathon. It attracts tens of thousands of runners each year, making it the largest marathon in the world by the number of runners. It’s also one of the six World Marathon Majors, so it’s among the most prestigious races in the entire world. It’s been held every year since 1970, except for 2012 when it was canceled due to Hurricane Sandy. If you’re planning to come to NYC to run the New York City Marathon, coming to cheer for a friend, or just hoping to see a bit of the race during your visit, check out this complete guide to the NYC Marathon.

When is the New York City Marathon?

The New York City Marathon for this year will take place on November 3, 2019. It’s scheduled for a Sunday to minimize disruptions to commuting patterns as several streets will be closed for several hours. However, be aware that they will block off many streets, re-route buses, and temporarily close some subway stations. Image of Adult, Male, Man, Person, Shorts, Boy, Teen, Handbag,

What is the New York City Marathon Course?

One of the coolest and most unique things about the New York City Marathon is that its 26.2 miles purposefully encompass land in all five boroughs. It’s ideal for runners who want to sightsee while running, too! The course begins on Staten Island and finishes in Central Park. For a full course map and additional details, see the race website.

Things to Know about the New York City Marathon

For Runners...

  • Runners will start in multiple waves throughout the morning, beginning with men’s professional wheelchair at 8:30 am and ending with Wave 4 at 11:00 am.
  • While hand-held water and fuel belts are permitted, Camelbaks and other such gear are prohibited from the course.
  • You’ll find water and refueling stations every mile from Mile 3 to Mile 25.
  • There are mile-markers and clocks at every mile; the first 8 miles will be color-coded to correspond to your start corral color.
  • Race day is race week! Check out the many events leading up to Sunday’s big event on the race website to make the most of your experience.
  • The course will start to close after about 6.5 hours, with a sweep bus coming along each mile progressively. Runners are welcome to continue the race after this point but should be aware that the course will no longer be completely closed to traffic.
Image of Shorts, Adult, Male, Man, Person, Female, Girl, Teen, Woman, Shoe,

For Spectators...

  • There is no place for spectators at the start line or along the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge due to space constraints, so you’ll need to station yourselves along the course.
  • The halfway point, Pulaski Bridge, is closed to spectators. Most fans wait on the Queens side for the runners to proceed past halfway.
  • You will need Grandstand tickets to see the final few yards of the race around Central Park.
  • For full info on the best spots to cheer on runners, see below.
  • They do not allow spectators at the finish line. Meet your runner after the race at the Family Reunion zone on Central Park West between West 62nd and West 65th streets.
  • There’s a party for spectators! At the New Balance Mile 16 Block Party, you can enjoy a DJ, live music, and much more.
  • Because of the marathon’s expansive scope, portions of the city will be closed for several hours, some for the entire day. Check out the closures for more details.
  • There are several prohibited items that spectators can’t bring to the course. Consult the website for full details.

Best Spots to Watch Your Runner on the Course

  • Fourth Avenue, Brooklyn (Miles 2-4)
  • Fourth Avenue and Atlantic Avenue (Mile 8)
  • Williamsburg and Greenpoint, Brooklyn (Miles 10-13)
  • Pulaski Bridge (Mile 13.1)
  • New Balance Mile 16 Block Party (First Avenue at 62nd Street)
  • First Avenue, Manhattan (Miles 16-18)
  • East Harlem (Miles 18-20)
  • Fifth Avenue, East 90th Street-East 105th Street (Miles 23-24)
  • 67th Street on West Drive (Finish)

How to Follow the Marathon Remotely

If you’re unable to come to cheer your runner on in person, check out the official TCS New York City Marathon App to track your runner. There are also two digital screens on the course to which well-wishers can submit “Cheer Cards” for their runners to see when en route. As far as television goes, if you’re in NYC, you can watch the race live on ABC. Outside of the NY Metro area, it will be on ESPN2 and affiliated media properties.

Save on Things to do After the Marathon

If you’re in NYC to cheer on a runner at the New York City Marathon—or run it yourself!—you may be in search of things to do afterward. Check out the best things to do in NYC and save with the Go New York pass. Save up to 50% on combined admission and choose from nearly 100 different attractions, tours, cruises, and more.

Share Your Adventure with Us

Tag @GoCity or use the hashtag #GoCityPass 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!

Continue reading

banner sunset
Blog

10+ Romantic Things to Do in New York on Valentine's Day

From some of the world’s most unique museum dates to some classic options like ice-skating in Rockefeller Plaza, stunning aerial views, and intimate picnics in Central Park, it’s hard to imagine a more romantic city than New York. If you’re looking for romantic things to do in New York for Valentine's Day, then check out a few of our suggested activities. Our favorite activities to get those sparks flying include: Empire State Building MoMA & the Guggenheim Central Park New York Botanical Gardens Ice Skating Museum of Sex Cruise along the Hudson Dinner Broadway Musicals Jazz Concert See the City from Above at the Empire State Building The Empire State Building has a reputation as one of the most romantic buildings in the world - in no small part due to its history of having served as the location for any number of romantic films, lovers’ rendezvous, and even proposals. Take a ride to the top, day or night, and enjoy that soaring feeling of being on top of the world. Re-enact “An Affair to Remember” and meet exactly at 7:01PM. Then, you can enjoy a fun and flirty meal at some of the nearby restaurants (although we recommend heading away from Times Square to avoid crowds!). Don’t forget to catch a glimpse of the special lighting effects in honor of Valentine’s Day – the top of the spire will be lit with alternating red and pink sparkles. Explore the Art World Mankind has been turning to art to show their love for centuries. So with that in mind, we're sure a visit to the many amazing art museums of New York City this Valentine’s Day weekend is sure to nourish your lover’s soul. The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) offers a unique perspective on love, as seen through paintings like the iconic “LOVE” pop art piece by Robert Indiana. You'll also find a number of unexpected pieces that will get your creative juices flowing. The Guggenheim is another world-famous museum that features several romantic pieces, showcasing the love of art from the 19th century to today's contemporary art. There's an ever-changing calendar of exhibitions so be sure to check out what's in store for your romance-filled visit. Enjoy the (brisk) Outdoors at Central Park & More Now we all know that February isn’t the ideal time of year to be outside in the Northeast, but you can’t cross a romantic stroll off your list of things to do in New York City on Valentine’s Day. Wrap up warm and walk through some of the city’s best parks, like Central Park or Prospect Park, and enjoy the beautiful wintry landscapes. That being said, if you’d prefer the romance of nature without the reality of the weather, try a visit to the New York Botanical Garden or the Brooklyn Museum and Botanic Garden, both of which offer indoor spaces featuring gorgeous tropical plants. Ice Skate at Rockefeller Center If you’re hardy enough to brave the outdoors, then why not try out one of the most romantic wintertime traditions in the city? Ice skating. Watch the ice skaters at the Rockefeller Center rink or in Central Park, or tie on a pair of skates yourself, as long as you don’t mind being out-skated by some locals. Besides, there’s nothing as sweet as a bit of rink time with your love – remember Serendipity? Rockefeller Center and Central Park simply too touristy for your taste? Then head to Bryant Park’s Winter Village for other skating options. They also boast a number of food stalls, shops, and miscellaneous vendors. You know, if you'd like to treat your partner to a little something. Play up Your Sensual Side at the Museum of Sex What’s Valentine’s Day without a little sensuality? One of the most romantic things to do in New York City for this lovers’ holiday is a celebration of the human body, in all its glory. Try a visit to the one-of-a-kind Museum of Sex, a truly educational and enlightening tour of humanity’s relationship with sex. You’ll see art and artifacts spanning the aesthetics of black and white photography to comic books and pop art. It’s not all about art, either – you’ll find some of the most important and compelling conversations about human sexuality in the world represented in the programming and exhibits at this museum. Hop Aboard a Romantic Cruise Although February is a chilly time of year to be out on the water, you will find most tourist-oriented cruises will run at least once per day. One of our favorite options is the romantic Harbor Lights Cruise, which showcases New York in its most flattering light, with all the glitter of the city on display against a beautiful sunset. It's the perfect opportunity to get that lovely couple's photo in front of the city skyline. If you’re in the city primarily to sightsee, however, something like the Landmark Cruise would also be a good option! There's still something really fun and romantic about being out on the water, regardless of your featured attractions. Enjoy a Romantic Meal The mix of delicious cuisine and romantic ambiance that many New York City restaurants offer (both this time of year specifically and year-round) make the Big Apple an ideal destination for a Valentine's Day date. Whether you’re interested in the high-class romance of a steak-and-seafood restaurant or you’re really just looking for an amazing vegan burrito, NYC has that perfect place to satisfy your cravings. If you’re looking to explore new areas for dining options – and we do recommend branching out from Times Square for the really good stuff – try scoping out places like Greenwich Village, TriBeCa, the West Village, and NoMad. Brooklyn also has some great fare if you’re willing to venture on the subway (we promise it’s fine!). Take in a Show The home of Broadway and everything inspired by the art and music industry, New York City offers some of the best theaters in the world just in time for Valentine’s Day. Whether you want to go all-out with a romantic evening performance of the hottest new show, or you want to try something new at a comedy club or a small indie theatre in the Bronx, there is something to suit every taste. Be sure to purchase tickets in advance, as a show in NYC is an incredibly popular Valentine’s idea among locals in the Tri-State area, too. There are also a number of discount ticket sites available, so it's worth your time to do some research before visiting to see if you can get a good deal on your desired performance. Or, if you just fancy enjoying the bright lights of this buzzing area from the street, join a Broadway and Times Square walking tour and walk in the footsteps of some famous names down the glittering Great White Way. Jazz Concert There's nothing more romantic than the cool vibrations of soulful jazz music. Visit Harlem and be transported back to where it all began in 1970s New York at the Harlem Jazz Series. During this one-hour concert, you'll listen to the sensual sounds of both modern and past Jazz musicians, such as Ella Fitzgerald, Miles Davies, Duke Ellington and Billie Holiday. While you're here, take your time to explore the neighborhood of Harlem, home to trendy eateries and cool bars – the perfect place to spend your Valentine's Day in the Big Apple. Remember to Save on Admission Whether you’re a more conventional flower-and-dinner kind of couple, or you prefer something more off the beaten path, there are plenty of romantic things to do in New York for you to choose from. Remember, some of these great options are available with Go City®, where you can make big savings on combined admission vs paying at the gate.
Katie Sagal
Blog

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
New York City lights
Blog

2 days in New York City: a weekend in NYC itinerary

Spending a weekend in New York and wondering how to make the most of it? We've got you covered with our tailor-made itinerary.
Casey Makovich

Have a 5% discount, on us!

Sign up to our newsletter and receive exclusive discounts, trip inspiration and attraction updates straight to your inbox.

  • Thick check Icon