New York City Staycation - Ideas to Plan a Fun Weekend at Home

By Katie Sagal

These days, it can be hard to get the resources together for a real getaway every time we feel like we truly need a break. So why not opt for a New York City staycation and make the most of your hometown or local city? Take the opportunity to see and do things you never get to, dine out, and maybe even stay in a hotel to make it more fun. If you’re a New York metropolitan area resident and are looking for some fun staycation ideas, check out this post. We’ve curated our favorite hometown activities, from romantic couples’ activities to educational kids’ museums. Our top staycation ideas include:

  • The Met
  • Top of the Rock
  • Central Park & Bike Rides
  • Big Bus New York
  • 9/11 Memorial and Museum
  • American Museum of Natural History
  • New York Botanical Garden
  • Harbor Lights Cruise: Circle Line Sightseeing
  • New York Historical Society Museum

Save on Admission

Looking to save on tickets to your favorite staycation ideas? Pick up a New York Explorer Pass® to save up to 50% on top area museums, tours, activities, and more. See all available attractions and prices – here.

The Met

Image of Indoors, Museum, Person, Handbag, While we’re sure that you’ve hit up the Met at least once during your time in NYC, there’s always more to see at this phenomenal institution. Whether you’re interested in Ancient Egyptian artifacts, medieval armor, or Impressionist paintings, you’ll find it at the Met. They also host frequent special programming and events that you can take advantage of as a local – especially if you spring from a membership that gives you access to elite events all year. Getting In: Metropolitan Museum of Art tickets are available with the New York City Explorer Pass.

Top of the Rock

Image of Building, Cityscape, Urban, City, Outdoors, Nature, Aerial View, While this is certainly a top attraction for out-of-towners, it should also be high on your staycation list. It’s especially important to enjoy this observation deck if you’ve never been before (and be honest – many of us never get to the coolest things in our hometowns). You can opt to come in the evening for some romantic cityscape views, or early in the day to avoid crowds. Getting In: Top of the Rock tickets are available with the New York City Explorer Pass.

Central Park & Bike Rides

Image of Grass, Nature, Outdoors, Park, Grove, Land, Tree, Vegetation, Woodland, Garden, Person, Handbag, Central Park has a well-deserved reputation as one of the most wonderful things about NYC. Exercise your rights as a New Yorker to enjoy this fantastic urban park as much as you’d like. Stroll around. Enjoy a picnic in warmer weather. Take a tour. Ride a bike. Watch the kids play any number of games and sports. There’s practically no end to the fun and relaxation you can indulge in with a trip to this park – so put it high on your staycation itinerary. Getting In: Central Park is free to explore; Central Park bike rentals are available with the New York City Explorer Pass.

Big Bus New York

Image of City, Urban, Road, Street, Plant, Potted Plant, Neighborhood, Jar, Planter, Pottery, Vase, Downtown, Metropolis, Cityscape, Person, Bus, Vehicle, If you’re one of those couples who has lived in NYC for a while but hasn’t really gotten out to all the big name stuff – whether that’s because of work, or other commitments keeping you busy – a New York City staycation/weekend 'getaway' in the city is the perfect opportunity to remedy that. Hop aboard a bus tour and play tourist for a day as you enjoy learning more about your city, seeing the big name sights, and traversing the city in a vehicle that’s much nicer than the NYC subway. Getting In: Big Bus New York tickets are available with the New York City Explorer Pass.

9/11 Memorial and Museum

Image of City, Office Building, Metropolis, Urban, Road, Street, High Rise, Person, Shop, Shopping Mall, Handbag, Convention Center, Garden, Nature, Outdoors, Walking, This poignant attraction is still relatively new in the city and there’s a decent chance you haven’t been able to visit yet. As a local, the events of 9/11 are particularly emotional, and a visit to this memorial and museum could be a good way to think through your experiences. The striking exterior Memorial also provides opportunities to appreciate NYC’s architectural strengths. Getting In: 9/11 Memorial and Museum tickets are available with the New York City Explorer Pass.

American Museum of Natural History

Image of City, Urban, Shop, Shopping Mall, Road, Street, Person, Traffic Light, Arch, Office Building, Another top museum option for locals to enjoy is the eclectic American Museum of Natural History. In addition to exciting permanent collections, they’ve got fun and informative temporary exhibits that rotate seasonally, so there’s always something new for you and the kids to enjoy. If you’ve got kids under 12, then you absolutely must head to the Discovery Room for some interactive and educational ways to access the museum’s collections. Getting In: American Museum of Natural History tickets are available with the New York City Explorer Pass.

New York Botanical Garden

Image of Garden, Nature, Outdoors, Grass, Park, Arbour, Path, Walkway, Vegetation, Fence, Hedge, Backyard, Yard, Flower, This is one for you nature lovers out there. If you’ve never visited this Bronx treasure before, you’ll be amazed at the variety of flora that you can find right in NYC. Hop aboard the tram for a tour of the complete gardens, or wander about on the paths to see specific areas of interest. Be sure to consult their website before you visit so you can see what’s blooming. This will help you decide the ideal time to go – especially if you’re interested in elusive blooms like the iconic cherry blossoms! Getting In: New York Botanical Garden tickets are available with the New York City Explorer Pass.

Harbor Lights Cruise: Circle Line Sightseeing

Image of Nature, Outdoors, Sky, Scenery, Landscape, Sunrise, Sun, City, Cityscape, Urban, Sunset, Panoramic, Sea, Water, If you’re looking for something romantic to do on your staycation – a chance to enjoy something special with your significant other – then we suggest the Harbor Lights Cruise by Circle Line Sightseeing. This two-hour cruise departs at sunset and sails around the island, offering stunning evening views of major sites like Ellis Island, the USS Intrepid, the Brooklyn Bridge, and many more. Getting In: Harbor Lights Cruise tickets are available with the New York City Explorer Pass. Please note that a small upgrade fee applies.

New York Historical Society Museum

Image of Art, Indoors, Art Gallery, Museum, Our last suggestion is a fun one, and kind of a hidden gem. While you may be aware of the New York Historical Society Museum (it’s right next to the AMNH), have you ever taken an hour or two to visit? Come here for a taste of NYC that’s as eclectic as it is fascinating. You’ll find everything from Native American artifacts from the Lenape to twenty-first-century industrial objects. In addition to the main Robert H. and Clarice Smith New York Gallery of American History, there’s also the interactive DiMenna Children’s History Museum, which your kids will adore. Getting In: New York Historical Society Museum tickets are available with the New York City Explorer Pass.

Don’t Forget to Save

Hopefully, these ideas help you plan that ideal New York City staycation for you and your family. Remember, if you’re looking to save money while enjoying your local attractions, pick up a New York City Explorer Pass today!

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10+ Things to Do in Midtown Manhattan During Your Trip to New York City

Manhattan has so much to offer visitors – from world-class restaurants to college campuses to trendy art galleries. There’s so much, in fact, that it’s impossible to tackle it all in one trip. Visitors often find it helpful to confine their explorations to one neighborhood or region of the city, like the immensely popular Midtown Manhattan. If you’re looking for things to do in Midtown Manhattan during your trip to New York, check out our list of the best local activities and attractions, including... Empire State Building Top of the Rock Observatory Madame Tussuads New York Madison Square Garden® Tour Intrepid Sea, Air, and Space Museum Harbor Lights Sightseeing Cruise And more! Save on Midtown Manhattan Attraction Admission Admission to many of these top New York City attractions and activities and more are included on the New York City Explorer Pass®. Choose as you go from many top attractions and save up to 50% on combined admission vs. paying at the gate. See all available passes, attractions & prices – Learn more. Empire State Building One of the most iconic buildings in all of NYC, the Empire State Building is a must-see on your trip to the Big Apple. Head to the top of this amazing observatory for unparalleled views of the city below – 1,050 feet below, to be exact! Don’t forget to scope out their recently restored Art Deco-style lobby, too. Getting In: Empire State Building tickets are included with the New York City Explorer Pass®. Top of the Rock Observatory Take a ride to the top of Rockefeller Center (or “30 Rock”) for more special views of NYC from above. The largely unobstructed 360-degree views of the skyline provide great photo opportunities for all – you’ll see sites like the Chrysler Building, One World Trade Center, Central Park, the Flatiron Building, and more. Only have time for one observation deck, but can't decide? Check out our post comparing the Top of the Rock vs. The Empire State Building. Getting In: Top of the Rock Observatory tickets are included with the New York City Explorer Pass®. Madame Tussauds New York This popular Times Square destination is a must-visit for Midtown Manhattan explorers. They've got amazingly realistic wax replicas of all your favorite celebrities from around the globe and across the city. Featured figurines include major icons like sports legends Derek Jeter, Lionel Messi and Serena Williams, actors like Johnny Depp and Sofia Vergara, and world leaders like Barack Obama and Pope Francis. Come here to snap a photo with two or three of your favorites! Getting In: Madame Tussauds New York tickets are included with the New York City Explorer Pass. Madison Square Garden®: All Access TourTM Home of the New York Knicks and New York Rangers, on top of countless concerts and events, Madison Square Garden is a cultural hotspot in NYC. More than that – it’s an important part of the city’s artistic and musical heritage, having hosted some of the most famous concerts in history. Check out their MSG’s Defining Moments exhibit to learn more about these events and other important occasions. A tour of this facility is a great way to go behind the scenes at this iconic venue, and even provides access to non-public areas. Getting In: Madison Square Garden Tour tickets are included with the New York City Explorer Pass®. Intrepid Sea, Air, and Space Museum Fans of military history or the history of aviation will treasure a visit to this unique attraction. Tour a massive hangar featuring 27 carefully restored aircraft, ranging from the Lockheed A-12 Blackbird to a 1950s-era MiG-17. A special must-see part of this attraction is the Space Shuttle Pavilion, which houses the world’s first successful space shuttle – the Enterprise. Be sure to also check out the Growler, the only American diesel-powered strategic missile submarine. Another great artifact here is the British Airways Concorde, the fastest commercial aircraft to cross the Atlantic Ocean. Getting In: Intrepid Museum tickets are included with the New York City Explorer Pass®. Best of NYC Cruise This comprehensive cruise is a great way to see – as the name suggests – the best of the best in the Big Apple. A 3-hour excursion that covers everything from the Empire State Building to Yankee Stadium, this cruise is a wonderful choice for those looking for a thorough sightseeing excursion without the stress of dealing with NYC traffic on a bus. Getting In: Best of NYC Cruise: Circle Line Sightseeing tickets are included with the New York City Explorer Pass®. A small upgrade fee also applies. Harbor Lights Sightseeing Cruise Looking to infuse a little romance into your NYC explorations? Then a Twilight Sightseeing Cruise is your perfect option. Make unforgettable memories as you set sail around the New York Harbor just as the sun is setting, seeing absolutely stunning views of the illuminated city skyline. Of course, this isn't to say that families or friends won't enjoy this evening-time cruise! It's a great idea for all travelers, and the lighting makes for some striking nighttime photo opportunities. Getting In: Circle Line Harbor Lights Cruise tickets are included with the New York City Explorer Pass®. Full Day Bike Rental Meander around NYC with a full day bike rental from Hudson River Sightseeing. Don’t worry if you aren’t familiar with the city – there are easy ways to roam around and really bike-friendly places like the 32 miles of trails around the Hudson River Greenway. It’s a great activity for families and couples. Getting In: Hudson River Sightseeing: Full Day Bike Rentals are included with the New York City Explorer Pass®. The High Line By David Berkowitz from New York, NY, USA [CC BY 2.0], via Wikimedia CommonsIn search of more NYC green space? Head to the High Line, an immensely popular park constructed on the remains of an old elevated rail line. Providing amazing views of the city and the Hudson River, as well as a delightful stroll through cultivated garden space, the High Line is a must-visit attraction that locals also love. Be sure to check out their events schedule to see what’s going on during your visit! Getting In: Admission to the High Line is free. New York Public Library One of the most beautiful buildings in all of NYC is the New York Public Library’s Stephen A. Schwarzman Building. This striking Beaux Arts building opened to the public in 1911 and today serves as one of the system’s four main research libraries. Pop inside to pay a visit to the famed Rose Main Reading Room, which feels like something out of a Harry Potter movie. Getting In: Admission to the New York Public Library is free, but you must have a library card to check out materials. The Morgan Library & Museum If you’re in search of more culture in Midtown, then a visit to the Morgan Library & Museum is a perfect choice. It’s smaller (and often less crowded) than some of the big name stuff uptown, but equally as fascinating to literature lovers and culture buffs. It boasts an impressive collection of historic manuscripts, rare books, prints, drawings, and paintings that once belonged to J.P. Morgan’s personal collection. Getting In: Admission to the Morgan Library & Museum is separately ticketed and is not included on the New York City Explorer Pass®. To purchase tickets and for more information about this attraction, please visit the attraction website. Remember to Save on Attraction Admission So there are our favorite choices for things to do in Midtown Manhattan and the surrounding areas during your trip to New York City. Don’t forget - many of these great attraction options and more are included on the New York City Explorer Pass®, which can save you up to 50% on combined admission vs. paying at the gate. We hope you consider adding a few of these great attraction options to your NYC vacation plans.
Katie Sagal
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New York in September   

There’s no doubt about it - September is the absolute best time for crunching through leaves in Central Park, visiting fun outdoor attractions, and cozying up in the museum café. If you’re looking for the ultimate Autumn in New York experience, don’t worry - we’ve got you covered! For those who are thinking about making the visit, plan ahead with our comprehensive guide for the best things to do in the area. We hope you find many of our tips useful for the future. Take in the Fall Vibes The weather in September is still warm and balmy, making it one of the best times to visit some outdoor attractions. Situated between the Upper West and Upper East Sides of Manhattan, Central Park is easily accessible and offers a wide array of fun activities. Attracting over 25 million visitors each year, this is easily one of the most popular public parks in the world – and with good reason. Whether you’re looking to visit the zoo, see the conservatory garden, or just take a relaxing stroll, there’s plenty to do here. The light autumnal weather also provides ample opportunity for some great outdoor events. Taking place every Wednesday of the month, Jazz at Pier 84 combines stunning live performances with beautiful evenings. Totally free and set along the waterfront of the Hudson River, we couldn’t think of a much cooler way to relax on vacation. So, pack some blankets and snacks and get ready to watch the sunset over the skyline! Is there any better way to enjoy the outdoors than by watching a movie under the stars? All throughout the month, you can catch free outdoor screenings right in the center of Bryant Park. Showing on Monday and Tuesday evenings, the festival features everything from critically acclaimed dramas and black and white classics to laugh-out-loud comedies and cult indie flicks. While the park provides food and wine concessions, it’s up to you to bring a blanket, since there is no seating area. In addition, there are also music, dance and theater events produced in partnership with a varied lineup of the city’s performing arts institutions. Find Fun Activities Whilst you might be thinking that summertime is peak festival season, we’re here to tell you that you're wrong. A total treat for music lovers, Governor’s Ball is one of New York’s most respected, hyped and talked about cultural events. A total musical extravaganza, the affair features an impressive and exciting lineup with a mixed bag of genres, including hip-hop, rock, pop and electronic. With previous performances from Miley Cyrus, Drake and Stevie Nicks, this one is a sure winner! New York City has never failed to impress us with its delicious culinary offerings. To grab a slice of the action head down to Smorgasburg fest, where you can try out different specialities from dozens of local vendors. Billed as ‘’the Woodstock of eating’’, the event offers a broad variety of dishes, as well as cocktails and high-quality beers on tap. With plenty of vegan and gluten-free options to choose from, we promise nobody will go hungry! Another one of our favorite places to go in September is Brooklyn Botanic Garden. Situated at the northeastern edge of Prospect Park, this 52-acre stretch is home to thousands of plants and trees, as well as a discovery garden with butterflies, bees and chipmunks. Attracting nearly a million visitors each year, this stunning urban landscape encourages its visitors to explore the world of plants whilst promoting a sense of responsibility for the environment. Including a number of speciality "gardens within the Garden", the Steinhardt Conservatory that houses the C.V. Starr Bonsai Museum, and an art gallery, there’s a little something for everyone here. Magical and swoon-worthy, this place makes the perfect day trip. Get Cultured One of the greatest things about New York is that the city is a total melting pot for more cultures than any other place in the United States. To experience how residents have been shaping and contributing to the culture of the city is an experience in itself – and definitely one which we recommend. If you're interested in exploring the area through its food, we suggest heading down to the San Gennaro Festival. Initially a one-day religious holiday, the event was brought over by Italian immigrants who wanted to continue the tradition they had followed in their home country, celebrating Saint Januarius, the Patron Saint of Naples. Today, the festival is a magnificent flourish of delicious food, live music, and colorful parades which is held annually in the Little Italy district of Manhattan. Soak up the festive atmosphere, enjoy some of the best Italian cuisine in the city, and definitely don’t miss the world-famous cannoli eating contest! New York is well-recognized as the art capital of the United States. Those who are interested in exploring the city’s creative side should definitely look into booking a street art tour. Along the route, you’ll be guided through the vibrant works of many big contemporary street artists, as well as some interesting lesser-known names. In addition, you’ll get to learn more about the different styles and techniques which have been developed throughout the history of street art. Extremely Instagram-worthy and incredibly fascinating, too, you won’t want to miss this one! Those who are visiting during the anniversary of 9/11 should consider checking out the Tribute in Light installation. First introduced six months after the attacks, this piece seeks to commemorate the thousands of lives that were lost whilst celebrating the enduring strength of New York City. From the roof of the Battery Parking Garage, two beams of light are projected into the Manhattan skyline, where the passenger planes were once hijacked by terrorists and crashed into the World Trade Center buildings. We suggest going at nighttime since the lights are best appreciated after dark. New York is great all year round, but fall is especially magical– the leaves turn golden, the air is crisp, and the city offers a wide array of fun activities and events. Whether you’re ambling through the winding pathways of Central Park, enjoying jazz right beside the Hudson River, or catching a sunset movie, it's impossible to be bored. To make the most of this fleeting season, be sure to check out our All-Inclusive pass and Explorer pass. See more for less with Go City.
Sarah Harris
Blog

Things to Do in New York in Fall 2018 - Attractions, Activities & More

Heading to the Big Apple for some fall festivities? There’s so much to see and so many things to do that you’ll have a hard time narrowing it all down into one trip. If you’re planning a trip and looking for things to do in New York in the Fall in 2018, take a look at our suggestions for the top attractions and activities to check out this year, including... Special Exhibits at The Met Fall foliage from Popular Observation Decks Metroplitan Museum of Art Special Exhibits Georgia O'Keeffe at the New York Botanical Garden Sporting events and more... Save on Attraction Admission Regular admission to a number of these New York activities are available on the New York City Explorer Pass®. Choose as you go from dozens of top attractions and save up to 50% on combined admission vs paying at the gate. Check out all New York tourist passes, attractions and prices. Please note, some of the Fall events listed below may be separately ticketed and not available on the Explorer Pass. The RIDE in Masquerade 2018 Dates TBD This time of year, New York's most enjoyable and entertaining tour bus is in full costume -- the RIDE is now in Masquerade! What better way to celebrate the Halloween season than with a gorgeous historical costume? Marvel at the heritage of old world European masquerade as the guides on this unparalleled tour treat you to a special seasonal version of their famed RIDE. Seriously, you'll feel like you're attending a historical ball with Marie Antoinette. Of course, it's not all glitz and glam -- you'll also be treated to scary stories, enticing videos, and the very tangible presence of the spirits of New York City past. It's all in all some super seasonal fun! Getting In: The RIDE in Masquerade tickets are available with the New York City Explorer Pass®. Amazing City Views of Fall Foliage Image Credit: Top of the Rock Facebook Page Get a bird’s eye view of the beautiful fall foliage in Central Park, as well as the bustling streets of NYC, from your perch atop one of the city’s best vantage points. Both of the city's iconic observation decks provide a good opportunity for you to enjoy your unique perspective on the changing scenery below, and to take some great photos, too. The Empire State Building is a classic, while the Top of the Rock provides more unobstructed views. Can’t go wrong with either! Getting In: Empire State Building tickets and Top of the Rock tickets are both available with the New York City Explorer Pass®. Statue of Liberty Fall is time for remembering our history, and there are few places so historical as New York City. Take a ferry out to our Lady Liberty, then tour the Ellis Island Museum as you learn all about the history of early immigration in America. Crowds will be thinner this time of year, too, and it may be easier to get additional tickets to the pedestal or crown (as long as you don't plan your vacation for a holiday weekend). Getting In: Statue of Liberty ferry tickets are available with the New York City Explorer Pass®. Crown and pedestal admission is separately ticketed and is not included with the pass. Art Museums There are few places as culturally diverse and as artistically accomplished as NYC. So it's no surprise that it's home to some of the world's most prestigious and fascinating museums. Two of our favorites are the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Museum of Modern Art, which each offer amazing and inspiring works of art from all around the world for your enjoyment. If you're headed to the Met, be sure to check out their exciting new exhibit (which we all previewed at this year's Met Gala), "Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination." This special exhibit of apparel and accessories will be on display through October 8, 2018. Additional fall special exhibits at the Met include topics like African American photography, Japanese painting, twentieth-century furniture, African sculpture, and more. Getting In: Metropolitan Museum of Art tickets and Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) tickets are both are available with the New York City Explorer Pass®. Get Out for a Bike Ride Fall in New York is that perfect mix of crisp and cool – not too cold to stay inside but just pleasant enough that you aren’t working up much of a sweat on a leisurely bike ride. Didn’t bring a bike with you? Just rent one in Central Park and enjoy pedaling along their many scenic bike trails. You'll get to enjoy the many sights and sounds of Central Park, including Belvedere Castle, the Shakespeare Garden, Central Park Zoo, and so much more. If you prefer a little bit of guidance to maximize your Central Park explorations, you can take a bike tour of the area, too! Getting In: Central Park bike rentals and Central Park Bike Tour tickets are available with the New York City Explorer Pass®. Sightseeing Cruises You could also opt for a night cruise, to enjoy the beautiful skyline. Grab a scarf and light jacket and head out to the water to enjoy an informative and relaxing sightseeing cruise. New York is particularly suited for water tours, as you can see nearly all of the major landmarks like the Empire State Building, Wall Street, the Statue of Liberty, and the Freedom Tower without venturing on dry land. Getting In: Many cruise options, like the popular Circle Line NYC Landmark Cruise, are available with the New York City Explorer Pass®. Sporting Events & Arena Tours What better way to celebrate fall with sports fans than with a visit to their favorite ballpark or arena? The Yankees have some really amazing talent and their post-season chances are looking good. And while baseball is winding to a close in the fall, basketball is just getting started and the Knicks are ready to go with some new talent on board this season. And don't forget about the Rangers, either! If you can't make it to a game, consider taking a tour of local venues, like Yankee Stadium or Madison Square Garden. Getting In: Yankee Stadium Classic Tour tickets and Madison Square Garden Tour tickets are both are available with the New York City Explorer Pass®. Georgia O’Keeffe: Visions of Hawai‘i New York Botanical Garden now through October 28, 2018 This special exhibit at the New York Botanical Garden is a must-see for art and plant lovers. Come to see Georgia O'Keeffe's iconic paintings of Hawaii -- now together in NYC for the first time since 1940. These lush, evocative paintings are paired with the exotic Hawaiian plants that inspired them, creating a truly inspiring combination of art and science that we know you'll just adore. This exhibition is included with general admission. Getting In: New York Botanical Garden tickets are available with the New York City Explorer Pass®. Brooklyn Book Festival September 10-17, 2018 Brooklyn Borough Hall & Citywide Image credit: Julienne Schaer. Enjoy panel discussions and readings from authors around the world at one of the city’s favorite bookish events. Find your next big read, your next author crush, or just reconnect with an old favorite. Sunday, September 16th is the Festival Day and Literary Marketplace (pictured above). There are also author events throughout the city on various days, including heavy hitters like Martin Amis, Jennifer Egan, Eve L. Ewing, Justina Ireland, N.K. Jemisin, Tayari Jones, Malina Lo, Joseph O'Neill, and many more. This is an ideal family event, with specialty kids' readings and books as well. Children's Day is September 15, held in the MetroTech Commons. Getting In: Admission to the Brooklyn Book Festival is free. Oktoberfest in NYC Throughout October Various locations Image credit: Filip Wolak Oktoberfest isn’t just one festival – it’s an entire collection of events, beer halls, brewery tours, beer gardens, and so much more. You’ll find a wide variety of events all over the city, ranging from the kid-friendly to the adults-only. Some of our favorites include Beer at the Pier (at Watermark bar) and Oktoberfest Night at Citi Field (a good family event). Getting In: Admission to various Oktoberfest events are separately ticketed and is not included with the New York City Explorer Pass®. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit individual event websites. Atlantic Antic September 23, 2018 Atlantic Ave, Brooklyn Wander through more than 500 food, craft, and beverage vendors as they take over one of Brooklyn’s busiest streets You’ll also be treated to a diverse musical lineup and other great performance art, so it’s an all-around cultural fest. This year marks the 44th occurrence of this perennially popular event! Getting In: Admission to Atlantic Antic is free. Medieval Festival September 30, 2018 Fort Tryon Park Image credit: Jakob K. Layman Are you a lover of all things historical? Ever wish you could see a joust, or wear a suit of armor? Immerse yourself in the all the fun parts of the Middle Ages (no black plague or bad dental hygiene here) with a visit to this free, kid-friendly event. Gnaw on some turkey legs and sip some mead as you listen to minstrels serenade the masses. Getting In: Admission to the Medieval Festival is free. Columbus Day Parade October 8, 2018 5th Ave. Image credit: Marielle Solan Marvel at tens of thousands of marchers who gather together to commemorate Columbus’s landing in the Americas. It’s also a celebration of Italian heritage, which you know NYC is pretty good at. This parade has a smaller scale than something like the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, so it’s a good opportunity to enjoy festive NYC without the crazy crowds. Getting In: Admission to the Columbus Day Parade is free. A Few Other Suggestion for Things to do in New York this Fall Hop aboard a fall foliage cruise on the Hudson River. Later in the season, check out one of New York’s famed ice rinks like the one in Rockefeller Plaza. Visit the Queens County Farm Museum for all sorts of seasonal fun like pumpkin picking and corn-maze exploring. Cheer on the runners at the world-famous New York City marathon. Let's Recap So there you have it – scads of exciting and festive things to do in New York in the fall in 2018. From parades to festivals and bike rides to cruises, whatever you do you’re bound to have fun. And remember, you can save on combined admission on many of these popular attractions, tours, and more with the New York City Explorer Pass®. Please note, some of the Fall events taking place mentioned in this post may be separately ticketed and not included with the Explorer Pass.
Katie Sagal

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