New York City Tourism Discounts

By Go City Expert

Did you know that New York City hosts nearly 47 million tourists each year? While the number seems striking, it starts to make sense when you take into account all of the City's many tourist magnets. People come from all over the country and the world to see plays on Broadway, re-create the experiences of their ancestors with a trip to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty, have a people-watching picnic in Central Park and speed up the elevator to the top of the Empire State Building. New York attractions are so diverse and plentiful that it's no wonder they call NYC The City that Never Sleeps—who would have the time? While New York City is certainly a busy and popular destination, your New York vacation doesn't have to be stressful or chaotic. A New York attraction pass can make all the difference, and Smart Destinations has anticipated your every need when it comes to a New York pass to top attractions. There are two options for you to choose from. First up is the New York Explorer Pass, featuring discounted admission to 3, 5, 7, or 10 attractions (depending on how adventurous you're feeling). You'll have 55 attractions to choose from (though you don't have to choose until you're actually in NYC) and 30 full days to use the pass so you can go at your own pace. While some tourists like cramming all they can into an action-packed day, others prefer to see one or two attractions a day and take the rest of the time to wander and relax. No matter your style, the NYC Explorer Pass can accommodate your family and provide added convenience via a full-color guidebook and "skip the line" deals at many New York attractions. The Go Select New York pass has the same idea: discounted admission to top attractions on one convenient New York pass. However, this pass is a bit more tailored to your personal whims. In fact, you'll build the pass yourself, adding attractions and watching your savings grow. This pass also features 55 attractions and 30 days from activation to take advantage of your discounts. And if planning really isn't your thing or you're running short on ideas, take a look at the pre-made Go Select New York Packages, with options like the New York Family Fun Pass or NYC Land & Sea. Don't forget, half the fun of being in New York City is just simply, well, being there. Make sure you take the time to look around you and soak in the people, architecture, culture, and vibrancy that have made NYC such an alluring destination for so many years.

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Things to do in Harlem

Steeped in African American history and culture, Harlem has much to offer for the inquisitive traveler. Today, the area thrives with fantastic museums, world-renowned theaters and amazing little hidden gems. Whether you’re an artsy type, a foodie, or a music lover, you’ll find that there are many reasons to love the neighborhood. With so many things to see and do in the area, we’ve put together a list of our favorite attractions. Keep scrolling to read about the best things to do in Harlem! Get to Know the Area Whilst other neighborhoods are noted for their towering buildings and modern structures, Harlem is home to many important historical landmarks. Founded in 1808, the Abyssinian Baptist Church is one of the oldest African American Baptist churches in the United States and an unmissable stop if exploring Harlem. Visitors can come to enjoy beautiful sermons and admire the building’s striking interiors. The church welcomes guests from all walks of life, though we recommend wearing modest clothes as a mark of respect. Another one of our favorite things to do in Harlem is visit the Hamilton Grange National Memorial. Situated at St. Nicholas Park, the property is recognized as the only home that founding father Alexander Hamilton ever owned. Today, the National Historic Site offers an inside look into Hamilton’s extraordinary lifestyle and career which foregrounded the United States as it is known today. Visitors can take guided tours to view the well-preserved interiors, interesting films, and a small museum exhibiting the American patriot’s greatest achievements. A total must-see, this historic site provides fantastic insight into the establishment and early development of the United States. New York City has always been recognized for its powerful sway within the art world, with Harlem presenting some fantastic hidden treasures. For those interested in art history and Harlem street culture, the Graffiti Hall of Fame showcases impressive pieces which changed the landscape of the urban art scene forever. In particular, these bright, expressive murals display the development of graffiti writing from the 1980s up until today. Don’t forget to take your phone or a camera to capture some shots of this fascinating historic site! Get Cultured Looking for a world-class entertainment experience right in the center of Harlem? Well, look no further. Giving status to some of the East Coast’s top entertainers for decades, the Apollo Theater is recognized as one of Harlem’s most notable attractions. The venue is well known for hosting Showtime at the Apollo and its legendary Amateur Night, featuring undiscovered artists performing across all art forms. But if that’s not quite your cup of tea, there’s no need to worry; you can see everything from live jazz to classical music performances here. With its interesting history and lively atmosphere, there’s no better place to catch a show. A well-recognized cultural and creative hub, Harlem presents some of the best art galleries in the city. Founded in 1968, The Studio Museum in Harlem seeks to display, preserve, and interpret art created by African Americans. Though the repository is smaller than say, that of MoMA, it works to paint a profound and accurate portrayal of a community which sees less focus in the mainstream art world. Upon entrance, you’ll be able to enjoy a captivating collection spanning over 200 years of history and across all disciplines. Presenting beautiful and historically-relevant pieces within an intimate space, this place makes for the perfect quiet afternoon out. Those looking to learn more about the background of the area should consider checking out the National Jazz Museum in Harlem. A great stop for music lovers and history buffs alike, the institute offers a deep dive into the East Coast artists who contributed to the genre. Amongst its holdings, you’ll find Duke Ellington’s piano and Eddie ‘Lockjaw’ Davis’ sax, along with old photos, letters and recordings. In addition, the facility holds regular live performances – so don’t miss out! Take in the Atmosphere One of the best ways to experience the local culture of a neighborhood is through its markets. Located just off of Malcolm X Boulevard (and named after the famous activist’s grandson), the Malcolm Shabazz Harlem Market reflects the community it's in through presenting a fantastic array of local vendors. Open daily, the market is known for purveying everything from traditional African clothing and jewelry to streetwear and original artwork. Dive into the crowds, pick up a souvenir, and take it all in. We couldn't think of a better way to spend a lazy New York afternoon! Do you want to meander through fantastical botanical displays and draping foliage right in the middle of the concrete jungle? Well, as it turns out, you can! Situated near the East Harlem district of Manhattan, Central Park’s Conservatory Garden offers the perfect retreat from the city. Constructed in 1937, the garden is made up of three separate areas, each with a unique design: the French-style Garden, the Italianate Garden, and the English-style Garden. Enjoy the fresh air, have a picnic, and watch the sunset – what could be better than that? Anybody who comes to Harlem looking for great eateries will not be disappointed! Whether you’re craving fresh grilled catfish or creamy lobster risotto, the area presents the perfect bite for every occasion. Those who are interested in fine dining should look into Renaissance Harlem for its creative menu and laid-back atmosphere. If soul food is more your style, head to Sylvia’s for the perfect chicken and waffles. We also recommend checking out Harlem’s restaurant row, for those who just cannot make the final decision! Diverse and bustling with life, Harlem is one of the most interesting neighborhoods in New York to explore. It doesn’t matter if you’re a first-timer or a returning visitor, you’re sure to find something to pique your interest. Whether you’re looking to taste some of the best soul food in the city, catch a first-class performance at the Apollo Theater, or get in touch with your spiritual side, it’s impossible to be bored here. To find out how to save money on your trip, check out our Explorer Pass and All-Inclusive Pass. For more details, make sure to connect with us on Instagram and Facebook.

New York Bus Tour Discount Tickets & Tips for Visiting

New York is a city meant to be savored. Even if you did nothing but walk the streets for 365 days straight, you couldn’t experience all the sights, sounds and historic tales the Big Apple has to tell. Helping you see everything, plus navigate the ins and outs of the city’s most eclectic neighborhoods and go-to attractions, is the Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Tour, the highest rated hop-on hop-off bus tour in New York City. Visitors can disembark and rejoin the tour as often as they like with over 20 convenient stops, creating unending opportunities to experience specific locations in-depth and breeze through others. Check out our helpful guide for taking a New York Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour, packed full of ways to save on admission, tips for visiting, other nearby attractions, and much more. Looking for New York Bus Tour Discount Tickets? We’ve got you covered – Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Tour Classic Ticket is available with the below money-saving options, so you can choose the attraction pass that’s right for you: 1. Explorer Pass – Choose as you go. Includes admission to up to 10 attractions. 2. Build Your Own Pass – Select the attractions you want to visit prior to visiting. See all available passes, attractions & prices – Learn more. Tips for Enjoying the Day Your Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Classic Tour Ticket includes access to 2 routes: Downtown and Uptown. Familiarize yourself with the route maps to make the most of your day. Buses for the Downtown Route leave from Times Square from 8:00 a.m. till 6:00 p.m. daily. Buses for the Uptown Route leave from the Broadway Theater District at 8:40 a.m. till 5:00 p.m. daily. Each tour, not including hop-offs, takes around 1.5-2 hours to complete, depending on traffic. Both routes offer pre-recorded narration in 10 languages in addition to a live English-speaking tour guide on every bus. Every bus seat is located on the top deck for optimum views, which means being immersed in current weather conditions. A quick check of the forecast and dressing for it is a good idea. There is the option of sitting under a see-through glass dome in the front of the bus, but either way, visitors should gear up with sunscreen on sunny days. Rain ponchos are given to bus riders as needed. All guests are required to remain seated when the bus is moving and no seat belts are provided, so very little guests may be most comfortable sharing their seat with an adult. There’s a lot to see, so starting your day early is a very good idea, particularly if you are visiting during high peak tourist times, like Christmas or summer, when lines can get long at certain destinations. Exhibits like the Top of the Rock and Statue of Liberty get crowded fast, so make a point of getting to those as early as possible, to reserve your ticket times and map out the rest of your day. How It Works Powered by personality and in-depth knowledge, each bus is led by a tour guide, well-versed in New York’s nooks and crannies and able to tell a good story. Historical legends about Wall Street’s infamous beginnings, famous and infamous Revolutionary War heroes, music and fashion business moguls and the early immigrants who populated Manhattan are relayed with humor and combined with in-the-know tidbits of tantalizing, insider information. Every seat on the bus is a good one, providing bird’s eye views of larger-than-life locations from Times Square to Battery Park. Complimentary headsets are provided to all visitors, so you don’t have to worry about missing a thing. If you’re most comfortable listening and learning in your native tongue, no worries. In addition to the tour guide, recorded commentary is available in English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Hebrew, Portuguese, Mandarin Chinese, Korean and Russian. What You Should Bring A camera with backup batteries is an absolute must. Many guests also enjoy bringing a selfie stick so they can get great shots of themselves with amazing New York City backdrops. Buses don't have electrical outlet access, so use your phone to take pictures sparingly. Many locations, such as the Statue of Liberty, require photo ID’s for admittance with no exceptions. You may want to save your dancing shoes for later that evening. Comfy walking shoes are your best bet. Gearing up with bottled water and light snacks to munch on, like protein bars, are a good idea but don’t overdo it! New York’s restaurant choices are unending, varied and astonishing. No matter your budget, you’re bound to find your heart’s (and taste bud's) desire. Double Decker Bus Tour Stops Include Times Square The Downtown Manhattan bus starts its journey from New York’s iconic Times Square, the home of the best New Year’s Eve party in the world and attractions like Madame Tussauds Wax Museum. Buses load in front of 777 8th Avenue, between 47th and 48th Streets every 20-to-25 minutes. Empire State Building. Empire State Building Thrilling New Yorkers and visitors since 1931, the Empire State Building is 102 stories of Art Deco magnificence, breathtaking views, and colorful, symbolic tower lights. (p.s. Empire State Building tickets are an included attraction option with the Explorer Pass) The building’s lobby is one of the few in New York to achieve landmark status. Lovingly restored ceiling murals, originally designed in 1930, feature homage to the planets, stars and mechanical age, in magnificent renderings fashioned from 24-karat gold and aluminum leaf. The 86th floor Main Deck is the highest, open-air observatory in the city. Wrapped around the building’s spire, the Observatory Deck offers panoramic, 360-degree views of the city and surrounding area. Visitors can see the Brooklyn Bridge, Statue of Liberty, Times Square and so much more. Educational, multi-media hand-held devices and high-powered binoculars are available for visitor use. South Street Seaport Steeped in maritime history and filled with some of New York’s finest (and most fun) shops and restaurants, the South Street Seaport boasts ongoing events and special exhibits, Seaport Studios and a vibrant atmosphere. Lovers of salt air and wide open water can transfer here for the Hop-on/Hop-off Ferry Tour. Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island Ferry, and Battery Park Visitors can enjoy views of the Statue from fun-filled, 25-acre Battery Park or ferry over to Liberty Island for a tour. An undeniable symbol of freedom and France’s most famous gift to the American people, the Statue of Liberty weighs 225 tons and stands at 305 feet. An event onto itself, Battery Park is filled with monuments honoring war heroes, famous immigrants and inventors. A kid-friendly destination, the Park also houses the whimsical Seaglass Carousel, Castle Clinton and the Labyrinth. Included in the Liberty Island Tour is nearby Ellis Island, the way station for immigrants coming to America from 1892 through 1924 and current home of the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration, recently reopened after Hurricane Sandy’s devastation. Here, visitors can explore their family’s history, by searching through passenger records in the interactive American Family Immigration History Center. 9/11 Tribute Center and Guided Tour Dedicated to remembering and honoring those lost on one of history’s darkest days, the 9/11 Tribute Center Tour is led by survivors of the attack on the World Trade Center. Stories of courage, triumph, healing and resilience are told with knowledge and understanding. Visitors can also stop by the newly-built Freedom Tower, located nearby at One World Trade Center. Other Hop-On/Hop-Off Destinations Include Rockefeller Center, Radio City Music Hall and the Top of the Rock Macy’s and Madison Square Garden Central Park Park Central Hotel Winter Garden Theater Waldorf Astoria Hotel City Hall and the Brooklyn Bridge Flatiron Building and Madison Square Park United Nations Wall Street and the Financial District Chelsea Union Square Greenwich Village SoHo The Lower East Side, Little Italy and Chinatown Places to Eat Nearby New York is home to hundreds of amazing restaurants. Some downtown favorites include: Katz’s Delicatessen – Katz’s, the home of meat, made famous by legendary, overstuffed pastrami and corned beef sandwiches, took on even more notoriety after the release of the movie, “When Harry met Sally,” and the hilarious scene shot within its interior. Wo Hop – A haunt of NYU college students, this Chinatown institution is open 20 hours on most days and arguably serves the best pork congee in the city. Jane – A Greenwich Village favorite for lunch or brunch, a trip to Jane practically guarantees a celebrity sighting or two. Save on Tickets with a New York City Explorer Pass Remember, the New York City Explorer Pass® is the best choice for maximum savings and flexibility, which includes Hop On Hop Off New York bus tours, plus admission to your choice of other top attractions. Save up to 50% on top museums, tours, and activities vs. paying at the gate. Visit multiple New York City attractions for one low price.

MoMA and The Met

The Metropolitan Museum of Art vs The Museum of Modern Art

New York City is home to some of the greatest art museums in the entire world. Period. But if you only have time and space in your NYC vacation to visit one, how do you choose between the two biggies – the Metropolitan Museum of Art vs the Museum of Modern Art? To help you compare these two prestigious art museums, we’ve put together a post that showcases their similarities and differences in the following areas: What’s Included with General Admission Location Popular Exhibits Temporary Exhibitions Tips for Visiting Thinking About Visiting the Met vs the MoMA? Fortunately for you, Metropolitan Museum of Art tickets and Museum of Modern Art tickets are both options on the New York City Explorer Pass®. Save on these and other top NYC attractions vs. paying at the gate. If you’re a big art buff, other great art museums in New York include the Whitney Museum of American Art, the Guggenheim Museum, the two sister museums of the Met (Met Breuer and the Cloisters), and more. Get admission to some or all of these top museums with the New York City Explorer Pass! What’s Included with General Admission Both museums offer access to their permanent exhibits, gift shops, and dining facilities with general admission. Some specifics to each museum are included below. The Met General Admission All regular exhibitions including Egyptian Art, Arms & Armor, European Paintings, and much more. Admission to the Met Breuer and Met Cloisters for three consecutive days. All temporary and special exhibitions, unless otherwise indicated. Access to the dining and shopping options. Children age 12 and under get free admission. The MoMA General Admission All regular exhibitions including their famed collections of photographs and paintings. All temporary and special exhibitions, unless otherwise indicated. Access to the dining and shopping venues. Children age 16 and under get free admission. Timed tickets are now required - MoMA will issue a ticket for the next available time slot. Location Both museums are located in Manhattan, within easy transit distance of many centrally located hotels, or walkable depending upon where you are coming from. The Metropolitan Museum of Art The Met is located at 1000 Fifth Avenue, on the east side of Central Park. It’s in the neighborhood known as the Upper East Side (UES) and is across the park from the American Museum of Natural History (another popular cultural option in the city). It is also only a couple of blocks south of the Guggenheim Museum, for you art lovers out there. This area is also known as Manhattan’s Museum Mile. The Museum of Modern Art The main branch of the MoMA is located at 11 West 53rd Street, in Midtown Manhattan. It’s south of Central Park, right near the bustling neighborhood of Times Square. It’s very close to other popular attractions like the Top of the Rock, Radio City Music Hall, Madame Tussauds, and the exhibits at Discovery Times Square. Popular Exhibits The Met and the MoMA both have plenty of exciting exhibits to offer visitors. Generally speaking, the MoMA’s collections rotate more than the Met’s collections do, as they have less gallery space at their main location. Popular Exhibits at the Met The Met is the largest museum in the United States, with more than 2 million works in its permanent collections. It’s hard to pull out a few highlights of individual pieces, so this comparison will focus on their exhibit galleries and their most famous collections. Egyptian Art: Features everything from jewelry to mummies to a real tomb. Arts of Africa, Oceania, and the Americas: Includes 40,000-year-old indigenous rock paintings from Australia. Asian Art: Chinese calligraphy and painting, Indian sculptures, and a Ming Dynasty garden court replica are standouts of this collection. European Paintings: These galleries are among the most visited, and include artists such as Vermeer, Peter Paul Rubens, Jan van Eyck, Paul Cézanne, El Greco, and more. Arms & Armor: This is a perennial favorite, featuring full suits of armor and swords. The American Wing: From decorative arts to sculpture to paintings, this is a large section of the museum. Greek and Roman Art: An excellent collection of sculpture, domestic pieces like vases or jewelry, and funerary pieces, among many others. Other important areas of acquisition for the Met include Islamic Art, photographs, textiles, drawings and prints, musical instruments, and more. And while their sister institutions host most of the modern art and medieval art, there are some representations of those fields here, too. Popular Exhibits at the MoMA The MoMA has more than 200,000 works of contemporary art in their collections, although only a portion of those are on display at any given time. They also offer frequent special exhibitions that showcase specific elements of the collection, or items on loan from other places. Some of the highlights of their collection include: Vincent van Gogh, The Starry Night (1889) Pablo Picasso, Les Demoiselles d’Avignon (1907) Salvador Dali, The Persistence of Memory (1931) Frida Kahlo, Self-Portrait with Cropped Hair (1940) Roy Lichtenstein, Drowning Girl (1963) Claude Monet, Water Lilies Andy Warhol, Campbell’s Soup Cans (1962) Henri Matisse, The Dance I (1909) Umberto Boccioni, The Dynamism of a Soccer Player (1913) Other strengths of the collection include work by Andrew Wyeth, Jackson Pollock, René Magritte, Jasper Johns, Paul Gauguin, and many others. Temporary Exhibits As two of the most celebrated museums in the world, you can expect their rotas of temporary exhibitions to seriously impress. MoMA's temporary exhibits never fail to debut world-renowned talent or the best of the up-and-coming. They also present sensational and ever-evolving performance programs. At The Met, you can expect the finest classics from all over the world, curated in the most sensitive and thoughtful ways. Tips for Visiting While you can certainly pop into both museums and have an inspiring, enjoyable time, there are a few tips that can help you make the most of your visit. See below for our insider tips on visiting the Met and the MoMA. Tips for Visiting the Met While the Met did previously offer admission by suggested donation, this has now shifted to a concrete admission fee. Pick up a New York Explorer Pass and your Met tickets will be included. The Met is the busiest around lunchtime and afterward, so plan to visit as early in the day as possible. Budget in 2-3 hours to explore (more if you’re a dedicated art lover). Be sure to plan ahead! Consult the museum map and plan out what you want to see in advance. It’s a massive space and you’ll really need at least a rough idea of what you’re hoping to see. The Met also offers late nights on Fridays and Saturdays, if your travel plans leave you some extra time in the evening. Periodic events, specialized tours, and kid’s activities are also a popular part of the full Met experience! Look over the events calendar before your visit to see what’s on. Events may incur an additional cost. Photography is permitted in some galleries but prohibited in others, so be sure to check before snapping a photo. Never use flash. If you liked something in the gift shop, keep in mind that it may not be available online. Head to the Met's hidden gem of a rooftop, The Cantor Roof Garden Bar, for sweeping views of the New York City skyline and an afternoon refreshment. Check out our detailed visitor's guide to the Metropolitan Museum of Art for more information. Tips for the Visiting the MoMA The admissions line is actually the longest first thing in the morning at the MoMA, so consider coming around 11:30 am. Save on admission to the MoMA with a New York City Explorer Pass, and get your MoMA tickets included. Download the MoMA audio app to make the most of your visit. Photography is permitted in some galleries, but the use of flash is never allowed. Check for signs or ask to see if you can photograph a specific exhibit. The MoMA also offers family tours and workshops, as well as activity stations in select galleries and short films. Most kid-friendly activities are included with general admission. Consider dining at the museum if you have time in your itinerary. In addition to the more casual museum-style dining options Café 2 and Terrace 5, the MoMA also boasts The Modern, a two Michelin star restaurant. Because of their free admission offer on Friday evenings, Fridays between 4 and 8 are some of the busiest times to visit. Consider visiting another time to avoid the crowds. Their gift shop does have an online storefront, but they do not sell all of the same things online as they do in person. Keep this in mind when souvenir hunting! Check out our detailed visitor's guide to the MoMA for more information. In Summary (The Biggest Differences between the Metropolitan Museum of Art vs Museum of Modern Art) Both institutions are world-class museums that any art or culture lover should definitely visit at least once in their lives, but they have important differences, too. The Met is larger by far, with more gallery space and larger collections. Both offer access to special exhibitions with general admission, although both also host special events that may incur additional costs. The Met has a wide focus, featuring everything from the art of the ancient world to contemporary photography (although the bulk of their contemporary collections can be found at the Met Breuer). The MoMA specializes in modern and contemporary art. The Met offers more dining options, including a high-end restaurant and multiple cafés. The MoMA also boasts a highly rated restaurant, with only two casual options. Visit the Met and/or the MoMA and Save on Admission Interested in either museum or both? Pick up a New York City Explorer Pass® and save on combined admission fees when you visit your choice of the city’s top attractions. Other attraction options on the pass include the Top of the Rock, the Empire State Building, Madame Tussauds New York, the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, the American Museum of Natural History, and more. Art lovers may also be interested in the Guggenheim Museum, the Whitney Museum of American Art, and the Brooklyn Museum & Botanical Gardens, all of which are included as options with the New York City Explorer Pass.

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