New York Food Guide - Best Places to Eat in NYC

By Go City Expert

New York really is a melting pot of cultures, and that means that there are plenty of delicious food options to try. Foodies will love New York City's eclectic mix of cuisines. From American and international dishes, street food to Michelin star restaurants, there is something for everyone. But if you don't know where to start, why not take a food tour? We've created a guide of the top food tours (plus some extra dining suggestions) so you can eat your way around the city with ease. Check out our suggestions, including...
  • Food on Foot Tours
  • Soho, Little Italy, and Chinatown Neighborhood Walking Tours
  • Queens-Flushing International Food Excursion
  • City Winery Tour
  • Spirits on Foot–Beer, Spirits and Wine Crawl
  • And more!

Save on admission to attractions in NYC

Admission to many of these food tours are included on the Go New York Explorer Pass. Plus, the New York Explorer Pass includes access to more than 90 attractions. You could save up to 50% on attraction admission vs gate price.

Food on Foot Tours

Image of Food, Pretzel, The Food on Foot Tours takes you behind the scenes, outside of the normal tourist-trap fares, and into the neighborhoods where you can experience the best in New York cuisine. Whether you’re in the mood for a sports-related food adventure or a one-of-a-kind authentic event, you’ll find the experience that’s perfect for you, with scheduled and customized tours. It’s a great opportunity to sample local flavors. This tour also received the TripAdvisor Certificate Of Excellence 2011-2019. Getting in: Admission to Food on Foot Tours is included with the New York Explorer Pass.

Soho, Little Italy and Chinatown Neighborhood Walking Tours

Image of City, Urban, Road, Street, Shoe, People, Person, Path, Handbag, Pedestrian, Traffic Light, Backpack, Bicycle, Soho, Little Italy, and Chinatown Walking Tours all offer an insight into New York culture and cuisine. Your tour guide will let you in on all the secrets and insider info about the fashionable SoHo district. You'll also experience the sights, sounds, and flavors of Chinatown and Little Italy. The tour puts you right in the thick of things, giving you the real New York experience. Getting in: Admission to Soho, Little Italy and Chinatown Neighborhood Walking Tours is included with the New York Explorer Pass.

Queens-Flushing International Food Excursion

Queens-Flushing is home to some of New York’s best attractions and destinations, from the eclectic mix of cultural foods to the world-class sports venues and lush gardens. On this tour, you hop on the subway and explore the immersive smells and flavors of Tai Pan Bakery or Paris Baguette. The sweet and savory intermingles with jazz (home to Louis Armstrong) and history, culminating with the Queens Night Market. Getting in: Admission to Queens-Flushing International Food Excursion is included with the New York Explorer Pass.

City Winery Tour

Michael Dorf founded City Winery in 2006 as a way to bring together music with his passion for great cuisine and fine wine. Your tour guide will help you explore the City Winery, learn more about the process of wine-making, and also taste the wine with the compliment of appetizers. Getting in: Admission to City Winery Tour is included with the New York Explorer Pass.

Spirits on Foot–Beer, Spirits and Wine Crawl

Image of Alcohol, Beverage, Cocktail, Soda, Mojito, New York is famous for its eclectic watering holes, and this tour hones in on a few unique spots in New York neighborhoods to visit on every trek. You’ll enjoy the beer, wine, and spirits, while you’re immersed in NY culture and history. Getting in: Admission to Spirits on Foot, Beer, Spirits and Wine Crawl is included with the New York Explorer Pass.

Where to get the best pizza in New York City?

Image of Light, Neon, Scoreboard, New York is famous for its pizza, so your New York experience cannot be complete without a slice at one of the city's top pizza spots. John’s Pizzeria is a mouth-watering experience with its famous thin-crust, brick-oven pizzas, and its accessible location in Times Square. Lombardi in NoLita has been serving thin-crust Neapolitan pizza since 1905. It's considered to be the first pizza shop in the United States. Pizza blogger Slice Harvester gave NY Pizza Suprema in Midtown a perfect score. Head to Madison Square Garden to see for yourself if it's worthy. Whether you’re looking for authentic New York cuisine, or just looking for a budget-friendly adventure, pizza is where it’s at in New York.

Where to get the best street food in New York City?

Image of Cream, Dessert, Food, Ice Cream, Icing, No visit to New York would be complete without sampling the street food, as it reflects the melting pot of ethnic cultures and experiences. There’s the Cinnamon Snail which serves vegan food in Pennsy Food Hall, the Melt Bakery serving up delicious cookies and ice cream in the Lower East Side, and Nuchas which does great empanadas in Times Square and Koreatown. No matter where in the city you are, you're sure to find tasty street food.

Where to get the best bagels in New York City?

New York is known for its bagels, which just aren't the same anywhere else in the world. So, this is the perfect way to immerse yourself in New York flavors and culture while being thrifty. Gene Davidovich founded the Davidovich Bakery in 1998. He founded it an attempt to bring the well-loved smells and flavors of his grandmother’s kitchen back to life. So, it’s not only authentic and mouth-watering, but it’s also a one-of-its-kind NYC hotspot. Of course, if posting all your top eats on Instagram is essential, head to The Bagel Store in Brooklyn to try the original rainbow bagel (and take plenty of snaps).

Heartland Brewery Rotisserie

Heartland Brewery Rotisserie is located in the Empire State Building, so it’s perfect for a bite to eat before or after you visit the observation deck. It’s a visit to an internationally renowned innovation and was the world’s tallest building for 40 years. Add to that level of historical importance the clout of the Heartland Brewery Rotisserie, and you’ve got a NYC destination tour you just can’t miss. Be sure to check out our Empire State Building guide before you go! Top tip: Present your New York Explorer pass at Heartland Brewery Rotisserie for 20% off lunch or dinner.

In summary

New York may feel a little overwhelming if you’re just here for a visit, but these food tours and ideas will help you experience the flavors of the city without the hassle. You’ll also be able to dig into the history of the places while becoming swayed by the overpowering foods. Become inspired, and feed your curiosity as you venture around the city. For suggestions on what else to do on your vacation, check out our ultimate guide to New York City. Remember that many of these top food attractions are included with the New York Explorer Pass, which could save you up to 50% off admission attraction vs gate price.

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Chicago vs. New York City: Which City Should I Visit?

These two great American cities are worthy of all the tourist traffic they generate year in and year out. New York has been an iconic destination for generations. Chicago is easily one of the most global cities in the country. If you only have time to visit one, however, it can be pretty tricky to choose between them. Making the tough choice of Chicago vs. New York City? We’ve put together a brief comparison of the two cities and their top attractions and activities. See which seems more enticing. Learn how to save on admission to the best things to do in each city below. Observation Decks Both NYC and Chicago have two stellar observation decks from which to see the best sights of their respective cities. Many people choose to visit both observation decks. But it’s also easy to pick your favorite and see the aerial views from your chosen landmark. Here’s a brief comparison of the four observation decks. New York Empire State Building. Among the most iconic buildings in New York City, the Empire State Building offers an 86th-floor observation deck with panoramic views. It’s located in midtown Manhattan and boasts a refined Art Deco aesthetic. Top of the Rock. Located in the famous 30 Rock Building, Top of the Rock Observatory is famous for its unobstructed 360-degree views and convenient location in Rockefeller Plaza. Deciding between these two? Check out our Top of the Rock vs. Empire State Building breakdown. Chicago 360 CHICAGO. Housed in 875 N. Michigan—itself containing several shops and restaurants—360 CHICAGO is located on the 94th floor and provided unbeatable views of the waterfront. Many visitors also enjoy their upgradeable experience called TILT. Skydeck Chicago. Located in what used to be known as the Sears Tower, Skydeck Chicago provides stellar views from 1,353 feet up in the air on the 103rd floor. Visitors can see parts of four different states from this observation deck. Art Museums Chicago and NYC offer pretty stiff competition when it comes to museums. They both feature some of the best museums in the world. Additionally, many of the most-visited art museums are found in these two cities. Here’s a quick rundown of the biggest art museums in each city. New York Metropolitan Museum of Art. Among the best art museums in the world, the Met boasts massive collections of everything from Ancient Egyptian artifacts to medieval armor to eighteenth-century portraiture. Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). One of the finest and most extensive collections of modern art in the entire world, MoMA is home to many famous works of art by the biggest names in recent history—Warhol, Pollack, Van Gogh, Gaugin, and many more. Check out our recommendations for must-see things at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Chicago Art Institute of Chicago. Just as prestigious and often more frequently visited than the Met, the Art Institute’s collections also span much of human history and include everything from impressionist paintings to satirical prints. Museum of Contemporary Art. The MCA is much smaller than MoMA and focuses instead on truly contemporary works of art, including a great deal from living artists. A visit here is a good opportunity to see the art world as it is evolving today. Natural History Museums Each city boasts one impressive natural history museum. Both are renowned for their fine collections of natural objects and as well as their cutting-edge research. Here’s a brief look at what they each offer. American Museum of Natural History. One of the largest such institutions in the world, the American Museum of Natural History is well known for its collection of dinosaur fossils, gemstones, and an expansive collection of ocean life. The Field Museum. The earliest collections at the Field Museum were donated from the Columbian Exposition in 1893, but they’ve expanded far beyond that scope to include millions of artifacts, objects, and even the most famous dinosaur skeleton in the world—SUE the T. Rex. City Tours Chicago and New York City both have more to see than you can accomplish in one trip, or even two. That’s where a comprehensive tour can come in handy. These popular bus tours are the best way to see each city efficiently. Here are our picks for the top bus tours in each city. New York Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour. This hop-on hop-off option from Big Bus New York offers unlimited rides for an entire day, with Uptown and Downtown loops to choose from. You can stay on for both loops to cover much of your day. Otherwise, hop-off where you’d like to explore more. The RIDE. A themed bus tour that’s part comedy act, part theatre, and part tour, The RIDE is perennially popular with visitors to NYC. They’ll cover city hotspots in 75 minutes for one hilarious experience. Chicago Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour. A hop-on hop-off option from Big Bus Chicago, this loop includes 14 different stops throughout downtown Chicago. Stop at places like Museum Campus, Willis Tower, and Millennium Park. Scenic North Side Tour. An exhaustive tour, the scenic North Side Tour covers landmarks and hotspots in Chicago that aren’t typically covered by downtown tours. It’s a two-hour sightseeing tour that covers everything from Water Tower Place mall to Wrigley Field. Cruises With Chicago’s lakefront location and Manhattan being an island, both cities are popular for their multiple cruise options. Here are some of the top cruises in each city to help you decide which sound the most appealing. New York NYC Landmark Cruise. This landmark cruise is a 90-minute excursion around the waters of Manhattan, showcasing everything from the Brooklyn Bridge to the Statue of Liberty. It’s ideal for photo ops and offers informative narration alongside your views. Liberty Cruise. A 75-minute boat tour around Lower Manhattan and Ellis Island, the Liberty Cruise is a specific focus on Liberty Island and its environs. This cruise option is best for those who want a focused excursion. Chicago The Architecture River Cruise sails along the Chicago River is a 75-minute trip that encompasses time on all three branches of the river. The focus is on city landmarks that have been constructed or rebuilt after the Great Fire of 1871. Also great for photos. Lake Tour. The Lake Tour of Lake Michigan is a 45-minute cruise that showcases all of the city skylines from Navy Pier to the Hancock Tower and beyond. Informative narration will highlight everything of note, and you’ll get excellent lake view photos. Cuisine Remarkably enough, both cities are famous for their unique styles of pizza. New York-style pizza is a thinner crust but not thin and crispy like a brick oven pizza. It has lots of cheese, and a bit floppier in terms of the eating experience. You’ll find authentic slices all over the city—remember to fold it in half while eating! Chicago-style pizza is a deep-dish style, usually a few inches thick and served in a cast-iron pan. You’ll also find loads of ooey-gooey cheese and plenty of meaty toppings. There are several famous places in the city to find this delectable specialty—check out Gino’s East or Lou Malnati’s. Both cities are also known for their international populations and global influence. Therefore, you can find practically any culinary style in either city. Whether you’re looking for some ramen, sushi, or filet mignons, you’ll find all of it in Chicago or NYC. As far as cuisine goes, your point of comparison is probably going to be price. Chicago has many Michelin star restaurants with nearly astronomical prices. However, you’re still more likely to find more affordable haute cuisine in the Windy City than you are in NYC. Save on Admission Admission to most of these top New York attractions and Chicago attractions are included with Go City. You can save on admission to these and many other popular activities, tours, and cruises. These easy digital passes are a great way to see the best each city has to offer. 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!
Katie Sagal
New york skyline at night with lit windows, plus lit-up tops of Empire State and Chrysler building
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Things to do in New York for a Birthday

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

The Upper East Side is a neighborhood in Manhattan between 59th street and 96th street to the east of Central Park. The New York neighborhood is famous for its high-end stores and upscale restaurants. However, there are tons of budget-friendly attractions to enjoy in the Upper East Side. Art fans will especially love the Upper East Side, as it’s home to plenty of galleries and museums. Check out our list of New York City attractions in the Upper East Side, including... The Metropolitan Museum of Art The Guggenheim The Met Breuer Neue Galerie Central Park And more! Save on admission to New York attractions The New York Explorer Pass provides admission to many popular New York attractions. You could save up to 50% on admission vs gate price. Galleries in the Upper East Side The Metropolitan Museum of Art The Metropolitan Museum of Art, or ‘the Met’ as it’s also known, is one of the most popular attractions in New York City. It is the largest art museum in the United States and home to art spanning over 5,000 years. So whether you enjoy Medieval art or contemporary photography, there is sure to be something to inspire the whole family. As well as its permanent collection, the Met is always exhibiting exciting temporary collections. Currently, they are showing “Camp: Notes on Fashion” (until September 8, 2019), and Alicja Kwade’s “Parapivot” at the gallery’s roof garden (until October 27, 2019). So even if you’ve visited before, there is always something new to see. A visit to the Upper East Side would be incomplete without a visit to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Getting in: Admission to the Metropolitan Museum of Art is included with the New York Explorer Pass. The Guggenheim The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum is just as famous for its striking architecture as it is for the art it contains. The museum’s modern, Frank Lloyd Wright-designed exterior stands out among the classic 5th Avenue buildings. But you have to step inside to truly appreciate the Guggenheim Museum. The Guggenheim Museum exhibits temporary collections as well as its permanent collection, so check ahead to see what’s being displayed during your visit. Currently, there are exhibitions such as Basquiat’s “Defacement: The Untold Story,” (until November 6, 2019), and “Implicit Tensions: Mapplethorpe Now,” (until January 5, 2020). Even if you visit for the architecture alone, the Guggenheim should be on your Upper East Side itinerary. Getting in: Admission to the Guggenheim Museum is included with the New York Explorer Pass. The Met Breuer The Met Breuer is part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, but this gallery focuses on modern and contemporary art. Head here if you’re interested in exciting, contemporary pieces that unlike any art in traditional art museums. Explore a sculpture collection inspired by nature in Mrinalini Mukherjee’s “Phenomenal Nature” (until September 2019), or “Home is a foreign place,” which is a collection highlighting contemporary art from Latin America, the Middle East, North Africa, South Asia, Southeast Asia, as well as art by American artists, (until June 21, 2020). Getting in: Admission to The Met Breuer with an audio tour is included with the New York Explorer Pass. Neue Galerie If the art lover in your group is still not satisfied, head to Neue Galerie. The Neue Galerie is an art museum focusing on early twentieth-century art by German and Austrian artists. See work by Gustav Klimt and Egon Schiele, (until September 2, 2020) plus the Neue Galerie’s permanent, collection featuring a range of art from paintings to sculptures. Take a guided tour around the museum at 3:30 PM on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday to make the most of your visit. Or, take an audio tour which is free with admission. Getting in: Admission to Neue Galerie is not included with the New York Explorer pass and tickets must be purchased separately. Admission is half price until September 2, 2019. Please note: children under 12 are not admitted. Central Park As the Upper East Side is adjacent to Central Park, there are plenty of fun attractions and landmarks to visit in the park itself, including... The Central Park Zoo: Kids will love visiting the zoo. They’ll get to see snow leopards and red pandas up close – not what you’d expect from a trip to New York City! Alice in Wonderland statue: Visiting the Alice in Wonderland statue is a must for families visiting Central Park. Kids get to climb, play, and interact with Alice, the Mad Hatter, and the White Rabbit. It’s a great photo opportunity too. Balto statue: The Balto statue commemorates a sled dog who delivered medicine to save children in Alaska. Erected in 1925, Balto is still standing proudly. Gapstow Bridge: The Gapstow Bridge is a must-visit Central Park location. It offers great views of the skyline and The Pond. Plus, it has featured in a few movies, like Home Alone 2 and The Devil Wears Prada. Getting in: Admission to Central Park is free. You must purchase tickets to the Central Park Zoo separately. Admission to the Central Park Walking Tour is included with the New York Explorer Pass. Restaurants in the Upper East Side Upscale restaurants are the star of the Upper East Side. However, there are plenty of family-friendly options too. Check out our recommendations for restaurants in the Upper East Side, including... JG Melon: This laid-back pub is known for its delicious American burgers. A favorite with locals, this place can get busy, but it’s worth it. Please note that JG Melon is cash only. San Matteo Pizzeria e Cucina: Pizza fans have to head to San Matteo for wood-fired pizzas and casual, affordable dining. Up Thai: This Thai place is known for its extensive menu, good value and is vegetarian-friendly. It’s popular, so it can get busy, so make sure to reserve ahead of time. Candle 79: Vegans visiting the Upper East Side have to visit Candle 79. It’s a little pricier but has tons of delicious vegan options. Head here for brunch, lunch or dinner! If you don’t want to take too much time out of your day, the Upper East Side also has plenty of fast-food restaurants. You could eat at fast-food favorites like Chipotle, Taco Bell, Shake Shack, McDonald’s and Subway. In summary Why not add a few of these Upper East Side attractions to your New York itinerary? Check out our top tips for visiting New York City.
Seren Morris

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