Things to Do in New York in August 2018

By Lindsay Eagan

There's always something to do in the city that never sleeps; home to some of the world's most famous museums, iconic landmarks and unparalleled mix of cultures. Take advantage of the warm weather in NYC this summer out on the water or escape the heat at one of the great museums New York has to offer. If you’re looking for things to do in New York in August 2016, check out our list of the best local activities and attractions, including...

  • Hop On Hop Off Sightseeing Tour
  • New Exhibits at the MoMA
  • Landmark Cruise
  • Star Trek: The Starfleet Experience at The Intrepid Museum
  • and more...

Save on Attraction Admission

Regular admission to a number of these popular New York attractions is 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. See all available passes, attractions & prices – Learn more. Please note, the seasonal events taking place at these attractions may be separately ticketed and not included on the New York Explorer Pass. If you want a bigger list of seasonal events, then check out our suggested things to do in New York in the summer.

Take a Big Bus New York Sightseeing Tour

Image of City, Urban, Road, Street, Plant, Potted Plant, Neighborhood, Jar, Planter, Pottery, Vase, Downtown, Metropolis, Cityscape, Person, Bus, Vehicle, Get acquainted with New York City on this Hop On Hop Off Sightseeing Tour by Big Bus New York. This tour goes through Manhattan and passes by many landmarks and attractions. You can also get off of the bus and go check out something that caught your eye, then hop back on the bus when the next tour comes by. Getting In: Hop On Hop Off Big Bus New York Tours are available on the New York City Explorer Pass.

New Exhibits at the MoMA

Image of Indoors, Person, In addition to the MoMA's famous ongoing galleries, the museum is hosting several temporary exhibits worth checking out this August.

  • Bodys Isek Kingelez (available through January 1, 2019): see sculptures and imagined cityscapes that reflect the vision Bodys Isek Kingelez had for his nation, Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of Congo) when it declared independence from Belgium.
  • Being: New Photography 2018 (available through August 18, 2018): explore how photography as an artistic mean can capture what it means to be human in this compelling exhibit that challenges conventional photography and tactics such as masking, cropping, and more.
  • The Long Run (available through November 4, 2018): this artistic exhibition takes a closer look at the artistic process itself, discover how invention and 'breakthrough moments' in art are a result of continued experimentation, critical thinking, persistent observation, and other social and political factors experience by artists.

Getting In: Museum of Modern Art tickets are available on the New York City Explorer Pass.

Take a Landmark Cruise

Image of Boat, Ferry, Vehicle, Person, This cruise is one of the most popular in the world and a fantastic way to see Manhattan's skyline. This is one of the "must see" attractions in New York City and will help you become more familiar with the city if you're from out of town. Getting In: NYC Landmark Cruise ticket are available on the New York City Explorer Pass.

The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum

Image of Person, Adult, Female, Woman, Airfield, Airport, Become a cadet, join the Starfleet program and, learn and interact with this one of a kind exhibit. This year, the Intrepid Museum is celebrating GROWLER'S 60th Commissioning Anniversary with a new exhibition, A View from the Deep; the Submarine Growler & The Cold War. Discover how USS Growler, one of America's first nuclear-missile submarines played a role in the most tense years of the Cold War and what life was like on board. Getting In: Intrepid Sea, Air, and Space Museum tickets are available on the New York City Explorer Pass.

New Summer Exhibits at the Guggenheim Museum

Image of Planetarium, Lighting, Visit the iconic building designed by architect Frank Lloyd Wright and check out the Giacometti exhibit on view from June 8, 2018-September 12, 2018. You'll get to see almost 200 works of art by Swiss artist Alberto Giacometti including sculptures in bronze and oil, plaster sculptures, and drawings never before seen in the US. Another fascinating temporary exhibit at the Guggenheim this August is One Hand Clapping, an exhibition that explores how globalization affects our understanding and perception of the future through works of art by a range of contemporary artists. Getting In: Guggenheim Museum tickets are available on the New York City Explorer Pass.

Remember to Save on Attraction Admission

There you go - plenty of fun ideas for things to do in New York in August. Remember, many of these great attraction options are included on the Go New York Card, where you can save up to 50% on combined admission vs paying at the gate. Please note, the seasonal events taking place at some of these attractions may be separately ticketed and not included with the New York Explorer Pass. Consider adding a few of these fun options to your August vacation itinerary.

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Things to do in Astoria

Looking for interesting things to do in Astoria? Well, you’ve come to the right place! Established way back in the 17th century, this vibrant neighborhood is now recognized for its fantastic museums, beautiful parks and enticing restaurants. Whether you’re in a group or travelling solo, you’ll find that there's no shortage of things to see and do in Astoria. So, if you’re planning to make the visit, read through our guide of the best attractions in the area. With Go City, you can see more, for less. Explore the Area Brimming with diversity and culture, Astoria is home to a fantastic array of dining options. Whether you’re looking for something a little sweet, a romantic date spot, or maybe just a quick slice, there’s something for everybody here. Still, if it's your first trip here, we suggest checking out one of the area’s many enticing Greek restaurants. Always our top pick, Bahari Estiatorio won the people over long ago with its authentic eats and laid-back atmosphere. This place is a local favorite – and we can see why! But if Greek isn’t your thing, there’s no need to worry – Astoria is a total foodie’s dream. Those looking for a hit of spice should check out Seva. With their approachable menu and rich flavors, this place puts dedication into bringing Indian cuisine to a broad audience. Just be careful you don’t go too spicy! Musical instruments have lent their sound to countless masterpieces throughout the years, but none are quite as recognizable as the Steinway piano. For inquisitive musicians and artisans alike, the Steinway & Sons Factory provides tours so you can see how this beautiful instrument is made. Dig deep into a fundamental part of musical history and view the intricate work that goes into making these pieces firsthand. Walking through the factory, you might feel a little like you’re going backwards in a time machine, but that’s what makes their pianos so special. The company utilizes a lot of unique handcrafting techniques as opposed to modern methods. We recommend wearing your comfiest shoes, since the tour is two hours long! Get Cultured A list of the best attractions in Astoria wouldn’t be complete without the Noguchi Museum. Founded and designed by Japanese-American sculptor Isamu Noguchi, the institution is the first to be established in America with the sole intention of the artist showing their own work. Since then, the repository has grown to include an extraordinary range of sculptures from modern and contemporary artists. Don't forget to check out the sculpture garden, where you can view some of the most interesting sculptor works in a serene outdoor setting. Though this is a specialty museum, these unusual pieces are more than palatable to any creative types drifting into the local area. Where Midtown has the MoMa and The Museum at FIT, Astoria has the Museum of the Moving Image. Built into the former site of the Astoria Studios, the institute concentrates on the history, artistry and technology of digital media. In its expansive collection, you’ll find everything from famous film costumes and still photography to technical and production equipment. Additionally, visitors can enjoy immersive exhibitions, animation workstations and special events. This place is just as intriguing for passionate cinephiles and casual viewers alike – so don’t miss out! We love a good museum, and luckily, Astoria presents some fantastic options for those who feel the same way. Standing out as the only institution of its kind in the city, The People’s Museum works to provide an immersive educational experience for those with physical disabilities. The establishment defines itself as a general education museum, and its exhibitions cover a wide range of topics. From modern art and Roman pottery to Revolutionary War memorabilia and dinosaur bones, this place has it all. With its friendly environment and innovative means of presentation, the museum works to provide a fun learning experience for all visitors. Check out Some of the Landmarks Another one of our favorite spots to visit in Astoria is the Welling Court Mural Project. Situated just a few blocks away from Socrates Park, this vibrant project began as a means to beautify the area and influence positive social change through the art of graffiti. Free and open to the public 24 hours a day, the gallery displays the works of over 150 artists, including Lady Pink, Tristan Easton, and Wane COD. The walls serve as a backdrop for a wide variety of subject matters: from the socially charged and pragmatic to the comedic and whimsical, you’ll spot it all here. Don’t forget to bring your phone so that you can capture some snaps for Instagram! If you couldn’t get enough of the sculptures at the Noguchi Museum, then you should consider checking out the Socrates Sculpture Park. In 1986, the artists Mark di Suvero and Enrico Martignoni set out to transform an abandoned landfill into a hub of innovative activity and creative thought. And it worked! Set against the wondrous backdrop of the Manhattan skyline, the garden is now home to a Impressive and ever-changing collection of architectural models. In addition to its beautiful contemporary sculptures, you can also catch music and dance performances, movie screenings, educational workshops and more. We could think of few things better than savoring a frosty cold one on a balmy summer’s evening. Perfect for hanging out with friends after an exciting day of exploration, the Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden is recognized as one of the oldest venues of its kind in New York. Sip on some of the best Czech and craft beers available and enjoy hot bratwurst straight off of the grill in a friendly courtyard. Keep your eye out for sports nights and traditional festivals - but be warned – they can get quite rowdy! Well, what else is there left to say? We love Astoria! With so many things to do in the area, it’s impossible to be bored. Whether you’re looking to try out some of the best cuisine in the city, catch a drink with some friends, or view some avant-garde art, the world’s your oyster! 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.
Sarah Harris
Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) NYC
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MoMA Discount Tickets & Tips for Visiting During Your NYC Vacation

New York’s Museum of Modern Art, commonly referred to as MoMA, houses one of the world’s most impressive collections of modern and contemporary art. With an ever-expanding presence in Midtown -- one of New York’s most accessible neighborhoods -- MoMA is an excellent museum to visit with families, groups, or individually. Check out our helpful guide for visiting the Museum of Modern Art, packed full of ways to save on admission, tips for visiting, places to eat nearby, and much more. Looking for The Museum of Modern Art Discount Tickets? We’ve got you covered – The Museum of Modern Art admission 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. With its impressive collection of over 200,000 works of art, MoMA is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in modern and contemporary art. To ensure that you don't miss out on this incredible experience, be sure to purchase your MoMA admission tickets in advance. Our discounted ticket prices make it easy and affordable for you to see all the museum has to offer. So why wait? Get your MoMA tickets today and get ready to immerse yourself in the world of modern art! Tips for Visiting the Museum of Modern Art Download the app. It will help tremendously with planning your path through this massive museum. Keep in mind that kids 16 and under get free admission with a paying adult. Check out the Art Labs. These fun workshops and special activities allow kids to explore their creative sides with unique materials after their visit. Don't miss the 6th floor, where many of the special exhibits are. Be sure to look up while going up the staircase; Arthur Bell's 1945 helicopter is displayed overhead. If you have time, pay a visit to MoMA PS1. Located in Long Island City, this sister institution focuses on more recent art and up-and-coming artists. Check out the MoMA store for the best souvenirs, gifts, books, and more. Best Times to Visit Visiting New York's museums during the week is always an optimal way to cut down on crowds. Keep in mind that Friday evenings between 4:00 pm and 8:00 pm are the most crowded time to visit the Museum, due to free admission to the public. For the shortest lines, try visiting a little after MoMA opens, around mid-day, since people will often line up outside the entrance doors before the museum opens. What You Should Bring Camera: You’ll be seeing some outstanding examples of modern art, so cameras are a must. Keep in mind that certain special exhibits do not allow photography, so watch for the signs, and flash photography is prohibited throughout the museum. Smartphone: If you have wireless capabilities on your phone you can listen to MoMA’s audio guides directly. Plus, MoMA's app makes it easy to get around. Otherwise, players are available free for visitors and maps are located around the museum. A sketchbook: MoMA allows visitors to sketch in some of the galleries with pencils and small sized sketchbooks, although you can't sit on the floor to draw. Not much else: MoMA has strict security procedures, so bags over purse size will need to be checked, and shopping bags aren't allowed. Guards will search all bags before you enter the museum. What to Do There While MoMA is home to temporary exhibitions that rotate throughout the year, pieces from the permanent collection are always on display. Bear in mind that certain special exhibitions may require additional timed-entry tickets to cut down on how many visitors are in the exhibit at a time, and some of these come with additional costs. Here is a quick look at some of our favorite exhibits to check out. Marron Atrium Located on the second floor but visible from all floors due to the museum’s unique design, the Atrium is home to special temporary exhibits that change throughout the year. No matter when visitors see the museum, the Atrium installation is always a crowd favorite due to the scale of works presented. 2nd Floor Contemporary Galleries (1980-present), Prints and Illustrated Books, Media This floor presents work from the museum’s collection from contemporary artists, but also houses works that focus on new media forms, such as video. Visitors looking for a rest can find seating and a relaxing environment while watching looped video works. 3rd Floor - Architecture and Design, Drawing, Photography For everything from radios to helicopters, the architecture and design area of the museum pays tribute to some of the twentieth-century’s greatest technological advancements. Special exhibitions from the museum’s collection of photography and drawings are also located here. 4th Floor - Painting and Sculpture Galleries II (1940s-1980) This is where part of MoMA’s sculptures and paintings from the 1940s-1980s are shown, including the classic Abstract Expressionist works of Jackson Pollock, the Pop Art of Andy Warhol, and other notable favorites like Mark Rothko and Jasper Johns. 5th Floor - Painting and Sculpture Galleries I (1880s-1940s) People of all ages will enjoy the experience of seeing the famous artists represented in MoMA’s collection. There is always a large crowd around van Gogh’s The Starry Night – perhaps his most iconic work – and visitors can take in a room dedicated exclusively to Monet’s Water Lilies series. Picasso, Matisse, and Kahlo are all also well represented in this area. Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Sculpture Garden This peaceful oasis in midtown Manhattan is a wonderful way to take in some greenery and examples of modern sculptures from renowned artists. During the summer, an outdoor café allows visitors to sit amongst the art, and the museum opens the garden every morning for free, so travelers staying in the area can greet the day with a stop here. Cullman Education and Research Building Located right next door to MoMA is the education building, which allows for free entry with your ticket. Children can explore interactive art-making activities, and people of all ages can take in rotating exhibitions featuring artwork created by schools and community programs from around New York City. Nearby Attractions MoMA’s midtown Manhattan location means it is easy to access and easy to reach many nearby attractions. Here are a few close by that we suggest adding to you vacation itinerary... Take the Rockefeller Center Tour around the corner to see NBC’s studios, including the home of Saturday Night Live. Families with children – particularly those visiting during the holiday season – can choose to tour the world famous Radio City Music Hall for a unique behind-the-scenes look into the incredible Rockettes. Central Park is right around the corner from MoMA, so take in some of Nature’s fine art by exploring the park with a bike rental. Places to Eat Nearby MoMA has several options for eating in the museum itself, including a café on the second floor that offers casual fare for diners of all ages. There is also a smaller café on the fifth floor that has a beautiful view of the Midtown skyline, which serves coffee and alcoholic beverages. The Modern is a Michelin-starred restaurant, accessible within the museum and from the exterior after museum hours, and is a fine dining experience surrounded by world-class art. Visitors may need reservations for the most popular times. Need to Know Hours Saturday-Thursday, 10:30 am-5:30 pm Friday, 10:30 am-8:00 pm For seasonal extended hours visit MoMa.org Closings: Christmas Day, Thanksgiving Day Directions & Address 11 West 53rd Street between Fifth and Sixth avenues New York, NY 10019 Driving: Click here for detailed directions by car. Public Transportation: By Subway: E or M trains to 53rd Street station at Fifth Avenue; D or F trains to 47-50th Street/Rockefeller Center station By Bus: From the east side of Manhattan, take the M1, M2, M3, M4, or M5 bus to 53rd Street; From the west side of Manhattan, take the M50 cross-town bus to 50th Street. Then walk three blocks to 53rd Street. 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 MoMA tickets, 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.
Lindsay Eagan
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10+ Things to Do in New York When it Rains (Popular Indoor Activities)

Visiting NYC, but feeling bummed that rain is forecast? Don't worry! There is a variety of great indoor activities in New York. Therefore, create an enjoyable weather-proof itinerary for the days it rains during your vacation. First, some tips: when it's raining in the city, you should try to plan your itinerary in advance. Visiting attractions by proximity means you won't have to spend too much time outside navigating between attractions. In New York City, many sidewalks will be prone to collecting puddles. You may find it difficult to navigate without waterproof shoes. Many museums and attractions will offer a plastic bag for you to carry your umbrella in, too. Alternatively, you can check your umbrella and coat. And finally, don't forget that rainy day activities in a city like New York can be just as fun, if not more so, than some of your traditional outdoor options. To help you plan your rainy day vacation activities, check out our list of these popular things to do in New York when it rains. Looking for some fun things to do indoors? Admission to a bunch of the below activities are available on the New York City Explorer Pass®. Choose as you go from dozens of fun attractions and save up to 50% off combined admission vs paying at the gate. See all available passes, attractions & prices – Learn more. A few of the available activities include... American Museum of Natural History The Met Museum of Modern Art Madame Tussauds New York Ripley's Times Square and many more! The American Museum of Natural History Head to the American Museum of Natural History, one of the largest natural history museums in the world. It's a perfect place to spend hours when the weather outside doesn't cooperate, with dozens of galleries, tons of exhibits, and plenty of things to see. Be sure not to miss the 94-foot whale model in the Milstein Hall of Ocean Life, the massive collection of dinosaur fossils, and their impressive array of gemstones. Fans of outer space won't want to miss the Rose Center for Earth and Space, featuring the renowned Hayden Planetarium. Getting In: Admission to the American Museum of Natural History is available on the New York City Explorer Pass. The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met) For the artsy folks, another option is to scope out the collections housed in the marble hallways of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. As one of the most comprehensive art museums in America, you'll to cover just about everything, from Ancient Egyptian artifacts to modern day photography. Their extensive galleries are appealing to any fan of art, architecture, craftwork, and more. They also have specialty exhibits that vary seasonally. Even if you've been before you're sure to see something new on this visit. The Met also has some sister museums that offer indoor fun, like the Met Breuer (modern and contemporary art) and the Met Cloisters (medieval art). Bonus: Your admission to the Met means you'll get free admission to both of the other two museums for three consecutive days! Getting In: Admission to the Met is available on the New York City Explorer Pass. The Museum of Modern Art (The MoMA) Another option for the artistically-inclined is the world famous MoMA. The Museum of Modern Art is home to some of the most influential pieces of modern art in the world. It features works of art by artists such as Monet, Warhol, Cezanne, Van Gogh, Seurat, and lots more. You'll recognize some of the most iconic works in contemporary art history, from Warhol's Campbell's Soup Cans to Vincent Van Gogh's The Starry Night. Like the Met, they also offer frequent special exhibits that focus on a particular period or artist, offering a more expansive view of some aspect of their collections. They've also got some superb gift stores that make for ideal souvenir-shopping. Getting In: Admission to the MoMA is available on the New York City Explorer Pass. Insider tip: Additional art museum options included the Whitney Museum of American Art and the Guggenheim Museum. Both of which are included as options with the New York City Explorer Pass. Madame Tussauds New York Image credit: Madame Tussauds New York. Another great indoor attraction to visit on a rainy day in New York is a visit to world famous Madame Tussauds. Enjoy an entertaining way to interact with 200+ life-like wax figures of your favorite celebrities, movie stars, and more. There are multiple exhibits featuring all the hottest things in popular global culture. From Ghostbusters to Kong: Skull Island to the Marvel 4D Experience. You can even snap photos with British royalty! Getting In: Admission to Madame Tussauds New York are available on the New York City Explorer Pass. Ripley's Believe it or Not! Times Square This is a fun attraction for kids that adults really enjoy as well. This quirky museum offers great opportunities to explore all the weird and wonderful things they've collected, plus some fun exhibits. For example, you'll see everything from shrunken heads and albino animals to an extensive, small-scale model of New York City. Getting In: Admission to Ripley's Times Square is available on the New York City Explorer Pass. Popular Venue Tours Another great way to stay indoors while still exploring the city is try out a tour of a popular venue. There are tours of everything from famous concert halls to sports arenas. So whatever you're interested in, you'll be able to have some indoors fun while learning about the venue. For example, the Radio City Music Hall tour offers a behind-the-scenes look at this amazing musical venue. The Madison Square Garden Tour is perfect for sports fans of all stripes! (Even if you hate the Knicks, it's still pretty cool to see the transition from basketball court to ice rink.) Getting In: Admission to the Radio City Music Hall tour, Madison Square Garden tour, and Lincoln Center Tour are available on the New York City Explorer Pass. City Observatories Although your view admittedly won't be as clear as it might be on sunny days, you'll still get a good sense of the city layout at either of NYC's major observatories. The Top of the Rock offers excellent views of Central Park and the city beyond, with the most unobstructed views available. On the other hand, the Empire State Building is the more famous of the two, and has some pretty fascinating exhibits on the viewing floors. Either is a great option for a way to "tour" the city without getting wet! Getting In: Admission to the Top of the Rock and Empire State Building are both available on the New York City Explorer Pass. Go Enjoy Some Shopping New York City is a shopper's dream! With plenty of options to choose from, there is a store for almost everybody. We love to help save people money, so check out our thoughts on some of the best 'cheap' shopping in New York. With a little research you can find a bunch of your favorite brands for a fraction of the original price. Quick Rainy Day Recap All in all, there's a plethora of things to do in New York City when it rains. Rather than resent the forecast, take advantage of these indoor activities in NYC. We hope these ideas helped inspire you to create a fun-filled indoor itinerary.
Katie Sagal

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