New York Vacation Tips

By Katie Sagal

Traveling to the Big Apple this summer? Whether you’re a first time visitor or a frequent flyer to NYC, it can be tough to sort through all the nitty gritty details. Here are a few of our favorite New York Vacation Tips to help you get through planning the perfect trip. From searching for hotel discounts to skipping the line at attractions and beyond, these tips are sure to come in handy. Don’t forget to pick up a New York Go Select Pass to save on all your attraction visits!

Getting to NYC

Depending on where you’re coming from, you’ll need to book a flight to NYC. Unless you have some frequent flier miles stocked up, or an unshakeable loyalty to one particular airline, sites that compile most possible flight prices for your comparison are your best bet. Some of the most popular sites include Kayak (which compares prices between all the different discount sites), Expedia, Travelzoo, Hotwire, and the bid-oriented site Priceline. You can’t find every open flight on these sites (remember that affordable carrier Southwest does not post fares on these sites), but they’re a great place to start. Students of all ages should also check out Student Universe for some steep discounts. You need to pay a membership fee to use their site, but if you travel even semi-regularly it’s definitely worth the significant savings.
Manhattan Skyline
You should also keep in mind that all of the NYC area airports require a significant drive from the airport to reach the heart of Manhattan. JFK is the most popular airport, although many find better fares flying into nearby Newark, NJ (which does offer train service into NYC – a much better deal than a taxi or town car). Be sure to factor transportation costs to and from the airport into your budget.

Finding a Place to Stay

If you’re not staying with a friend or family member during your vacation, you’ll have to book a hotel. Hotels.com remains the most reliable and comprehensive booking site for hotels in the US, and they frequently offer special discounts on pricing only available through their site. Priceline and Hotwire are also solid, and newcomer trivago is quickly gaining popularity. As with flights, many frequent travelers prefer to begin with Kayak because of its flexibility, although you should be aware that their initial pricing can often be misleading in a market like NYC where hotel prices fluctuate dramatically over the course of a week and season.
Image of Person, People, The Great Hall of the Metropolitan Museum of Art
Choose the location of your hotel carefully. In addition to reading a bunch of reviews before booking, you should also scope out a map of the area to see what’s around. It’s always tempting to stay in Midtown in the heart of things (which is a great option, but is also going to be the priciest option), but there are plenty of other great choices when looking to stay in New York – even more if you’re willing to hop a train for your sightseeing and come from New Jersey or Brooklyn.

Getting Around NYC

This is pretty much a no-brainer. Even if you’ve driven to the city, find some cheap long-term parking and leave the car there. Between NYC traffic, impossible parking near attractions, and the stress and confusion that comes with driving in a strange city, it’s not worth it to try to drive yourself around. Taxis are solid for late night trips (home from dinner or a club, for example), but your best bet during the day is going to be the subway system. The MTA is a sprawling system that covers the entire city and beyond. If you include the regional rail networks that come into Penn Station, you’re also able to get to Long Island and New Jersey without much trouble. The system can seem overwhelming at first, so we recommend acquiring a subway map and consulting it discreetly in advance. (The MTA website’s trip planner service can be a big help here.)
Image of Grass, Nature, Outdoors, Park, Lawn, Person, Concert, Crowd, City, Urban, Adult, Male, Man, People, Central Park
Depending on how long you’re in the city for, you have a few options for purchasing your MTA passes. MetroCards are good for both bus and subway and are refillable, so if you run low you can easily add more money on the same card. The MTA website estimates that if you’re planning on taking 13 or fewer trips during your visit (that’s only six round trips), then you’re better off just paying for your fares by adding money to a MetroCard. If you think you’ll be taking the subway or bus more than that, then the 7-Day unlimited pass is best for you. It costs only $30 and is good for an entire week. Keep in mind when deciding that your base fare for a round trip is $5. (Note: the initial purchase price of a MetroCard includes a $1 new card fee)

Exploring NYC

The best way to enjoy the best tours, museums, and activities a city has to offer is by picking up a discount attractions pass. The New York Go Select Pass is a great option for travelers that love to plan ahead. Pay for only the attractions you want to see, and don’t feel constrained by an either/or choice. You can take up to 30 days to visit all of your chosen attractions, which means that this pass can potentially be used for more than one trip. The New York Pass also includes extra VIP benefits like skip the line privileges at top attractions (a must-have for places like the Empire State Building) and included admission to some special exhibits and shows. Image of Sign, Symbol, Person, Adult, Male, Man, Female, Woman, With more than 60 different options to choose from, you’ll save on practically everything you want to do in New York with a New York Pass. From helicopter tours and scavenger hunts to top museums and historical sites, the New York Go Select Pass can be custom-built to create your perfect itinerary. With Smart Destinations’ exclusive digital delivery option, the New York Pass is easy to obtain and even easier to use. Display on your smartphone for admission or print it out if you prefer. If you have less of a definite idea about what you want to see, consider the New York Explorer Pass, which allows you to choose the attractions you want to see as you go along. It’s also available for your mobile phone, so you don’t need to worry about keeping track of tickets or paper booklets. Both the New York Explorer Pass and the New York Pass are invaluable savings resources on any New York vacation. Happy Traveling!

Continue reading

Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) NYC
Blog

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
Blog

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
Blog

Things to do During the Day in New York City

So you’re planning a trip to NYC, and you’re all set to experience nightlife in the city that never sleeps. But what do you do while the sun’s still up and the clubs are still closed? Well, we hope you’ll consider checking out a few of these daytime New York attractions. Whether you’re a culture buff, an artsy sort, or just love nature, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in the Big Apple. Save on Admission to Daytime Activities in NYC If you want to save on things to do during the day on your New York City vacation, consider picking up a flexible New York City Explorer Pass®. Save up to 50% off your choice of more than 70 daytime options, versus paying admission directly at the gate - Learn more. If you’re looking for daytime activities in New York, check out a few of our favorites, including... Hop-on Hop-off Big Bus Tour Madame Tussauds Empire State Building Central Park Bike Tour American Museum of Natural History 9/11 Memorial and Museum The Met And more! Hop-on Hop-off Big Bus Tour To get a true sense of the city during the day, a comprehensive bus tour seems in order. This hop-on hop-off option from Big Bus is a smart choice because it offers flexibility and freedom alongside entertainment. Choose from more than 25 stops across two popular routes, Downtown and Uptown. If you need anymore convincing, you’ll appreciate the fact that Big Bus is the highest rated bus tour company on TripAdvisor! Getting In: Big Bus New York tickets are included with the New York City Explorer Pass®. Madame Tussauds This perennially popular attraction is full of fun and playfulness and is among the top-visited daytime spots in the city. See exquisitely realistic wax replicas of famous people and characters from NYC and around the globe, and snap a selfie with your favorites. Due to its Times Square location, Madame Tussauds is also easy to fit into a broader NYC itinerary. Getting In: Madame Tussauds New York tickets are included with the New York City Explorer Pass®. Empire State Building You can’t leave NYC without taking advantage of the opportunity to see the city from above on one of its most famous observation decks. (The view from the street is pretty cool, too!) The Empire State Building Observatory is located on the 86th floor and provides 360-degree views of Midtown Manhattan and beyond. There are also a number of informative exhibits that highlight the building’s history, its Art Deco architecture, and more. Getting In: Empire State Building tickets are included with the New York City Explorer Pass®. Central Park Bike Tour For those who love the great outdoors, you simply can’t miss out on exploring NYC’s very own slice of natural paradise – the inimitable Central Park. This massive urban greenspace contains so many attractions within, like Cherry Hill Fountain, the Strawberry Fields and Imagine Mosaic, the Shakespeare Garden, the Naumburg Bandshell, and more. Take a bike tour to explore these sites on two wheels. It’s easy, convenient, fun, and burns off some of those calories you consumed last night. Getting In: Central Park Bike Tour tickets are included with the New York City Explorer Pass®. American Museum of Natural History One of the most enchanting museums in the entire country, the American Museum of Natural History is filled with exhibits, artifacts, and natural objects. Some of their most popular exhibits include their famous collection of dinosaur fossils, brilliant gems, and vivid animal dioramas. Visitors especially love the exhibits in the Milstein Hall of Ocean Life. Be sure to also check out the Museum store for some souvenirs that will prove you did more than party. Getting In: American Museum of Natural History tickets are included with the New York City Explorer Pass®. 9/11 Memorial and Museum To truly appreciate the history of this iconic global city, you’ll want to spend a little time honoring its past. A visit to the 9/11 Memorial and Museum is a somber but informative experience that allows you to explore archives, photographs, multimedia displays, and more. Don’t forget to scope out the exterior, with twin reflecting pools that contain the largest manmade waterfalls on the entire continent. Getting In: 9/11 Memorial and Museum tickets are included with the New York City Explorer Pass®. The Met Art lovers from around the globe flock to NYC to explore the impeccable collections of the Met. The seemingly endless galleries feature a wide variety of art objects, from Ancient Egypt to Modern and Contemporary Art. They’ve even got exhibits on Arms & Armor, Asian Art, and Musical Instruments. You can easily spend an entire day roaming these halls. Getting In: The Met tickets are included with the New York City Explorer Pass®. NYC Shopping If you love a good afternoon spent shopping – whether or not an exchange of money and goods actually occurs – you’ll love roaming through the shops of New York City. Still the shopping capital of the U.S. in the age of online retail, NYC has a store to sell you just about anything you can think of. Visitors love to explore the pricier stores along Wall Street and across Lower Manhattan generally, as well as the more affordable options in SoHo and Union Square. The Macy’s in Herald Square and the Bloomies in Midtown are also popular spots. Getting In: New York City Explorer Pass® holders receive an extra discount at Bloomingdales and Macy’s. Save on Admission to Daytime Activities in New York If you’re interested in visiting a few of these top NYC attractions during the day on your vacation, check out the New York City Explorer Pass®. You can save up to 50% on combined admission prices and enjoy additional benefits, too. Think of it this way -- you'll have more money to spend on your evening excursions. Happy travels!
Katie Sagal

Have a 5% discount, on us!

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

  • Thick check Icon