Outdoor Things to do in NYC

New York City has some of the best museums, galleries, and concert venues in the country, not to mention the shopping! However, with the exception of the time spent darting from place to place, a vacation comprised of these activities alone doesn't get you outside very much. So save those indoor-only vacations for the winter! If you’re spending some time in New York City this summer, do something outdoorsy like renting a bike. Enjoy the charm and healthy fun of NYC streets and parks in the summer, because there’s plenty to explore on two wheels. A New York attractions pass can help you save money on bike rentals, tours, and even a visit to the Central Park Zoo, so pick one up today to make your adventures healthier for your wallet, too! Chances are you haven’t brought your own bike to NYC. That’s OK, because New York bike rentals are affordable, flexible, and very easy to procure with the New York attractions pass. With pick-up locations in Midtown, Central Park West, and Battery Park, you’ll be able to find a nearby bike rental location that’s convenient to wherever you’re staying in Manhattan. All of these rental locations are in convenient proximity to great bike routes and trails as well, making that included bike map even easier to use. Image of Helmet, Bicycle, Cycling, Person, Vehicle, Adult, Male, Man, Road, City, Street, Urban, Handbag, Central Park Bike tours are particularly popular for those who enjoy the exercise and fresh air of riding a bike, but want a little bit more focus to their activity. Tour various routes throughout this massive 840-acre urban park as part of a small group, and learn about the history of the park and its many statues, playgrounds, and waterworks as you ride. You can also opt for a guided tour that includes New York’s new Greenway Path, a beautiful walking/biking path in two parts that runs along the Hudson River and the East River. This route is especially popular with locals and is one of the most traveled bike paths around. Once you’re in the park, be sure to pay a visit to the Central Park Zoo, a local favorite with families. They have a special petting zoo just for the very young and a respectable selection of zoo standbys, including polar bears, monkeys, sea lions, and even some endangered species like the red pandas. The Central Park Zoo has been particularly successful among urban zoos with regards to reconstructing the wild habitats of its animals on a smaller scale, so be on the lookout for special touches in each exhibit, like indigenous plant life. Image of Landscape, Nature, Outdoors, Scenery, Panoramic, City, Cityscape, Urban, If you’re the adventurous type and love a good urban bike ride, check out something like the Hudson River bike tour, a three-hour tour that lets you explore riverfront landmarks and even pedal across the Brooklyn Bridge. The guide will give you several chances to pause for photography, too, so don’t worry about trying to balance your handlebars while you’re zooming in for that perfect shot. All of these New York bike rental options are great for kids and adults, so it’s the perfect outdoor activity for the whole family. If you are traveling with kids, be sure to show up in advance to things like bike tours, as they’ll need to make sure your children are paired with the appropriate sized bike. You’ll be provided with helmets and things like a bike lock and local trail map, but you should be sure to bring plenty of water and wear sneakers or other practical shoes. Since many rentals let you keep the bike all day, it can also serve as an eco-friendly way to explore NYC. Of course, you can also rent the bike for a shorter period of time if you’ve only got the afternoon to explore. Whatever you’re looking for in a bike ride, you’ll be able to find it in New York City. Enjoy the great outdoors and NYC’s gorgeous park system on two wheels this summer and leave the taxis far behind. With a New York attractions pass, you can also save money on bike rentals, bike tours, and all that other stuff you probably want to see in New York.

Katie Sagal
Go City Travel Expert

Continue reading

Blog

Top Places to Go for New York City Skyline Views

We're obsessed with city skylines and finding the best vantage points to capture them. Naturally, when we sent one of our very own to NYC to scope out the sites, she came back with a list of her top Manhattan skyline viewing areas to share. They are as follows: 3. The Roof of The Met After browsing through the exhibits, take a break (and sip some vino) atop The Met. Follow signs to The Roof Garden Café and Martini Bar, there might be a bit of a wait to get up there, but the views are worth it. The Met regularly commissions artists to create installation artwork to be displayed on the roof to be enjoyed by visitors, you can check their website in advance to see which artist is currently being featured. 2. Brooklyn, New York I ran down my phone battery in record time from stopping to take pictures every few seconds during my bike ride around DUMBO and the Brooklyn Heights Promenade because the views are THAT GOOD. Rent a bike for the day and explore DUMBO (Down Under Manhattan Bridge Overpass), you'll get great views around the bridge and from the piers on the Brooklyn Heights Promenade. 1. Top of the Rock Perhaps we're stating the obvious but no "views of New York City" list would be complete without including the unbeatable views from the Top of the Rock. Want more amazing view? Compare the difference between Top of the Rock vs Empire State Building for yourself. Insider tip: Get your ticket to head up an hour before sunset for the best photo opportunities. You'll get to see the skyline in daylight and stay for the post-sunset views when all the lights come on and the buildings light up. (Quick photography lesson: the hour before sunset is called "the golden hour" because it's the most flattering natural light of the day, so your selfies will look extra good.) Do you have any New York City vantage points that you think should have made the list of Top 3? Let us know in the comments below.
Casey Makovich
Blog

Family Friendly Restaurants in NYC

New York City is undeniably one of the culinary capitals of America. With its diversity of cuisines and rich population of top-notch chefs and restaurateurs, the New York dining scene has something to offer practically every palate. Of course, when you’re traveling with kids sometimes experimental haute cuisine just isn’t going to cut it. So to help you out, we’ve put together a list of the best family-friendly restaurants in NYC. Or, if you’re looking for a bit of time away from the kids, we’ve also thrown in some foodie suggestions. These restaurants are located in New York City and are within walking distance or a quick subway ride from a few great NYC attractions, so they can be easily worked into your family vacation itinerary. Kid Friendly New York Restaurants Renaissance Restaurant If you're looking for an extensive menu and inexpensive prices, this is the spot for your family. The Renaissance menu really has absolutely everything, from chocolate chip pancakes to deli sandwiches to pizza. There will definitely be something everyone in the family will enjoy. The casual environment is good for kids and the food comes out very quickly (great for short attention spans). With 24-hour service, this diner is number one for convenience, too. Nearby Attractions: Central Park, USS Intrepid Museum, Bike Rentals Shake Shack This popular eatery offers more than just shakes. Burgers, hot dogs, fries, and ice cream make this place a kid favorite, but fresh, high-quality ingredients mean it's a favorite among parents as well! The prices are very reasonable for New York, and the prime location makes it a definite top pick. Nearby Attractions: Grand Central Terminal, Bryant Park, Central Park Movie Tours Peanut Butter & Co. Sandwich Shop Only in NYC could you find a restaurant dedicated entirely to menu items featuring peanut butter. You'd be amazed at the diversity of peanut-buttery options, from the classic PB & J to the Mighty Maple Sandwich (maple peanut butter with crisp bacon) to the Peanut Butter Brownie Blast Sundae. If your kids want to try out a peanut butter creation, but you'd rather not, don't worry – a few peanut butter free options are offered as well (like the tuna melt or the salad bowl). This restaurant is so perfect for kids they'll even cut the crusts off for you! Nearby Attractions: Washington Square Park, New York University, 9/11 Tribute Center Artie's Delicatessen This restaurant is a re-created 1930s Jewish deli featuring dozens of the owners' favorite traditional recipes. Your kids might not care for the history, but they'll love the delicious chicken fingers, frankfurters, and birthday cake for dessert. If you can get your kids to go for something healthier, they also offer very appetizing soup, sandwich, salad, and entrée options. Try to sell them on the chicken noodle soup or macaroni salad. All menu items are available in house or to go! Nearby Attractions: American Museum of Natural History, New York Historical Society Museum, Hayden Planetarium Ditch Plains UWS This place is a great destination for seafood lovers, burger lovers, and barbeque lovers – you name it. Their unique spin on the experience is what they call “beach dining,” a selection of classic picnic or backyard barbeque fare prepared by expert chefs. You’ll find everything from hotdogs and hamburgers to BLTs and mac and cheese at this tasty dining destination. The Upper West Side location is especially conveniently located for further exploration. Nearby Attractions: The American Museum of Natural History, Central Park, the Children’s Museum of Manhattan NINJA New York What kid could pass up the chance to dine with ninjas?! This contemporary Japanese restaurant (which includes an accessible variety of cuisines – not just the more complicated stuff) is designed to look just like a recreated 18th century ninja village. Walk through the maze-like interior and marvel at the beautiful construction – don’t forget a camera! Be warned, however, that this isn’t going to be a cheap dining experience. Nearby Attractions: 9/11 Memorial and Museum, TriBeCa, City Hall Local Cuisine John’s of Bleecker Street Representing NYC in the great American Pizza Wars, John’s of Bleecker Street is a local institution that’s been serving up NY-style pizza in this historic location for a long time. If you’re looking for the authentic NY pizza experience while trying to avoid tourist traps or overpriced meals, this is the place to go. Be sure to arrive hungry, because slices are big! Nearby Attractions: Hudson River Park, Ground Zero Museum Workshop, departure point for many neighborhood tours (like the Brooklyn Bridge tour) Strip House Next Door If you’re looking for another restaurant that represents the best of local cuisine, then why not check out this top-rated steakhouse? Prices are more than reasonable for how delicious the food is, and it’s in a trendy location that allows you to see more of the city than you might otherwise. Strip House Next Door is the perfect destination for both families and couples! Nearby Attractions: Union Square, Flatiron District, West Village Vegetarian & Foodie Options Candle Café For those of you in the market for tasty veggie options, then Candle Café is the perfect place for you. With locations on both the Upper West Side & Upper East Side, this trendy local hotspot features fresh, organic vegan cuisine, plus a delicious juice bar. It’s near a lot of local museums (and Central Park), so it’s easy to pop in for a healthy lunch on a busy day of sightseeing. Nearby Attractions: Metropolitan Museum of Art, Central Park, Guggenheim Museum Angelica Kitchen This is another excellent vegetarian option that uses exclusively fresh, farm-to-table ingredients in their sumptuous organic cuisine. Everything is made with only the best fruit, vegetables, and grains, so you know what your kids are eating is going to be healthy and tasty. They also offer many gluten-free options if you’ve got any allergies in the family. Nearby Attractions: East Village, Union Square, Empire State Building (a bit north) Café Paulette Thinking about going for a date night without the kids on your NYC vacation? Then check out Café Paulette in Brooklyn, one of our favorite French bistros. It’s more affordable than many similar restaurants in Manhattan, but offers the same level of quality and expertise. It’s also a great wine bar, so plan to spend a long time enjoying their delicious offerings in a romantic setting. Nearby Attractions: Fort Greene Park, Brooklyn Museum, Brooklyn Botanic Garden Lilli and Loo For lovers of Asian cuisine – including adventurous kids! – Lilli and Loo is an excellent dining destination. Located right in Midtown, this restaurant/sushi bar has tons to offer for the discerning diner in a fun environment. They serve all of your tradition faves, plus a number of plainer options to appeal to pickier eaters. Plus, it’s super affordable, so you don’t need to worry about breaking the bank on lunch. Nearby Attractions: Midtown, the Museum of Modern Art, Top of the Rock Of course, you’ll be able to find several great restaurants in the Times Square area, so don’t feel like you have to wander out to the edges of Manhattan to find good food. These selections help you avoid some of the more touristy spots and introduce you to a variety of NYC cuisine. Some areas to explore for additional restaurant options include Greenwich Village, TriBeCa, the West Village, and NoMad. Be sure to read reviews before you go, and choose a spot near a subway station for easy transit (not a difficult task in NYC – there are subway stations everywhere).
Katie Sagal
Blog

New York Subway Tips for Tourists

If you plan on visiting New York City in the near future, or really any time in general, preparing yourself to navigate the subway makes a lot of sense. To be sure, you can get around in NYC via cabs, buses or just by walking, but there’s certainly no better way to make your way through the Big Apple than via the subterranean straphanger express. The first thing you will want to do, in addition to picking up a New York Explorer Pass, is get a subway map. They are free and generally available at every subway station that has a booth with an MTA employee on duty, so don’t be bashful and ask away. That doesn’t mean that you need to whip out the map and familiarize yourself with it while waiting for the train – in fact definitely don’t do that – but just look it over when you have five minutes to yourself at a hotel, coffee shop or park bench. Even just having a brief overview of the lines and where they go can be helpful The next thing you want to do is get yourself a MetroCard. Using the machines can be frustrating at times, but don’t get too upset if it is taking you longer than it should to use a crumpled dollar bill or if the people behind you in line are giving you dirty looks. The machines are annoying for everyone – seasoned NYC veterans and day trippers alike – so keep calm and carry on. Also, once you manage to fill up your card, you’ll want to hold on to it. There’s a $1 green fee every time you buy a new card, so just fill up the old one to avoid paying it. Use the subway and your New York Explorer Pass to see the American Museum of Natural History, Ripley's Believe it or Not! Times Square or the Museum of Modern Art NYC. It’s also important to keep an eye on the clock when using the subway. Although it’s true that the subway never completely shuts down, it does change the way it runs on late-nights and weekends and service on certain lines is suspended at designated times. The signage in the stations isn’t always clear – and is in a constant state of flux – so the best place to stay on top of things is at the official website of the MTA. There are also a multitude of mobile apps to use at this point, so download one or two just in case. When you are actually on the train itself, don’t be alarmed if you see something strange (and don’t lose your New York Attractions Pass). There are dancers, mariachi bands, people telling stories and people selling just about everything else constantly wandering throughout the subway, so just let them do their thing. If you do interact with them, chances are they’ll respond in kind, so don’t start a conversation unless you feel like finishing it. As in the case in most cities, let people exit the train before getting on and you’re all set. To view all the top New York Attractions for kids, check out Smart Destinations’ New York Explorer Pass and Go Select New York Pass!
Go City Expert

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