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Things to do in New York for a Birthday

By Jo Cooke

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“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
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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.

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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...

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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!

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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.

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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?

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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...

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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?

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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!

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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...

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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.

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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.

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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
Go City Travel Expert

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Things to Do in New York City for Couples

NYC is a romantic setting for a couple's vacation - from dazzling views of the city to sharing intimate dinners and strolling through Central Park hand in hand. With no further ado, here are our top things to do in New York for couples.
Katie Sagal
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Quirky Things to do in New York   

What can we say? We love New York! With a long list of cultural amenities, interesting historical sites, and exciting events, we couldn't think of a better place to visit for a one-of-a-kind vacation. Whether you’re looking for unusual museums and attractions, or ideas for fun activities like kayaking on the East River, we’ve got you covered. So, if you’re planning to make the visit, take a look at our list for some of the best unusual things to do in the city. We hope you love them as much as we do. Explore the City The urban landscape displays some of the most creative and provocative street art in the city. Those looking for something a little different from the usual gallery experience might appreciate a tour of the Bushwick area, which is known as a mecca for American and International artists alike. Along the route, you’ll be able to view popular Blek Le Rat stencils and Shepard Fairey murals as well as some inspiring pieces by some lesser-known artists. In addition, your tour guide will take you through the history of the New York graffiti movement and explain more about the various styles of artistry that developed in the area. If skyscrapers aren’t quite your thing, why not check out St. Patrick’s Basilica? A total must for architecture lovers and history buffs, this Neo-Gothic style Catholic cathedral offers a refreshing change from the ultra-modern cityscape. Visitors can take tours to appreciate and admire the beauty of this historic visual landmark and learn more about its background. Still, the real star of the show is the catacombs tour, permitting visitors to explore the awe-inspiring tunnels running beneath the city center. For curious adventurers only, we recommend a trip on the Staten Island Ferry. An undoubtedly major attraction and mainstay of New York City culture, the ferry grants stunning views of Ellis Island, the Statue of Liberty, and Lower Manhattan Skyline. We suggest putting a day aside to explore all that the island has to offer. Check out the South Beach Boardwalk, have a picnic at Silver Lake Park, or visit Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden – the choice is yours! Get Cultured Another one of our favorite unique attractions to see in the city is the New York Transit Museum. Built into an authentic subway station in downtown Brooklyn, the institute celebrates the fascinating history of the region’s public transportation network. The museum’s remarkable collection features everything from construction equipment and vintage subway cars to old photographs and tickets. Enthralling and enjoyable, the museum provides the perfect educational experience for those of all ages. Looking for a unique and artsy museum to pique your interest? Well, look no further. Located on Madison Avenue, The Morgan Library houses one of the largest on-paper collections in the United States. The perfect stop for bibliophiles and creative types alike, the library features a broad collection of art, books and historic documents that will keep you dazzled for hours. Highlights include Mozart’s handwritten score of the Haffner Symphony, Henry David Thoreau’s Walden, and the only remaining manuscript of Milton’s Paradise Lost. The experience of viewing these influential works up close is entirely unforgettable – don't skip it! Why see a museum when you could see a quirky museum instead? Just across the East River, the Queens Museum seeks to collect, exhibit and interpret global contemporary art for a wide audience. The institute’s main draw is its room-sized scale model of the five boroughs, which is continuously updated. Still, that isn’t to say that its other pieces aren’t well worth the visit – between their permanent collection of Louis Comfort Tiffany stained glass, huge map of the city water supply system, and collection of artifacts from the 1964 and 1964 World Fairs, there’s a lot to see here. Find Fun Activities One of the best alternative activities in the city has got to be kayaking on the East River. Yep, you read that right. The city’s coastal waterways serve as a unique urban paddling destination – and with good reason. This energetic and outdoorsy activity grants stunning views of the midtown skyline. If you’ve never kayaked before, there’s no need to worry – you’ll be guided by a professional team and provided with the right equipment to ensure total safety. All you have to do is show up with and a positive attitude and readiness to explore! Those who are travelling with family might want to check out the next item on our list. Situated in Lower Manhattan, the Museum of Ice Cream offers a fun and unique experience based upon our favorite frozen delight. Bring your sweetest dreams to life through a number of multisensory installations and imaginative concepts. Fan favorites include the 3-storey indoor Ice Cream Portal, the Rainbow Tunnel, and the Sprinkle Pool. Don’t forget to bring your phone to capture the colorful and whimsical exhibits up close. The city is filled with hidden gems – you just need to know where to look. Tucked away in the Lower East Side, the Chinatown Fair Family Fun Center offers an entertainment experience to remember. This historic video arcade presents a wide array of classic and newer games, with a particular focus on competitive fighting. With its vibrant atmosphere, underground vibe, and unique draw, this spot is perfect for hanging out with friends and family after a long day of exploring. If you’re looking for a bit of fun, this is where you want to be. The state of New York never ceases to amaze us with its fun and quirky attractions. The city is like a spectacular buffet of cultural experiences. From one-of-a-kind daytrips to interesting museums and tours, the area has plenty to offer those looking for a little something outside of the box. Those who visit seeking diversity, vibrancy and eccentricity won’t be disappointed. To make the best out of your vacation, check out Go City’s All-Inclusive Pass and Explorer Pass. For more information, connect with us on Instagram and Facebook.
Sarah Harris
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Best Markets in New York

Arguably one of the best ways to gain insight into local culture, markets provide a fantastic sensory learning experience. Whether you want to browse the stalls for some local handicrafts, check out the vintage section, or pick up some unique souvenirs for your loved ones back home, you’ll be amazed by what you may find. From fleas to food and drink markets, we’ve put together a comprehensive list of some of our favorite places to check out. Just keep scrolling! Taste the City Foodies – pay attention! If wandering through aisles of delectable confections and locally sourced honey sounds good to you, then the Union Square Greenmarket just might be your jam. Held four times a week, this fun cultural experience is known for presenting a wide array of organic veggies, heritage meats, and artisan cheeses. Be sure to check out the lively activities held at the market, including food book fairs, cooking demos, and quite thankfully, tastings! When it comes to outdoor food markets, you can’t get much better than Smorgasburg. Attracting thousands of people to Brooklyn and Manhattan, this place has been recognized as ‘’The Woodstock of Eating’’. At the event, you’ll be able to taste from over 100 different vendors serving up a wide array of delicious and unique delicacies. Dive into the crowds, taste the city, and admire the views from the East River Waterfront. Hey, what’s not to love? One of New York’s oldest markets – dating way back to 1818 - is also one of the city’s most cherished food spots and a mainstay of the Lower East Side. Those who are looking for the ultimate culinary experience will appreciate the Essex Street Market for its gourmet ice cream, fresh handmade pasta, and Japanese bentos. What better way to spend the afternoon than by eating your way around one of the city’s most mouth-watering food destinations? Browse the Stalls Looking for some eye-catching antique furniture or a funky vintage jacket to add to your collection? Then this bustling space has you covered. Running every Sunday, all year round, the Grand Bazaar Market is known for offering an expansive array of one-of-a-kind, rare, and limited-edition pieces. Whilst browsing, visitors can enjoy bratwurst hot off the stove, decadent sea salt brownies, or sip on a cold one. You may find interesting events held here, including Made in NYC, Handmade Bazaar, and Grand Vintage Bazaar. Oh, and the best part? Some of the proceeds go towards local public schools. Another one of our favorite markets for a laid-back Saturday afternoon in the city is Brooklyn Flea Market. Running all year round on the weekends, this place is known for peddling everything from vintage home goods and collectibles to handmade wares and original artwork. Visitors can also enjoy deliciously fresh food and drinks whilst shopping. Since there’s so much to see and take in, we recommend saving a free day for this one. We especially love this place for its incredible bohemian atmosphere and fair prices. Immerse yourself in the culture of the city with the next item on our list. Situated in Chinatown, the Canal Street Market provides an exciting and unique experience for you and your loved ones. Upon entrance, you can browse the stalls for beauty, clothing and design products. In the food area, you can dig into a comforting bowl of ramen, sip boba milk tea, and grab rare and artisanal ingredients for your pantry. Definitely don’t miss the cool special events here, including live music, comedy shows, and pop-up vendor activities. Soak up the Atmosphere Located in the Meatpacking District, the next item on our list is perfect for spending time with friends whilst enjoying a delicious bite. Merging food, art and culture, Chelsea Market offers a rewarding experience for anyone and everyone. The main star of the show is the market’s bustling, high-end food court, which houses restaurants, vendors and shops selling plates and ingredients from around the globe. In addition to its tantalizing culinary offerings, the market also has some great shops and stalls. Find a fantastic bottle of wine, get a beautiful bouquet of flowers made up, or watch an immersive art installation at Artechouse. The best markets in the city bring a little bit of everything to the table. One of our personal favorites is the Astoria Market - and although it’s a little bit further out of the city center, we promise that it’s well worth the visit! Drawing together artists, bakers, and designers from all elements, this place is a total treat for the senses. Shop one-of-a-kind antiques, taste authentic Korean barbecue, and sit back and soak up the atmosphere. Though we can’t promise that you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for, you’ll be intrigued and delighted by what the market has in store. DeKalb Market is the perfect place to stop for a meal when exploring Brooklyn. A total Instagrammer’s paradise, this place features many local favorites all in one spot - trust us when we say, you do not want to miss out! Celebrating originality and diversity through food, the market offers a wide array of delicious cuisines from around the world. With its tasty eats, vibrant energy, and underground atmosphere, this would be a great place to try something new. There’s no better way to soak up the atmosphere of the city than by visiting its fantastic markets, of which there are many. Breaking away from the typical trip to the mall, markets offer a vibrant, atmospheric experience to provide a true taste of the city. Whether you’re just browsing, bargain shopping, or looking to try out some of the best food in the city, it’s impossible to be bored! Besides being a total treat for the senses, the thought of discovering a quirky antique chair or great vintage jacket to bring home is just too tempting for us to resist! Explore the city to its fullest with Go City’s All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass. If you’d like to know more, connect with us on Instagram and Facebook.
Sarah Harris

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