10+ Things to Do in Central Park During Your Trip to New York City

By Katie Sagal

One of the most famous urban green spaces in the entire world is Central Park. Home to dozens of attractions like bike trails, sculptures, ponds, picnic spots, tours, and even a zoo, Central Park is bustling with excitement and energy. Come here to have fun and be active or to relax and unwind. Whatever your approach to Central Park, you’re bound to have a great time. If you’re looking for things to do in Central Park and near by during your trip to New York, check out our list of the best local activities and attractions, including...

  • Central Park Bike Rides
  • Central Park TV & Movie Sites Walking Tour
  • The nearby American Museum of Natural History
  • The nearby Metropolitan Museum of Art
  • And more!

Save on Central Park Attraction Admission

Admission to many of these top New York City attractions and activities and more are available on the New York Explorer Pass. Choose as you go from many top attractions and save up to 50% on combined admission vs. paying at the gate. See all available passes, attractions & prices – Learn more.

Central Park Full Day Bike Rental

Image of Backpack, Bag, Adult, Male, Man, Person, Bicycle, Vehicle, Cycling, Shoe, Road, One of the best ways to get around NYC while avoiding the notoriously terrible traffic (and the occasionally frustrating subway system) is to ride around on two wheels. Pick up a full day bike rental in Central Park for the opportunity to explore the city at your own pace and to be as active or as leisurely as you’d like. Getting In: Full Day Central Park Bike Rentals are available on the New York Explorer Pass.

Central Park Bike Tour

Image of People, Person, Helmet, Adult, Female, Woman, Bicycle, Cycling, Vehicle, Boy, Male, Teen, Shoe, If what you’re really interested in is a thorough exploration of the lovely Central Park, then a bike tour is a great option. Ride around for two hours while seeing the top sights and sounds of the country’s most popular urban park, with the chance to stop at major spots like the Imagine Mosaic, the Cherry Hill Fountain, Strawberry Fields, and many more. Getting In: Central Park Bike Tours are available on the New York Explorer Pass.

Central Park TV & Movie Sites Walking Tour

Image of City, Urban, Handbag, High Rise, Adult, Female, Person, Woman, Photography, Grass, Nature, Outdoors, Park, Face, Head, Portrait, People, Necklace, Vegetation, Tree, Blouse, Water, Office Building, Condo, Enjoy a leisurely walking tour while taking a peek at over 40 TV and movie locations scattered throughout Central Park. You’ll recognize top sites from movies like Serendipity, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, When Harry Met Sally, and more. Don’t forget about TV shows like Glee! Getting In: Central Park TV & Movie Sites Walking Tours are available on the New York Explorer Pass.

Central Park Walking Tour

Image of Art, Floral Design, Graphics, Pattern, Birthday Cake, Another fun walking tour option for the curious – this time focused on the Park as a whole, including major landmarks and famous sites. This easy two-hour walking tour covers a good amount of the park, from famous fountains and iconic statues to little-known paths and ponds. Getting In: Central Park Walking Tours are available on the New York Explorer Pass.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Image of Indoors, Museum, Person, Handbag, Of all the diverse art museums in NYC, the Met is probably the most iconic. Featuring some of the most famous paintings in the world alongside cultural artifacts stretching from the days of Ancient Egypt to the modern world, the Met is an unbeatable cultural attraction. Getting In: Metropolitan Museum of Art tickets are available on the New York Explorer Pass.

Central Park Zoo

Animal lovers of all ages will relish the chance to visit this charming little zoo, nestled in Central Park. With a surprising variety of species including grizzly bears and snow leopards, as well as the popular Tisch Children’s Zoo, this attraction can provide an enjoyable afternoon for the whole family. Getting In: Admission to the Central Park Zoo is separately ticketed and is not included on the New York Explorer Pass. To purchase tickets and for more information about this attraction, please visit the attraction website.

Lasker Rink

If you’ve seen a romantic movie or TV episode set in NYC in the winter, there’s a decent chance there’s some ice-skating involved, possibly even at Lasker Rink in Central Park. Throw on some skates and go for a spin around this modest but well-regarded rink on your next wintertime trip to New York. Getting In: Admission to Lasker Rink is separately ticketed and is not included on the New York Explorer Pass. To purchase tickets and for more information about this attraction, please visit the attraction website.

Things to Do Near Central ParkMuseum of Modern Art (MoMA)

Image of Tin, Can, Aluminium, Canned Goods, Food, Explore the New York City arts scene with a visit to one of the world’s premier art institutions – the Museum of Modern Art. The MoMA showcases modern and contemporary art from around the globe, with a little bit of everything from Van Gogh and Monet to Warhol and Pollack. Getting In: Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) tickets are available on the New York Explorer Pass.

American Museum of Natural History

Image of Planetarium, City, Urban, One of the largest and most varied natural history museums in the world, the American Museum of Natural History is famous for many of its signature collections -- like dinosaur fossils, gemstones, and human cultural artifacts. Don’t miss a chance to explore their popular Milstein Hall of Ocean Life, complete with its 94-foot whale model. Getting In: American Museum of Natural History tickets are available on the New York Explorer Pass.

Guggenheim Museum

Image of City, Office Building, Convention Center, Lighting, Road, Street, Urban, Metropolis, Person, Condo, Housing, Another great modern art option for the culture buffs, the Guggenheim features a diverse collection of modern and contemporary art masterpieces in a variety of media. Be sure to appreciate the building itself, too – this Frank Lloyd Wright-designed structure is a twentieth-century marvel. Getting In: Guggenheim Museum tickets are available on the New York Explorer Pass.

The Met Breuer

Image of City, Office Building, Urban, High Rise, Road, Street, Apartment Building, Condo, Housing, Person, Car, Traffic Light, A newly opened attraction on the New York arts scene, Met Breuer is the place where the Met’s vast collections of modern and contemporary art have space to breathe. Visitors to the Met Breuer will appreciate the opportunity to see rarely displayed works of art that have been hidden away in storage for years, with everything from painting and sculpture to textiles and decorate arts making an appearance. Getting In: Met Breuer tickets are available on the New York Explorer Pass.

Museum of the City of New York

A smaller but no less fascinating museum, the Museum of the City of New York has a particular focus on the heritage, culture, and day-to-day experiences of NYC. Alongside some carefully curated permanent collections they offer special exhibitions, educational programs, and public events. Even New Yorkers get a lot out of a visit here! Getting In: Admission to the Museum of the City of New York is separately ticketed and is not included on the New York Explorer Pass. To purchase tickets and for more information about the attraction please visit the attraction website.

Remember to Save on Attraction Admission

These are our top recommendations for things to do in Central Park and near Central Park during your trip to New York City. Don’t forget - many of these great attraction options and more are included on the New York Explorer Pass®, which can save you up to 50% on combined admission vs. paying at the gate. We hope you consider adding a few of these great attraction options to your NYC vacation plans.

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MoMA and The Met
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The Metropolitan Museum of Art vs The Museum of Modern Art

New York City is home to some of the greatest art museums in the entire world. Period. But if you only have time and space in your NYC vacation to visit one, how do you choose between the two biggies – the Metropolitan Museum of Art vs the Museum of Modern Art? To help you compare these two prestigious art museums, we’ve put together a post that showcases their similarities and differences in the following areas: What’s Included with General Admission Location Popular Exhibits Temporary Exhibitions Tips for Visiting Thinking About Visiting the Met vs the MoMA? Fortunately for you, Metropolitan Museum of Art tickets and Museum of Modern Art tickets are both options on the New York City Explorer Pass®. Save on these and other top NYC attractions vs. paying at the gate. If you’re a big art buff, other great art museums in New York include the Whitney Museum of American Art, the Guggenheim Museum, the two sister museums of the Met (Met Breuer and the Cloisters), and more. Get admission to some or all of these top museums with the New York City Explorer Pass! What’s Included with General Admission Both museums offer access to their permanent exhibits, gift shops, and dining facilities with general admission. Some specifics to each museum are included below. The Met General Admission All regular exhibitions including Egyptian Art, Arms & Armor, European Paintings, and much more. Admission to the Met Breuer and Met Cloisters for three consecutive days. All temporary and special exhibitions, unless otherwise indicated. Access to the dining and shopping options. Children age 12 and under get free admission. The MoMA General Admission All regular exhibitions including their famed collections of photographs and paintings. All temporary and special exhibitions, unless otherwise indicated. Access to the dining and shopping venues. Children age 16 and under get free admission. Timed tickets are now required - MoMA will issue a ticket for the next available time slot. Location Both museums are located in Manhattan, within easy transit distance of many centrally located hotels, or walkable depending upon where you are coming from. The Metropolitan Museum of Art The Met is located at 1000 Fifth Avenue, on the east side of Central Park. It’s in the neighborhood known as the Upper East Side (UES) and is across the park from the American Museum of Natural History (another popular cultural option in the city). It is also only a couple of blocks south of the Guggenheim Museum, for you art lovers out there. This area is also known as Manhattan’s Museum Mile. The Museum of Modern Art The main branch of the MoMA is located at 11 West 53rd Street, in Midtown Manhattan. It’s south of Central Park, right near the bustling neighborhood of Times Square. It’s very close to other popular attractions like the Top of the Rock, Radio City Music Hall, Madame Tussauds, and the exhibits at Discovery Times Square. Popular Exhibits The Met and the MoMA both have plenty of exciting exhibits to offer visitors. Generally speaking, the MoMA’s collections rotate more than the Met’s collections do, as they have less gallery space at their main location. Popular Exhibits at the Met The Met is the largest museum in the United States, with more than 2 million works in its permanent collections. It’s hard to pull out a few highlights of individual pieces, so this comparison will focus on their exhibit galleries and their most famous collections. Egyptian Art: Features everything from jewelry to mummies to a real tomb. Arts of Africa, Oceania, and the Americas: Includes 40,000-year-old indigenous rock paintings from Australia. Asian Art: Chinese calligraphy and painting, Indian sculptures, and a Ming Dynasty garden court replica are standouts of this collection. European Paintings: These galleries are among the most visited, and include artists such as Vermeer, Peter Paul Rubens, Jan van Eyck, Paul Cézanne, El Greco, and more. Arms & Armor: This is a perennial favorite, featuring full suits of armor and swords. The American Wing: From decorative arts to sculpture to paintings, this is a large section of the museum. Greek and Roman Art: An excellent collection of sculpture, domestic pieces like vases or jewelry, and funerary pieces, among many others. Other important areas of acquisition for the Met include Islamic Art, photographs, textiles, drawings and prints, musical instruments, and more. And while their sister institutions host most of the modern art and medieval art, there are some representations of those fields here, too. Popular Exhibits at the MoMA The MoMA has more than 200,000 works of contemporary art in their collections, although only a portion of those are on display at any given time. They also offer frequent special exhibitions that showcase specific elements of the collection, or items on loan from other places. Some of the highlights of their collection include: Vincent van Gogh, The Starry Night (1889) Pablo Picasso, Les Demoiselles d’Avignon (1907) Salvador Dali, The Persistence of Memory (1931) Frida Kahlo, Self-Portrait with Cropped Hair (1940) Roy Lichtenstein, Drowning Girl (1963) Claude Monet, Water Lilies Andy Warhol, Campbell’s Soup Cans (1962) Henri Matisse, The Dance I (1909) Umberto Boccioni, The Dynamism of a Soccer Player (1913) Other strengths of the collection include work by Andrew Wyeth, Jackson Pollock, René Magritte, Jasper Johns, Paul Gauguin, and many others. Temporary Exhibits As two of the most celebrated museums in the world, you can expect their rotas of temporary exhibitions to seriously impress. MoMA's temporary exhibits never fail to debut world-renowned talent or the best of the up-and-coming. They also present sensational and ever-evolving performance programs. At The Met, you can expect the finest classics from all over the world, curated in the most sensitive and thoughtful ways. Tips for Visiting While you can certainly pop into both museums and have an inspiring, enjoyable time, there are a few tips that can help you make the most of your visit. See below for our insider tips on visiting the Met and the MoMA. Tips for Visiting the Met While the Met did previously offer admission by suggested donation, this has now shifted to a concrete admission fee. Pick up a New York Explorer Pass and your Met tickets will be included. The Met is the busiest around lunchtime and afterward, so plan to visit as early in the day as possible. Budget in 2-3 hours to explore (more if you’re a dedicated art lover). Be sure to plan ahead! Consult the museum map and plan out what you want to see in advance. It’s a massive space and you’ll really need at least a rough idea of what you’re hoping to see. The Met also offers late nights on Fridays and Saturdays, if your travel plans leave you some extra time in the evening. Periodic events, specialized tours, and kid’s activities are also a popular part of the full Met experience! Look over the events calendar before your visit to see what’s on. Events may incur an additional cost. Photography is permitted in some galleries but prohibited in others, so be sure to check before snapping a photo. Never use flash. If you liked something in the gift shop, keep in mind that it may not be available online. Head to the Met's hidden gem of a rooftop, The Cantor Roof Garden Bar, for sweeping views of the New York City skyline and an afternoon refreshment. Check out our detailed visitor's guide to the Metropolitan Museum of Art for more information. Tips for the Visiting the MoMA The admissions line is actually the longest first thing in the morning at the MoMA, so consider coming around 11:30 am. Save on admission to the MoMA with a New York City Explorer Pass, and get your MoMA tickets included. Download the MoMA audio app to make the most of your visit. Photography is permitted in some galleries, but the use of flash is never allowed. Check for signs or ask to see if you can photograph a specific exhibit. The MoMA also offers family tours and workshops, as well as activity stations in select galleries and short films. Most kid-friendly activities are included with general admission. Consider dining at the museum if you have time in your itinerary. In addition to the more casual museum-style dining options Café 2 and Terrace 5, the MoMA also boasts The Modern, a two Michelin star restaurant. Because of their free admission offer on Friday evenings, Fridays between 4 and 8 are some of the busiest times to visit. Consider visiting another time to avoid the crowds. Their gift shop does have an online storefront, but they do not sell all of the same things online as they do in person. Keep this in mind when souvenir hunting! Check out our detailed visitor's guide to the MoMA for more information. In Summary (The Biggest Differences between the Metropolitan Museum of Art vs Museum of Modern Art) Both institutions are world-class museums that any art or culture lover should definitely visit at least once in their lives, but they have important differences, too. The Met is larger by far, with more gallery space and larger collections. Both offer access to special exhibitions with general admission, although both also host special events that may incur additional costs. The Met has a wide focus, featuring everything from the art of the ancient world to contemporary photography (although the bulk of their contemporary collections can be found at the Met Breuer). The MoMA specializes in modern and contemporary art. The Met offers more dining options, including a high-end restaurant and multiple cafés. The MoMA also boasts a highly rated restaurant, with only two casual options. Visit the Met and/or the MoMA and Save on Admission Interested in either museum or both? Pick up a New York City Explorer Pass® and save on combined admission fees when you visit your choice of the city’s top attractions. Other attraction options on the pass include the Top of the Rock, the Empire State Building, Madame Tussauds New York, the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, the American Museum of Natural History, and more. Art lovers may also be interested in the Guggenheim Museum, the Whitney Museum of American Art, and the Brooklyn Museum & Botanical Gardens, all of which are included as options with the New York City Explorer Pass.
Katie Sagal
Blog

Things to do in Greenwich Village

Bursting with living history and culture, Manhattan’s Greenwich Village is perhaps best known for birthing both 1960s counterculture and the LGBTQ movement. Today, the neighborhood’s innovative nature lives on through its world-class attractions, captivating architecture, and anecdotal landmarks. From highly acclaimed galleries and eye-catching structures to historic theaters and beloved comedy clubs, this vibrant area of the city should offer more than enough to keep you busy. So, if you’re looking to explore The Village, have a read through our list of the best things to check out in the area. With Go City, you can see more, for less. Explore the Area Anybody who’s interested in the history of The Village should make a stop at the Stonewall Inn. Standing as one of the most culturally significant attractions of the area, the inn is known as the site of the 1969 riots that set the gay liberation movement into motion. Nowadays, the bar stands as both a somber reminder of the past and as a celebration of how far we’ve come. Whilst you’re there, why not also check out the Stonewall National Monument across the street? Deeply profound and incredibly important, the park is the first National Monument dedicated to LGBTQ rights and serves as a moving monument to remember the struggle for equality. New York is an architecture fan’s paradise, with Greenwich Village boasting some of the city’s most interesting structures. The perfect stop for design lovers and history buffs alike, the Ascension Church is known as the first church to be built on Fifth Avenue. Visitors can take guided tours to admire its remarkable high ceilings, elegant marble columns and stained-glass windows. With its fascinating history and striking features, this one should be on everyone’s itinerary. To take a break from all the buzz, grab a bite from a local food cart, and head over to Washington Square Park. Offering plenty of space and fresh air, this vibrant urban green space is a great place for spending time with friends and family. Whilst the park is perhaps best known for its emblematic marble arch, it has even more to offer past its historic landmarks. Recognized as a center of culture and activism, the area continues to serve as a meeting place for artists, performers and activists. Go for a casual stroll, have a picnic, or watch the sunset– the choice is yours! Find Interesting Things to Do New York presents a wealth of fantastic attractions, with some of its most unique institutes based in Greenwich Village. Standing out as the only institute of its kind in the city, the Museum of Illusions presents interactive and captivating exhibitions to deceive the eye. From kaleidoscopes and holograms to tiled and reverse rooms, the museum provides an intriguing visual experience which you might want to save some album space for. A little mind-boggling and a whole lot of fun, this place is great for those who are travelling with family. A visit to Greenwich Village isn’t complete without checking out the nightlife. For some drinks and deep belly laughs, head over to the Comedy Cellar. Since its founding in 1982, the club has become recognized as one of the best comedy destinations in the United States. Hosting a diverse lineup of big-name headliners and gifted up-and-comers, this place definitely lives up to its hype. With its pulsing energy, underground vibe and incredible atmosphere, we couldn’t think of a better way to spend the evening after a long day of touring. If you’re eager to locate film and TV sites around the Big Apple, the next item on our list might just be for you. Situated in the West Village, the original Friends apartment building stands as one of the most popular tourist attractions of the area. Whilst the inside is inhabited by New York natives (nope, not Monica or Rachel), the outside is more than enough to draw in thousands for its Instagrammability. It doesn’t take long to make this stop, which means that you’ll have plenty of time to explore the surrounding local area. Get Creative A renowned center of innovation and creative thought, Greenwich Village is a real treat for creative types. Breaking away from the typical art museum experience, the Center of Architecture is the city’s oldest and most influential institution focusing on form, construction and urbanism. Through exhibitions, programs, and special events, the institute aims to foster curiosity in the design process. The perfect way to spend a quiet afternoon, the museum delivers and exiting and unique cultural experience which you don’t want to miss out on. A well-recognized center of creative development, Greenwich Village presents a wide range of cultural institutions for lovers of the performed arts. Located in a venerable landmark building, the Cherry Lane Theatre is recognized as the oldest continuously running Off-Broadway theater in New York City. The venue runs everything from total classics to new and experimental productions at a fraction of the cost of a Broadway ticket. With its intimate setting and unique history, the theater provides an irreplicable cultural experience. Rich in culture and creative activity, Greenwich Village knows how to deliver when it comes to world-class art. A total must-visit for art lovers, the Whitney Museum of American Art shelters one of the biggest collections of modern and contemporary art in the United States. The museum’s permanent collection is comprised of over 25, 000 artworks, spanning from the late 19th century right through to the present day. Amongst its holdings, you’ll find treasures by Georgia O’Keeffe, Andy Warhol, and Marsden Hartley. Through its captivating exhibitions, special programs, and workshops, the museum works to present a fascinating breakdown of 20th and 21st century art. With its fascinating background and vibrant arts scene, Greenwich Village is a great stop for first timers and seasoned visitors alike. Whether you’re a history lover, a theater geek, or an architecture fanatic, the area has a little something to offer everybody. 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
Empire State vs One World
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Empire State Building vs. One World Trade Center - Comparing the Two & What to Know

What are the main differences between the Empire State Building and One World Trade Center? Both observation decks are located in major cultural attractions in New York City, and both have much to offer curious travelers, whether you’re interested in art, architecture, history, or just great aerial views of NYC. They are also both located in Manhattan but offer different views and different visiting experiences. We’ve put together a list of the basic differences and similarities between the two attractions, arranged by: What’s included with general admission Location Scenic views of New York Building history Tips for visiting Thinking about Visiting the Empire State Building or One World Trade Center? With a pass by Go City, you will save on admission to the Empire State Building and admission to One World Observatory plus your choice of other popular New York attractions. Another fun alternative is the Top of the Rock, which also provides stunning aerial views of the city and is also available on the pass. Check out our post comparing the Top of the Rock and One World Trade Center for more information on how they stack up. What’s Included with General Admission Both attractions include admission to the observation deck itself, as well as special exhibition areas within the building. To help you compare the two, here is a summary of what general admission includes for both. Empire State Building General Admission Access to the Main Deck, an 86th-floor open deck observation space. This place has been the setting for a whole bunch of movies and television shows, so you’ll likely recognize the space. Multimedia exhibits including the Sustainability Exhibit and the Dare to Dream Exhibit. The Sustainability Exhibit highlights the Empire State Building’s efforts to reduce their carbon footprint be decreasing energy usage and carbon emissions by significant amounts, and decreasing their energy costs. This is an important must-see exhibit for anyone interested in green building, or environmental issues in general. The Dare to Dream Exhibit is a fascinating collection of historical documents, photographs, architectural drawings, and more, which all tell the story of how this iconic building was conceived, designed, and constructed in the early twentieth century. The famous Art Deco Lobby, which is one of the very few building interiors in New York to be officially designated as a historic landmark. Restored to its full glory in 2009, this stunning lobby features gorgeous ceiling murals (complete with 24-carat gold leaf) and a 3-D image of the building itself on the wall above the Fifth Avenue front desk. The new Visitor’s Center, located on the second floor of the building. Here is where you can introduce yourself to the attraction and learn more about the layout, as well as process your admission. An elevator ride that proceeds from the 2nd floor to the 86th in less than a minute. One World Observatory General Admission Access to the building foundation exhibit (on the first floor), which allows you to walk through the bedrock the building is constructed upon. A SkyPod Elevator ride with a digital time-lapse that highlights 5 centuries of New York City’s evolving landscape. SEE FOREVER THEATERTM, an audio-visual experience that explores NYC’s skyline Admission to the main observatory on the 100th floor, which offers panoramic, 360-degree views of Manhattan, Brooklyn, New Jersey, and more. Observatory: Sky Portal, which is a clear glass floor that allows you to look 100 stories below your feet to the city beneath you. Not for the faint of heart! Location Both buildings are found in Manhattan, but are approximately four miles apart from one another. Empire State Building: Located in Midtown Manhattan by Penn Station, Grand Central Terminal, and the iconic NYC department store Macy’s. One World Trade Center Observatory: Located near the southernmost point of Manhattan, this is close to the Financial District and the waterfront. Comparing the Scenic Views While these two observation decks aren’t very far apart in the grand scheme of things, they do offer distinct views and unique perspectives. In the southern part of Manhattan near the water, One World Observatory has excellent views of the Financial District below, the Hudson River and East River, and northeastern New Jersey (including Lady Liberty). The Empire State Building, on the other hand, offers stunning views of Midtown Manhattan, the Chrysler Building, as far north as Central Park, and as far south as the Statue of Liberty. One World Trade Center is completely enclosed, while the Empire State Building has both open-air and enclosed observation decks. Keep in mind that both buildings offer skyline views that include the other building. View from the Empire State Building The Main Deck of the Empire State Building is on the 86th floor, providing stellar views of Central Park, the Hudson and the East Rivers, the Brooklyn Bridge, Times Square, and the Statue of Liberty, as well as the wealth of attractions in Midtown Manhattan below. Of course, from the Empire State Building, you can see One World Trade Center. View from the One World Observatory The observation deck is found on the 100th floor of the One World Trade Center, and offers amazing views of the Chrysler Building, Grand Central Terminal, the Flat Iron Building, the Brooklyn Bridge, the Statue of Liberty, other buildings in the One World Trade Center complex and in the Financial District, and plenty of buildings below from the glass-bottomed viewing deck. And from One World Observatory, you can see the Empire State Building. Building History The Empire State Building Begun in 1930 and officially open to the world in 1931, the Empire State Building is coming up on a century old. The architecture firm Shreve, Lamb & Harmon Associates were responsible for the design and construction of the building and the lights were first illuminated by a button pushed by President Hoover all the way in Washington, DC. It was built as a monument to American industrial progress, and was deemed one of the seven greatest architectural achievements in the United States by 1955. The lobby (now restored to its original beauty) was a model of Art Deco architecture and represents some truly impressive artistic contributions to the building. Today the building is home to a variety of commercial enterprises (including restaurants that are well-worth your time and money to visit – even just for a cocktail or two), as well as the observation deck and historical exhibits. It is located on Fifth Avenue. One World Observatory With the completion of its construction in 2013, One World Trade Center is significantly newer than the Empire State Building. It is currently the second-tallest building in the Western Hemisphere and the sixth-tallest in the entire world. This observation deck was created as part of the reconstruction efforts in the wake of the tragic devastation of the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. Today the building also serves as a primarily commercial site, although it also houses historic exhibits and the observation deck itself. Tips for Visiting The Empire State Building and One World Observatory Tips for Visiting the Empire State Building If possible, plan to visit the Empire State Building early in the morning to avoid elevator lines. Weekdays may also be less busy, too, although not in the summer. Give yourself at least an hour to see the exhibits and the observation deck itself – not counting time through the security line. After you check on the second floor, go straight to the Sustainability Exhibit. Download the FREE app before your visit to make the most of your trip, available for most devices. Skip the ticket office line with your pass and get to the top faster. Pack a camera or smart phone for photos, and plan to take advantage of the binoculars while you’re up there. Dress in layers, as the observation deck on the 86th floor is open-air, and it will be colder at the top than at street level. If you want to snap photos of the sunset over the city, be sure to get there well in advance – the lines will be longer this time of day. For more tips, check out our in-depth guide to visiting the Empire State Building Tips for Visiting One World Observatory To help avoid crowds, try to visit One World Observatory early in the morning or during weekdays. Security is very thorough, so be prepared to submit to TSA-style screening. Be sure to bring a camera or binoculars to see the best views; keep in mind that cloudy days will limit your visibility, especially because you’re so close to the water. While you’re in the area, consider a visit to the 9/11 Memorial and Museum which honours the 3,000 lives lost on September 11, 2001. Again, if you want to get sunset photos be sure to arrive well in advance of the hour before sunset. On your way out, check out the Oculus, part of the transit hub connecting the New York City subway and the NJ PATH trains. In Summary (The Biggest Differences) Each of these attractions is incredibly popular with tourists, but both offer different views and cultural perspectives. The Empire State Building is a historic structure – perhaps one of the most famous buildings in the world – and boasts an incredible history stretching back to the mid-twentieth century. One World Observatory is much newer but has a history of its own because of its ties to the terror attacks of 9/11. The Empire State Building offers views from further up in Manhattan, so you’ll see more things like Central Park and the famous museums than you could from the One World Observatory. Conversely, the One World Observatory is near the southernmost tip of Manhattan, so you’ll see more of the water and New Jersey and Brooklyn, and the Statue of Liberty is closer. Visit the Empire State Building and Save on Admission Don’t forget – the pass for New York with Go City® is your smart choice for saving and flexibility when it comes to your NYC adventures. You’ll get admission to the Empire State Building and admission to One World Observatory, plus tickets to your choice of other top attractions in the city. These includethe Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Ferry, the Top of the Rock, the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, multiple bus tours, and many more. With the Explorer Pass, you can make big savings on combined admission vs. paying at the gate – what’s not to love?
Katie Sagal

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