10 Nerdy Things to Do in NYC (a geek's must do list)

By Casey Makovich

New York City is the perfect place to embrace your inner nerd. Whether you're a graphic novel nerd, tv and movie nerd, a science techie, or a gamer geek, you'll find your place in one of our favorite nerdiest things to do in the NYC. A number of these nerdy things to do are included as part of the New York Explorer Pass. Choose as you go from dozens of fun New York attractions and save up to 50% off combined admission vs paying at the gate. See all available passes, attractions & prices – Learn more.

Ripley's Believe It or Not! Times Square

Image of If you're the kind of nerd that has a fascination with the bizarre, you're not alone. In fact, Ripley's Believe It or Not! in NYC was founded by a collector of bizarre paraphernalia, Robert Ripley—and as it turns out, other people were just as interested in his findings! At the "Odditorium" in NYC, you'll find shrunken heads, a six-legged cow, a lock of Elvis's hair, a piece of the Berlin Wall, and much, much more. For a double dose of freakishness, catch one of Ripley's Sideshow Wonders, featuring live acts from performers like "The Incredible Lizardman" and "Nelson Lugo, the Pain-Proof Man." Getting in: Ripley's Believe It or Not! tickets are an included attraction choice with the New York Explorer Pass.

Madame Tussauds New York

Image of People, Person, Head, Face, Adult, Female, Woman, Selfie, Handbag, Groupshot, Visit Madame Tussauds New York City in the heart of Times Square! More than just a wax museum, it's one of the best nerdy attractions in New York. You’ll have a chance to get up close and take pictures posing with wax figures of celebs on the red carpet, famous characters from film and TV, pop culture icons, musicians, athletes, and historical figures. Getting in: Madame Tussauds New York tickets are an included attraction choice with the New York Explorer Pass.

NYC TV & Movie Bus Tour

Image of City, Arch, Urban, Person, Car, Vehicle, Road, Street, Handbag, A in-depth tour of some of New York top TV and movie filming spots. I recommend this tour for anyone who has a favorite TV show or movie that takes place in NYC. Visit over 40 locations from the new Ghostbusters, Trainwreck, American Hustle, Mr. Robot, The Amazing Spider-Man, Marvel’s Daredevil and Jessica Jones, The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, Mad Men, while also visiting classic locations from Friends, Seinfeld. Getting in: NYC TV & Movie Bus Tour tickets (or your choice on another On Location Tour) are an included attraction choice on the New York Explorer Pass.

When Harry Met Seinfeld Bus Tour

Image of Outdoors, Shelter, Adult, Female, Person, Woman, Hat, T-Shirt, People, This bus tour covers dozens of film locations north of Times Square, from Columbus Circle to the Trump Tower and beyond. Because there are so many different locations to choose from, each tour may be different and unique! If you have something specific in mind, be sure to request particular locations you want to see and the tour guides will be happy to oblige. Otherwise, sit back, relax, and enjoy the show! In addition to the When Harry Met Seinfeld Tour, On Location Tours also proudly offers options like the NYC TV & Movie Tour, Sex and the City Hotspots Tour, Sopranos Sites Tour, Holiday Lights & Movie Sites, TCM Classic Film Tour, When Harry Met Seinfeld Tour, The Real Housewives of New York City Tour, Central Park TV & Movie Sites Tour, Boston Movie Mile and other private tour options. Getting in: When Harry Met Sienfeld Bus Tour tickets (or your choice of another On Location Tour) are an included attraction option on the New York Explorer Pass.

Toy Tokyo Underground

This unique showroom explores pop art culture through the world of designer toys. A wide range of artists display their work on an even wider range of mediums, including clothing, vinyl toys, canvas, and film. Although the trend started in places like Japan, China, and Hong Kong, the combination of art and limited edition toy is a mainstream (well, among the nerds) phenomenon in the United States. The gallery space was created and sponsored by the Toy Tokyo Retail Store (another great place for nerds to gather), which sells all the latest in collectibles and international and domestic toys alongside a vast inventory of vintage collectibles.

Barcade

Image of Lamp, Urban, Adult, Male, Man, Person, Chair, Furniture, Shoe, Computer Hardware, Hardware, Monitor, Screen, Indoors, Restaurant, Handbag,

Credit: Rob DiCaterino (license)

For the over-21 crowd looking for a chance to combine your interest in beer with your old geeky love of arcade games, Barcade is the place to go. This bar has a dual focus: "an endless rotation of American craft beer and an equally eclectic lineup of classic arcade games". A heavy 90's rock soundtrack adds to the atmosphere; you'll enjoy your old favorites like Asteroids, Frogger, and Donkey Kong at the old-school price of a quarter per game. Located at 148 West 24th Street in New York, New York, Barcade claims to be 'the original arcade bar.'

Gulliver's Gate

Image of Building, Hotel, Resort, A model-building hobbyist's dream, Gulliver's Gate features a whimsical world made up of re-creations of iconic cities and landmarks from around the world at 1/87th of their size on display. Ranked one of the 'Top 100 Things to Do in NYC' on tripadvisor®, Gulliver's Gate offers an interactive experience complete with special effects like lighting, sound, and even animation that are sure to spark an interest in the fascinating industry of model building. Getting in: Gulliver's Gate tickets are an included attraction option on the New York Explorer Pass.

The Paley Center for Media (Formerly The Museum of Television and Radio)

Founded in 1975 as the Museum of Television and Radio, it's dedicated to examining the intersection where media and society meet. Head into the Paley Center library and choose a program from one of the 150,000 in their collection, then watch or listen to the program at a console, either by yourself or with up to 4 people at a "family console." You can watch almost anything from your favorite no-longer-aired cartoons to historic American broadcasts.

Great Women of New York: Walking Tour

Go on a 2.5-hour walking tour of NYC and learn all about the notable women who have influenced New York City's history and helped shape the city today. You'll learn all about the female pioneers of New Yorks past to present, from the matriarchs of the Lenape Indians, the original Native Americans who inhabited the land that is now New York City to the the first woman to be injured in combat in the Revolutionary War, to social justice crusaders, 9/11 heroes, and more on this education-packed tour of NYC. Getting in: Great Women of New York Walking Tour tickets are an included attraction choice on the New York Explorer Pass.

Hamilton Happy Hour Tour

Arguably a nerd of sorts himself, go on a tour of the New York City that Alexander Hamilton knew. You'll walk some of the streets in New York's oldest neighborhood, right in the footsteps of one of the most important (and controversial) founding fathers. This 2-hour walking tour is packed with history, but ends on a lighter note with a stop at Hamilton's favorite tavern to toast to Hamilton, freedom, and US-of-A. Getting in: Hamilton Happy Hour Tour tickets are an included attraction option on the New York Explorer Pass.

VideoGamesNewYork (VGNY)

VideoGamesNewYork (that's right, no spaces) is a paradise for video game fanatics of all ages. In VGNY, you'll find everything from vintage games and consoles to contemporary independent equipment to games rarely found in the United States. But VGNY is more than just a store; their goal is to create a cultural venue that provides you with the history of video games while you explore how games become part of our life. And of course, the knowledgeable (read: even nerdier than you) staff is more than happy to guide you.

Brooklyn Superhero Supply Co. (826 NYC)

Everything you need to feel like an authentic superhero can be found in this unique shop in Brooklyn. Fun fact: Brooklyn Superhero Supply Co. actually serves as a "front" for a non-profit tutoring and writing center for kids called 826 NYC. In fact, there's a whole chain of these centers fronted by whimsical stores all across the country and the profits made from the stores benefit the learning centers. At the Brooklyn Superhero Supply Co., browse through capes, strange disguises, gear for your secret lair, invisibility devices, and all the paraphernalia that is required of top-of-the-line superheroes.

Sleep No More

This macabre, 'choose-your-own-adventure' type theatrical experience tells the story of Shakespeare's Macbeth in a completely immersive and innovative way. Audience members wear masks and are encouraged to interact with the set - a five story mansion dimly lit and filled with props - by opening drawers, examining clues, and more as they make their way through the mansion at their own pace. No two people have the same experience.

Save on Admission to Many NYC Attractions

Touristy things can be nerdy too. The New York Explorer Pass® is the best choice for maximum savings and flexibility, which can include admission to several of these nerdy attractions listed here, plus your choice of other top attractions. Save up to 50% on top museums, tours, and activities vs. paying at the gate. Visit multiple attractions for one low price.

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2 Days in New York

Whether you’re looking to see the sites, learn more about the area, or just live like the locals, you’re sure to find something to keep you busy in New York City. If you’re planning a short trip to the Big Apple, the city can seem a little daunting - the area is so massive and there’s a lot of ground to cover. Where do you even begin? Well, don’t worry - that’s where we come in! To learn more about how you can maximize your vacation time, check out our guide to the best things to do in the city. Day 1 - (Explore the City) With only a short time in New York, of course, it makes sense to explore the city’s vibrant cultural center - Midtown Manhattan. We suggest starting off by checking out the classic Metropolitan Museum of Art. Affectionately known as ‘’the Met’’ by NY locals, this landmark gallery is well-recognized as the largest institute of its kind in the western hemisphere. With its Gothic Revival style and iconic tiered steps, the building is a work of art in itself. Inside, visitors can enjoy a comprehensive repository of over two million pieces stretching way back over 5, 000 years. The museum’s permanent collection is most certainly broad; you’ll find everything from classical paintings and ancient Egyptian masks to modern fashion and pop art pieces all under one roof. You can grab lunch at the Met’s great cafe, though we suggest taking the subway to Grand Central to rest your tired feet for a while. Ah! Grand Central Station. This place is quintessential New York, and a total sight to behold. For a gourmet lunch and classic NY experience all wrapped into one, head over to the Grand Central Market. A city landmark since 1917, this spot features a wide array of vendors serving up mouth-watering delicacies with locally-sourced fresh produce. Try a currywurst hot off the grill, grab a bento box, or enjoy an authentic reuben as you watch the trains pass by. As a train station, this place may sound unassuming - but trust us when we say that it deserves a visit. As the epicenter of the city, you might recognize Grand Central from your favorite TV show or movie. Take time to walk around and appreciate its soaring, starry ceiling and Beaux-Arts architecture. Some of its most beautiful attributes include the Whispering Gallery, the Tiffany clock, and the Information Booth Clock, now worth approximately $20 million. Now that you’re at Grand Central, you can take a ride to almost anywhere in the city. Still, we recommend that you check out the Morgan Library on Madison Avenue. Once the private collection of financier J. Pierpont Morgan, this exquisite palazzo-like building is now open to the public all year round. Upon entrance, visitors can enjoy a magnificent collection of some of the world’s most important literary works. Highlights include Milton's manuscript of Paradise Lost, Charles Dickens’s manuscript of A Christmas Carol; and Henry David Theroux’s journals. In addition, this place houses historic documents from some of the world’s greatest musicians and artists. Amongst its permanent collection, you’ll be able to view original pieces by the likes of Mozart, Schubert, Chopin and more. For history buffs and art enthusiasts alike, this place is a total must-see. Midtown Manhattan presents a myriad of cool things to do in the evening time, but what could be more classic than catching a Broadway show? Though Broadway travels all over the globe now, the experience of seeing a play in the famous theater where it all started is not to be missed. Here you can see everything from Shakespeare and musicals to side-splitting comedies all under the same roof. The theater maintains much of its beautiful history, whilst its state-of-the-art updates make it the perfect place to view a play. We recommend booking ahead, since this place sells out pretty fast! After the play, we recommend heading over to Koreatown where you can grab some of the best Korean food in the city. Day 2 - (Have a Blast!) Whilst Midtown Manhattan is New York’s most popular tourist hub, it isn’t the center of everything. When visiting a new city, it’s always good to branch out a little so you can learn more about the area and see new things. This is why for your second day in the Big Apple, we recommend checking out Brooklyn, New York’s coolest borough. But where to start? Though there are many great spots to check out in the area, we recommend the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, a lush green oasis nestled right in the center of the concrete jungle. A total haven for nature lovers, this spot it known for its lovely pavilions, winding romantic pathways and gleaming lily ponds. And as if that wasn’t enough, this place is great for animal lovers, with butterflies, chipmunks, and mockingbirds making this spot their home. If you’re feeling a little peckish by this point - don’t worry! Brooklyn is teeming with great places to eat - but why limit your choices? For a true taste of everything that Brooklyn has to offer, make a stop at DeKalb Market Hall, the borough’s prime food market. Stop here, and you’ll have a fantastic amount of choice. With its vibrant atmosphere and tempting options, this is forever our go-to. And of course, a day in Brooklyn just wouldn’t be complete without making a stop at the Brooklyn Bridge. This spot was first opened in 1883, and has since become an emblematic feature of the city, drawing in millions of visitors each year. The bridge is often dubbed as the ‘’eighth wonder of the world’’ for its strength and durability- however, it’s the bridge’s undeniable beauty that draws people in from near and far. An architectural masterpiece, this landmark is well known for its steel cable wires and two stately towers. If you plan to walk the Brooklyn Bridge, we recommend bringing your comfiest walking shoes and plenty of water. The entire walk takes around an hour for most people, so it’s pretty easy to tackle. New York, New York - a city so fantastic they named it twice! Explore the area to its full potential with GoCity’s All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass. If you’d like to know more, connect with us on Instagram and Facebook. With Go City, you can see more, for less.

Sarah Harris

People in front of the Macy's store, New York

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How to see the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade - and other New York attractions to see

The annual world-famous Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York starts at 9am EST and ends at noon EST. It's one of America’s favorite holiday events and a New York City tradition since 1924. Past years have seen around 3.5 million people in attendance to see more than 1,500 dancers, thousands of clowns, and 30-plus floats in the parade, featuring big-name characters from movies and cartoons. Every year brings traditional favorites and fresh new performers to the lineup. Now you’re probably thinking, 'Okay, do I need tickets to see the Macy's parade?' The answer is no - but you might be able to get tickets! Read our guide to find out more, and discover the best ways for you to watch the Macy's parade. 💰 >> See how you can save up to 50% on New York attractions 🗓️ >> Check out our example New York itineraries Secure a spot on the street It's easy - and free! If you're an early bird, then get down to join the other spectators, who'd typically be lining the streets around 6 am or even earlier. Dress for the weather (and wear comfortable shoes), bring food and drink, charge your phones, use the restroom before you arrive – there are no public facilities on the parade route –and stay put. Macy’s recommends between 61st and 72nd on Central Park West as the best place to watch Tom Turkey leading his way through Manhattan. A lot of the performances happen around 34th Street, so know that location will have the most coveted spots and be the most difficult to get - along with spots at the beginning of the parade, 77th Street and Central Park West and where it ends at Macy's Herald Square in Midtown, on 34th. If you're in or around NYC beforehand and want a chance to see the balloons for the floats being inflated, head to 77th and 81st streets (between Central Park West and Columbus Avenue) from 3-10 pm on Wednesday, before the parade. Get Macy's Parade grandstand tickets This one is for those with friends and family in the know - or even in the parade itself. Technically, Macy’s doesn’t sell grandstand tickets to the general public. But if you know any parade participants, or Macy’s employees and volunteers, you might be able to score a free ticket. Book a hotel room with a view Grandstand seating and street spots may be harder to come by, but if you act quickly, you can get VIP access to the parade through one of the hotels along the route. Hotel rooms with a view and VIP packages both come at a premium - but once you see what’s in these exclusive packages, you just may find it’s worth it. Previously, some package options included the Mandarin Oriental, the New York Hilton Midtown’s Thanksgiving Packages, the JW Marriott’s Buffet Brunch Package or Parade-View Room Package, and the Residence Inn Prime View Package. Check out each hotel's official website for specifics on this year's packages. Top tips for staying safe during the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade 👉Make sure you know this year's parade route (as it has changed in the past). Check out the official Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade site for the complete lineup, parade route, and much more info. 👉 Follow @Macys on X (Twitter) and check out all social media with the #macysparade hashtag to get the latest Parade updates, photos, and to join the conversation. 👉 Make sure your phones and cameras are fully charged before you arrive – you won't find a place to charge your tech during the parade and you won't want to miss out on photos! 👉 Use the restroom before you arrive – there are no public facilities on the parade route. 👉 Expect massive crowds, and be cautious with your children. Keep the family together at all times! 👉 Be aware that this parade will cause a lot of attraction closures along the parade route. Save exploring with your New York Pass for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. 💸 Bonus: If you happen to want to do a little shopping while you're in the city after the parade, be sure to stop by the mezzanine level of Macy's Herald Square for a 10% off Visitor's Savings Pass. Save up to 50% on New York attractions Of course, we know the Macy's Day Parade in NYC is the main event on Thanksgiving, but you have a long weekend to see other top attractions in the city. Discover our full line-up, including The Empire State Building, Top of the Rock Observatory, the Statue of Liberty, and more. 🤩 >> If you want to see and do as much as you can, our All-Inclusive Pass is for you. 😎 >> If you want to pick just a few attractions and visit at your own pace, our Explorer Pass is the perfect option.

Go City Expert

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Things to Do in New York When It's Hot Out

If you've been on the sweltering sidewalks of NYC in the summer, you know how hard it can be to find things to do in New York when it's hot out. However, it need not be as hard as it seems. Dozens of New York attractions offer you the chance to enjoy the highlights of the city and beat the heat. This summer, don't let the heat deter you from taking full advantage of the many things to do in New York. Check out a few of the attractions we listed below designed specifically to beat the heat, including everything from maximizing your A.C. exposure to enjoying a cool-down cruise on the river. If you're looking for things to do on a hot day in New York, here's our pick of the best attractions... The American Museum of Natural History The Metropolitan Museum of Art Madame Tussauds New York Museum of Modern Art Lady Liberty Cruise Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum Radio City Stage Door Tour The Whitney Museum of American Art The American Museum of Natural History Cool down at the American Museum of Natural History, one of the largest natural history museums in the world. Visitors of all ages will find something that intrigues them here. From the Alaskan Brown Bear diorama to a 563 carat Star of India Sapphire, the history that lives within the walls of this museum span centuries. Most notably, AMNH is home to a famous collection of dinosaur fossils like the Milstein Hall of Ocean Life which features a 94-foot whale model. Getting in: American Museum of Natural History tickets are included on the New York City Explorer Pass. Madame Tussauds New York While it's sweltering outside, you'll find many of your favorite celebs hiding out in here. Take a break from sweating on the streets of New York to mingle with the likes of Rihanna, Brie Larson, Taylor Swift, and Justin Bieber. Take plenty of hilarious snaps with the A-listers, pretend you're performing on broadway, and stroll down a New York catwalk. Madame Tussauds is a great place to spend the day when it's too hot to function outside! Getting in: Madame Tussauds New York tickets are included with your New York Explorer Pass. The Metropolitan Museum of Art Just across the park, you'll find the Metropolitan Museum of Art, one of the most prestigious and comprehensive art museums in America. Its many marble halls are perfectly chilled in the summer, especially in exhibit spaces where they are keeping precious or fragile artifacts. The museum, which is consistently voted TripAdvisor's #1 Museum in the World, showcases over 5,000 years of art from every corner of the world. The Met's fantastic permanent collection includes showcases like Arms & Armor, The Robert Lehman Collection, Modern and Contemporary Art and many, many more. Getting in: The Metropolitan Museum of Art tickets are included on the New York Explorer Pass. The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) On the other end of Central Park, the Museum of Modern Art is home to some of the most influential pieces of modern art in the world. The MoMA features the works of Monet, Warhol, Cezanne, Van Gogh, Seurat, as well of hoards of contemporary artists who are constantly changing the art scene. In addition to the famous permanent halls, the MoMA regularly features a unique range of ever-changing special exhibits. Getting in: Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) tickets are included on the New York Explorer Pass. Cruise around the harbor On a hot day in NYC, the best place to be is on the water. The cool ocean breeze mixed with all the landmarks you'll cruise by will make for the perfect, relaxing afternoon. Here are some of our favorite New York Harbor cruises: Visit Lady Liberty and explore Ellis Island with the Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Immigration Museum Ferry ticket. Take a quick and enjoyable ride on the ship to Ellis Island where you'll have free time to venture around the museum and up to the Statue of Liberty. The Lady Liberty Cruise by Circle Line Sightseeing is the fastest and best way to see this stunning monument. Forge through the Hudson River towards the statue and keep your eyes peeled for a glimpse of the Freedom Tower and the World Financial Center along the way. A New York Water Taxi: All Day Access Pass can get you where you want to be quickly. Hop aboard the famous yellow water taxi and travel easily between Manhattan and its surrounding burrows. It's the perfect excuse to visit Brooklyn! Hop on the Statue by Night Cruise by Circle Line Sightseeing as the sun goes down for a unique experience in the harbor. Enjoy smooth sailing past all the lit-up landmarks and capitalize on the chance to see Lady Liberty with a gorgeous New York sunset as her backdrop. Another cruise that will take you around the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island is the Downtown Liberty Express Cruise. This narrated sightseeing excursion will direct your attention to the most important and historical sights along the water. A Shearwater Classic Schooner cruise offers the unique experience of sailing aboard an old-timey, 82-foot schooner. You have the choice between a daytime Statue of Liberty Cruise or a nighttime City Lights sail. Both cruise routes will take you past the most recognizable landmarks in New York. Hop aboard one of the largest sailing vessels in the world with a Clipper City Tall Ship Sail. The gigantic ship spans 158 feet and looks like an ancient sailboat. Its luxurious feel will make you feel like a member of New York elite society as you sail past the Statue of Liberty and more. The Best of NYC Cruise by Circle Line Sightseeing is perfect for those who don't want to miss a thing while in New York. This route will take you past more than just Ellis Island or the Empire State Building. You'll also see Yankee Stadium, Wall Street and the South Street Seaport. Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum and Space Shuttle Learn about American military and naval history at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum and Space Shuttle. By exploring four historic vessels hands-on, you'll get a new vantage point on life at sea. Hop aboard the Aircraft Carrier Intrepid, Submarine Growler, Space Shuttle Enterprise, and British Airways Concorde. The most famous of the four, the Intrepid, is a massive aircraft carrier that has survived five kamikaze attacks and a torpedo strike in WWII and the Cold War. You'll see dozens of authentically restored aircraft, a prototype NASA orbiter, a diesel-powered submarine, and more. Getting in: Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum and Space Shuttle tickets are included on the New York City Explorer Pass. Radio City Stage Door Tour No trip to New York is complete without a visit to the famous Radio City Music Hall. Perfect on a hot day, this studio tour will keep you out of the sun and take you behind-the-scenes. Visit the auditorium and see where some of the most lavish productions have taken place. See the celebrity guestbook, discover the secrets of the Great Stage, and have your photo taken with a world-famous Rockette. Getting in: Radio City Stage Door Tour tickets are included on New York Explorer Passes. The Whitney Museum of American Art The Whitney Museum of Art showcases a unique, ever-changing collection of modern and contemporary art by up and coming American artists. From video presentations to multimedia displays to photography showcases - there's something for every art lover to see at this cultural institution. Getting in: The Whitney Museum of American Art tickets are included on the New York City Explorer Pass. More New York Attractions There’s no shortage of things to do in New York when it’s hot out, and the suggestions above are just some of our favorite indoor activities. Make sure you pick up a New York Explorer Pass to see all 40+ New York attractions, and make huge savings on ticket prices. Share your adventure with us Remember to tag @GoCity in your holiday snaps and we'll feature you on our page. Follow the Go City Instagram and Facebook pages for competitions, special offers, and events and inspiration for your chosen destination too!

Nicole Muto

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