10+ Things to Do in NYC for College Students & Ways to Save Today

By Katie Sagal
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As the biggest city in the nation and one of the world's most important centers for everything from finance to fashion, New York City is a hot spot for tourists from around the globe. Bustling with diverse cultural life and a vibrant youth scene, The Big Apple is one of the most exciting destinations for college students. Not to mention the fact that NYC's vibrant nightlife is almost unparalleled (they don't call it The City that Never Sleeps for nothing!). Contrary to what you may have heard, New York attractions can be enjoyed on a college budget. So check out our list of the top places to visit in New York for college students!

Save on Attraction Admission

With a New York City Explorer Pass®, you can visit some of these great attractions all while saving up to 50% on combined admission vs. paying at the gate. The New York City Explorer Pass® gives you the flexibility to create your own itinerary, so you can choose from dozens of top attractions and create a vacation tailored to your interests.

Madame Tussauds Wax Museum

This contemporary attraction is one of the most popular sites for students visiting New York and it's conveniently located right in bustling Times Square. The wax statues of your favorite celebrities (from Bieber to Obama) are so life-like that you can fool your friends with photo ops! Getting In: Madame Tussauds New York tickets are available as an option with the New York City Explorer Pass.

Dave & Buster's

This restaurant, bar, and the action-packed arcade is NYC's prime place to eat, drink, and play. Dave & Buster's features over 200 video games, fantastic American bar food, and an endless drink menu—what else could a college student ask for? Getting in: Dave & Buster's features a variety of options, from just dining or just playing games to combo packages with savings.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

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Whether you're an aspiring artist or not, you can't miss out on The Met! This world-class art museum houses over two million works of art and is the most-visited attraction in New York!

Ellen's Stardust Diner

This retro '50s diner takes dining to a new level with a talented staff of singing waiters that entertain you while you eat. In the heart of Times Square, Ellen's Stardust Diner is a great place to stop before (or after) your night on the town. Getting in: Ellen's Stardust Diner is open to the public.

NYC Food Tours

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What college student wouldn't be interested in a tasting tour of New York? Because NYC offers such an abundance of delicious cuisine, you can choose from a number of specified tours—like the World Famous Sweet Tooth Tour or the East Village Variety Tour. Getting in: Food on Foot Tours tickets are an included attraction choice on the New York City Explorer Pass.

Central Park TV & Movie Sites Tour

This comprehensive tour is the best way to see some of the most iconic Central Park spots from all your favorite TV shows and movies. On this guided tour, you'll get to see recognizable featured in Trainwreck, Home Alone II, Breakfast at Tiffany's, When Harry Met Sally, The Smurfs, and lots more. Getting in: Central Park TV & Movie Sites Walking Tour tickets are an included attraction choice with the New York City Explorer Pass.

St. Mark's Place

This is more your style, budget-wise.

For chic and cheap shopping, you can't beat St. Mark's Place in East Village. This shopping mecca attracts a young, eclectic crowd, as New York University is quite nearby. Getting in: St. Mark's Place is open to the public.

Ripley's Believe It or Not NYC

Be prepared to be a little weirded out...in a good way.

Dubbed New York's most bizarre attraction, Ripley's is the perfect spot for college students seeking a little off-beat fun. Come face-to-face with strange relics like shrunken heads, and brace yourself for "sideshow wonders" like "The Incredible Lizard Man." Getting In: Ripley’s Believe It or Not! NYC admission is available on the New York City Explorer Pass.

Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)

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You'll be inspired by their impressive collection of stunning works of art.

The MoMA is the most influential modern art museum in the world, featuring iconic and influential pieces like Van Gogh's "Starry Night." No trip to NYC is complete without a visit to this celebrated attraction, especially if you're an art-lover! Getting in: Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) tickets are available on the New York City Explorer Pass®.

Other Music

One of the few record stores still standing in NYC.

If you're like most college kids, you're too cool for mainstream music. Lucky for you, Other Music, a small but overflowing shop in the hip East Village, has a heaping collection of alternative records and relics to peruse. Getting in: Other Music is open to the public. Check their site for upcoming events.

Museum of Sex

It's actually educational...really!

You'd be hard-pressed to find a subject college students are more enthusiastic about. This progressive museum addresses a wide range of topics once considered taboo in order to present and preserve the history, evolution, and cultural significance of human sexuality. They also promote safe-sex practices. Getting in: Museum of Sex tickets are available on the New York City Explorer Pass®. Please note: visitors must be at least 18 years of age.

The Apple Store on Fifth Avenue

Can't live without your newest "iGadget?" At the Apple Store on Fifth Avenue, you'll get lost in a world of cutting-edge featuring all your favorite Apple products. Remember, if you want to save big bucks on admission when visiting NYC, scoop up a New York Explorer Pass and save up to 50% vs. paying at the attraction. You can even use it on your smartphone!

Katie Sagal
Go City Travel Expert

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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).
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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

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