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

By Katie Sagal

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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The Metropolitan Museum of Art

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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NYC Food Tours

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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Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)

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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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
Blog

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
Blog

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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