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

By Go City Expert

People watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade

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.

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How to Get Saturday Night Live Tickets for the 2019-2020 Season - Lottery Info & More

Fans of Saturday Night Live and all things comedy will appreciate experiencing a live television show taping of SNL in New York City. Listen up--August is the time to enter the SNL ticket lottery for the upcoming 2019-2020 season! So if you're trying to figure out how you can get in on the fun, check out the brief guide below. How to get Saturday Night Live tickets: What is the SNL ticket lottery and how do I enter? Each August, Saturday Night Live holds a ticket lottery for the upcoming season. Send an email with all of your contact information and a short blurb about why you should be selected to get a pair of tickets to [email protected] during the month of August (from 12:00 am on August 1-11:59 pm on August 31, 2019). You must be at least sixteen years old to be considered for the ticket lottery. Unfortunately, you are not able to select a certain date. Information to email [email protected]: Your contact information Why YOU want to be in the studio audience People often wonder, what are the SNL lottery odds? Entering the lottery does not guarantee tickets. If you are selected, you will be notified and sent two tickets for a random show in the upcoming season. How can you get SNL tickets on stand by? By AndyLindgren (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia CommonsIf you’re in New York City and want to take a chance at stand-by tickets, they are distributed on the 48th Street side of 30 Rock at 7 am on the morning of a taping . People waiting in line for standby tickets are asked to stay in line at all times and tickets are given one per person on a first-come, first served basis. You’ll need to have a current photo ID with you and all members of the audience must be at least 16 years of age. Stand-by tickets are available for both the dress rehearsal at 8 pm or the live taping at 11:30 pm - you can choose which you prefer based on availability. The rehearsal is recorded to tape and is used for backup in the event that the live show cannot air. While there are any number of reasons why the show might not air, it's most common in the event of bloopers: there have been just enough curse words dropped in the live performance that producers have become wary of accidentally airing inappropriate language. Guests selected for stand-by ticket clearance may choose which they’d like to attend. What's the 411 on SNL? View this post on Instagram ✏️ last show of season 44 ✏️ ?: @aidybryant #regram A post shared by Saturday Night Live - SNL (@nbcsnl) on May 15, 2019 at 6:14pm PDT Even if you aren’t familiar with Saturday Night Live, seeing a live taping is one of the top things to do in New York. Since its premiere in 1975, Saturday Night Live has been one of the most popular comedy shows in the world. It has the most Emmy nominations in television history and continues to make audiences laugh with its satirical sketch comedy and hilarious take on contemporary culture. Attending a performance is one of the best things to do in New York City for fans of comedy, TV, and pop culture. Former cast members have included Chris Farley, David Spade, Chris Rock, Adam Sandler, Rob Schneider, Sarah Silverman, Will Farrell, Tina Fey and Amy Poehler. More recent alumni of Saturday Night Live include Superbad star Bill Hader, I Love You, Man star and Lonely Island singer Andy Samberg, as well as Bridesmaids star Kristen Wiig. Current cast members Ghost Busters stars Kate McKinnon and Leslie Jones, stand-up comic and all-around funny man Pete Davidson, the hilarious Heidi Gardner, and longtime writer and Weekend Update host Colin Jost. Should I Go to the Dress Rehearsal of SNL or the Live Show? View this post on Instagram A post shared by Saturday Night Live - SNL (@nbcsnl) on Apr 21, 2019 at 5:54am PDT You may be thinking, “Why would anyone want to see the dress rehearsal and not the real show?” Reasons to consider attending the dress rehearsal: Many people who have gone to SNL claim that the dress rehearsal can be even better than the live show. This is due to the fact that many skits in the rehearsal do not end up making it into the live SNL show. The dress rehearsal tends to be much more relaxed and spontaneous, making it more fun for the audience. Plus, some of the best skits are not included in the live show, because they are deemed too inappropriate to be aired by the television executives. This may affect your decision to attend the dress rehearsal if you've got teens, for example, but can also be plenty of fun for mature kids and adults. Getting to the recording: If you happen to be given standby tickets the day of the show, you’ll need to be at the studio before 7:15 pm for the dress rehearsal or before 10:45 pm for the live show. It's important to be there in advance as seating procedures can be elaborate and often take quite a while. *Keep in mind that a stand-by ticket does not guarantee admission*. There have been unfortunate stories of people who have traveled a long distance only to be told at the last minute that their SNL tickets would not be honored because the celebrity host brought too many people in their entourage or that the skit that they are doing that night requires some extra space, resulting in fewer seats for the audience. Plan B: What if I can't get tickets to SNL? Unfortunately, you weren’t picked for the lottery and you couldn’t get stand-by tickets. Now what? There are still PLENTY of amazing attractions and things to do during your time in NYC. The New York City Explorer Pass lets you visit multiple New York City attractions for one low price at up to 50% off regular admission costs. Or, build your own attraction pass and save 15-25% guaranteed when you buy two or more attractions together. If you’re hanging out in the Rockefeller Plaza area, take a tour of Rockefeller Center, go backstage at Radio City Music Hall, see the entire city in the Top of the Rock Observation Deck or stroll through the Channel Gardens. Prefer to expand your adventures a little bit further but are still looking for comedic gold? Check out THE RIDE--our favorite NYC tour-slash-traveling comedy show. You'll literally laugh out loud at the funny and outrageous lines coming from your tour guides while still leaving the tour feeling like you've learned something new. If you're looking for inspiration for your New York City itinerary, check out our Ultimate Guide to New York City; we have recommended itineraries based on length of stay, who you're traveling with, what neighborhoods you want to explore, attraction insider guides, and more. It's the only guide you need for NYC. There are always plenty of things to do in New York City, especially on a Saturday night, so you’re sure to have an exciting night, no matter what. Remember, with the New York City Explorer Pass® you can save up to 50% on combined admission to dozens of top New York City attractions. Share your adventure with us Remember to tag @GoCity n 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!

Casey Makovich

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Best Things to do at Hudson Yards NYC

The recently opened Hudson Yards development brings even more shopping, dining, and public art to west Manhattan. Named after the rail yards it’s built on top of, Hudson Yards re-imagines what this previously industrial neighborhood could offer to Manhattanites and tourists. This substantial development project involves not only a bundle of high-end fashion boutiques – along with a few fast fashion offerings – but also a selection of sumptuous dining experiences curated by big name chefs. There’s also a residential component, featuring sparkling new luxury apartments with a hefty price tag. While you may also enjoy the more traditional areas of NYC on a regular basis – Central Park, the Statue of Liberty, and so on – visitors to New York should also scope out this hot new area. Here’s our guide to this glamorous new neighborhood, including the best things to do at Hudson Yards and some tips for visiting. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Alain (@al1brm) on Apr 24, 2019 at 10:11am PDT Dining With a wide selection of dining offerings spanning the gamut from coffee shops and fast casual options to upscale, fine dining experiences, you can find practically anything you’d like to eat at Hudson Yards. Here’s a selection of some of our standout favorites. Belcampo: Promising to serve only the highest quality, sustainably raised meat, Belcampo offers everything from drool-worthy burgers to hearty salads. Citarella Gourmet Market: As its name implies, this venue is an upscale market serving “thoughtfully-sourced ingredients” and dishes designed by expert chefs. They also have a sister shop that sells wine and spirits. Dylan’s Candy Bar: Who doesn’t love this nostalgia-inducing candy shop? Be ready to spend a pretty penny on your favorite candies, reinvented. Wine gummies, anyone? Estiatorio Milos: This global seafood restaurant has been praised to the heavens in food magazines and blogs, and Chef Costas Spiliadis has pulled out all the stops for this location. Hudson Yards Grill: An approachable restaurant featuring “refined classics” and an extensive but unintimidating wine list is a good mid-range option for folks looking to enjoy the culinary scene of Hudson Yards without breaking the bank. Mercado Little Spain: An NYC offering by none other than the inimitable Chef José Andrés, this casual food hall offers sumptuous tastes of jamon, paella, patata bravas, and so much more. Pick and choose at market-style stalls to customize your dining experience. Queensyard: The brainchild of a London-based restaurant group, Queensyard serves up re-imagined British cooking with an Atlantic influence alongside smart cocktails and tasty craft beers. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Pigout NYC: Food & Dessert (@pigout_nyc) on Apr 16, 2019 at 9:59am PDT Shopping Then, of course, there’s the shopping. Hudson Yards is anchored by a massive mall, after all, and the shopping is all part of the experience. You can find a variety of shops here, retailing everything from men and women’s apparel to jewelry to luxury eyewear. Here are a few of the top stores in Hudson Yards by our book. AG Adriano Goldschmied: Everyone’s favorite denim brand has a rare stand-alone store in this mall featuring those oh-so-flattering jeans among other luxe apparel. (Like this? Check out Madewell, too.) B8TA: This unusual store combines the appeal of long-gone tech shops with the fun and interactivity of convention booths: try out new and innovative tech that changes each month. Cartier: If you’re got the budget for something special – say, an iconic Cartier watch – then head to this classic jewelry store. (Rolex is another, similar option for timepieces.) H&M: This fast-fashion favorite is seemingly a must in new malls these days. Spend an hour in this store and you’ll come home with an armful of stylish, affordable new clothes. Jo Malone London: This luxury beauty shop offers signature scents, lushly fragranced candles, and decadent bath and body products. A rare treat outside of the U.K. Kate Spade New York: Who doesn’t love the bright and enthusiastic vibe of Kate Spade designs? Featuring their famous handbags, playful shoes & apparel, and pop home décor, this store has a little something for everyone. Milk & Honey Babies: A store for the spoiled babies in your life, this shop is designed to be a destination for stylish and sustainable toys, gear, and accessories. Neiman Marcus: The flagship store at Hudson Yards, this Neiman Marcus is among the largest in the city with housewares, apparel, accessories, a beauty salon, multiple restaurants, and more. View this post on Instagram A post shared by BLNV │ Anna Blinova │ New York (@annablnv) on Apr 25, 2019 at 1:04pm PDT Public Art Finally, if you’d like to scope out what Hudson Yards has to offer on the artsy side of things, you should know that this new development boasts several pieces of public art, from the interactive, climbable structure currently (and temporarily) known as “The Vessel” to an expansive exhibit space. Here’s a rundown of what’s available. The Vessel: Designed as the centerpiece of the Public Square and Gardens, this interactive sculpture invites visitors to roam its seemingly endless stairways. M.C. Escher would be proud. Snark Park: Featuring a series of endlessly delightful rotating exhibits, this gallery also encourages interaction with its art and architecture. You can also find a unique gift shop with custom merchandise. The Shed: A new kind of artist space, this center actually commissions public art & performances from emerging artists. They intend to present art from multiple disciplines, including everything from sculpture and painting to hip-hop performances and classical music concerts. edge: The aptly-named edge is the highest outdoor observation deck in the Western Hemisphere. When it opens (estimated in 2020), you can walk out 65 feet from the building, peer down into the complex below, then look out to the stunning vista beyond. It will be a great place to watch the sun set. Public Square and Gardens: Host to many of the works of art on this list, this expansive central space is a marvel of sustainable green design. Painstakingly designed to incorporate rainwater-reclamation, “smart soil,” and even a colony of bees, these gardens are unlike anything else in New York. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Thea Hadzi (@wastelandromance) on Mar 17, 2019 at 6:36am PDT Tips for Visiting There’s literally too much to do in one visit at Hudson Yards – and it’s designed to be that way. Tackle it without a plan, and you’re likely to be exhausted before you even get to lunch. Follow our tips for visiting for an easier time of it, and make the most of your time in Hudson Yards. Decide where you want to eat before going. There are so many options that you’ll likely be overwhelmed by having to choose on the spot. Make dinner reservations. If you’ve got your heart set on one of the more popular restaurants in the mall, the last thing you want is for all the tables to be filled when you want to dine. Alternatively, plan to stay for lunch instead of dinner. It will be easier on your wallet and you can enjoy fewer crowds. Pick a budget, and stick with it. It can be hard to limit your spending at a mall where everything is right at your fingertips, but your wallet will thank you later. Look at the Shed’s performance schedule in advance. If you’re going to want to see a particular type of show or concert, you’ll need to know what’s on during your visit. Avoid staying at the on-site hotel. Unless you’ve got a big budget or a special occasion planned, you’re better off avoiding the high price tag of Equinox Hotel and staying somewhere else in Manhattan. Don’t miss the High Line. The public project that started it all, this abandoned elevated rail line has been converted into a park-slash-walking path. It wraps around the Hudson Yards neighborhood and offers a serene strolling experience. The best things to do at Hudson Yards are clearly manifold – dining, shopping, strolling, spectating, it’s all here. If you’ve got a free day to spend on your next trip to New York, consider spending it exploring this glimmering new addition to the Manhattan landscape.

Katie Sagal

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5 Days in New York

Spanning 59 community districts, each with their own unique vibe, New York offers countless attractions and points of exploration for every type of traveller. As exciting and innovative as ever, there’s no place quite like New York; the city’s art scene has some of the greatest institutions in the world, its architecture remains unmatched, and its nightlife boasts killer bars and restaurants. What’s more, the city is always coming up with new ways to surprise us, whether if it's with quirky fun hotspots or interesting hidden gems. No matter what you choose to do here, you’ll never be bored in the Big Apple! So, if you’re thinking about taking some time off to explore the concrete jungle, check out our list of the best things to do in the area. Whether you’re an art lover, a history geek, or a foodie, you’re sure to find something to suit your tastes. See the Sites One of the most distinguishing features of New York is its striking and varied architecture. If you want to see more of the cityscape, there’s no better place to be than the Empire State Building. Truly one of the city’s most iconic attractions, the building stands out for its incredible height and stature. For the bravest of travellers only, the observation deck provides amazing views of the city from way up high. A thoroughly unmissable NYC attraction and one-of-a-kind experience, this stop should be at the top of everybody’s itinerary! Another one of our favorite things to do in New York is visiting the Statue of Liberty. A total must-see for those looking to learn more about the development of the United States, the historic monument serves as an emblematic symbol of freedom and hope. The statue is so much more than a beautiful structure; it stands as a tells the story of the American dream. Whilst visiting, it is also customary to check out Ellis Island, where you can discover the background of what was once the busiest immigration point in America. In fact, 40 per cent of Americans can trace their roots back to the island. The most popular thing to do here is visit the National Museum of Immigration, but there are other great activities, such as the hard hat tours and boats trips which we highly recommend looking into. A totally fascinating and incredibly moving experience, this one is great for those of all ages. Though New York is known for its modern skyscrapers, the city is also home to many incredible venerable structures. For those who are interested in the constructural integrity of the city, we recommend a walk along the Brooklyn Bridge. For architecture lovers and history buffs alike, this attraction offers a fine example of Gothic Revival architecture; get up close, and you can view its commanding towers and steel cables in all of their glory. Today, the bridge still maintains its beauty and offers spectacular views of the cityscape and the East River. We suggest wearing your comfiest shoes and checking the weather beforehand since it’s a pretty long walk! Take in the Atmosphere No visit to New York is complete without exploring Central Park. Situated right in the heart of the city, this manmade urban green space draws in millions of visitors each year – and with good reason! A quintessential NYC attraction and the most filmed location in the world, the park is one of the most picturesque spots in the city. Still, we’d argue that it’s much more than just a pretty face; it’s actually home to myriads of interesting attractions, events and activities. Here, you can visit the zoo, historic gardens and landmarks, or even kayak. Whatever your interest, you’ll be sure to find it right in the middle of Central Park! If you’re visiting New York, then you can’t leave without seeing Grand Central Station. We don’t want to be labelled as shallow, but the first thing that stands out about this place is its incontestable beauty. Still, though, that isn’t all that Grand Central Station has to offer; under its historic roof, you’ll be able to find a wealth of great shopping and dining options. As a bonus, you can take the subway to your next destination to live your true New York life! Learn Something New Teeming with art and culture, New York is undoubtedly one of the best cities in the United States for creative types. Though the city presents an impressive wealth of art galleries, our top pick has got to be the Whiney for its expansive collection of modern and contemporary American art. Walking around the institution, visitors can view a first-class repository of over 25, 000 pieces across all mediums. The museum is located in the Meatpacking District, which is a trendy neighborhood with lots of great sites and food markets to be explored. Long recognized for its incredible museums, New York is a total treat for any visitors with a thirst for knowledge. Situated on the Upper West Side, the American Museum of Natural History seeks to cultivate fascination and intrigue in the world around us. Covering over 2 million square feet, the institution is known for holding the largest repository of its kind in the world. Inside, you’ll be able to view an impressive collection of over 34 million specimens, including Native American artefacts, dinosaur bones, and of course, its famous blue whale. We love this place because it’s impossible to leave without having learned something new. There are endless things to do, see and experience in New York. Cultural institutions, major historical landmarks, and fantastic attractions – it’s all at your fingertips. Whilst you certainly wouldn’t run out of interesting activities, you might struggle to narrow down your itinerary. If you’re only visiting for a short time, we recommend planning ahead to make your trip a little less overwhelming. Still, whatever you choose to do, we know it’ll be great – it's New York City, after all! 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. With Go City, you can see more, for less.

Sarah Harris

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