Sightseeing Articles
7 Great Bike Rides in NYC
Considering that 56% of NYC households don’t own cars, you can bet that there are quite a few bikers on the streets of Manhattan and the surrounding boroughs. Sometimes taking a quick ride around the city (or out of it!) can be the perfect activity for clearing the mind and feeling invigorated. We know that's the case with these seven bike routes throughout New York City—if you’re looking for a spot to ride, check 'em out!
NYC's Best Farmers' Markets
When it comes to shopping for fresh produce in New York City, the locally sourced farmers' markets are without a doubt the way to go. Held all over the city, these greenmarket alternatives to grocery stores offer fresh fruits, veggies, dairy products, fresh seafood, and meats galore! They also provide a refreshing shopping experience compared to the cramped quarters of those aforementioned grocery stores. If you want to know where your food came from and what’s actually in it, then you ought to check out these seven farmers' markets in New York City.
The Best Places to Spot Fall Foliage in NYC
Being nicknamed the "Concrete Jungle," you wouldn't expect to find beautiful scenes of autumn foliage in New York City... but you'd be surprised! A few hidden gems remain in the actual city, and even more red, orange, and yellow-adorned views can be accessed all around its borders. The summer may be too hot, and the winter too cold, but the fall in NYC is just right. Toss in some magical foliage with all its colorful leaf shows, and you've got yourself a paradise right in the heart of New York City.
NYC Fall Bucket List
If there was ever a season to visit New York City, it has to the be the fall. Between the gorgeous scenery (Central Park foliage, anyone?) and the lovely weather forecasts, the ideal time to plan a trip to the city has never been more obvious. As for what to do once you're here, we've got you covered. These seven exciting activities top our fall bucket list, and we have a feeling that they'll top yours too.
The 9/11 Memorial & Museum Stands Triumphant
After a decade-plus of grieving, healing, and resilience, the National September 11 Memorial & Museum marks a monumental change to the city—one that invokes forward thinking and hope, transforming the spaces left in the New York City skyline.
NYC's Best Observation Decks
New York City has a lot of cool things going for it, from its ever-expanding restaurant list and pop-up shop culture to its rich history and impressive repertoire of museums. Want to take it all in at once? Then you’ve got to head to one of these seven stellar observation decks. The city can look daunting when you’re in the heart of it with skyscrapers towering over you, but the moment you get a leg-up you’ll realize how breathtaking this city really is. Go on, see for yourself.
The Biggest Wheel in the World Coming to NYC
New York City is one-upping the London Eye, with the development of The New York Wheel, a 60-story Ferris wheel with crowning views of New York Harbor. Sited on Staten Island’s St. George waterfront, The New York Wheel will offer unparalleled perspectives on the Manhattan skyline, the Statue of Liberty, and the Verrazano Bridge, with a target opening date of April, 2018.
Get a Front Row View of NYC's Rich Cityscape on THE TOUR
To learn more about the rich history and architecture of New York City (whether you’re from out of town or a local!) from the vantage of a comfortable upfront window view of all the city action, you need to take THE TOUR. This 90-minute immersive ride cruises through midtown and the Upper West Side in THE RIDE's million-dollar state-of-the art custom motor coach.
What to Do at Brooklyn's Prospect Park Zoo
Prospect Park Zoo serves Brooklyn natives and families from around the world with a peaceful escape from skyscrapers and taxi traffic into the wonderful world of nature.
Brooklyn Bridge Park: A Playground for All Ages
Brooklyn Bridge Park has it all: state-of-the-art playgrounds and sports fields, grassy fields and multiple concessions, and not to mention, one of the best views of the Manhattan skyline in all of the city (and only a subway stop away on the 2 or 3 train). Plus, it’s big enough to make it a day-trip.
The Best Parks in NYC
New York City may be the concrete jungle, but it also has some of the most treasured and wondrous parks in the country. These seven parks listed below are the city’s most iconic, and they range from Midtown jewels to Brooklyn expanses. No matter if you’re a nature-lover or prefer to be surrounded by skyscrapers and subway entrances, there’s a park here that will make you feel right at home. They say it’s impossible to get New Yorkers out of the city, and with parks like these, we’re not a bit surprised.
How to Spend a Day Aboard the Intrepid
One of the coolest and least expected museums in New York City is the one that floats on Pier 86: The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum. If you’ve never set foot on this impressive vessel-based museum before, move it to your bucket list immediately. We’ve outlined exactly how you should spend your day aboard this immersive museum, and with air, space, and sea history to explore, you can bet you won’t run out of things to do!
Sightseeing NYC: The Best Tours for Short Trips
If you’re only going to be in New York City for a quick trip, we've got some tips for seeing a lot with only a little time. Fortunately, these five awesome city tours offer complete and immersive experiences that allow you to take in every square inch and beloved landmark of this ever-evolving city in as little as 15 minutes. Whether you prefer to see the sights by land, air, or sea, there’s a sightseeing option here that’s sure to excite you.
New York for Families: Planning for Five Days
You’re here! You’re here! The five (four, seven, three) of you have arrived, and you’re going to take New York by storm. As long as you can do it with Sadie, Franklin, and the twins in tow. Where to start? Read on for our suggestions for the best five-day itinerary for families traveling to NYC.
Free Summer NYC
Manhattan is renowned around the globe for being a bit pricey, but there’s always something free to do in New York City—especially during the summer. Summer 2016 comes alive with lots of complimentary events that range from music to movies, nature walks, and beyond. Those yearning for something to do that won’t dent the budget can explore these fun and free offerings in the Big Apple.
Outdoor Summer Fun in NYC
We still have more than a month of summer left before the cool autumn air begins blowing in. Whether you prefer the hot and balmy weather typical of summer or the crisp air that swirls leaves around in the fall, there’s still plenty of time to take advantage of all of the activities and nature that abounds in the Big Apple. Here are some ideas that are sure to inspire city slickers to embrace the splendor of nature.
Go Inside: The Fascinating Realm of Body Worlds Times Square
If you’ve seen an ad for New York City’s Body Worlds, you’ve no doubt wondered what it’s all about. To put it plain, it is indeed all about the world of bodies: the exhibition, at Discovery Times Square, features 200 examples of the human form that have undergone Plastination—a way of preserving bodies invented by anatomist Dr. Gunther von Hagens.
The Jersey Shore & More: The Best Day Trips From NYC on NJ Transit
Sometimes you just need a break from Manhattan, and fortunately, New Jersey is right across the water waiting for you. Don’t have a car? No problem. These eight day trips are easily accessible from NJ Transit, which means you won’t spend all day sitting in traffic.
Star Trek Nights Aboard The Intrepid
Spend the night aboard The Intrepid and experience Star Trek in a whole new way. Get tickets now for one of these special overnights taking place on July 23, July 30, and Aug. 6. The sleepovers are designed for fans of all ages.
The Best Things to Do in Lower Manhattan
Lower Manhattan is the city’s oldest neighborhood—sometimes known as the Financial District—and it's booming. Here are some of our favorite reasons to devote a day or two of your precious vacation time to the area below Chambers St., the unofficial boundary of Lower Manhattan.
Group Travel NYC: The City's 10 Best Statues
Every statue has a backstory, and these 10 famous New York City sculptures are no exception. If you’re headed to Manhattan with a large group, spending some time checking out these iconic pieces of bronze can be a fun and creative way to spend your time.
Where to Entertain Your Kids During the NYC Summer
Nobody wants to be stuck with bored kids in the middle of a sweltering New York City summer, and luckily, nobody has to be! There are endless opportunities for exploring in the city and not just for adults! These seven activities below will thrill children of every age, and they’ll have mom and dad feeling excited as well. It’s really a win-win for everyone!
New York for Adventurers: A Three-Day NYC Itinerary
Some people come to New York for the theater, the symphony, the shopping. Not you. You come for the adrenaline rush. So let’s start things off with a bang…and just keep going.
Who Ya Gonna Call? Ghostbusters Virtual Reality at Madame Tussauds
Who ya gonna call? Ghostbusters is back in NYC this summer, and Madame Tussauds New York puts you right in the center of the action. As of July 1, Ghostbusters Experience and Ghostbusters: Dimension will bring the film to life as never before.
Calling Starfleet Cadets! Star Trek: Starfleet Academy Experience Comes to Intrepid
Warp speed ahead! In celebration of the 50th anniversary of Star Trek, the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum welcomes the new exhibition Star Trek: The Starfleet Academy Experience to Pier 86 for summer, 2016.