NYC Highlights: See the Sights Edition
New York CityPass
Details
With one convenient pass, get access to New York's most famous attractions. New York CityPASS attractions include plus ALL 3 options (one in each category):
• Empire State Building Observatory • American Museum of Natural History • The Metropolitan Museum of Art
• Option Ticket 1: Top of the Rock® Observatory OR Guggenheim Museum
• Option Ticket 2: Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island OR Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises • Option Ticket 3: 9/11 Memorial & Museum OR Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum This New York pass offers visitors and residents an easy and affordable way to see the best of the Big Apple. See the city from above with admission to two amazing
observatories above the city skyline. The Empire State building, the symbol of NYC, is on the list of the six destinations. You will have admission to the 86th Floor Observatory, an open-air deck with a breathtaking view of the city from 1,050 feet in the air. If you choose, you can also visit the Top of the Rock Observation Deck, which includes views from indoors and outdoors from this art-deco skyscraper.
On your own New York tour, explore the most famous museums in the city, as well. With the New York City pass you will have access to the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the choice to visit the Guggenheim Museum. Study over two million works of art in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, see the famous works of art by Vincent van Gogh and Monet in the MoMa, and experience the art of the 20th and 21st century in the
Guggenheim Museum.
Choose between the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island tour or the Circle Line Cruise. On the Statue of Liberty tour, take a ferry ride to Liberty Island and Ellis Island to see the famous monument of the city, Lady Liberty, and the place where foreigners immigrated into the land of the free. On the Circle Line Cruise, see New York City and the Statue of Liberty from the water.
This New York sightseeing tour includes the most popular destinations in the city in an easy package. This pass is valid for 9 days after it is used at the first sightseeing location.
Passes can be purchased at:
Information provided courtesy of NDR Travels Inc. All times, prices, dates, etc. were current at time of publication and are subject to
9/11 Memorial and Museum
(included in the New York CityPass as an option)
Very powerful exhibit and well worth the time and money. Just make sure to get there in time to line up and get in at the time indicated on your ticket. Plan to arrive an hour in advance. Purchasing tickets in advance allows you to visit the 9/11 Memorial Museum at your preferred date and time. Tickets can be purchased three months in
advance. Please note that Museum tickets include the 9/11 Memorial. General Museum Admission (prices subject to change): Adult $24 Museum Admission with "Understanding 9/11" Guided Tour: Adult $44 Tickets can be purchased at http://www.911memorial.org/tours. The 9/11 Memorial is open to all visitors.
Free Admission Tuesdays
Admission is free for visitors on Tuesday evenings from 5 p.m. to close, with the last admission two hours prior to closing. A limited number of tickets are released online for every Free Admission Tuesday one day in advance at 9:00AM.
Additional tickets are also available at the ticket windows on a first come, first served basis every Tuesday starting at 4:00PM (distribution time subject to change).
What to Expect on Your Museum Visit:
Visitors are welcome to explore the Museum at their own pace. An average visit can take about two hours.
Main Exhibitions
The historical exhibition has three parts: the Day of 9/11, Before 9/11 and After 9/11. It tells the story of what happened on 9/11, including the events at the World Trade Center and the Pentagon and the story of Flight 93. The exhibition explores the background leading up to the events and examines their aftermath and continuing implications.
The memorial exhibition, which is named In Memoriam, commemorates the lives of those who perished on September 11, 2001 and February 26, 1993 and provides visitors with the opportunity to learn about the men, women and children who died.
Foundation Hall is a room of massive scale, which houses both the last column and the slurry wall.
Museum Guides
To enhance your visitor experience, we recommend downloading our mobile apps, including our Museum audio guide, before you arrive.
Download the Museum Guide (PDF) for a general overview of what you can expect to see on your visit. Check the Information Desk during your visit for audio tours
information.
Film Features
"Facing Crisis: America Under Attack"
Description: The events of the day, as described by key 9/11 decision makers. Based on original interviews, including President George W. Bush, New York Governor George Pataki and New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani.
Schedule: On the hour
Location: Auditorium, Museum Pavilion L-2 Level *Offered daily. Free to Museum visitors.
"Facing Crisis: A Changed World"
Description: World leaders examine 9/11's impact on global events. Schedule: On the half-hour
Location: Auditorium, Museum Pavilion L-2 Level *Offered daily. Free to Museum visitors.
"Rebirth at Ground Zero"
Description: This multi-screen film experience uses time-lapse footage and recorded interviews to present an inspiring first-hand perspective of the transformation and renewal of the World Trade Center site and the uplifting personal journeys of some of those most directly affected by the attacks.
Information provided courtesy of NDR Travels Inc. All times, prices, dates, etc. were current at time of publication and are subject to Schedule: Every 15 minutes
Location: Rebirth at Ground Zero, Exhibitions and Education Center (South) C-4 Level *Offered daily. Free to Museum visitors.
Live Talks
"The Stories They Tell"
Description: 9/11 Memorial staff share behind-the-scenes stories about the Memorial and Museum, and its collections.
Schedule: Offered Monday through Friday at 12 p.m. Approximately 30 minutes.
Location: Auditorium, Museum Pavilion L-2 Level *Free to Museum visitors.
"We Were There"
Description: Personal stories of remembrance and resilience presented by the 9/11 Tribute Center.
Schedule: Offered Tuesdays at 4 p.m. Approximately 30 minutes. Location: Auditorium, Museum Pavilion L-2 Level
*Free to Museum visitors.
Note: Mandatory Baggage Storage & Storage Services
All Memorial Museum visitors must store large bags, backpacks, large umbrellas and any other objects deemed by 9/11 Memorial & Museum Staff to be too large or a danger to the exhibits and artifacts. The Memorial Museum will provide storage for visitors’ belongings in the Coat Rooms for the duration of their visit, located on the Concourse Lobby level and the Pavilion Auditorium level (2nd floor).
At the discretion of 9/11 Memorial & Museum Security Staff, the 9/11 Memorial & Museum may not admit, nor provide storage for, visitors’ large personal items or belongings. Pursuant to Section VI (“Security Screening”), large items may not be admitted, nor stored in the Coat Rooms.
All of New York City Hop On - Hop Off Bus Tour
Tour Details
Explore the famous sites of uptown and downtown New York City on this comprehensive bus tour, which includes:
Central Park, the Met,
the Upper West side, Times Square, Broadway district, Little Italy,
SoHo, Chinatown,
Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center, and so much more.
Get on and off the bus at your convenience to see the sites you most want to visit. Hop off the bus at Central Park to see beautiful greenery (or the snow covered tree limbs) and one of the most famous parks in the city. This park is in the heart of
Manhattan and covers over 843 acres of land. See the Central Park Zoo, a famous zoo located within Central park. Spend time viewing exotic animals from all over the world right in the center of the city.
Many famous museums are available on this hop on - hop off bus tour, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art and Guggenheim Museum. Tour over two million works from all over the world in the famous Met or tour the works of the Guggenheim Museum to see expanding collections of the Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, and early Modern art. The famous Empire State Building and Rockefeller Center are offered on this tour. Don't miss out on traveling up 86 floors of the Empire State Building to the observatory for a spectacular view of the city. The Rockefeller Center is a great place to stop and explore. Go ice-skating in the winter, or just tour the many attractions, including Radio City Music Hall.
Get off at Times Square to see the epitome of New York City's vibrant lifestyle. The colorful commercial lights will dazzle you as you walk the most well-known streets of the city. See the Broadway district, where hundreds of shows are performed each year. Choose among New York's many neighborhoods to explore at your convenience. They all share the vibrancy of the city, but differ in culture. In Little Italy taste the influence of European immigration. Explore the streets of Chinatown for authentic restaurants and Asian stores. In SoHo enjoy the hustle and bustle of edgy New York fashion boutiques and unique shops only found there. Book your All of New York City Hop On - Hop Off tour and make sure not to miss any of the amazing attractions in New York City.
Please Note: If you choose to ride the bus through all of the stops offered, it will take approximately 2 hours to 2 hours and 20 minutes.
Passes can be purchased at:
http://www.toursales.com/v/affiliate/?id=122754&[email protected] Please note there are other options available such as the Downtown Hop On Hop Off Tour as well as the Uptown Hop On Hop Off Tour.
Information provided courtesy of NDR Travels Inc. All times, prices, dates, etc. were current at time of publication and are subject to
Empire State Building
(included in the New York CityPass as an option; this is also an option for a Monday evening group activity)
Show them what’s possible. Walk through our exhibits to learn more about the history of the building and the recent retrofit, dine in our restaurants, and take in the best views NYC can offer. Every moment up here is a memory in the making.
Empire Tips:
- Beat the crowds. For more space and less wait, visit between 8AM and 11AM. - Kids under six are free. If you’re bringing a stroller, you’ll need to fold it before entering the elevator.
- Plan your breaks. Make sure to use our restrooms on the second floor before getting in line for the elevators.
- Get Express Passes online and skip all the lines.
- You will see our uniformed personnel on the sidewalk in front of the Empire State Building.
Express Pass tickets are not sold on the streets in front of the Empire State Building, only on this website or from our onsite ticket office. Other street sales agents are not employed by the Empire State Building Observatory.
Tickets:
Main Deck Only (86th Floor)
Adult: $32 Senior (ages 62+): $29 Child (ages 6-12): $26
Enjoy 360-degree views from our 86th Floor Observatory, featuring indoor and outdoor promenades.
VIP Main Deck Express Experience (86th Floor—No Waiting) All Visitors (ages 6+): $65
The fastest way to experience the Heart of NYC! Skip all lines on the way to the 86th Floor, the most famous observatory in the world.
Main Deck + Top Deck (86th & 102nd Floors)
Adult: $52 Senior (ages 62+): $49 Child (ages 6-12): $46
Visit both observatories and experience why ESB is the Heart of New York City. VIP Main Deck + Top Deck Express Experience (86th & 102nd Floors - No Waiting) All Visitors (ages 6+): $85
Skip the lines on the way up to both of our observatories for stunning unmatched views of the city skyline and beyond.
We’re open every day, including all holidays, 365 days a year, rain or shine from 8AM to 2AM. The last elevator up is at 1:15AM.
Top of the Rock
(included in the New York CityPass as an option; this is also an option for a Monday evening group activity)
It’s a great way to see all the views of NYC and not wait in the crazy lines to go up the Empire State Building AND the best part is that if you go to the Top of the Rock you get to see the Empire State Building in your NYC skyline!
Approximate pricing (prices subject to change.) Adult Price From: $30.00
Child Price From: $20.00
The Top of the Rock offers unique and astonishing views of many of NYC’s famous attractions including Central Park, the Chrysler Building, Times Square, the Hudson River, the East River, the Brooklyn Bridge, and the Statue of Liberty.
It is, quite simply, the most spectacular view in New York City. Simply take in an amazing sunset or see the seasons unfold.
The Top of the Rock Observation Deck is located on the 70th floor of 30 Rockefeller Plaza in the heart of midtown Manhattan at Rockefeller Center.
Schedule
Daily 8:30am - midnight. Last elevator goes up at 11pm. Location and Directions
Top of the Rock is located at 30 Rockefeller Center. Entrance is on West 50th Street, between 5th and 6th Avenues.
Information provided courtesy of NDR Travels Inc. All times, prices, dates, etc. were current at time of publication and are subject to
Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island
(some tours included in the New York CityPass as an option)
Harbor Tour – Statue of Liberty
We have done harbor tours of various types. I will detail a few of them here and list why we chose them. Always remember to be at the dock at least a half an hour before the harbor tour so you can get in line. They have everyone cue up and that’s the order you get on the boat so if you want a certain seat or location, it’s good to be in the line up early on. The duration listed is from the time the boat sets sail. Please remember to include for your estimation the line-up and boarding times.
Circle Line Best of NYC - Full Island Cruise
Last time we did a harbor tour we did this one. It was great to see the whole island and how the landscape changes. It took a longer part of our day but at this point in the trip we knew we’d want a day with a couple hours to sit and watch the world go by.
Approximate pricing (prices subject to change.) Adult Price From: $41.00
Child Price From: $26.00
Cruise Duration: approx. 2.5 Hours
Description: Circle Line's Best of NYC - Full Island Cruise and narrated sightseeing tour is a unique way to see New York City. The Tour begins at Pier 83 where you get an up-close view of the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space museum. As you cruise down the Hudson on this NYC harbor tour, you will view the incredible New York City skyline including the “Freedom Tower” located at One World Trade Center. As the tour circles Manhattan Island you will see three rivers, seven major bridges, five boroughs, over 25 world renowned landmarks and, of course, a magnificent close-up of the Statue of Liberty. Approximate Schedule
January 1 - Mid March
Sails daily at 2:30 p.m. Location and Directions
Cruises depart from Pier 83 at 42nd Street on the Hudson River.
Subway:
1, 2, 3, 7, N, R, Q, W, S to Times Square A, C, E to Port Authority
4, 5, 6 to 42nd Street Grand Central Station
then take the M42 bus "Crosstown 42nd Street Pier" directly to the Circle Line Pier, or take the M42 bus "Crosstown Javits Center" to the 11th Avenue stop and walk one block west.
Also available as a stop on the Hop On, Hop Off bus tour.
Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Ferry Tickets
This harbor tour is mainly transportation to and from the island on a ferry with the
purpose of visiting the statue and the Ellis Island immigration buildings. It’s the only tour that will bring you onto the island itself because its run by a parks department and therefore has stricter security than a regular harbor cruise.
Approximate pricing (prices subject to change.) Adult Price From: $22.00
Child Price From: $22.00
This cruise takes as long as you want it to take. You’re free to explore the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island on your own schedule. It takes quite a while especially with boarding in Manhattan to go to Liberty Island, then see the statue of liberty, then board and travel to Ellis Island, tour the immigration building, then board again to travel back to Manhattan.
Buy your tickets to the Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island ferry in advance and avoid the lengthy ticket purchase line.
Liberty Island and Ellis Island are accessible only by ferry service. One round trip ferry ticket includes visits to both islands,
Location and Directions
The Statue of Liberty Ferry departs from Battery Park on the southern tip of Lower Manhattan. Subway: 1 to South Ferry 4, 5 to Bowling Green R to Whitehall Street Security:
Visitors to the Park are required to undergo airport style security screening. Visitors to the Monument undergo additional security screening.
All persons and property are subject to search.
Large bags are not allowed on Liberty or Ellis Islands.
There are no locker facilities at the New York and New Jersey embarkation points. There are locker facilities on Liberty Island for Monument visitors.
Backpacks, strollers and large umbrellas are not permitted in the Monument.
Food (even unopened) and drinks (including water) are not allowed inside the Statue of Liberty.
All weapons are prohibited, including: Firearms, explosives or flammables, knives or sharp objects (including tools), pepper spray and mace.
Information provided courtesy of NDR Travels Inc. All times, prices, dates, etc. were current at time of publication and are subject to
Statue of Liberty Express
We have been on a harbor tour similar to this one. It’s a quicker tour just hitting the Manhattan highlights.
Approximate pricing (prices subject to change.) Adult Price From: $31.00
Child Price From: $19.00
Duration: 60 minutes.
Climb aboard this fun express ride to view the Statue of Liberty from the unique perspective of the waterfront and learn more about New York’s historic skyline - all narrated by knowledgeable and entertaining guides!
Let your camera go wild and capture the magic of your New York memories. Our top-rated guides interact with you to ensure you have a great time and leave more informed about the City of New York then when you arrived. 1 hour long.
Tour operates daily:
Jan-March 10, 11:15, 12:30, 1:45, 3pm -aboard the New York Water Taxi
Statue of Liberty Express does not stop at Liberty Island. Please note boarding is on a first come, first serve basis and subject to availability. Please arrive at the pier 30 minutes prior to the departure. Routes, prices, specific vessels and schedules are subject to change without notice. January - May this tour is on a New York Water Taxi.
Radio City Music Hall Stage Door Tour
Approximate pricing (prices subject to change.) Adult Price From: $26.95
Child Price From: $17.95 Duration: 1 hour
Get an insider's view and go behind-the-scenes on Radio City Music Hall Stage Door Tour. Explore the theater, lounges and corridors of the most iconic theater in New York City! Follow the lead of an experienced tour guide as you explore the beautifully
restored art-deco interiors and sunset-inspired auditorium. Learn the secrets of the great stage and meet one of our world famous Radio City Rockettes up close and in person!
Discover all that is Radio City, located at 50th Street and 6th Avenue in Rockefeller Center.
Explore the Beautiful Art-Deco Interiors
Learn the secrets of the Great Stage and what it takes to transform the Music Hall for a concert or the Radio City Christmas Spectacular
Be a part of a Radio City Rockettes kick line with an interactive photo opportunity! View the Celebrity Signed Guest Book!
Receive a complimentary fact-sheet about Radio City Music Hall, available in SIX (6) different languages
Meet a World Famous Radio City Rockette and discover first-hand what it takes to become one of the stars of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular!
Tour Schedule
The Radio City Stage Door Tour is a one hour walking tour that departs from Radio City Music Hall, located in the heart of Rockefeller Center.
Operating hours daily 11am - 3pm. Tours leave approximately every half hour. Tour schedule and contents are subject to change without notice.
Location and Directions
The tour meets at Radio City Music Hall’s Avenue Store, located on 6th Avenue, between 50th and 51st Streets.
Information provided courtesy of NDR Travels Inc. All times, prices, dates, etc. were current at time of publication and are subject to
Central Park
http://www.centralparknyc.org
We have walked Central Park many times. We usually stick around the Strawberry Fields section of the park. To be honest, it’s tough to know where you’re going in the park unless you’re very familiar with it. It’s fun to wander and stick close to areas where there’s a lot of people so they can direct you back to “civilization” if you get lost. We’ve never done the carriage ride, it may be nice to try but it wouldn’t get you close to many of the memorable sights you’d like to see within the park.
I recommend seeing the following:
The Bethesda Fountain and terrace (and tile ceiling under terrace), the Bow Bridge, Strawberry Fields, the Mall and Literary Walk,
I also recommend doing the boats:
Another option is the bike tour:
Approximate pricing (prices subject to change.) Adult Price From: $45.00
Child Price From: $27.00
Duration: Approximately 2 hours.
This guided tour gives a comprehensive look at the park and visitors get to every famous spot they want to see. From Bethesda Fountain to Strawberry Fields and the Dakota to the Jackie Kennedy Onassis Reservoir, guests see it all. Participants will also visit lesser-known sights like Cleopatra’s Needle, Sheep Meadow, the Shakespeare Garden, plus the Swedish Marionette Theater, and so much more!
The guided tour operates daily at 8:30 am, 10:30 am, 1:30 pm and 3:30 pm spring, summer, and fall and includes comfort hybrid bike rental, helmet, and bottled water. The tour lasts approximately 2 hours and is easy to moderate riding.
Central Park Zoo
5th Avenue & East 64th Street, New York, NY 10021 Phone number: 212-439-6500
Central Park Zoo Hours
The Central Park Zoo is open 365 days a year.
Winter hours, Nov 4, 2012-Mar 29, 2013: Daily 10am-4:30pm* Summer hours, Mar 30-Nov 3, 2013: Monday–Friday 10am-5pm* Weekends & Holidays 10am-5:30pm*
*Last ticket sold 30 minutes prior to closing.
Central Park Zoo General Admission Tickets - Approximate pricing (prices subject to change.)
General Admission tickets include entry to the Main Zoo and Tisch Children's Zoo. Adult - $12; Child (Ages 3-12) - $7; Senior (65+) - $9; Children under 3 years old are always free!
Total Experience Tickets - Approximate pricing (prices subject to change.)
Total Experience tickets include entry to the Main Zoo, Tisch Children's Zoo, and one admission to the 4-D Theater.
Adult - $18; Child (Ages 3-12) - $13; Senior (65+) - $15
Central Park Zoo 4-D Theater - Approximate pricing (prices subject to change.) Two family-friendly short films, Planet Earth: Ice Worlds from BBC Earth and Dora & Diego's 4-D Adventure, rotate in our 4-D theater. The visual drama of these 3-D films is heightened by a variety of sensory effects in the theater, from water mist, blustery winds, and snow to bubbles, scents, seat vibrations, and enhanced floor lighting. Ages 3 & up - $7; WCS Members - $4
