2 Days in New York City - A Sample Itinerary with The New York Pass®

By Kirsten McCroskrie

With The New York Pass, you can tailor a sightseeing itinerary to your own interests. This two-day New York City sightseeing itinerary below is just an example of how you can use your New York Pass to visit attractions and save big on admission.

Follow the itinerary below, or, just use it as inspiration to start planning your trip and visit any and as many of the other included attractions as you want.

This sample two-day itinerary includes:

  • Big Bus Classic Panoramic Tour
  • Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island
  • 9/11 Memorial & Museum
  • Top of the Rock
  • American Museum of Natural History
  • and more...

DAY 1

Big Bus Classic Panoramic Tour

The best way to start your trip—get acquainted with New York City’s top attractions, landmarks, sights, and layout on a comprehensive, bus tour with live narration.

You’ll be able to hop on or off at any of the 25+ stops along the tour’s 3 bus routes: Uptown, Downtown, and Midtown for the full New York City experience.

Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Immigration Museum

Take a ferry from Battery Park and visit the Statue of Liberty to see it up-close before heading over to the Ellis Island Immigration Museum.

Explore the history of immigration to the United States, with a specific focus on the immigration process through Ellis Island and the 12 million immigrants to were processed at Ellis Island, walk through the institution's historic halls and galleries, and more.

9/11 Memorial & Museum

Located at the World Trade Center site, the 9/11 Memorial & Museum is a poignant testament to the terrorist attacks and tragic events of September 11, 2001 and February 26, 1993.

A visit to the 9/11 Memorial & Museum is educational and emotional. The galleries feature artifacts from the wreckage, photographs of the events that illustrate the events’ timelines, stories and first-hand accounts from survivors and family members of victims, and more.

You’ll be able to pay tribute to the victims and service members who perished on 9/11 at the memorial site, where there are two twin reflecting pools with man-made waterfalls inscribed with the names of every person who died in the 2001 and 1993 attacks.

Madame Tussauds New York

Meet all your favorite celebrities and interact with A-Listers at Madame Tussauds New York, right in Times Square.

You’ll get to get up close and pose with Lady Gaga, Morgan Freeman, Carmelo Anthony, some of your favorite Marvel superheroes, and more as you explore the museum’s five floors of themed rooms. Get as close to the stars as you want, there are not bodyguards to shield you away!

Insider tip: Madame Tussauds opens 1 hour early, exclusively for New York Pass holders.

Top of the Rock

Head to the 70th floor of historic Rockefeller Center for 360-degree, sweeping views of Manhattan and beyond from the famous Top of the Rock observation deck.

On your way up, you’ll get to learn about the history and symbolic significance of the iconic building and Rockefeller’s vision for the building complex.

When you step out onto the three-story observation deck, you’ll have unbeatable views of all the New York City skyline landmarks.

Insider tip: download the free app or use the multi-media displays to help identify buildings and landmarks in view.

DAY 2

The Ride

Experience New York from the best seat in the city and see the streets transform into a live, Broadway stage.

You’ll board a custom-made bus with stadium-style seating and large windows for unobstructed views of street performers on their various ‘stages’ throughout the city. This 75-minute traveling theater features fun, interactive entertainment and takes you to some of the top sights in New York, including Times Square, Grand Central Terminal, Chrysler Building, New York Public Library, Central Park, and more.

Central Park Bicycle Rentals

Explore Central Park’s 843 acres on two wheels with a guided bike tour—you’ll get to see more than you would by foot and your knowledgeable guide will make sure you see all the top sights.

American Museum of Natural History

Visit one of the largest natural history museums in the world and learn about everything from extinction to the evolution of plant and animal life around the world.

From our origins as a human species to Siberian Tigers and a 122-foot titanosaur (a 70-ton herbivore), you can get up close to it all at the AMNH.

Continue reading

Blog

Tips for Ice Skating in New York

When the temperature drops, the ice skates come out (or at least, they should.) Follow our tips for ice skating in New York--what to know, where to go, and how to get the most out of this winter sport. The Rink at Rockefeller Center The jewel in the crown of New York ice skating rinks, this is where all the tourists (and plenty of New Yorkers ) want to go, and what everyone wants to photograph. Not surprisingly—it’s got a stellar location, and a prime New York setting in Rockefeller Center. What to know: It’s pricey. A general admission skate will set you back $25 for an adult ticket. During holidays and peak holidays, it goes up to $28 and $35. Add in a skate rental, and that will set you back another $18. Expect it also to be very, very crowded. You can reserve tickets (on their own, which start at $60, or as part of a package, such as breakfast with Santa, or a seat to see the Rockettes). Should you go? If it’s on your bucket list; you are planning on proposing (or being proposed to); or if it’s part of your perfect holiday fantasy, then yes. Otherwise, you can get great pics and feel like part of the experience simply by watching the skaters from afar. Winterland Rink Image credit: The Howard Hughes Corporation What to know: Now in its second year of operation, the rooftop Winterland skating rink offers season passes as well as daily tickets. (You will need to pick an arrival time, although you’re free to skate as long as you like once you're there.) Go for the skating, stay for the views; you’ll see the Brooklyn Bridge, the East River, and the Manhattan Skyline. Bryant Park Free admission! Yes, it’s true—admission to the Rink at Bryant Park is free, and there’s no catch. (If you need to rent skates, there is a fee for that.) What to know: The rink is open daily, and you’re surrounded by lots of other stuff to do, especially during the holidays (the holiday market!) The main branch of the library is nearby, there are lots of good food options, and there’s something especially fun about skating right in the middle of the city with grand buildings surrounding you. (You’ll also find a lot of special events in Bryant Park, so check the schedule.) New this season: You can reserve your skate time online. Should you go? Probably. Everybody should go at least once. The Rink at Brookfield Place One of New York’s great little (almost) secrets. The small rink (nothing to sneeze at though; it’s over 7,000 square feet) is located behind the shopping mecca Brookfield Place--and it has an unbelievable view. (Yes, that’s New Jersey over there, looking surprisingly fetching.) What to know: Tickets are $15, skate rentals five. Note: It doesn’t open until noon during the week. So do some shopping inside, then come out and get re-energized. Should you go? Why not? It might not be worth making a special out-of-your-way trip, but if you’re nearby, it’s a fun destination. Wollman Rink in Central Park Few rinks are prettier than Wollman, located in the middle of Central Park; it’s hard to imagine a nicer city setting to ice skate. What to know: It’s got amazing views of the city skyline as well as Central Park, and it’s less pricey than Rockefeller Center ($12 for adults for public skating, a great deal). You can even get a season pass, as well as a locker for the season. Note: Public skating sessions are cash only. Should you go? Yes. Good price, great views; a kind of quintessential New York skating experience. Abe Stark Rink Located on the Coney Island Boardwalk, the rink, open since 1970, is only open on weekends and some holidays. What to know: In the plus column, it’s only $10 to skate, with $5 skate rentals, and they offer skating lessons. Plus it’s indoors, which in February you’ll appreciate. (Oh, and if you were wondering, Abe Stark was a three-term Brooklyn Borough president, known as Mr. Brooklyn.) Should you go? If you’re in Brooklyn and you’re looking for a kind of classic, non-touristy skating experience, then yes. Sky Rink at Chelsea Piers A New York classic! A large indoor rink great for public skating, birthday parties, and outings of any kind; the two rinks are among the most popular in New York. Photo courtesy Chelsea Piers What to know: Factor in some pretty great views, a snack bar right nearby, and plenty of other things to do when you’re done skating, and you’ve got a winner. Check out their group rates and private lessons, too. Should you go? If you’ve got a group or are looking for something fun to do (it’s open year round, a big plus) then yes. Looking for some cultural winter fun? Check out these must-see art exhibits!
Go City Expert
Blog

New York Shopping - Discounts with The New York Pass®

New York is a shopper's paradise! You can find anything and everything in the many stores throughout the city and now you can shop TAX-FREE in NYC on clothing and shoes priced under $110. There are thousands of shops, so whether it's upscale Madison Avenue or the bargain-friendly Lower East Side, the Big Apple offers everything for everybody! The New York Pass adds something to your shopping experience as well. Some places will have a special gift waiting for New York Pass holders. Others like Bloomingdale’s and Macy’s will offer you an 11% discount. Also, don’t forget to visit the Century 21 Department Store. They sell designer merchandise at 40% - 70% off retail prices. Another huge shopping experience is the world-famous Woodbury Common Premium Outlets, where you can enjoy everyday savings of 25% to 65% from Dolce & Gabbana, Gap Outlet, Nike Factory Store, Polo Ralph Lauren Factory Store, Salvatore Ferragamo, Timberland, and many more. With the New York Pass, you will receive a VIP Coupon Booklet upon arrival. It's worth hundreds of dollars of additional savings at participating stores. Intrigued? Here's where you can enjoy shopping perks with your New York Pass B&H Photo-Video-Pro Audio If you’re looking for the ultimate shopping experience, this is it – the world’s largest discount camera and video electronics superstore. Bloomingdale's When you visit the legendary Bloomingdale’s flagship store at 59th Street and Lexington Avenue, you’ll know why New Yorkers say “It’s Like No Other Store in the World”. Dylan’s Candy Bar Dylan’s Candy Bar was founded in 2001 by Dylan Lauren and is renowned for merging the worlds of art, fashion, and pop culture with candy. Macy’s Herald Square Visitors Center Macy’s is not only a fashion institution – it’s an American icon. Visit the famed Macy’s Herald Square, the world’s largest store with over 2 million square feet of retail space. Store at The Museum Of Sex Regarded as “one of the best” in New York according to Time Out magazine, the store at the Museum of Sex presents a curated selection of top quality products across various categories allowing customers to further explore their sexuality. Sunglass Hut This offer is valid only in New York City Sunglass Hut stores and may not be combined with any other offers, discounts, promotional offers, or gift cards. Offer valid while supplies last! Trinity Place Department Store Being the only one of its kind in NYC, Trinity Place Department Store is indeed a ‘very different’ kind of specialty store. Woodbury Common Premium Outlets/ Short Line/ Coach USA Bus Visit the world-famous Woodbury Common Premium Outlets and shop at 220 designer and brand-name outlet stores less than one hour’s comfortable bus drive from Manhattan.
Kirsten McCroskrie

Have a 5% discount, on us!

More savings? You're welcome. Sign up to our newsletter and receive exclusive discounts, vacation inspiration and much more.

  • Thick check Icon