Attraction of the Week - Museum of Sex

By Go City Expert

Every week, we take closer look at one of the New York Pass attraction, big or small. This week we bring you Museum of Sex, New York City's spiciest cultural institution. [caption id="attachment_787" align="aligncenter" width="2015"]

Museum of Sex[/caption] [spacer height="20px"] Museum of Sex is one of New York City's most risque museums, you certainly won't find any Monet here. Instead the museum brings you an in depth look at the history, science and the sometimes bizarre and shocking nature of sex. The museum boasts with interactive exhibits, lots of fun, hand-on toys and gadgets, as well ah hundreds of blush-inducing images and videos. You can see everything from informative exhibits about animal sex, the history of sex and eroticism, or you can have some fun at the Funland and the bouncy breast castle. Finish your visit by shopping at the infamous gift shop unlike any other in the city. Visit Museum of Sex for free with your New York Pass. [spacer height="20px"] Address: 233 Fifth Avenue at 27th Street, New York Hours: Sunday – Thursday: 10am – 9pm (last entry at 8pm) Friday & Saturday: 11am – 11pm (last entry at 10pm) Closed Thanksgiving day and Christmas day.

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Free Things to Do in New York City

Free Things to Do in New York City

The City of Dreams - New York City - is the ultimate destination for workers, students, and all of the human folk across the globe. Living in New York can truly be a dream come true and teach you so much about life in a metropolis that it will always be an experience to remember. That being said, it's not the cheapest city in the world. And, with so many things to see in New York, such as museums, restaurants, parks, and iconic attractions, it's easy to lose track of time and expenses while you're there. Lucky for you, there are plenty of free things to do in New York City! Here is a list of the best things you can do for free in the Big Apple. Including: Central Park High Line Staten Island Ferry New York Public Library and more! Free Things to Do in New York City: Central Park Arguably the most famous park on the planet, Central Park needs no introduction. The backdrop for countless movies and TV shows, its 843 acres of verdant delight are enveloped by the towering concrete of Manhattan. For locals, it's a quick escape from the city's hustle and bustle. For you, it's an excellent excuse for some free fun! If you need to burn off some calories from all the food, get your walking boots on and go exploring! There are tons of lakes, ponds, and bridges to explore, as well as trees to sit beneath with a book or picnic. You could also visit the Conservatory Garden, a free garden full of seasonal flora, fountains, and sculptures. Need some holiday snaps? You'll find tons of Grammable things ripe for the taking. You can even hike in Central Park, thanks to the North Woods. This 40-acre stretch of land includes trails, waterfalls, and opportunities to see some birds. Nice. And, if you've got some spare cash, consider taking a guided bike tour of the park's best bits to see it all in one fell swoop. Free Things to Do in New York City: High Line The High Line is a park built on an old elevated train track. And, given it's the former New York Central Railroad track on the west side of Manhattan, it's guaranteed to offer some of the best views in the city. You can walk through the gardens, check out the contemporary art exhibits and performances, and savor delicious food with your friends and family while getting a unique perspective of the city. Free Things to Do in New York City: Staten Island Ferry Staten Island is where the famous rap ensemble Wu-Tang Clan first came together. So, if you're a fan and want to see where the members grew up, why not take the Staten Island Ferry? Not only will you receive a lesson in NY hip hop, but you'll pass the iconic Statue of Liberty, one of the most photographable monuments on the planet. You can board the ferry at the St. George Terminal on Staten Island or the Whitehall Terminal in Lower Manhattan. The ferry ride takes approximately 25 minutes and operates every day of the week. Free Things to Do in New York City: New York Public Library Bookworms and students rejoice! The New York Public Library is free to visit! And yes, most libraries do offer free entry. While the NYPL name encompasses over 90 libraries in the city's limits, we're talking about its most famous location - the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building. And oh my, is it grandiose. Each room and floor has unique architectural features and many activities besides reading. For students living or studying in NYC, it can get a little mundane to work and hit the books at home. That's why the Rose Reading Room is so popular. This peaceful and spacious area allows anyone to set up shop and study to their brain's content. Image courtesy of legacy1995/Shutterstock Free Things to Do in New York City: Museums No good city would be complete without a comprehensive list of museums, and New York is no different. And if you're looking for free things to do in the Big Apple, some of the best are free too! The American Museum of Natural History is arguably the best of its kind on the planet. Featuring 28 interconnected buildings housing 45 permanent exhibition halls, a planetarium, and a library, you can spend literal hours wandering around. And, with recent additions like the gargantuan Titanosaur to eye up, it'll delight both kids and grown-ups alike. If you're interested in more recent history, learn all about New York at the Museum of the City of New York. It's a mouthful, but there's no better place to chart the city's rise from settlement to metropolis. Free Things to Do in New York City: Times Square Times Square is one of the most iconic spots in New York; with bright lights, street art, and performances, you can take in the true blue New York energy at Times Square. It is also one of the best places to take pictures and indulge in some good food from across the globe. Or, if you want to upgrade your experience, take a guided tour and get the low down on the area's history. New York - a city so nice they named it twice; it is hands-down one of the best cities in the world, and getting the chance to live and study there is truly a dream come true. Make sure to make the most of your time and save some money by exploring these free things to do in New York City. If you are in New York for a longer stay, consider your accommodation options. AmberStudent is an online student accommodation that helps you secure a home of choice on your study abroad journey. This is a great choice for international student housing. And, if you're looking for things to do in New York City that aren't free, the New York Pass has got you covered. Featuring all of the city's best bits, including entry to the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, and the Guggenheim, it's the best way to see it all for one low price!

Oktoberfest NYC: Your Guide To The Night

Oktoberfest started back in 1810, when Bavarian Prince Ludwig married Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen. Her name was so long that people despaired, drinking hideous amounts of beer. Not really. They were simply celebrating the wedding. Alongside the beer consumption, they also danced, ate traditional Bavarian cuisine, donned their best lederhosen, and danced around for 3 days. In the US, we celebrate from September through to October because October can be quite cold. And if your precious constitution can't take a bit of October chill, you can still get involved. And where better to spend Oktoberfest than NYC, the (at times) coldest city on Earth (at least it feels like it)? So now that you're caught up, you'll be wanting to know when and where you can party. Never fear, our guide to Oktoberfest NYC is just a scroll away. Eyes down, bottoms up, and make this Oktoberfest the best Oktoberfest you could possibly imagine. OktoberFest New York South Street And we start with, well, an entire, month-long festival dedicated to Oktoberfest. If you want an authentic Oktoberfest, definitely check out OktoberFest. Expect all of the traditional German beer your stomach can hold, authentic food (lots of sausage and pretzels, you know the drill), and masskrugstemmen: stein-holding contests, to the uninitiated. Alongside these, expect some very American games with a Bavarian twist. Volley pong, corn-in-the-hole, and ping pong are all there to be played. There's also music if the beer inclines you to strut your stuff. Best of all, entry is free. Not the beer, sadly. Standard steins should set you back about ten bucks. Not too bad for New York. Don't know what that says about our fair city, but you roll with the punches kiddo. Munich on the East River Zum Schneider New York's first original Bavarian Bierhaus welcomes you to a week of de-beer-auchery in the East Village. For the last few years they've been celebrating Oktoberfest in style. They erect a huge tent with original Bavarian furniture, an Oompah band stage, and even VIP seating if you want to feel extra special on the big day. There will be beer. Lots of beer. HB Traunstein Festbier and Andechs Festbier, both exclusive to Zum Schneider in New York, will of course be overflowing in Masskrugen (1 litre steins). But if for some reason you want to celebrate sans beer (Prince Ludwig will be spinning in his grave), they also have wines, ciders, and bottled water. Gross. Who celebrates such a beery time with water? Don't even think about it. Staten Island Oktoberfest Richmond Wanna drink copious amounts of beer while helping a good cause? Of course you do, sinner. Get some soulful brownie points at the Staten Island Oktoberfest, which supports the country's heroes. It's only ten bucks to get in, which also gets you a free drink. And feel free to buy as much food and drink while you're there, as all proceeds go to Veterans In Need. Staten Island Oktoberfest also styles itself as a family-friendly affair, so those of you with little munchkins will find lots to do. There's a bouncy house, rides, and other entertainment to keep them busy while you celebrate the day in a more over-21 way. Bohemian Beer Hall Oktoberfest Party and Scavenger Hunt Astoria If you want to add a little spice to your beer-drinking, head over to the legendary Bohemian Beer Hall for a different kind of Oktoberfest in NYC. With a good old fashioned scavenger hunt! Everyone's split into team of 3-5 people, and then you're off, solving clues and all the rest. After 45 minutes, you can get your precious beer, a bite to eat, and wait to see who won what. After the winners are announced, and you inevitably claim first prize, you can continue the merriment with live music and other assorted entertainment for the rest of the afternoon. Plus beer. Obviously, there will be more beer. Calm down, fiend. You'll get your beer. Bangtoberfest Williamsburg If you want to celebrate Oktoberfest in NYC a little less authentically, why not go to a dance party of the more modern variety? It starts at 9am, and the bar is free til 11am. So, get there early and get ready for a heavy one. Costumes are recommended. Take that how you will. And the even ends at a reasonable 4pm, so if you have work the next day you've got plenty of time to sleep it off. Or do a duvet day and stay in bed all day, feeling sorry for yourself. Flashbacks of your terrible dancing and wardrobe malfunctions might be more than enough to call in sick. And why not play some video games set in the Big Apple while you're recovering? Them's our picks for the best things to do for Oktoberfest in NYC. Any other events tickling your fancy, or did these pique your interest? Let us know below, and have a good one.

5 Gourmet Coffee Houses You've Never Heard Of

Coffee and New York go together like you and this blog. A match made in heaven. The most bleary-eyed of us seek coffee's sweet, soothing sensation every Monday morning. It makes your job bearable, let's be honest. But if you want a more authentic experience than the high-street offerings, where do you go? Where's the best? Well, whether you're visiting New York, or simply don't have time to go to every coffee house, you'll find the sweet, soothing sensation of this blog hits the spot. Here are 5 gourmet coffee houses you've never heard of. Sweetleaf Jackson Avenue, Queens The original Sweetleaf opened way back in 2008. Their goal? To create the best espresso bar imaginable. Their humble shop has tripled in size since then, and they've added three additional locations too. Still, it's a hidden treat that many New Yorkers aren't familiar with. With a focus on the perfect espresso spot, expect real top gourmet coffee across the board. Sugar-loaded milkshakes masquerading as coffees are off the menu. Their beans are roasted right here in the Big Apple, so expect some bite to your brew. Those who are looking for a break from the office, or travelers planning their next stop can also benefit from the free wi-fi. And for all you call analog kids, they've got a record room replete with turntable and a collection bigger than yours. Go check them out before they grow further and become a mainstay of the NYC coffee scene. They even have their own merch, if you wanna show off to your less-learned friends. Image courtesy of coffesphere.com Happy Bones Broome Street, Little Italy Happy Bones have a burgeoning reputation for the best coffee you've never had. This stems from the owners, both from New Zealand. See, NZ has nearly 20 years of growing espresso culture behind them. They had to bring their excellent coffee to New York, and here we are. Happy Bones had an explosion on Instagram thanks to their uniquely designed leopard-print spoons. So much so, that people started stealing them to sell on eBay. The lengths we go to for gram. Taking this newfound fame in its stride, Happy Bones have started to sell these spoons, and an assortment of other HB merch, on their website. But good luck getting any, because they sell out fast. Enough of the gram. What of the coffee? Expect excellent espresso poured by the best baristas. What more do you need? Sweatshop Metropolitan Avenue, Brooklyn Another coffee house with a foreign twist, this time from Down Under. But what does that mean? Well, it means that alongside some great gourmet coffee and a design studio out the back, you can purchase a supremely Australian Vegemite and cheese toastie. That's...well, it's certainly something. But you aren't likely to find many more places in New York with that on the menu. So gram away, you social media slave. They even have a citric twist on the iced coffee. Their 'Sparky', gotta love the name, pairs a delicious iced coffee with tonic water and lime. That's two gin shots away from being a late-night pick-me-up. It'll also surely hit the spot during the warmer, sunnier days. And if you're feeling generous, there's also merch on offer. Because of course there is. Blind Barber 10th Street, East Village Fusion shops are all the rage these days. On your way to pick up groceries? How about a shop that sells pianos too. Head over to Gin and Tents (G&T's see what we did there so clever) to get drunk and then sleep it off. Blind Barber goes for a more efficient combo. They're a barbershop, as the name suggests, that also sell coffee. Get there early to look and feel fly before you roll into work. Even as the tasks in your inbox add up, you'll catch reflections of your new-fly-self every so often. And that's what the working day is all about. So go grab a coffee, get a trim, and take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city. It never sleeps, after all. Weekends are a no-laptop zone, and they also sell beer and cocktails. So your new coffee spot might become your new weekend hang-out spot. Delightful. Two Hands Mott Street, Nolita Another Australian run joint in New York. This charming, community-focused cafe has an interesting menu, and laid-back atmosphere similar to the Aussie beachside. You'll come for the coffee but likely stay for the mouth-watering menu. Croissants and acai bowls are complemented by bigger dishes like burgers, and even a build-your-own breakfast bar. No matter what time of day you stop by, Two Hands has got enough to fill your two hands. And your mouth. And your stomach. What more could you want? And that there is 5 gourmet coffee houses you've never heard of. Probably. We miss any? Let us know in the comments below. And if you want the perfect partner to your gourmet coffee experience, why not ponder some thought-provoking art at the best museums in NYC?

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