Fall in New York City: Take a Tour

By Go City Expert

  • When does fall start? Fall officially starts September 23rd, 2019.
  • There are exactly 12 hours of dark and 12 hours of light on this day.
  • The word "fall" gradually overtook use of the word "autumn" in the U.S. in the 1600s, influenced by poetry and literature describing the "fall of the leaves".
  • When does fall end? December 22, 2019, when the U.S. enters the winter solstice.

The seasons may have changed, but that won't stop New York from being one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. And with the crowds thinning out and weather cooling, this could be the best time see this iconic city. This list of New York City fall tours will make sure you see the best sights in town.

When visiting NYC in the fall, wrap up in a light knit and jacket and a scarf; pack an umbrella in case the skies open. Then grab a steaming coffee and kick through the leaves on an outdoor walking tour.

Fall Walking Tours

Central Park Sightseeing Walking Tour

Take an adventure through the United States' 1st major landscaped park and discover 843 acres of beautiful scenery. The orange leaves falling from the trees make for a memorable 2-hour tour in Central Park.

Greenwich Village Walking Tour

Explore the bohemian capital of New York City, Greenwich Village. You'll get a chance to stroll through Washington Square Park and pass some of the city's most interesting dining options. Why not find out what seasonal options they have on the menu?

High Line-Chelsea-Meatpacking Tour

Get a new view of New York City as you walk on the High Line, which is an elevated park/walkway stretching throughout Manhattan's Midtown section. This walking tour also takes you to key areas in Chelsea, showcasing the history of the Meatpacking district.

Fashion Windows Walking Tour

Tour the city in style as you venture to some of New York's most famous and iconic storefronts. You'll get a first-hand look at high-class fashion on 5th Avenue in the "Fashion Mecca of the Eastern Hemisphere".

Perhaps you are interested in a bicycle tour. There are many bike tours as well as bicycle rentals that can give you a front-row seat to New York's gorgeous fall scenery.

Fall Biking Tours

Central Park Sightseeing Bike Tours & Rentals

Similar to the walking tour, Central Park Sightseeing Bike Tour is a 2-hour excursion in New York City's Central Park. This tour allows you to enjoy the outdoors and explore an iconic landmark. If you're looking for the perfect spot to get a picture or two, head over to the area known as Pond at Central Park South between 5th & 6th Avenues. Gapstow Bridge there lights up with colors making it a favorite fall spot for photographers.

Hudson River Sightseeing Bike Rentals

Take your time enjoying the sights of New York City in the fall with a 24-hour bicycle rental. Experience picture-perfect autumnal landscapes and stunning undisturbed views across to Manhattan - the perfect photo taking opportunity. Experience Chinese dining and decorations in Chinatown at its best. And visit Time Square: one of the brightest and most popular areas in the world.

Blazing Saddles Bike Rentals & Tours

Choose between a full-day bicycle rental and a 2-hour guided tour of Brooklyn Bridge with Blazing Saddles Bike Rentals & Tours. Indulge in the scenery of the city while riding to the Statue of Liberty, set against the gorgeous skylines of Brooklyn and Manhattan.

As you can see, there are many great opportunities for sightseeing in New York City during the Fall Season. Whether you prefer to tour the city by bike or on foot, the New York Pass makes it easy for you to visit your favorite destinations and plan out your itinerary. For more ideas on attractions and tours in New York City, click here and view a full list of tours offered on The New York Pass.

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10 Things to Do in NYC for College Students on Vacation

Planning to spend some study-free days in New York City and looking for fun things to do in NYC for college students on vacation? Whether you plan to spend three, five or seven days exploring New York City, we’ve listed the top ten NYC attractions for all of you hard-working college students that includes exciting excursions and tours including: Virtual Reality Downtown Tours Graffiti & Street Art Walking Tours Statue of Liberty Cruises The Empire State Building Radio City Music Hall Much More! Save on Admission to Top NYC Attractions With The New York Pass, you and your group can save a bundle on admission to more than 90 attractions amid the city. See the best of NYC and visit as many sites as you want each day your pass is valid for one low price with this flexible pass. Simply put, you decide what to see and when you want to see it! Learn more about our available passes and attractions. The Downtown Experience: A Virtual Reality Tour Powered by THE RIDE, this adventure takes you through downtown Manhattan in a theatre-style luxury van with floor to ceiling glass windows and side-facing seating. Passengers are equipped with state-of-the-art virtual reality goggles that allow them to re-live some of the iconic moments that occurred within the community’s most notable landmarks. Don’t miss your opportunity to experience the world’s only virtual reality traveling theater! Getting In: The Downtown Experience tickets are available on the New York Pass. Big Bus New York: Hop-on Hop-off Tour Rated by TripAdvisor as one of the top NYC sightseeing bus tours, jump onto one of these double-decker big busses and hop and off whenever you please to soak in the sites and sounds of Uptown, Downtown, and Midtown at your own pace. Take the full 2.5-hour loop of each district with a full day pass on the Big Bus New York and enjoy the historic commentary and learn facts about the city’s rich history, culture, and architecture from an onboard guide. Some attractions you can see on the tour include: Times Square Empire State Building Statue of Liberty Chinatown Central Park Rockefeller Center Brooklyn Bridge And More! Getting In: Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off tour tickets are included on The New York Pass®. Graffiti & Street Art Walking Tour Submerge yourself in NYC’s colorful urban culture in the heart of Brooklyn during this guided tour through the community’s most creative spaces where art abounds. Learn about the history and techniques of street art throughout Bushwick’s open-air ‘galleries’ while enjoying a visual experience like no other. It’s not uncommon to come upon artists in action who are willing to show off for eager audiences. Getting In: Graffiti & Street Art Walking Tour tickets are included on The New York Pass®. Statue of Liberty Express Cruise Join the ranks of four million others who take to the waters of the Hudson River to visit the iconic Lady Liberty on Ellis Island each year. Board the Circle Line Downtown Cruise to get up close and personal with the Statue of Liberty while enjoying panoramic views of the glorious NYC skyline. During this one hour express cruise, your tour guide will share the statue’s long history and cultural significance. Be sure to bring a camera to capture the stunning sights you’ll encounter along the way. Getting In: Statue of Liberty Express Cruise tickets are included with The New York Pass®. Luna Park at Coney Island No trip to the Big Apple is complete without a visit to Brooklyn’s Coney Island to experience the mind-blowing rides at Luna Park. With a free 4-hour wristband that gives pass holders access to two dozen thrilling rides and various activities on the boardwalk. Leave your studies behind and embrace your inner thrill seeker! To access ‘Extreme Thrill’ rides at the park, guests will be required to pay an additional surcharge at the gate. Getting In: Luna Park at Coney Island tickets are included on The New York Pass®. When Harry Met Seinfeld Bus Tour Get on location with this entertainment filled guided tour of some of New York’s most famous set locations of popular shows like Seinfeld, When Harry Met Sally, How I Met Your Mother, The Nanny, and many others. You’ll be taken to the doorsteps of your favorite TV characters all around the city just north of nostalgic Times Square. Get into the film scene of NYC with your passes to the When Harry Met Sally Bus Tour. Getting In: When Harry Met Seinfeld Bus Tour tickets are included on the New York Pass®. Radio City Music Hall: Stage Door Tour Get a behind-the-scenes tour of world-famous Radio City Music Hall—NYC’s premier entertainment complex that’s home to the beautiful Rockettes and has been graced by the biggest names in entertainment. This 75-minute tour takes you behind the curtain to the backstage zones where you’ll get to meet one of the Rockettes in person and peruse the guestbook signed by notable celebrities and performers over the venue’s long and storied history. Getting In: Radio City Music Hall Stage Door Tour tickets are included on the New York Pass®. SoHo - Little Italy -­ Chinatown Walking Tour Experience the wealth of culture, arts and regional fare within the districts lovingly known as SoHo, Little Italy and festive Chinatown with a fully-guided walking tour where you’ll learn all about their significance and contribution to NYC’s melting pot. Find modern fashions, hip hangouts, cool art and tempt your taste buds with traditional cuisines along the way during this excursion. Don’t forget to keep your eyes peeled, as you never know when a celeb will stroll by. See the best of the best of the Big Apple during this day tour with your NYC pass. Getting In: SoHo - Little Italy - Chinatown Tour tickets are included on The New York Pass®. Empire State Building Capture the sights of the big city and the memorable skyline from the observation deck on the 86th floor of the impressive and iconic Empire State Building. In the city that never sleeps, you can opt to experience the 360-degree views from over 1000 feet in the air during the day or when the city is brilliantly lit up in the evening hours before heading out to enjoy the nightlife in NYC. Take a moment on the way up or before departing to check out the Art Deco lobby to view fascinating displays including the iconic Dare to Dream exhibit. Getting In: Empire State Building tickets are included with the New York Pass®. Food on Foot Walking Tours Join one of these award-winning tours to learn the inside scoop from an experienced local guide concerning where to get the most authentic New York City cuisine during a Food on Foot Walking Tour. People travel from around the globe to venture through various boroughs to experience culinary achievements with a distinctly regional flavor representative of NYC’s vast diversity. Don’t miss out on one of these mouth-watering food tours that will put your college cafeteria to shame! Book your reservation using your pass number today. Getting In: Food on Foot Walking Tours tickets are included on The New York Pass®. Remember to Save on Admission There’s no limit to the number of things to do in NYC for college students and a lot of the activities and attractions mentioned in this post are included on The New York Pass. Admission to dozens of the most popular attractions in NYC is included for one low price. Save anywhere up to 70% off of the city’s most sought-after attractions with the pass versus regular gate admission prices. Learn more about The New York Pass here.
Casey Makovich
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Things to Do in the Bronx for Tourists

When planning a trip to New York City, you probably envision popular attractions in Manhattan. Times Square, the Empire State Building and the Statue of Liberty draw millions of people to the Big Apple each year, but there's a ton of things to do in the Bronx for tourists worth considering for your sightseeing itinerary, too. Look north of Manhattan to the Bronx where you'll discover fantastic museums, delicious restaurants, unique cultural experiences and lots of green space. Here are a few of our favorites, including: The Bronx Zoo Yankee Stadium New York Botanical Garden City Island Little Italy Woodlawn Cemetery Wave Hill Pelham Bay Park Bronx Museum of the Arts Van Cortlandt Park Free Entry with The New York Pass® Free entry to many of these popular New York attractions and activities are included on The New York Pass®. Used by over 3.5 million travelers, the New York Pass is the ultimate sightseeing pass, which includes admission to 90+ attractions, Fast Track Entry at select attractions, a free guidebook, & much more. Learn more about the New York Pass benefits & how to save up to 70% off attractions. New York Botanical Garden Hailed as one of New York's crowning glories, the New York Botanical Garden is a feast for the senses. With more than a million tropical, temperate and desert flora houses on 250 acres, the New York Botanical Garden is among the world’s largest plant research and conservation programs. The garden is opened to visitors year round. Getting in: New York Botanical Garden tickets are included on The New York Pass. The Bronx Zoo Did you know the Bronx Zoo is the largest urban zoo in the country? With more than 5,000 animals housed on 265 acres, it's easy to spend the day here. The grizzly bears and Congo gorillas are fan favorites, but the Wild Asia Monorail and Treetop Adventure and Nature Trek are quite popular experiences, too. Getting in: The Bronx Zoo tickets are separately ticketed and available for purchase upon arrival. City Island A one-and-a-half-mile island that's reminiscent of a quaint New England fishing village, City Island is definitely worth a visit. Tons of seafood restaurants are packed onto the island. Grab some fried clams and enjoy your meal while looking at Long Island Sound. and get a better understanding of New York's maritime history by stopping in the City Island Historical Society and Nautical Museum. Getting in: City Island is free and open to the public. Woodlawn Cemetery Woodlawn Cemetery is the final resting place of hundreds of notable people from all walks of life. Author Herman Melville, cartoonist Thomas Nast, suffragette Elizabeth Cady Stanton, jazz musician Miles Davis and George E. Haynes, co-founder of the Urban League, are all buried here. The cemetery is open to the public, and also boasts an arboretum featuring 140 unique species of trees, including 11 that measure more than five feet in diameter. Getting in: Woodlawn cemetery is free and open to the public. Yankee Stadium The current Yankee Stadium opened in 2009, replacing the storied "house that Ruth built." An Indiana limestone exterior and gate-like frieze along the top pay homage to the original stadium, but interior improvements make watching a game much more comfortable. Tours are offered daily, and there's a museum on site with baseballs autographed by every living Yankees player. Getting in: Yankee Stadium Tour tickets are included on The New York Pass – all games and other events are separately ticketed. Little Italy Mulberry Street in Manhattan may draw most tourists, but Arthur Avenue in the Bronx is where New Yorkers go when they want authentic Italian food. Specialty shops, restaurants, fish markets and bakeries draw people from all boroughs of New York to the Bronx's Little Italy. If you want to delve deeper into the area's history, a guided tour will help you discover the pivotal role Little Italy played in the development of the Bronx. Getting in: Bronx's Little Italy & Arthur Avenue Walking Tour tickets are included on The New York Pass. Bronx Museum of the Arts One of the youngest museums in the city, the Bronx Museum of the Arts spotlights contemporary American artists, specifically those of African, Asian or Latino ancestry. Many exhibits address current social or political issues. If you can't devote an entire day to the museum, stop by the Bronx Museum Community Mural at Bronx Terminal Market. Getting in: Bronx Museum of the Arts tickets are FREE available upon arrival. Van Cortlandt Park If you're tired of the hustle and bustle of the city, Van Cortlandt Park offers a welcomed respite. With more than 1,000 acres of green space, you'll find the perfect place for a cross-country run, a picnic or a stroll around a freshwater lake. The Van Cortlandt House Museum is the oldest standing structure in the Bronx and features exhibits about the family that lived in the home in the 18th and 19th centuries. Getting in: the Van Cortlandt Park is free and open to the public - admission fees for self-guided tours of the Van Cortlandt House Museum are available for purchase upon arrival. Pelham Bay Park Three times larger than Central Park, Pelham Bay Park is the largest public park in NYC and offers 13 miles of shoreline, a golf course, and a museum. At 2,766 acres, the park takes hours to fully explore. Stop by Orchard Beach, the Bronx's only public beach, launch a canoe in the park's lagoon, take a horseback riding excursion or visit the Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum for a look at a beautiful Greek Revival dwelling. Getting in: Pelham Bay Park is free and open to the public. Activities and events may require purchase of admission separately. Wave Hill Public Garden and Cultural Center Wave Hill is comprised of an elegant, 19th-century mansion surrounded by lush gardens featuring shaded pergolas, wildflowers and a view of the Hudson River and Palisades. Cultural and educational programming is also offered throughout the year. Don't get caught up in the hustle and bustle of Manhattan and overlook the city's northernmost borough. Visitors to the Bronx are always impressed with the number of unique things to see and do here. From parks to museums to ethnic restaurants, the Bronx has something for everyone! Getting in: Wave Hill Public Garden and Cultural Center tickets are available for purchase upon arrival. (The park offers free admission occasionally on Saturdays, check their website in advance.) Remember to Save on Attraction Admission Some of the fun things to do in the Bronx for tourists mentioned in the article above are included on The New York Pass. Whether you’re interested in going on a guided tour, seeing where the Yankees play, or seeing what's in bloom at the famous botanical gardens, planning things to do in the Bronx for tourists is easy with The New York Pass. If you plan on visiting multiple attractions, consider using the New York Pass which grants you free entry to over 90 attractions in New York City. That way you can do more when you sightsee and make the most of your time in New York City. For more information on the New York Pass, click here.
Casey Makovich
weekend nyc
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Weekends in New York

The Big Apple is one of the most visited cities on the planet. On average, over 30 million people visit New York every year. That's...a lot of people. How many people do you know, like twelve? Times that by a gazillion, and you're only scratching the surface - probably. Math is hard. So the big question is, why do so many people flock to New York's shores every year? It probably helps that it's one of cinema's most photographed cities, with nearly half of the biggest blockbusters ever taking place - at least in part - in the Big Apple. The other reason is that there is so much to do and see there; a skyline full of literal iconography that you can visit, the 24-hour nightlife, the shopping, the restaurant scene. New York has it all. It's no wonder then, that so many people spend their weekends in New York. But with so much on offer, planning is vital. That's why we've curated this itinerary just for you. So fetch your best traveling hat, dust off those walking boots, and go grab a coffee. Here's our guide to weekends in New York! Saturday Morning You'll need some energy to power your day, so kick things off at Andrews Coffee Shop - your classic, all-American diner. But this isn't just any old breakfast experience, as many consider Andrews the best in the city! Pancakes, waffles, french toast, eggs, the list goes on. Then, when you're fueled up, let's get the big guns out of the way. First, we'll hit up the world-famous Empire State Building, which boasts the best views in the city from the top. But beyond viewing New York from 102 floors up, you can also explore 12 galleries that explain the history of the building, as well as the building's very own art gallery! Noon From there, it's time to get some lunch. You're spoiled for choice here, but we'd recommend Upland, a charming brasserie that offers a delightful fusion of Italian dishes with a Californian twist. They have sandwiches, pizza, pasta, and many more on offer, and why not pair your meal with a nice glass of wine? You're on vacation, after all. Next, head to Central Park for a wander around one of the world's most famous green spaces. Then, when you've explored enough (and burnt off some calories to boot), head to the nearby American Museum of Natural History. You can spend hours looking at ancient fossils, life-sized models, and learn all about the history of Earth. A little culture never hurt anyone, right? Night Next, as afternoon turns to evening and the city's neon lights take hold, fill your bucket list quota in one fell swoop with a trip on The RIDE. This bus slash viewing platform has you sitting in stadium-like seats as two hilarious guides give you insight into NYC's biggest sights and sounds. You'll pass Times Square, the Chrysler Building, Grand Central, and Carnegie Hall, to name but a few, learn about their history, and get a front-row seat to New York's quirky nightlife to boot! Then, grab a spot of dinner at COTE Korean Steakhouse, which offers some of the best slabs of meat in the city. Then, if you fancy it, check out the local watering holes. Attaboy down in SoHo offers a cozy atmosphere and delicious cocktails in a tucked-away location. Or, if you're looking for some amber relief, try The Dead Rabbit near Battery Park. This delightful taproom has a whole host of craft beers on offer, as well as other liquid delights should they take your fancy. Now, get some rest and prep your body for another day of fun! Sunday Morning Big day ahead of us, so start smart with a late breakfast at Trinity Place on Broadway. This converted bank vault makes for quite the unique dining experience, and you can pick up a breakfast flatbread to fill you up for the trip ahead. And what trip is that? Well, you might be wondering why we're starting the day so close to the coast? That's because there's one very important NYC landmark we haven't checked off yet. We're talking about the Statue of Liberty, or "Lady Liberty" to her friends. To get there, you'll need to board a ferry across the water. Then, once you're there, you can tour Ellis Island, get up close and personal with the old gal, and learn all about her history and how she came to be. Then, when you're all statued out, hop back on the ferry back to the mainland. Noon Lunchtime! Head over the Brooklyn Bridge to NYC's swanky suburb, and grab a panini at Pisillo Italian Panini. They have tons of variants to try no matter your taste, each named after an area of Italy. Try the Milano, trust us. Then, if the weather is good, go check out Coney Island and hop on some of the rides at Luna Park. Just a stone's throw from central Brooklyn, it's a great way to get a bit of beach time on your city vacation. Or, if the weather isn't good, go check out Brooklyn Museum and the nearby Botanical Gardens. The museum boasts a massive collection of artifacts from al over the world, including ancient Egypt, Africa, and Europe. The gardens provide you with 50+ acres of exotic plants and indoor greenhouses to wander. Night Time for a final meal and a tour of Brooklyn's brilliant nightlife! We recommend dining at Vinegar Hill House. The name might not sound appetizing, but once you flick through its brilliant New American menu, you'll be set. The pork chop with cheddar jalapeno grits might just be the best thing you've sampled all year. And now, to end this merry adventure, it's time to explore Brooklyn's bar scene. Want to put a spring in your step and end your vacation on a yee-haw high? Check out Skinny Dennis - a honky-tonk saloon with a burgeoning beer menu backed by live country music. Or, if cocktails are your things, you're spoiled for choice! We'd recommend Sweet Polly or Clover Club to sate your mixology needs. And, sadly, that's the end of our guide to weekends in New York! There's so much more to see and do; you'll just have to catch it all next time.
Dom Bewley

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