Flash sale: 40% Off + Win Chicago: The Musical Tickets

By Suz Pathmanathan

Complement the ultimate sightseeing experience with an award-winning show. When you place an order between 00.01 EST 23rd Jan, end 23.59 EST 2nd Feb, you’ll get an incredible 40% off the price of your pass and be automatically entered into a giveaway. If you win, you and a friend will get to watch the award-winning musical, Chicago, in New York’s iconic Broadway.

What is The New York Pass?

The New York Pass is a sightseeing pass that gives you complete access to over 100+ attractions, experiences and tours in the city. That means you can go to any included attraction without paying anything extra. For example: start your day with a trip to Madison Square Garden and enjoy an All Access Tour. Enjoy a trip through NYC’s fashion district on a Fashion Windows Walking Tour. Then, as the dusk rolls in, take a trip to Empire State Building and spot your hotel from the top. Watch the skyline fade away and the lights take over the city until 2am.

You’ll access all of these amazing experiences without reaching for your wallet once to pay for entry.

How do I save money in New York?

The New York Pass’ attraction page breaks down the savings you’ll make on city attractions. With 40% off during our flash sale, you’ll enjoy even more money off that can be put towards experiencing the city. Once you purchase your pass, you’ll also enjoy offers on shows, dining and other great experiences in the city. Download The New York Pass app and it’ll flag up money-saving opportunities (while generally being a pretty savvy tour guide in your pocket).

Could The New York Pass get any better?

Yes. Yes, it can. Because when you buy before the 2nd Feb, you’ll also be automatically entered into our giveaway to be in with a chance of winning two tickets to watch Chicago: The Musical, in New York’s vibrant Broadway Theatre District.

What’s Chicago about (no spoilers)?

Set in New York during the 1920s, the story explores the story of two rival vaudevillian murderesses – Roxie and Velma - who are imprisoned in Cook County Jail. Roxie’s illicit affair had seen her killing the lover she’d cheated on her husband with, while Velma’s crime of passion saw her killing her husband after finding out about his affair with her sister. After enlisting the help of Mama Morton - the prison matron - and silver-tongued lawyer, Billy Flynn, Velma’s crime hits the media and becomes a sensation in the media and the showbiz world alike. Roxie, not one to be overshadowed, seeing Velma’s success at glamorising murder, decides to make a comeback of her own...

Catching this multi-award-winning show during your trip is sure to make it one to remember. Buy your pass with 40% off and enter our giveaway now.

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Blog

The Rockefeller Christmas Tree Lighting

Have you seen a big truck with a jolly, rosy-cheeked man on the side? The one with the big white beard? Perhaps you've seen him walking around New York. Maybe you've heard his dulcet tones on the radio. These days, he seems to promote everything. Some call him Chris Cringle. Some call him Santa Claus. Every year he brings joy to people little and large all over the world. Christmas is his time to shine. Every year he and his little friends work round the clock to make toys for boys and girls. It's true. And, well, when Santa starts popping up, you know the holidays are coming. And with them, a New York staple - the Rockefeller Christmas tree lighting. Read on, as we tell you absolutely, positively, every single thing you need to know about the Rockefeller Christmas Tree lighting. The first Rockefeller Christmas tree was erected in 1931, during the depression.Workers who were building the Rockefeller Center placed the 20ft tree and decorated it with cranberries, paper, and even tin cans. The following year, the tree became a Christmas tradition for the center. From 1932 to today, the Christmas tree has been lit every single year.Five years later, in 1936, the famed skating rink was first opened below the tree.2019's tree has been chosen. The lucky participant will be cut on November 7. It hails from Florida, New York, and will arrive at the Rockefeller Center on November 9.Where is the Rockefeller Christmas Tree Lighting? Unsurprisingly, it's at the Rockefeller Center. That's in Midtown Manhattan. Between 48th and 51st Streets. When is the Rockefeller Christmas Tree Lighting? This year, the tree will light up on Wednesday, December 4, between 8 - 10pm. Then, the lights will stay on until early January. And over Christmas Day, the lights will remain on for the whole day. That's 24 hours of Christmas goodness. With lights. Why should you go? Hey, where's your Christmas spirit?! In all seriousness, who wouldn't want to see more than 50,000 bulbs all light up at once on a giant Christmas tree? Plus, there's a huge Swarovski star on the top. Every year, thousands of people with Christmas fever line the streets to see the unveiling. And millions more watch it at home. But, why would you want to do that? Go outside, breathe in that sweet, crisp, Christmas air. Maybe grab a coffee to warm you on the inside. Just like Christmas does. Or if you're looking to warm your innards in a different way... And, once Christmas is over and it's time to take the tree down, they donate it to Habitat For Humanity. They're a charity that builds homes. So, the tree becomes the gift that keeps on giving. Isn't that nice?
Dom Bewley
Blog

Diwali New York: A Festival of Light

Have you experienced Diwali in New York yet? Many cultures have festivities that celebrate the triumph of light over dark, or good over evil. They’re especially prevalent this time of year, when the days get shorter and the sun seems to set at 3 PM. Coming up this week is Diwali in New York, which will see the city set aglow as a result of The Festival of Light. Keep reading for all the details on what it is and how to celebrate. So, what is Diwali? Diwali, sometimes known as Deepavali or Dipavali, is the five-day festival of lights; it celebrates the triumph of light over darkness. (The word ”diwali” comes from a word in Sanskrit meaning “rows of lighted lamps.”) It’s celebrated by religions around the world, including Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and some Buddhists. While the different faiths celebrate different events and stories, they all celebrate knowledge over ignorance; good over evil. It celebrates the return of King Rama’s defeat of Ravana, a multi-headed demon king, by lighting clay lamps. The actual days are dictated by the Hindu lunar calendar; this year it’s being celebrated on Sunday, Oct. 27. How is Divali celebrated? You’ll often see temples, shops, and even office buildings lit up. The preparations and the festival itself can take up to five days. Tasks include cleaning and decorating homes, preparing a meal, exchanging gifts, and make offerings to Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity. Celebrations often include worship ceremonies, religious rituals, meals, and sweets; you’ll also see firework displays, as well as Rangoli—patterns created on the floor, using colored powder or rice. What foods are eaten on Diwali? Sweets are very important on this holiday. Ones often eaten include Kheer (a kind of rice pudding, often flavored with cardamom, raisins, and nuts); gulab jamun (a sweet made primarily from milk solids); and Shankarpali (a kind of fried cookie). Yum. Are there any Diwali celebrations in New York? Yes! You can find Diwali celebrations throughout the city. October 27 from 6 -9 PM: The Bhakti Center (25 1st Avenue) will offer music and dance performances, henna and face painting booths, and food stalls. It will end with an offering of lamps. October 27: Staten Island Children’s Museum (1000 Richmond Terrace) will offer a celebration for all ages from 1–4 PM. Kids can make their own artwork using different colored sand. And if you just can’t get your act together this month, the celebrations extend until November—check out Camp Friendship’s in Brooklyn from 3:30 – 6 PM. October 25 from noon to 5 PM: Metropolitan Museum of Art (1000 Fifth Avenue) is offering World Culture Festival: Dance!. It celebrates cultures around the world, including The Colors of Krishna’s Love, a puppet show celebrating Diwali that will be offered three times throughout the afternoon. If you're not ready to leave behind the celebrations just yet, why not check out our blog on the Village Halloween Parade?
Go City Expert
Manhattan's skyline with both the Empire State Building and One Vanderbilt in view.
Blog

SUMMIT One Vanderbilt Vs. Empire State Building Comparison

Selecting the best observation platform to visit when in New York is a very tall order indeed (pun intended), with five titanic towers to choose from. These, for the uninitiated, are the Empire State Building, Top of the Rock, Edge, SUMMIT One Vanderbilt and the One World Observatory. Each of these has its own unique quirks and views, but perhaps the greatest contrast in experience is to be found between hit-tech newbie SUMMIT and Art Deco OG the Empire State Building. We pitched these two skyscraping icons against one another to find out which one should top your Big Apple bucket list. Dive into our SUMMIT vs Empire State Building comparison to find out... Empire State Building Name: This one requires no introduction... the Empire State Building is up there with the Eiffel Tower, Taj Mahal and Sagrada Familia as one of the planet’s most famous structures. Age: Construction of the Empire State Building began in March 1930 and was, quite remarkably, completed just 14 months later in April 1931. Empire State Building in a Nutshell: Surely the most iconic Art Deco edifice on the planet, the Empire State Building was the world’s tallest building for over four decades, until topped by the World Trade Center’s North Tower in 1970. This monolithic Manhattan masterpiece has starred in hundreds of movies and TV shows over the last century, including King Kong (obvs), plus Tom and Jerry, Independence Day, Friends, The Smurfs and, well, the list goes on and on. Its observation platform on the 102nd floor is still one of the highest (and most visited) in the city, nearly a century after that monster gorilla first took the al fresco route to the SUMMIT. Empire State Building: Vital Statistics  Height: 1,454 feet (443 meters) to the tip of the tower on the roof. The top-floor observation platform is 1,224 feet (373 meters) up. Number of floors: 102. Elevators: 73. What’s the Empire State Building Experience Like? You’ll get some of the best views of the Chrysler and Flatiron buildings from up here. In fact, arguably the only downside is that the awesome views don’t include... the Empire State Building itself. Console yourself by papping some of the Big Apple’s other landmarks, including Central Park, the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, the Brooklyn Bridge and the One World Trade Center (to name just a few). The 86th floor is where you’ll likely want to spend the most time, thanks to its open-air platform and unparalleled photo opportunities, but it would be remiss not to go all the way to the top while you’re here. Be aware though that the platform on the 102nd floor is fully enclosed, a bit smaller, and has a tendency to get quite busy. Fascinating Empire State Building Fact of the Day The narrow tower that rises a further 200 feet above the Empire State Building’s roof was originally designed as a mooring point for zeppelin airships, once considered the future of international air travel. Empire State Building Fast Facts Opening hours: 9AM-10PM Monday-Thursday; 9AM-midnight Friday-Sunday. The last elevator ascends 50 minutes before closing. Check out our blog on the best times to visit the Empire State Building here. Tickets: general admission to the Empire State Building's 86th-floor observatory is included with a New York Pass. Alternatively, you’ll find various ticket options, including premium champagne packages and access to the 102nd floor, on the Empire State Building website. Closest transport links: the nearest metro stations are Herald Square and Penn Station, or arrive in style at the awesome Grand Central and make the 10-minute walk from there. But how does the Empire State Building compare to SUMMIT One Vanderbilt? Let’s find out... SUMMIT Name: Officially SUMMIT One Vanderbilt to hammer home that the platform is at the very top of the One Vanderbilt building in Midtown.  Age: SUMMIT opened in October 2021, making it (at time of writing) the newest observation platform in town. Fittingly, the building that hosts the immersive, space-age SUMMIT experience is a soaring futuristic wedge of steel, glass and terracotta tiles. SUMMIT in a Nutshell: It’s testament to SUMMIT’s desire to add something new and unique to the observation platform scene that the resulting experience is somewhat tricky to summarize. There are the views of course: great, sweeping panoramas over Manhattan’s iconic skyline and beyond. But what makes SUMMIT really stand out are the dreamlike immersive experiences and cool art installations within; all clouds, mirrors and optical illusions that will – if the PR blurb is to be believed – help you ‘escape the boundaries of perception’. SUMMIT: Vital Statistics  Height: One Vanderbilt is the fourth tallest building in New York (disclaimer: at time of writing), standing 1,401 feet (427 meters) high. SUMMIT’s observation platforms hover a knee-weakening 1,100 feet (336 meters) above Madison Avenue. Number of floors: 93. Elevators: 42. Visitors: SUMMIT welcomed a whopping 1.4 million visitors in its first year. What’s the SUMMIT Experience Like? This one isn’t just about the views. A standard ticket also includes access to SUMMIT’s trippy journey through mirrored rooms, floating silver orbs and clouds bearing your own face. Transcendence sets the scene with reflective surfaces that repeat the Manhattan skyline, the clouds and, well, you, to infinity. Enter a dreamlike state as you pass through Unity and Affinity before experiencing the ultimate thrill in Levitation, a series of perspex boxes that protrude from the building and seem to float above the city streets, affording heart-stopping views of Madison Avenue 1,063 feet below. You’ll also bag some of the best snaps of the Empire State Building and Lower Manhattan from up here in the clouds. Requiring an additional ticket, Ascent takes thrill seekers higher still aboard (and we can’t stress this terrifying detail enough) glass-bottomed elevators that rise a further 120 feet into the sky. Fascinating SUMMIT Fact of the Day Ok, it’s hardly a crowded field, but the great glass elevators that rise 120 feet above the SUMMIT terrace are the largest of their kind in the world. SUMMIT Fast Facts Opening hours: 9AM-midnight, year round. Last entry is at 10PM. Tickets: there are several booking options available on the SUMMIT website. Closest transport links: the entrance to SUMMIT is located on the main concourse of Grand Central Terminal. SUMMIT One Vanderbilt vs Empire State Building: Which Should You Visit? Apart from the fact that these both boast observation platforms some 1,000 feet (and then some) up in the sky. SUMMIT and the Empire State Building are really quite different prospects. Visitors who crave old school New Yoik vibes should definitely plump for the Empire State Building’s selfie-tastic Art Deco lines and angles. Indeed, this century-old stalwart is worth visiting for the bragging rights alone. If, however, you fancy something a little different, it has to be the hypnotic futurism of SUMMIT’s immersive zones and its gravity defying glass platforms that permit fearless visitors to gaze straight down to the street far below. Save on New York Activities and Attractions Save on admission to dozens of New York attractions, including the Empire State Building, with The New York Pass. Check out @NewYorkPass on Instagram for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak

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