10 Things to Do in NYC for College Students on Vacation

When school's out, save our tips and head to the city that never sleeps. From tours of SoHo and Chinatown to artsy museums, New York is the ultimate city break.

By Casey Makovich
Published: May 16, 2024
New York pink sunset

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:

  • Graffiti & Street Art Walking Tours
  • Statue of Liberty Cruises
  • Virtual Reality Downtown Tours
  • 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.

Big Bus New York: Hop-on Hop-off Tour

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Getting In: Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off tour tickets are included on The New York Pass®.

Rated by TripAdvisor as one of the top NYC sightseeing bus tours, jump onto one of these double-decker big buses and hop 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!

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

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Statue of Liberty

Join the ranks of four million others who take to the waters of the Hudson River to visit 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®.

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 is separately ticketed.

Luna Park at Coney Island

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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-themed 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.

Getting In: When Harry Met Seinfeld Bus Tour is separately ticketed.

Radio City Music Hall: Stage Door Tour

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Get a behind-the-scenes tour of the world-famous Radio City Music Hall—NYC’s premier entertainment complex is home to the incredible 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 history. 

Getting In: Radio City Music Hall Stage Door Tour tickets are included on the New York Pass®.

SoHo - Little Italy -­ Chinatown Walking Tour

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SoHo - Little Italy -­ Chinatown Walking Tour

Experience a 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. On this day tour, you’ll learn all about their significance and contribution to NYC’s melting pot and truly see the best of the best of the Big Apple.

Find modern fashions, hip hangouts, cool art, and tempt your taste buds with traditional cuisine along the way. Don’t forget to keep your eyes peeled, as you never know when a celeb will stroll by!

Getting In: SoHo - Little Italy - Chinatown Tour tickets are included on The New York Pass®.

Empire State Building

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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. As New York is the city that never sleeps, you can opt to experience 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 NYC nightlife.

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

Food on Foot 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®.

Experience everything New York has to offer with The New York Pass®

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. 

With The New York Pass®, you can explore big-name landmarks, local hotspots, and epic tours, all on one pass, all for one price. Not only that, but you'll enjoy savings of up to 50%, compared to buying individual attraction tickets.  

✈️ Buy The New York Pass® ✈️

Casey Makovich
New York Travel Expert

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Baseball, Bites, and Bronx Magic Near Yankee Stadium

You’re at Yankee Stadium absorbing the endless energy—pinstripes, home runs, the roar of the crowd. But there’s so much more waiting outside those stadium gates! Whether you’re filling the time before first pitch, looking for the city’s tastiest Dominican food, or planning an adventure after the final out, the neighborhoods surrounding Yankee Stadium serve up big Bronx personality and plenty to explore. Here’s how to turn a baseball outing into a legendary New York day.    Our top things to do near Yankee Stadium:  Yankee Stadium Tour  NYC Bus Tour of Bronx, Brooklyn, and Queens by Experience First  Bronx Museum of the Arts  The Bronx Brewery  Grand Concourse Art Deco Walk  New York Botanical Garden  Bronx Terminal Market  Arthur Avenue (Bronx’s Little Italy)  Joyce Kilmer Park  Feeding Tree restaurant  Yankee Stadium Tour: Go Beyond the Bleachers  Even if you’ve scored game tickets, nothing gets you closer to Yankee history than the official stadium tour. Go behind the scenes and step into the hallowed Monument Park, peek inside the Yankees’ museum, and even snap a selfie from the dugout. Expert guides share stories—from Babe Ruth legends to modern-day walk-offs—that’ll have both superfans and casual visitors cheering.  The vibe is pure baseball magic, but the museum’s memorabilia—from championship rings to old seats—adds a touch of nostalgia. There’s a reverence for the past and plenty of trivia you can casually drop at your next watch party. And yes, the team shop has every cap and pinstripe jersey you’ll ever need.  NYC Bus Tour of Bronx, Brooklyn, and Queens by Experience First: A 3-Borough Adventure  Want to make the most of your Bronx visit? Hop on an NYC Bus Tour of Bronx, Brooklyn, and Queens by Experience First. The Bronx portion rolls past Yankee Stadium and into local neighborhoods packed with murals, music history, and authentic New York flavor.  You’ll get stories, hidden gems, and plenty of insider knowledge—all from guides who live for showing off their city. It’s the kind of tour where “Wow, I never knew that!” comes up again and again, and it’s perfect if you want to see more of NYC than just Manhattan. Expect a diverse crowd, fun stops, and that satisfying “now I get it” feeling.  Bronx Museum of the Arts: Creative, Free, and Full of Bronx Spirit  Just ten minutes from the stadium, the Bronx Museum of the Arts is one of NYC’s most dynamic art spaces—with free admission! The museum champions contemporary artists from diverse backgrounds, so you might find bold street art, photography exploring city life, or installations that challenge and inspire.  The light, open galleries are welcoming, and there’s always something fresh: rotating exhibitions, community projects, and events with local artists. It’s a great way to feel the creative pulse of the Bronx and see work you won’t find anywhere else in the city.  Grand Concourse Art Deco Walk: Architecture and Nostalgia  Craving a stroll that mixes art, history, and urban eye candy? Grand Concourse, just steps from Yankee Stadium, is NYC’s answer to the Champs-Élysées—if the Champs had more pizzazz and pastel buildings. This 5-mile boulevard is studded with gorgeous 1930s Art Deco apartment blocks and painted medallions above the facades.  Take a self-guided walk (use your phone for building backstories!) and spot treasures like the Conrad B. Duberstein U.S. Courthouse or the legendary Loew’s Paradise Theater. The vibe is cinematic and deeply local: classic cars, tree-lined streets, and locals heading to mom-and-pop bakeries. Bring a camera and an appetite for hidden history.  New York Botanical Garden: Nature’s Bronx Oasis  Ready for a reset? The New York Botanical Garden is a 15-minute subway ride from Yankee Stadium but worth every second. This world-class garden boasts 250 acres of tranquility: winding trails, sparkling waterfalls, and glass conservatories stuffed with rare orchids and rainforest plants.  If you’re lucky, you’ll visit during one of their art-in-the-garden exhibits or the famous spring Orchid Show. There’s a peaceful energy to the place, and families, couples, or solo explorers all find their groove among the blooms.  Bronx Terminal Market: Shopping, Snacks, and Skyline Views  A quick stroll from the stadium, Bronx Terminal Market is your go-to for retail therapy or pre-game fueling. The vibe is part-mall, part-dining hub, with shops like Target, Marshalls, and Best Buy plus a food court offering everything from tacos and sushi to that always-needed iced coffee hit.  The outdoor walkways serve up perfect Harlem River and city skyline views—unexpected and totally worth a stop for a post-game sundae or selfie.  Joyce Kilmer Park: Green Space and Ballpark Views  You don’t have to leave the area for a dose of outdoors. Joyce Kilmer Park sits right across from Yankee Stadium, offering leafy lawns, benches for people-watching, and a gorgeous view of the stadium itself. Named after the poet, the park is a favorite of families and pre-game picnickers, and the vibe is New York casual—kids playing, neighbors chatting, city birds in the trees.  It’s also home to the stunning Lorelei Fountain, a real photo-op and a piece of city history that makes for a perfect, peaceful break from stadium hustle.  Feeding Tree Restaurant: Legendary Jamaican Flavors  Want to eat like a local legend? Feeding Tree is just a block away from the stadium and loved by generations of Yankees players. The smells of jerk chicken and curry goat pour out the front door, and every plate comes with a side of perfectly cooked plantains and reggae vibes.  Try the oxtail stew or the spicy beef patties—each dish packed with flavor and made with heart. The space is simple and welcoming, the vibe unfussy, and you’ll instantly feel part of the neighborhood’s pulse. It’s proof that sometimes the best meal of your day is the one you never planned in advance.    Between home runs and hero sandwiches, murals and museums, the area around Yankee Stadium puts the Bronx’s soul on full display. Whether you’re chasing art, flavor, local color, or a leafy park break, you’ll find enough here to turn any baseball afternoon into a full-blown New York City adventure.    Enjoyed this? Check out our complete guide to NYC’s famous MoMA, and go see the sights from the heavens.     Step up your sightseeing with The New York Pass®  We make it easy to explore the best a city has to offer. We’re talking top attractions, hidden gems and local tours, all for one low price. Plus, you'll enjoy guaranteed savings, compared to buying individual attraction tickets.     See more, do more, and experience more with The New York Pass® – just choose a pass to get started!      
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Your Ultimate Guide to Thanksgiving Weekend in New York

There’s no city that rolls out the red carpet for Thanksgiving quite like New York. Think giant balloon parades floating past glittering skyscrapers, restaurants roasting the full bird (with all the trimmings!), and parks bursting with crisp autumn energy. Whether you’re here for that famous parade, tasty traditions, or just a city stroll with pumpkin spice in hand, you’re about to discover why Thanksgiving in NYC feels like being plopped right into a holiday movie. Ready for more than turkey and mashed potatoes? Here’s how to plan a Thanksgiving trip you’ll never forget!  Our favorite Thanksgiving experiences in NYC include:  The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade  Empire State Building  Central Park strolls and bike rides  Holiday windows on Fifth Avenue  Statue of Liberty visit  Feast at Bubby’s in Tribeca  Discovering the American Museum of Natural History  Skating at Rockefeller Center  Broadway shows and the Museum of Broadway  Exploring Bryant Park Winter Village  Empire State Building: Soak Up Holiday Sparkle  It doesn’t get more “New York” than gazing across the city’s twinkling skyline from the Empire State Building. The observation decks offer a 360-degree panorama, including sweeping views of holiday lights radiating across Manhattan. On Thanksgiving Day itself, the building’s tower glows in bold autumnal colors—think pumpkin orange, cranberry red, and harvest gold. You’ll feel like you stepped into a postcard, especially if you time your visit for sunset.  The vibe here is both celebratory and serene; you’re above the holiday hustle, yet totally wrapped up in it. After your visit, you’re just steps from Fifth Avenue’s legendary department store windows (think Saks, Lord & Taylor, Macy’s), making it the perfect starting point for a festive wander.  Central Park: Autumn Ambling, Biking, and Photo Ops  Central Park is pure Thanksgiving magic—even more so with its trees aflame in fall colors and crunchy leaves underfoot. Whether you want to walk off your feast, bike the scenic circuits (rentals available from Unlimited Biking), or sip cider from a cart by the Bethesda Fountain, you’ll find this is where the city slows down for a moment.  This is New York’s backyard, and on Thanksgiving, locals and visitors alike fill its trails. Watch for vintage rowboats on the lake, bundled-up couples photographing Bow Bridge, and kids galore at the playgrounds. Bring a camera—the views of city skyscrapers peeking between fiery branches have serious holiday-card potential. Feeling active? Take a guided bike tour to learn secret park history and the inside scoop on movie filming spots.  Window Wonderland: Fifth Avenue’s Holiday Displays  Thanksgiving marks the grand unveiling of New York’s dazzling holiday windows. Wander up Fifth Avenue and you’ll encounter a glittery parade of animated installations, themed dioramas, and plenty of snow-drenched city scenes. Saks Fifth Avenue never disappoints with its glittering light shows set to music, and Macy’s (while best known for the parade) delights with whimsical displays for all ages.  No purchase required—just bundle up, grab a hot chocolate, and join the throngs admiring the magic. For visiting families, this is a fantastic way to keep the kids entertained after the parade—and the perfect prelude to Black Friday shopping.  Statue of Liberty: A Thanksgiving Day of Awe  Craving a dose of history and fresh harbor air? Hop aboard a ferry to the Statue of Liberty and soak in skyline views paired with fascinating exhibits. The torch still shines as a symbol of welcome—and on Thanksgiving, it feels extra special to visit Lady Liberty herself.  The trip includes stops on Liberty Island (home to the famous statue and museum) and Ellis Island, where you can trace the journeys of immigrants from around the globe. For a slightly shorter jaunt, hop on a Circle Line cruise—you’ll coast past the statue, get unbeatable snaps of Lower Manhattan, and hear stories that bring the city’s past to life. Nothing stirs up gratitude more than reflecting on the millions who landed here chasing new dreams.  A Feast at Bubby’s: Comfort Food Heaven in Tribeca  Looking for the ultimate traditional Thanksgiving meal (without the stress and dishes)? Head to Bubby’s in Tribeca, a fixture for pies and American comfort food in a light-filled, exposed-brick setting. Their Thanksgiving dinner is legendary—think juicy roast turkey, three kinds of stuffing, mashed potatoes, tart cranberry sauce, and gravy so good you’ll want to drink it.  What sets Bubby’s apart? It’s all comfort, no pretense. The vibe is cozy, with bustling servers, red-checked napkins and families leaning in for one last bite of pumpkin pie. Speaking of pie, order a slice (or three): the double-crust apple and chocolate peanut butter are perennial crowd-pleasers. If you can, book ahead—it’s one of the city’s most sought-after tables on Thanksgiving.  Ice Skating at Rockefeller Center: Glide Into Holiday Cheer  Is there anything more festive than lacing up your skates under the city’s most famous Christmas tree? Rockefeller Center’s rink opens in early November, and by Thanksgiving, it’s at its prettiest—trees twinkling, music floating in the air, and plenty of spills and giggles among the crowd.  The setting makes this experience unforgettable: Art Deco towers rise on all sides, golden Prometheus gleams, and skates of all skill levels carve the ice together. Opt for an early morning session for the most space, or twirl dramatically at dusk as city lights start to pop on. If skating isn’t your forte, watching from the sidelines with a steaming coffee is still a treat. Afterwards, check out the observation deck at Top of the Rock for unbeatable views.  Broadway Shows and the Museum of Broadway: Take a Bow  Thanksgiving weekend always features extra matinees and evening performances on Broadway. Order tickets for a feel-good classic or see what’s new in the bustling Theater District. Nothing captures NYC’s electric energy quite like a Broadway show—live orchestras, sparkling costumes, and standing ovations come guaranteed.  Before the curtain rises, stop by the Museum of Broadway just steps from Times Square. Interactive exhibits let you dance, sing, and step back through decades of musical theater magic. See costume sketches, snap photos in legendary set recreations, and catch fascinating stories about Broadway’s most groundbreaking moments. It’s the perfect immersive warmup for a night out at the theater.  Bryant Park Winter Village: Shop, Snack, and Skate  Bryant Park’s Winter Village transforms a patch of midtown into a holiday wonderland right in the heart of Manhattan. Visiting at Thanksgiving means you’ll catch the market at its festive best—charming pop-up shops, cheerful holiday music, twinkling lights, and the sweet scent of roasted nuts in the air. It’s the perfect spot for picking up unique souvenirs, from artisan chocolates to handmade scarves, and those quirky New York ornaments you never knew you needed until now.  The skating rink lies at the center of the action, and, unlike some other rinks in the city, access is free if you bring your own skates (rentals available if you don’t). Watch seasoned skaters show off their spins or join in and glide beneath a skyline of glittering towers. Food kiosks serve up holiday favorites—think hot apple cider, gooey raclette sandwiches, and sugary waffles—giving you plenty of fuel between shopping and skating.  The atmosphere? Absolutely buzzing, but always friendly. Locals and tourists mingle easily, kids whiz by in puffy coats, and the backdrop of the New York Public Library gives it a storybook feel. Whether you’re a serious shopper or just want to soak up classic New York holiday vibes, Bryant Park delivers all the cheer straight through Thanksgiving weekend.  Top of the Rock: Your Holiday Snapshot Spot  Standing atop Rockefeller Center feels magic at any time of year, but there’s something about a Thanksgiving visit that’s especially memorable. The 360-degree outdoor decks at Top of the Rock give you sweeping views: Central Park’s late autumn colors to the north, a sea of sparkling lights to the south, and—if you time it right—the Radio City Rockettes’ home glowing nearby.  Unlike some other observation decks, this one’s got a breezy, open-air charm. The wind in your hair, the hum of city life below, and a perfect angle for selfies with the Empire State Building in the background: it’s a must for families, couples, or anyone who wants a Thanksgiving memory to show off back home.  After coming down from all those dizzying views, you’re already in the center of the city’s holiday energy. Stroll over to Fifth Avenue’s legendary window displays, join the skaters at the rink, or simply pause to marvel at the gigantic Christmas tree (if it’s already up). New York is never more photogenic.  Broadway and Times Square Tour by Experience First: Behind the Bright Lights  Thanksgiving in New York isn’t just about world-famous shows—it’s also about the stories behind the stages. Embark on a Broadway and Times Square Tour and let expert guides fill you in on all the dazzling history, juicy gossip, and legendary landmarks that make the Theater District tick.  You’ll wander through neon-lit Times Square, discover tucked-away rehearsal spaces, and hear insider tales of opening night nerves and curtain call standing ovations. The ambiance is lively and full of anticipation—there’s always the chance of spotting a Broadway star hustling to their next gig or rehearsal. Naturally, you’ll get plenty of insider tips on best post-show eats and selfie spots.  Whether you’re a diehard theater fan or just want to delve deeper into NYC’s vibrant culture, this tour gives you a sense of the city’s creative pulse. And it leaves you perfectly poised to grab last-minute show tickets or just soak up the luminous energy of Times Square at night.  Indulge in Cozy Cafés and Pie Shops  Thanksgiving is all about comfort, so why not duck into one of New York’s coziest cafés or legendary pie shops for a mid-day treat? Try Petee’s Pie Company on the Lower East Side—order the salty chocolate chess or classic pecan, then savor it amid cheerful chatter and window views.  You’ll quickly appreciate how much New Yorkers love their sweets, especially as Thanksgiving rolls around. Many local patisseries roll out seasonal pies, decadent crumbles, and plenty of whipped cream for all. Eating dessert—as a reward for chilly city walks, energetic parade-watching, or après-skating—feels especially well earned!    There you have it—a Thanksgiving in New York that’s stuffed with adventure: legendary parades, unforgettable views, bustling markets, and tasty traditions. Whether you’re a first-timer or a returning fan, this city knows how to serve up the season’s best memories. Get ready to make your camera roll—and your appetite—work overtime!  Enjoyed this? Check out our guide to making your NYC morning extra special, and browse our complete guide of trendy Brooklyn.  Step up your sightseeing with The New York Pass®    We make it easy to explore the best a city has to offer. We’re talking top attractions, hidden gems and local tours, all for one low price. Plus, you'll enjoy guaranteed savings, compared to buying individual attraction tickets.   See more, do more, and experience more with The New York Pass® – just choose a pass to get started! 
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