Things to Do in NYC for European Visitors on Vacation

By Casey Makovich

Looking for things to do in NYC for European visitors? New York City is one of the top destinations in the United States for Europeans. If you're traveling to America from this area of the world and are looking for the top things to do in the city, we've got you covered. Our recommendations for our European visitors include:

  • The Statue of Liberty
  • The Met Cloisters
  • One World Observatory
  • The High Line
  • Food on Foot Tours
  • Broadway
  • And more

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.

Statue of Liberty

The Statue of Liberty is an American icon that represents the freedom immigrants find when they arrive in the country. A gift from France, this is the perfect place for Europeans to get a glimpse into what makes the United States what it is. If you have ancestors who traveled to the US, you may even find their names in the American Family Immigration History Center found on Ellis Island. Getting in: Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Immigration Museum and ferry tickets are included on The New York Pass. Please note: tickets for access to the pedestal and crown levels in the Statue of Liberty are sold separately and require advanced reservations. You will not be granted admission with The New York Pass.

Times Square

Many people are familiar with Times Square and its popular New Year's Eve celebration, but this area of New York is a true sight to behold throughout the year. As you walk through this busy area of the city, you will notice a vast array of people, making it ideal for people watching, along with costumed characters, bright lights, flashy billboards, musicians and more. It's the perfect place to spend some time shopping and taking in the unique sights of this popular city destination. Getting in: Times Square is free and open to the public.

Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

A fully-guided hop-on hop-off bus tour is one of the best ways to start your trip. It's one of the most popular things to do in NYC for European visitors in particular because you can listen to pre-recorded narration of the tour in your choice of 10 languages. You'll learn all about some of NYC's most important history, see all the biggest landmarks and sights, and get a feel for the layout of the city so you can make a note of the attractions and areas you want to come back to and explore after the tour or later in your trip. Getting in: Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Tour tickets are included on The New York Pass.

One World Observatory

Get sky-high views of the city skyline from the top of the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere. Even though the observatory is located above floor 100 in the building, it takes a mere 60 seconds to get to the top via the unique elevators that allow you to look around while you are on your way to the top. This observatory is located at the top of the new One World Trade Center building. Getting in: One World Observatory tickets are sold separately.

Food on Foot Tours

The food you will find in New York City is diverse and unlike anything you have likely experienced anywhere in Europe. The Food on Foot Tours have earned a number of awards and is a great way to get a taste of the various types of foods available throughout the city. On the tour you'll get to walk through many of New York City's boroughs and experience the various culinary styles that can be found in each one. Getting in: Food on Foor Tour tickets are included with The New York Pass.

SoHo - Little Italy - Chinatown Walking Tour

New York truly is a melting pot of cultures, and it's quite evident when you spend time touring some of the most cultured areas of the city. The SoHo - Little Italy - Chinatown walking tour is the best way to learn more about the variety of customs that have made this city what it is. This tour is operated by experienced guides who can tell you a little about each area and its history and significance to New York culture. Getting in: Soho - Little Italy - Chinatown Walking Tour tickets are included with The New York Pass.

Go to Yankee Stadium

One of the most American things you can do is take in a New York Yankees baseball game. If you're an avid sports fan or simply want to immerse yourself in this popular American pastimes, consider taking in a game while you are in the city. Even if you are here during the offseason, you can get a glimpse into this important part of American culture by taking a tour of the stadium. Not only will you see one of the most famous stadiums in the country, but you will learn all about the 27-time World Champion team. Getting in: Yankee Stadium Tour tickets are included on The New York Pass - all games and other events are separately ticketed.

The High Line

A visit to the High Line park By David Berkowitz from New York, NY, USA [CC BY 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons
In a major metropolis like New York City, finding green space can be difficult. While most people are familiar with Central Park and it certainly is a must-do for most visitors to the city, the High Line can offer a unique experience in a similar atmosphere. Build on an old railway line that went out of service in the 1980s, this park runs from Hudson Yards to Chelsea, creating the perfect place for hikers to take in the sights and sounds of the city in a luxurious green space. Getting in: The High Line is free and open to the public.

The Met Cloisters

The Cloisters from Garden By Jose olivares (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons
The Met Cloisters is an interesting type of museum that will rival many of the museums that are commonly found throughout Europe and a favorite museum among NYC natives. This museum is home to the Met's medieval arts and architecture and consists of beautifully designed gardens and a castle that looks like it came straight out of medieval Europe. Even though this castle was built fairly recently, it was constructed from stone acquired from several French cloisters, giving it an authentic feel. Getting in: The Met Cloisters tickets are included on The New York Pass.

Broadway Shows

You haven't seen a show until you've taken in one of Broadway's finest - catching a Broadway show is one of the most popular things to do in NYC for European visitors-or any visitor of that matter. In this area of the city, you will find a vast array of show options, including musicals and plays. You will enjoy some of the most popular musicals and plays ever written, all performed by seasoned actors and actresses. This is an experience that is unlike any other theater event you will ever see.. Getting in: Broadway shows are separately ticketed events.

Learn about Graffiti as an Artform

Graffiti has become somewhat of an icon in a major American city like New York City. While Europeans aren't as used to the presence of this type of art, it has become an essential part of New York culture and truly makes the city unique. In fact, when you take the Graffiti & Art walking tour in New York City, you will be exposed to some of the most expressive pieces of street art in the country, all created by talented New York artists who have taken their art to the streets in a new medium. Getting in: Graffiti & Street Art Walking Tour of Brooklyn tickets are included on The New York Pass.

Remember To Save On Attraction Admission

Lots of the fun things to do in NYC for European visitors on vacation mentioned in this post are included on The New York Pass. Whether you’re interested in going on guided tours of the city, going museum hopping, or getting out on the water, an NYC sightseeing vacation that the whole family will enjoy is easy to plan 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.

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Raising the Torch: The Statue of Liberty Museum

Since she was unveiled in 1886, the Statue of Liberty has been a source of inspiration worldwide. American poets such as Henry van Dyke observed her symbolic importance to the values of the nation. And as of today, she's sure to be a muse to many more. The Statue of Liberty Museum opened its doors to the public today, allowing visitors to see and learn about this iconic attraction first-hand through an immersive, multi-sensory experience. What is The Statue of Liberty Museum? Five years in the making, the new museum offers sightseers the convenience of being able to bypass crowds at the pedestal. Around 4.3 million people visited the attraction in 2018 - that can equal a lot of congestion! What's more, visiting the crown requires advance planning, tickets sell fast and being 305 feet in the air doesn't appeal to every visitor. So what's inside? A relatively short exhibition - a length chosen due to high footfall - allows sightseers to view the Statue of Liberty in an entirely different way. Guests can stop by a model of French artist Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi's Parisian studio - the creator of the Statue. Visitors can also reach out and touch a copper replica of the Statue's face. They can even see the original torch, which has been in storage since the 1980s. Image courtesy of Liberty Ellis Foundation The brand-new museum allows its visitors to literally walk through the Statue's history in a three-part video. This is before emerging into the proclamation that formally ended slavery. This poignant multimedia experience depicts the events that inspired Bartholdi to create what now stands as a globally-recognised symbol of freedom in America. Who's the museum for? To make this museum as accessible as possible to its visitors, it features kiosks. As well as being a place where visitors can share their ideas about liberty, the kiosks have been placed at a level that makes it easier for wheelchair users. This has been combined with a wide turning radius throughout the space. Custom headsets feature videos with audio narration for blind visitors. Deaf and hard-of-hearing guests can use hand-held devices to watch an ASL tour throughout the museum. With accessibility at the forefront of their design, the museum has also ensured that you don't even need to be there to experience the Statue! The launch of The Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation's iOS app, named the Statue of Liberty app, uses augmented reality to open the experience up globally. See what she sees through a time-lapse view of the city. Watch media about her signature green tinge - the result of being buffeted by wind, pelted by rain and warmed by the sun for decades. Then look at her in all her stunning, three-dimensional glory, courtesy of high-resolution, helicopter photography. And if you haven't had your fill of all things Miss Liberty, tune in to Raising the Torch. This podcast features historians discussing the Statue's history and her continued impact on the collective imagination. Why not complete your day out with a free ferry ticket and entry to the Ellis Island Immigration Museum? Location: 1 Liberty Island - Ellis Island, New York, NY 10004, USAOpening hours: 8.30am – 6pm daily
Suz Pathmanathan
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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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