This Photograph of New York City is Better Than Real Life

By Go City Expert

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20 Gigapixel Panorama of New York City, Uptown view[/caption] [spacer height="20px"] Photographed Jeffrey Martin from 360 cities is the one responsible for the most incredible shot of New York City every taken. This panoramic, dynamic photograph captures all of New York City, as seen from the top of the Empire State Building in unbelievable detail. The 20 gigapixel image has a resolution of 203,200 x 101,600, making it the largest photograph of New York ever taken. You can See the whole image in dynamic view, zooming in on thousands of buildings in New York City. You cannot get clarity this incredible, even if you stood on top of the Empire State Building on the clearest day observing the surroundings with a naked eye. [spacer height="20px"] [caption id="attachment_929" align="alignright" width="1680"]

Detail of the Flatiron Building[/caption] [spacer height="20px"] If you are debating whether or not to visit the Empire State Building and deal with the crowds at New York's most popular observation deck, take a look at this image for a preview of what you are going to experience. While viewing the image, you can toggle a full screen view and drag the image for a full 360° panorama of New York City. On the bottom left, you can zoom in or out for incredible detail. [spacer height="20px"] [caption id="attachment_931" align="alignright" width="1680"]

20 Gigapixel Panorama of New York City, Downtown view[/caption]

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New York at night
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The Best Things to do at Night in New York

The best things to do at night in New York by Mia Russell When the sun goes down, the Big Apple comes alive. Neon lights begin to flicker, restaurants buzz and theaters roll out their red carpets. From outdoor movies in pretty parks to bustling night markets and Broadway shows, when it comes to nightlife, New York has something for everyone! Let's check out what's on the cards when the sun sets in the 'City that Never Sleeps.' Soak up the city lights from an Observation Deck There is no better way to toast the sunset over New York than from one of the many observation decks dotted about the city. Watch the city lights begin to twinkle as twilight turns to night and see the city like never before. Several Manhattan buildings have observation decks open in the evening where you can take in the city for all its glory. Top of the Rock at the Rockefeller Center The Top of the Rock takes up the last three floors of Rockefeller Center. It features three levels of indoor and outdoor observation decks that offer spectacular, unobstructed views of the city skyline. The 68th and 69th floors have terraces with glass railings that provide beautiful panoramic views of the whole city. The 70th floor boasts an open-air rooftop deck with no metal or glass enclosures, providing perfect photo opportunities! Enjoy several unique experiences on the way up to the Top of the Rock ranging from the magnificent Joie chandelier and an exhibit of interactive artworks to a sound and light hallway and a time capsule over Manhattan. Use your pass to gain free admission to the Top of the Rock to soak up the incredible 360 ̊ panoramic views. Empire State Building Head up the world-renowned Empire State Building to the main deck observatory on the 86th floor to take in those famous New York City views. Use your pass to enjoy complimentary access to the Empire State Building and whizz up to the open-air observation deck that wraps around the building's spire. Marvel at the endless views, which on a clear evening, can stretch all way across six states! The Edge Cast your eyes over the city from one of the highest outdoor sky decks in the world. Located at 30 Hudson Yards, the Edge is a state-of-the-art platform with a glass floor that extends out into mid-air 100 floors above the ground. Feel like you are floating above the city as you sip a glass of bubbles from the Champagne bar to toast the sunset and take in unrivaled panoramic city views. This one is not for the faint-hearted! Remember to use your pass to gain free access to the Edge. One World Observatory Take in the sunset from the highest point in the city – the top of the One World Observatory. Zip up to the 102nd floor in just 47 seconds in the astonishingly fast SkyPodTM Elevators while you watch a multimedia display of New York City transforming from unsettled lands into a forest of skyscrapers. Look over the city below through the glass floor of the Sky Portal and enjoy several thrilling audiovisual experiences while you are at the top of the world. Use your pass to enjoy complimentary access to the One World Observatory, as well as an exclusive discount off a signature cocktail from One World Observatory's premier restaurant and bar, One Dine. Cheers! Hit Times Square Times Square is one of New York's top attractions and offers second to none nightlife! It's packed with a wealth of entertainment from bars, restaurants, and nightclubs to theaters and TV recording studios and really comes alive at night. Learn about the famous district on a Broadway & Times Square Walking Tour. Use your pass to enjoy this tour where an experienced actor and director tour guide will take you to all the hot spots. Have a laugh at the LoL Times Square Comedy Club or head to the Bowlmor Times Square arcade for bowling, state-of-the-art video games, and old-school pinball. Use your pass to visit Madame Tussauds and gain free access to the MARVEL Universe 4D cinema experience. Sip cocktails at the Haven Rooftop bar and watch the action on Time Square below. Catch a Broadway show A quintessential evening activity in New York is catching a Broadway show. While they are expensive, the experience is an unforgettable one and really shouldn't be missed! With over 40 official Broadway theaters in New York, you're bound to find something that piques your interest. Top tip: The best way to get discounted show tickets is to head to TDF's TKTS Booth in Duffy Square (47th Street and Broadway) and wait in line on the day of the show. You can get some fantastic discounts on tickets for most shows. Catch a different kind of show If you prefer something more energetic, use your pass to enjoy the Shake, Rattle & Roll Dueling Pianos Show Hosted at the historic Cutting Room on East 32nd Street, this three-hour rock 'n' roll extravaganza features an all-request evening of live music from dueling pianos, fantastic food, and plenty of drinks. If jazz is your thing, head to Harlem, the birthplace of the music genre, to enjoy a classic jazz performance. Use your pass to get tickets to the Harlem Jazz Series, a one-hour performance of classic jazz hits some of the industry's best musicians. Enjoy a sunset movie at Bryant Park If the weather is good, why not watch an outdoor movie at Bryant Park? Tucked behind the New York Public Library, Bryant Park is the beating cultural heart of Midtown Manhattan and is famous for its iconic movie nights under the stars. Grab a delicious picnic pack from Perfect Picnic with your pass and find a spot on the lawn for a romantic evening out. Top tip: These movie nights are extremely popular, so get there when the lawns open at 5 pm to get a good spot. Take in the city lights from the ferry Soak up the magical after-dark glow of the Big Apple on a romantic harbor cruise. Use your pass to hop on a Harbor Lights Cruise with Circle Line and enjoy a cruise through the city. There is indoor and outdoor seating, a full bar on board, and an outdoor viewing deck for those Insta-worthy photographs. The narrated cruise offers interesting facts about famous New York landmarks like the Brooklyn Bridge and the Statue of Liberty as you glide past. Catch a Yankees game One of the most exciting things to do in New York at night is to watch a Yankees game under the lights. Head to the game a little earlier and use your pass to enjoy a Classic Tour of the Yankee Stadium Get a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the legendary stadium as you visit areas not usually open to the public, like the dugout and the press box. Watch out for the ghost of Babe Ruth, who apparently wanders around the stadium! Stargaze at the High Line As the sun begins to set , head to the unique High Line Park to take in some spectacular city views. The once-disused railroad track was converted into a verdant floating garden and now passes through some of New York City's most historic neighborhoods. Wander along the elevated park on a High Line, Chelsea & Meatpacking District Walking Tour with your pass. Take in the art installations and admire some of New York's most famous buildings, including the Empire State Building and Frank Gehry's IAC Building. You can also enjoy free stargazing evenings at the High Line every Tuesday from dusk until 9:45 pm. Telescopes are provided and spaced throughout the park by the Amateur Astronomers Association, who are also on hand to help and answer any questions.
Go City Expert
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The NYC Subway: Tips for Beginners

The New York City subway system is the largest of its kind in the entire world. With 472 operational stations, the underground trains provided nearly two billion rides in 2017 alone. So suffice it to say: the subways can get pretty complicated. Cabs are expensive and usually slower due to traffic, so whether you're a local or just visiting, you'll likely have to traipse down the concrete subway stairs at some point. But before you descend into the bowels of America's largest city, here are some tips for beginners. Finding your station. There are a total of 36 different subway lines shuttling passengers across Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, and the Bronx. As the name suggests, most subways operate below ground. However, there are a few lines which travel above. Nonetheless, odds are you will be going underground. The key is to look at the signs above each station, indicating which subway lines it services and the direction each train is headed. Note: subway lines are either numbers or letters. Usually, there are two entrances on either side of the same street. Each entrance puts you on a different track. It's important to know which direction you want to go and to enter that entrance accordingly, because not every station allows passengers to which sides of the tracks without incurring additional fees. If you do board a train headed in the opposite direction , don't freak out. Get off at the next stop, walk up to street level, cross the street, and switch routes. It happens to the best of us. How much does it cost? As of Fall 2019, one ride costs $2.75 USD. Every time you enter a subway station you have to swipe your ticket (MetroCard) to access the train tracks. You can purchase a ticket at the automated vendors or by talking with the teller at a booth. MetroCards hold either a finite amount of credit or you can buy an unlimited week/month pass. Every rider needs their own individual MetroCard. (Babies do not require a separate MetroCard.) If this is your first time visiting NYC, I suggest getting a 7-day unlimited MetroCard. It only costs $32 USD and allows you room to make directional errors without incurring additional costs. Plus you will find yourself using the subway several times a day, and at $2.75 per ride, that will add up to the cost of an unlimited MetroCard quickly. Cut your losses! Note: Unlimited MetroCards can only be swiped every 15 minutes. Don't think you can buy one and use it for your entire family. Good idea, but the Metropolitan Transit Authority already thought of that. Sorry! How do I know when to get off? Newer subways will have light-up graphics indicate which stop along the route you're on. However, older trains will not. Don't worry, the conductor will always announce which stop you're arriving at and which stop is next. If you don't understand them or miss the announcement, you can look out the window and see signs for which station the train has just pulled into. There will be several. Additionally, there are maps of the entire subway system in each train car. Does the subway stop running? The NYC subways and busses operate 24 hours. However, early in the AM, they do run less frequently. Is it safe? Yes. The New York City subway system is relatively safe. A good thing about "the city that never sleeps" is that, at almost any given time, there will be other passengers riding with you. Note: homeless men and women often sleep on the subways late at night. They usually shouldn't bother you, but if you see a train car that has just one person in it -- it's best to get onto another car. Are there bathrooms? There are no bathrooms on subway trains or in the station. Be sure you've gone before you embark on your journey. Are pets allowed? According to the MTA website, small pets are allowed, but must be in a bag or carrier. However, Service dogs are allowed to ride with passengers. How timely are the trains? Different subway lines run at different rates of frequency. Delays and reroutes are common, unfortunately. Add an extra twenty minutes to your travel time to account for any public transit mishaps. Additional rider tips: When you are about to enter a subway car, like an elevator, let the people who are already on the train get off before you enter. On station staircases, bear right. It's not uncommon to see subway performers, both on the platform and train itself. If you hear someone shout, "Showtime, showtime!" It's an indicator they're about to perform, and you should step to the side of the subway car. The trains move very fast, and while you think you don't have to hold onto a poll -- do it. Nothing is more frustrating to New Yorkers than a tourist who falls on top of them. Subway seating is limited, therefore be sure you're not spreading your legs and taking up more room than necessary. Don't place your bag beside you on a seat, put it between your legs on the floor. The local rule of thumb is, if you see an elderly person or pregnant woman, you offer them your seat. The trains get very crowded during rush hour. Backpacks take up a lot of standing room, so be sure to take them off and hold them between your legs. New Yorkers can be very brusk, if someone is rude to you or shouts, it's best to let it go. No need to ruin you and your fellow passengers' commute by getting into a fight. Wondering where you should take the subway to? Check out some must-see NYC sites here.
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Best Breakfasts in New York

Looking for the best breakfasts in New York? Of course you are. Whether it's the classic eggs, toast and bacon, or perhaps something with avocado, breakfast – as mom knows – is still the most important meal of the day. And with our recommendations for the best breakfasts in New York, it can also be the best. Sadelle’s Sadelle’s bagel tower will give you reason to live – or at least, to get through your day. It’s the ultimate you-can-take-your-grandma-but-you-can-also-take-your cool-cousin place to go for brunch or breakfast. You must order that bagel tower—the bagels are reasonably sized, not giant, so you won’t feel guilty if you eat, say, six. You’ll also want whitefish salad, or perhaps some smoked salmon. Get several sticky buns to start—yes, it’s that kind of place. It has just the right vibe of homey and trendy, so get those cameras ready – this will be all over your feed before you’ve had coffee. Definitely one of the ten best breakfasts in New York! Sadelle’s bagel tower is now a New York must-be-tried classic Barney Greengrass If you’re looking for one of the best breakfasts in New York, walk into Barney Greengrass. When you enter Barney Greengrass, the famous New York institution that’s been around since 1908, you’ll be greeted by scratched tables, piles of boxes, and narrow pathways. Anywhere else, that might be a sign to leave. Here, it’s a sign that you’re in the right place. The “sturgeon king” is the place to go for lox, eggs, and onions, bagels and cream cheese, potato pancakes, and classic matzoh ball soup (preferably all in one meal.) You’ll feel stuffed and comforted when you leave, but you should probably get half a pound of rugelach (crescent-shaped pastries) to take with you, just in case you want a nosh later. Boqueria One of the best-kept secrets at the buzzy Boqueria is their stellar breakfast. You can go with the prix-fixe option or put together your own spread. You’ll find the traditional (eggs, potatoes, toast) but why not try specialties like house-made chorizo, a tortilla Espanola, or Arroz Negro—black rice, avocado, poached eggs, spinach and fresh herbs? And definitely save room for the churros with chocolate. Whether on a sandwich or in your eggs, avocados are everywhere at breakfast CIinton St. Baking Company There are pancakes...and then there are the pancakes at Clinton St. Baking. Order the blueberry or chocolate chip – they’re so indescribably good, you’ll wonder what you’ve been eating all these years. Slather on plenty of the warm maple butter because... warm maple butter, duh. The fried chicken and waffles is also a solid choice, as is the Brioche French toast. But those pancakes...One caveat: Be prepared to wait. And wait. No matter when you go, there’s a line. It’s worth it. These are pretty much the best pancakes you will ever have, and by far one of the best breakfasts in New York. Impossible-to-resist fluffy pancakes are worth seeking out Westway Diner Sometimes you just want diner food. When that urge strikes at breakfast, head to the Westway Diner. This is the place to go when everyone wants something different. You and your BFF can get scrambled eggs and hash browns, Aunt Mary can have a waffle, and your sister can have the cheese blintzes with sour cream. The menu is extensive, the food is good, and the prices are bearable (it’s still New York, remember.) And just in case you feel like a walk on the wild side, friend shrimp and stuffed grape leaves are also available in the morning hours. Sarabeth’s Another of New York’s best breakfasts is at New York institution Sarabeth’s, which is beloved both for its inviting-yet-homey interior as well as the done-right comfort foods. At breakfast, the oatmeal is stellar, the fat and fluffy French Toast (their words) is, yep, fat and fluffy, and the omelets are delicious. Though the restaurant gives off a faint ladies-who-lunch vibe, just dive in and order the Four Flowers Juice (orange, pineapple, banana and pomegranate) and start your day off right. One of New York’s 10 best breakfasts includes oatmeal with a variety of mix-ins! Buvette The lovely Buvette is the place to go when you’re in the mood for Parisian vibes – or just avoiding your actual life by spending a long time sipping espresso and gazing into space. You can sample the dreamily named “Les Oeufs vapeur" (steamed eggs); “Oeufs Americaine" (is there is a hint of reproach in there?), or just be chic and nibble on an almond croissant. Don’t forget to sigh heavily and make lots of comments about your screenplay. Try an egg – or three – in one of New York’s stellar breakfasts Marlow & Sons When it’s time to feel impossibly hip, head to Marlow & Sons in Brooklyn. Of course it’s in Brooklyn. You can try the egg sandwich (cheddar, pickled chili mayo, and sautéed greens or salad). Or perhaps the egg and rice bowl? It’s filled with kimchi, greens, and furikake (a dry Japanese seasoning typically made with dried fish, seaweed, and sesame seeds.) You can also get a croissant or a muffin – but just know that your coolness factor will go down exponentially if you do. Head to Brooklyn to find one of the city’s best breakfasts Community Food & Juice When you think of the word “breakfast,” you probably think of the kind of food that’s served at Community Food & Juice. Try the biscuit sandwich with egg, cheese and sausage (you’ll never have a fast-food version again); the Eggs Benedict, or the oatmeal, although it’s hard to go wrong. It’s all served in a big, airy space that invites lingering--and linger you will. Definitely one of our picks for one of the best breakfasts in New York! Start your day right with a great breakfast before heading out exploring the city with The New York Pass®. You'll make great savings on attraction admission vs. paying at the gate.
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