Save On Your New York Vacation With The New York Pass

By Go City Expert

This post originally appeared in Have Sippy Will Travel, a blog by Samantha who loves to travel with her family.

museum of natural history

New York is definitely a spot that should be on your vacation bucket list – and great things are coming to New York! With a newly updated New York Pass, the City’s largest attraction pass card – the first of which is the inclusion of a free double-decker bus tour with every New York Pass purchased (thanks to a new partnership with the Big Bus New York) – now is the time to start planning that New York vacation you have always talked about. With the New York pass it will make your Big Apple visit fast and easy as your ride along on the double-decker bus and enjoy the sights and sounds. visit new york

visit new york

Not only will you get to ride the double decker bus and tour the Big Apple, but you also get admission and discounts to over 90 must-see New York attractions. You can hop-on or hop-off at any attraction or sight that catches your eye, and then be back on your way in a matter of minutes to a new and wonderful destination of your choosing. With the New York pass, you will get more bang for your buck by saving up to 70% all while skipping the lines at several of the busiest attractions in the Big Apple area.

dinosaur museum

American Museum of Natural History

“The New York Pass is quickly becoming a mobile metro card for tourists,” said Ken Barrows, Vice President of Leisure Pass North America LLC, the parent company of New York Pass. “Our exciting new venture with Big Bus New York will allow our customers to maximize their use of each pass by giving tourists and locals the option of using Big Bus to have a seat with a view, or to simply travel between attractions.”

Madame Tussauds New York

Madame Tussauds – New York Celebrity Wax Attraction

Whether you are planning on staying in the Big Apple one day or 10 days, there are New York passes for both and everything in between. In 2015, New York Pass launched a new “10-Day Pass” to cater to tourists staying in the Big Apple for lengthier periods of time and added new attractions such as the 9/11 Memorial and Museum and Fashion Windows Walking Tour. Every New York Pass includes a free 200-page guidebook with detailed maps, hours of operation, tips and directions to every New York Pass attraction featured.

St. Patrick's Cathedral New York

St. Patrick’s Cathedral

There has never been a better time to vacation to New York. What will your first New York attraction destination be? For more information and a complete list of attractions where the pass can be used, please visit www.newyorkpass.com.

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DUMBO Neighborhood Guide

[caption id="attachment_1170" align="alignright" width="1470"] Dumbo, Brooklyn[/caption] Brooklyn has been on the radar as a popular destination for a few years now. There are many fascinating neighborhoods with a rich history, full of cultural institutions, historical sights and national landmarks. One of the most picturesque Brooklyn neighborhoods is Dumbo. Dumbo stands for Down Under Manhattan Bridge Overpass, clearly indicating the neighborhood's location. Dumbo is nestled between the two bridges, Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridge, and offers amazing views of both. Dumbo is easily accessible by subway, but perhaps the best way to get there is to walk or bike across the Brooklyn Bridge, or the slightly less scenic Manhattan Bridge. If you plan to take public transportation, take the F train to York Street. For walking, the best option is the Brooklyn Bridge from Chinatown, offering amazing views and a truly unforgettable experience. For biking, the Manhattan Bridge is optimal, because of its spacious bike lane and no crowds. Dumbo is known for its cobble-stoned streets, industrial, brick buildings, factories and warehouses, and outrageously expensive apartments. Nestled between the rich brick-red buildings, you can find many artisanal coffee shops, restaurants, boutiques and art galleries. Food [caption id="attachment_1171" align="aligncenter" width="1300"] A pie from Julianas[/caption] Two of the most famous pizza shops in Brooklyn are located in Dumbo, very close to one another. One of them is Juliana's (pictured), a classic New York Style pizza joint, attracting customers from all over the world. The pizza is so good, usually there's a line outside. The second one is Grimaldi's, now a chain operating in multiple locations in the city, serving delicious brick-oven pizza right under the Brooklyn Bridge. To satisfy your sweet tooth, stop by Jacques Torres Chocolate, a sought-after artisanal chocolate and truffle shop. Art [caption id="attachment_1173" align="aligncenter" width="1107"] Robert Swain: Color as Color at Minus Space[/caption] Dumbo is home to one of the most vibrant art scenes in New York City. The neighborhood's spacious, lofty buildings make for perfect gallery space and the local crowd of hip, wealthy millennials creates the ideal clientele for new, provocative art. Art in Dumbo has put together the whole portfolio of local art galleries in an easy-to-navigate website. Head to Minus Space to admire minimalist contemporary art in a spacious gallery, or the Klompching Gallery for contemporary photography. Sites and Photo Ops [caption id="attachment_1169" align="alignright" width="6000"] Classic shot of Empire State Building peeking through Manhattan Bridge on Washington Street[/caption] Perhaps the biggest reason for tourists to flock over to Dumbo are the other-worldly views from its waterfront. Nestled between the two bridges, Dumbo offers incredible photo-ops and views of these engineering marvels, as well as the lower Manhattan skyline. Perhaps the most classic view is that of the Empire State Building peeking from under the Manhattan Bridge, from Washington Street and Water Street. If you prefer the Brooklyn Bridge, the opportunities for amazing shots are plentiful in this area, as soon as you descend the bridge, or are done with your pizza at Juliana's. Activities [caption id="attachment_1177" align="alignright" width="1500"] Janes Carousel | Photo via NYCGO[/caption] A trip to Dumbo would not be complete without riding the famous Jane's Carousel. Built in 1922 and originally located in Ohio, this carousel brings to life the classic feel of vintage amusement parks, right on the Brooklyn waterfront. Extending past the boundary of Dumbo is Brooklyn Bridge Park, a public park built right on the Brooklyn Piers, offering many opportunities for leisure, with the most magnificent views of Brooklyn Bridge and Downtown Manhattan. Walking through Brooklyn Bridge Park is an experience treasured by locals and visitors alike, with plenty of activities for both adults and children. If you wish to explore Dumbo with the help of knowledgeable tour guides, you can take the Brooklyn Bridge and Dumbo walking tour (free with the New York Pass), or take Circle Line Cruises' Hello Brooklyn Tour, which focuses on Dumbo and the Brooklyn waterfront. Alternatively, you can rent bikes or take a bike tour with one of our bike partners and explore the area on two wheels.

People at a crosswalk in NYC

New York City tourism: how safe is NYC for tourists?

TV, news and social media might have you wondering, 'how safe is NYC for tourists?' But we're here to put your mind at ease: the truth is that New York City is one of the safest big cities in the world. Visitors are constantly under the protection of the city's vigilant police force. Having said this, that doesn't mean that you don't need to be cautious to stay safe. If you're visiting New York and you're wondering if New York City is safe, do some research to prepare yourself for your trip. Familiarizing yourself with the city's hazards, and being pragmatic, and prepared is all you need to ensure peace of mind. How safe is NYC for tourists? The crime rate is relatively low in New York City. When crimes occur they usually don't take place in tourist-heavy areas around Manhattan. For example, most sightseers are unlikely to visit Harlem, the Bronx, or other boroughs where crimes are most likely to occur. That being said, there are a few things a tourist in New York City should be wary of. Is Central Park safe at night? As any local will tell you, it's never a good idea to go through Central Park at night. While Central Park is an iconic tourist attraction during the day, it is technically supposed to be closed late at night and in the early hours of the morning. The vast majority of cases of crime and violence in the park occur at night. It may seem tempting to take a stroll in Central Park after dark, but it's safer to wait for the sun to come up. Generally speaking, you want to stay away from areas of the city when they are empty and deserted. Is the Financial District safe? Many commercial areas of the city like the Financial District tend to become deserted after business hours. The fewer people there are in an area, the less safe it's likely to be in a big city. Is the New York subway safe? It's especially important to be vigilant on the subway in New York, and avoid taking the train late at night if possible. If you're riding the subway, try to stay in cars where there are many people rather than choosing a vacant car. Being in an empty train car isn't a safe option for tourists, particularly if you look lost (or are actually lost) or are new to the city. Probably the biggest threat in New York is pickpocketing. Protect yourself by wearing a wallet on the inside of your clothing and staying away from panhandlers. Tips for staying safe in NYC ❗Try to look like a local. When you're dressing for sightseeing, try to take note of what the locals are wearing and emulate that if you can. If there's a thief or pickpocket around, they're going to target those who seem unfamiliar with their surroundings. Don't openly wander around with your head buried in a map - familiarize yourself with NYC's grid system, and plan your movements over breakfast or brunch. Soon you won't need a map to travel. ❗Keep your valuables well hidden. To avoid pickpockets, always make sure that your valuables are hidden. Be discreet when you're using your smartphone or a digital camera. Showcasing any valuable possessions regularly could prove to be dangerous and make you a prime target for mugging. ❗Travel in groups when you're unfamiliar with an area. If you're not familiar with the city and you're vacationing in a group, try not to go off by yourself. Being alone and obviously from out of the area could make you a target if you have the misfortune of finding yourself around the wrong people. There are plenty of tours available with The New York Pass® ❗Research destinations before you go. The more research you do, the better able you'll be to find what you're looking for. The nyctourism.com website is a great place to start for researching essential information to help you feel like a local before you get there. ❗Ask police officers for help. During your stay in New York City, you're probably going to see many of the ubiquitous NYPD cars and officers. You can expect New York City police officers to be very helpful when it comes to providing directions, and addressing any concerns you have about safety or dangerous situations. ❗Take extra precautions in touristy places like Times Square. Never leave your valuables unattended - and don't put your purse on the floor or hang it off the back of your chair while dining. Remember, asking if NYC is safe doesn't matter if you disregard all precautions, so just because NYC is considered one of the safest cities in the world to travel to, you still need to be careful in any city that is considered safe to visit. Experience everything New York City has to offer with The New York Pass® Planning your New York trip? 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® ✈️

Attraction of the Week - New York Botanical Garden

New York Botanical Garden [spacer height="20px"] The New York Botanical Garden is a historical museum of living art located in the Bronx. Founded in 1891, the garden continues to host beautiful events year in and year out that combine elements of nature, dance, visual arts and more. As a part of the Botanical Garden's 125th year celebration, they welcome the Orchid Show which is also celebrating its 15th year at the garden. You can expect Thai dance performances, films, in-depth demonstrations on how to care for orchids and also a Q&A session with experts. Throughout the year, the NY Botanical Garden also offers programs for all ages to help educate & inform New Yorkers about many relevant cultural topics. There are also many film screenings year-round. Visit the Botanical Garden and many other NYC attractions for free with your New York Pass. For more information on the Orchid Show going on through April 9th, 2017 or any upcoming exhibits, please visit www.nybg.org. New York Botanical Garden is located in the picturesque Bronx park at 200th Street & Kazimiroff Blvd., Bronx, NY 10458 and is open Tuesday - Sunday 10am - 6pm. Orchid show at NYBG

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