Shopping Spree In New York

By Go City Expert

New York Pass Holiday Shopping Spree

The holidays are all about giving and spreading that magical seasons' spirit. With that being said, the New York Pass is giving back to pass holders in a big way this year and allowing them to enjoy their trip to New York City even more. As we get closer to the Holidays, many people are worried about how they will be able to buy gifts for their family or even personal presents for themselves. Especially if you've already spent money on your vacation to New York. Thus, we're giving New York Pass customers the chance to win a special $500 shopping spree.

Winning the grand prize means you take home a $500 Century 21 gift card. Selected winners will be able to use the gift card inside of the Century 21 department store. There will also be a number of runner-ups selected to take home a $100 or $50 Century 21 gift card.

How To Enter

Getting your hands on this shopping spree will probably be the easiest money that you have ever earned. In fact, all you actually need in order to enter is an Instagram account. Pass holders can enter the contest by simply following the New York Pass on Instagram, posting pictures during their trip to NYC, and using the hashtag #NYPHolidaySweep. Piece of cake right? Contestants may post as many pictures from their trip as they like. Just remember to continually tag New York Pass for your chance to win. This is your opportunity to bring out your inner-photographer and show off the sights of the city.

Winner

All winners for the Holiday Sweepstakes will be selected on December 8th based on the engagement of their posts. Therefore, the more traffic that you drive to your post, the greater chance you have of winning the shopping spree. Make sure that you are sharing your posts and spreading the word to your friends to like and comment on your pictures so that you're more likely to show up as one of the top posts on Instagram in the #NYPHolidaySweep search. Now you're ready to go out and win that shopping spree! Good luck.

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intrepid school trip

School Trip Attractions in New York

Teachers, assemble! Are you looking to take your kids on a trip to New York? Are you hoping they'll learn more than a textbook will ever teach them? Do you simply need to get out of the classroom before you have a nervous breakdown? Never fear; we're here with our recommendations for the best school trip attractions in New York! Read on, and get inspired; the children are our future, after all. Including: Empire State Building 9/11 Memorial and Museum American Museum of Natural History Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island The Museum of Modern Art and more! Higher State of Learning The Empire State Building is one of New York's most famous landmarks, and that alone may be enough to take your class there. The views from the 86th floor are breathtaking, and let you look down on the entire city. But there's learning to be had there too, thanks to the building's new interactive museum. Over 12 galleries, your kids will learn all about the building's history - when it was conceived, how it was built, and the work that has gone into it over the years to keep it updated. You can even take them to the observation deck on the 102nd floor, but that will set you back extra. And really, are they worth it? That's for you to decide. Never Forget Sometimes, learning can be fun, and other times, not so much. However, that doesn't mean the latter isn't any less important. In the wake of the tragedies in 1993 and 2001, the 9/11 Memorial & Museum was erected, ensuring that future generations never forget. It might not be fun, but it's an important turning point in the history of not just America, but the world as well. The memorial commemorates the nearly 3000 victims who lost their lives during the attacks, as well as the first responders who put their lives on the line to save many more. Then, once your class has paid their respects, you can explore the museum, where they'll experience the entire story of 9/11 through multimedia displays, archives, narratives, and a collection of monumental and authentic artifacts. Awe-inspiring History Nothing fascinates kids quite like the ancient behemoths that used to walk our planet. So why not tickle their curiosity with a trip to the American Museum of Natural History? Over 5 million history fanatics visit every year, so do yourself a favor and let your kids join them! They'll gawp at the 94-foot whale, the 563-carat Star of India sapphire, and the 2000-year-old giant Sequoia tree. But there's plenty more to see too. In the Earth and Space halls, they'll get up close and personal with meteorites while they learn about space exploration. Or head to the Human and Culture halls to help them learn about humankind's origins, and how we spread out across multiple continents way back when. Easily one of the best school trip attractions in New York, as it covers such a massive length of history and species! Lady Liberty Another of New York's most prominent landmarks, and arguably its most famous, is the Statue of Liberty. So why not take your learning clan across to Ellis Island by ferry and explore the beauty up close? Stoll around the Statue of Liberty National Monument and let them take some quick social snaps from ground level. Then, enter the statue itself and learn all about its history - from its construction to its meaning, and where it came from. There are a wealth of interactive exhibits and artifacts for them to enjoy up close, such as a copper model of the lady's face. Then, if you have time, take them to the Ellis Island Immigration Museum to learn about how immigrants helped make New York the city is today. After all that, hop on the ferry back to the mainland and pat yourself on the back for an amazing day out they won't soon forget! MoMA Lisa The art teachers out there might want to show your students how contemporary artists get it done. If so, take your class to the Museum of Modern Art, or MoMA. It houses one of the best collections of modern art on the planet, including some instantly recognizable pieces. Van Gogh's Starry Night and Warhol's Campbell Soup Cans are arguably the highlights, but there are many more pieces by world-renowned modern artists too. Monet, Gauguin, Seurat, and Cézanne are just some of the many artists celebrated at this magnificent museum. If you're taking your art class on a school trip to New York, this is one of the attractions that should be on top of your list! Image courtesy of Ark Neyman/Shutterstock City History Of course, with all the learning and history available in New York, you may want your class to learn more about the city itself. If so, head to the New York Historical Society Museum & Library, and learn more about this crazy city we call the Big Apple. They'll explore artifacts from throughout the city's history, from 16th-century arrows to 3000-year-old-toys. It's a quirky and disparate collection, for sure, but that's just what New York deserves! Besides all the older historical items, they'll find exhibits dedicated to pop culture, NYC's links to celebrity and cinema, and in the Center for Women's History, how important a role women played in the New York we know and love today. New York has a fascinating history, and you'll find it all here and more! War on the Water And finally, we'll end our list of the best school trip attractions in New York with a floating paradise of information. That's because our final recommendation, the Intrepid Sea, Air, and Space Museum and Space Shuttle, is uniquely housed on an old aircraft carrier! The Intrepid was a WWII vessel that survived torpedo strikes and kamikaze attacks, and now, you can explore the history of America's maritime warfare over its massive 150,000 square feet. Your kids will get up close with 28 aircraft and helicopters from throughout the 20th century, the space shuttle Enterprise, and a submarine called a Growler. Don't ask. And those are our recommendations for school trip attractions in New York! Wherever you take them, we hope they have fun.

Things To Do In NYC For Families On Vacation

With so many attractions and activities, an NYC family vacation is bound to be a memorable trip. Seeing the Big Apple is an unforgettable experience that children of all ages can appreciate regardless of their interests. It's also an educational experience allowing sightseers to tour some of the most iconic landmarks in American history. NYC has something for everyone in the family. If you're planning a family vacation to New York, you'll make the most of your trip for you and your family if you put some research into which sights you'll see. We've put together a list of some of the best places in NYC to bring the whole family. 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. The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Immigration Museum A New York City must for all visitors. The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island are located at the southern tip of Manhattan. This site is one of the most important historical sights that kids visiting New York for the first time will want to see to get a greater understanding of not only New York history, but American history as well. From Battery Park, sightseers can take a free ferry to Ellis Island. The ferry ride itself is an interesting experience that gives passengers panoramic views of New York harbor. Once at Ellis Island, visitors can learn about New York's long history as a hub of immigration and the 12 million immigrants who first arrived in New York via Ellis Island. Admission: Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island tickets are included with the New York Pass. Rockefeller Center and Radio City Music Hall Centrally located in Midtown Manhattan below Central Park, Rockefeller Center and Radio City Music Hall offer history, art, culture, and entertainment. Rockefeller Center is an iconic landmark that was originally commissioned by the wealthy Rockefeller family in the 1930's. Nowadays, Rockefeller Center is a National Historic Landmark. It's also a significant building architecturally as it showcases the Art Deco style of the early 20th century at its peak. Inside the Rockefeller Center, there is shopping, dining, and the Top of the Rock which offers birds-eye views of Midtown. Outside Rockefeller Center, there is a skating rink that young visitors can take advantage of during the winter months for some exercise. Visitors during the holiday season can also catch a glimpse of the famous Christmas tree that is put up each year in Rockefeller Plaza. The Radio City Music Hall serves as a venue for concerts throughout the year and is home to the famous Rockettes. This dancing troupe puts on a Christmas Spectacular each year that never fails to put the audience in the holiday spirit. Admission: Rockefeller Center Tour tickets are included with the New York Pass. Admission: Radio City Music Hall Stage Door Tour tickets are included with the New York Pass. The 9/11 Memorial & Museum Although a newer addition to NYC's tourist offerings, this has quickly become one of the biggest attractions in the city. The 9/11 Memorial & Museum was constructed as a tribute to the victims of the World Trade Center attack in 2001. The museum details the history of the event and shows different types of artifacts related to the attack. Set some time aside to get the full experience from this unforgettable landmark. The museum itself contains more than 10,000 artifacts, and the memorial contains two reflecting pools for sightseers. Admission: 9/11 Memorial & Museum tickets are included with the New York Pass. Central Park With The Family Central Park is one of the most scenic destinations in New York and offers a variety of activities for families, making it the perfect NYC family vacation thing to do. Make unforgettable memories with your family on a group bicycle or walking tour that explores Central Park sights you'll recognize from some of your favorite films. Even New York natives can get lost in the extensive grounds of Central Park. Among the many family activities in the park are boat rides, touring Central Park zoo or exploring Belvedere Castle. A day in Central Park will tire out even the most energetic kids. The park also provides great photo opportunities thanks to some of the beautiful scenery. Admission: Central Park Sightseeing Bike Tour tickets are included with the New York Pass. Yankee Stadium For sports-loving families, Yankee Stadium is an interesting sight to visit both during and outside of the baseball season. Yankee Stadium is open for tours throughout the year, and the stadium has artifacts from baseball history on display. Yankee Stadium is a good destination for families wishing to get out of Manhattan and see some other boroughs. Located in the Concourse neighborhood of the Bronx, Yankee Stadium gives New York visitors a chance to ride the subway and experience everyday life for a typical New Yorker. Admission: Yankee Stadium Classic Tour tickets are included with the New York Pass. Remember To Save On Attraction Admission Many of the great attractions in New York City have something special in store for the entire family. Whether you're interested in sightseeing, taking a tour or enjoying art at a museum, an NYC family vacation is easy to plan with The New York Pass. If you plan on visiting multiple attractions, you'll be paying the admission price for your entire family at the door for each venue. Consider using the New York Pass which grants you free entry to over 90 attractions in New York City. That way you can save more and see more. For more information on the New York Pass, click here.

NYC Observation Decks: One World Observatory vs. Empire State Building vs. Top of the Rock

Visiting one of New York City's iconic observation decks is a must-do lifetime adventure. There’s an endless amount of fun things to do and historical landmarks to see, but a visit to an observation deck (or two, or three...) is one of the most memorable things you can do on your trip to NYC. Plus, it's a great way to 'see' everything there is to see in NYC. New York City is home to 3 of the best observation decks in the world: the Empire State Building, Top of the Rock and One World Observatory. We've put together a comparison of New York's most popular observation decks so you can get an idea for what the difference is between the Empire State Building vs Top of the Rock vs One World Observatory so you can decide which one suits what you want to do and see best. 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. 1. The One World Observatory The One World Observatory is an icon of the city skyline with its amazing spire. Travelers can take one of its 70 elevators up to three observation decks in under 50 seconds; it's an elevator ride that feels like a launch. The views: One World Trade Center is located on the south-western side of the Manhattan peninsula (close to the tip of the peninsula), so you'll get close views of the Hudson River, New Jersey, and Manhattan. You can see Ground Zero, the 9/11 Memorial Museum, and the Financial District. You'll be able to see the Empire State Building (though your view will be farther than from Top of the Rock) and Top of the Rock (though you might need to reference a skyline map to pick it out from its surrounding buildings!). All around, it has views that stretch from Westchester and Rockland counties to New Jersey, Brooklyn, and Long Island in addition to the mighty metropolis of NYC. Then, step into the Main Observatory and view high-definition footage of Manhattan’s streets. Enjoy some artisanal cocktails the bar One Mix and indulge in some culinary delights at One Dine. The structure and its observatory decks are a rebirth of downtown Manhattan after the tragedy of 9/11. Experience the city's rebirth. Admission: One World Observatory tickets are sold separately from The New York Pass. 2. The Empire State Building The Empire State Building (ESB) shows 360-degree views of the city. At night, this international icon displays dazzling light shows to celebrate various occasions, which are often synchronized to music. In addition to its 86th-floor observatory, there's the Top Deck. You can see up to 80 miles away and get a full picture of the city. The views: the Empire State Building is located right in the middle of Manhattan, so from its top Observation Deck, you’ll get one-of-a-kind vistas of the Brooklyn Bridge, Central Park, the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, and the brilliant city streets below. You'll also be able to see New York City's other popular observation decks; the view from ESB of One World Observatory is much closer than the view you get of it from Top of the Rock, and similarly, the view from ESB of Rockefeller Center is much closer than the view you get of it from One World Observatory. Be sure to check out the Dare to Dream exhibit, which pays tribute to the builders and architects who helped create this historic landmark. There are period photographs, mementos, architectural sketches, and more. If you plan your visit to the Empire State Building around meal time, consider dining at its STATE Grill and Bar for breakfast, lunch or dinner. In exceptional Art Deco design, it showcases New York State’s winemakers, brewers, and farmers. Admission: Empire State Building tickets are included with the New York Pass. 3. Top of the Rock The Top of the Rock is a must-do on any tourist's bucket list. The Top of the Rock Observation deck is nestled in the heart of Rockefeller Center. Ascend 70 floors up and take in a sweeping view from three indoor and outdoor viewing decks.There are indoor viewing areas on the 69th and 67th floors Rockefeller Center is chockful of beautiful architecture, culture, and rich history. Take it in with a guided tour through its gardens and significant buildings. The views: the Top of the Rock is located just south of Central Park, right in Times Square, so you'll get the best views of Central Park when compared to other observation decks. In the other direction, you'll be able to see the Empire State Building framed by the sprawling city, the Bank of America Building, Times Square, Brooklyn Bridge, and more. From Top of the Rock, the view of the Empire State Building is closer than the view of the Empire State Building from One World Observatory. After you pass the Swarovski chandelier in the lobby, there are artifacts and photos outlining the history of Rockefeller Center and an open-air deck on the 70th floor. Compared to the Empire State Building, the Top of the Rock is less claustrophobic. Admission: Top of the Rock tickets are included with The New York Pass. The Biggest Differences Between the Top New York City Observation Decks Each observation deck experience provides an educational and informative experience on your way up to the observation deck complete with exhibitions and displays. The locations: where each building is situated will impact your views from each of the observation decks. See the image above for a better idea of where each observation deck is relative to the others. The exhibits: One World Observatory, being the most recently built, features a more modern design and feel and its exhibits explore the development of downtown Manhattan and the impact of 9/11 and how the One World Observatory building came to be. Top of the Rock and the Empire State Building both offer a classic and nostalgic New York City experience that highlight the history of the city with a particular emphasis on the American dream and the eventual prosperity post-Great Depression era. The views: the biggest difference between One World Observatory vs Empire State Building vs Top of the Rock is the view you'll get at the top. Of course, whichever observatory deck you choose to visit, you won't see that building in the skyline. One World Observatory (southern-most building): views of the Hudson River and the city skyline looking north from the southern tip of Manhattan Empire State Building (middle building): views from the middle of Manhattan with One World Observatory visible to the south and Rockefeller Center visible to the north Top of the Rock (northern-most building): views of Central Park to the north and views of the Empire State Building and One World Observatory to the south Popular Things to Do Nearby In addition to these 3 observation decks (One World Observatory, the Empire State Building, and Top of the Rock) there are other great sites and activities worth checking out while in NYC. Central Park This world-famous park is 36 acres of beautiful streams, waterfalls, rocks and winding trails. It’s ideal for strolling and a wonderful sight from each of the observation decks.Take a romantic paddle around the lake or even a Venetian Gondola ride at Loeb Boathouse. Savor some great fare like crab cakes at the Central Park Boathouse Restaurant. Monkey around at the Central Park Zoo. There’s even pot-bellied pigs, penguins and sea lions. You never have to wait for the carnival to come to town in NYC.In the summer, head to Victorian Gardens for an all-American day of juggler performances, cart rides, and funnel cake. In the winter, hit the ice for some ice-skating. The Statue of Liberty You can take a ferry over to the Statue of Liberty on Ellis Island. Visit the crown and see panoramic views of Brooklyn. This colossal copper statue was designed by artist Frederic Bartholdi. It’s the symbol of freedom.The Liberty Island Museum is located in the lobby of its pedestal and chronicles the history of freedom. At the pedestal, you can great views of New Jersey, New York, and the New York Harbor.Getting in: Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Immigration Museum tickets are included with The New York Pass. The Brooklyn Bridge The Brooklyn Bridge is one of the city’s noblest landmarks. It stretches over Brooklyn, Manhattan and the East River and delivers amazing views. Take a walk across its promenade above the roadway and feel the city’s vibe. It only takes about 40 minutes.Getting in: the Brooklyn Bridge is free and open to the public. Brooklyn Bridge Walking Tour tickets and Bike Rentals you can use to bike across the Brooklyn Bridge are included with The New York Pass. Grand Central Terminal The Grand Central Terminal is the world’s largest railway station and a magnificent public space. It’s modeled after an ancient Roman bath and features glimmering chandeliers, an amazing concourse, and a robin’s egg-blue ceiling displaying the constellations.Getting in: Grand Central Terminal is free and open to the public. The American Museum of Natural History The American Museum of Natural History is the largest natural history museum on the globe and without a doubt impressive. It stretches four city blocks and showcases 45 exhibition halls with over 30 million artifacts from outer space, the sea, and the land. Don’t miss it. Getting in: American Museum of Natural History tickets are included with The New York Pass. Metropolitan Museum of Art Roam the labyrinthine corridors of the colossal Metropolitan Museum of Art where you view more than 2 million works of art showcasing 5,000 years of history.Its Egyptian collection features stone sarcophagi inscribed with hieroglyphics and pages from the Egyptian Book of the Dead.Other highlights include the American Wing with collections of American Arts. There are also stunning Islamic galleries with metalwork and ceramics. Its roof garden serves up fabulous views of Central Park and the city skyline.Getting in: The Metropolitan Museum of Art tickets can be purchased online. The High Line Just years ago, the High Line was a railroad track carrying freight trains. Today, it's a railway-turned-beautiful city retreat situated high above the busy city streets.Take a stroll along the path and check out the park's many features, including picnic tables, seating, curving walkways, and well-manicured gardens while you take in the unique views of the Hudson River and Manhattan skyline. Getting in: admission to the High Line is free and open to the public. Remember to Save on Observation Decks and New York Attraction Admissions New York City's top 3 observatory decks are at the top of many tourists itineraries. They're all popular attractions, but how can you manage to afford the admission price at each? New York Pass grants you free admission to two of these Observation decks, with Empire State Building tickets and Top of the Rock tickets, plus, admission to over 90 additional attractions in NYC. Get a New York Pass and start saving on admission to top attractions during your trip. For more information get the New York Pass here.

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