Attraction of The Week: South Bronx Tour

By Go City Expert

[caption id="attachment_1311" align="aligncenter" width="977"]

South Bronx | @Curbed[/caption]

South Bronx Renaissance Tour

The South Bronx has long been known as a cultural centerpiece in New York and the diverse community within the borough shows that this won't change any time soon. Generations in the Bronx have seen the birth of Hip Hop, legendary Yankees teams, economic growth as well as the decline and rebirth of their neighborhoods. People on the outside looking in may view the Bronx as a historic borough within New York, but the outsider's point of view can be very different from that of someone walking and living within the area. Thanks to Inside Out Tours, there is an official tour of the South Bronx that gives us insight to not only the attractions within the Bronx but also the story that depicts the rise, fall and rebuild of the borough. The guides on the tour will also speak on what role the community has played in revitalizing the South Bronx.

Highlights

Some of the highlights from the South Bronx Renaissance Tour include the Bronx Museum of Art, Bronx Walk of Fame and of course the Yankee Stadium. Along the 3 hour tour, you'll be passing through Concourse and seeing the creative art deco and graffiti put on display by some of New York's talented young artists. A tour guide will be in charge of the group and will be providing explanations of the artistic scenery and historic venues that you will be passing on the tour. [caption id="attachment_1314" align="aligncenter" width="828"]

Bronx Museum of Art | @arquitectonicaintl[/caption] - The Bronx Museum of Art showcases 20th century contemporary pieces and boasts a collection of over 800 pieces. Throughout the year, the museum holds exhibitions that incorporate foreign artists and collaborators. Since being founded in 1971, the Bronx Museum has worked to make art more accessible to those in the area. - On the Bronx Walk of Fame, you'll see the names of famous South Bronx residents that have been immortalized for their contributions to the community. The borough holds an annual celebration called Bronx Week in which they induct a new group of residents to inhabit the Walk of Fame. Some of the notable names along the Walk of Fame include Colin Powell (U.S. Secretary of State ), Joy Bryant (Actress) and Regis Philbin (TV Host). - We're all aware what occurs at the Yankee Stadium... But for those who don't follow Baseball, the Yankee Stadium is where the iconic MLB, team the New York Yankees play. People in New York (not just the Bronx) take great pride in the Yankees and their 27 world series championships. [caption id="attachment_1313" align="aligncenter" width="991"]

Yankee Stadium | @mlb[/caption]

Getting There

If you're interested in taking the South Bronx Renaissance Tour, there are groups that up meet on Thursdays and Fridays at 10am in front of Grand Central Station (near the Park ave and East 42nd street intersection). The tour also conveniently offers Spanish tour guides on Fridays. Prior to meeting for departure, please make sure that you have purchased a Metro Card for the Subway as the group will be taking the train from Grand Central. For more information on the South Bronx Renaissance tour, you can visit our attraction page and reserve your spot!

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Ideas For New York City Days Out

Big Bus Hop on Hop off Tours Jump right into the sights of New York City by taking the Big Bus Hop on Hop off Tour. With each New York Pass, you receive a ticket for the Big Bus which includes the Uptown and Downtown tours. Along these guided tours, you have the option of getting off at major NYC attractions like the Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty, Rockefeller Center, and more. Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum Hop off of the bus at stop 28 on the Uptown Route which is for the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum. Inside of the museum, you'll see one of the most extensive art collections in the world featuring works by the legendary Pablo Picasso, Van Gogh and many more. Empire State Building Travel to the Empire State Building where you can view the vibrant lights of New York City at night from the world's most famous observatory. On the 86th floor of the ESB, you can enjoy the beautiful panoramic view until 2am. On the Hudson river High Line-Chelsea-Meatpacking Tour Walk along the beautiful elevated High Line Park on the Chelsea-Meatpacking tour. The tour runs daily at 9:30am and shows you what is perhaps the most unique park in NYC. You will also get to learn about Manhattan's Meatpacking district before heading next door to the High Line's neighbor, the Whitney. Whitney Museum of Art After the tour, step inside of the Whitney Museum of Art and view new exhibitions as American Art pieces fill the rooms. Inside you will also find works from the Whitney's permanent collection which contains over 21,000 objects and features artists like Georgia O'Keeffe. Once you're done in the museum, take advantage of your 15% discount on Liberty Helicopter Tours. You'll get an amazing view of the city as you fly over the Hudson River. Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum Head to the fascinating Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum where you can find exhibits on a legendary aircraft and ship. You can also utilize your New York Pass' Fast Track Entry to get in and start viewing the Intrepid quicker than you would with general admission. Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises Close out the day on a relaxing cruise down the Hudson River with Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises. You have the choice of several cruises that will give you the best waterfront views of New York City. Soho and Greenwich Village Big Bus Hop on Hop off ToursNormal entry $60.00 Wake up and take the Big Bus Hop on Hop off Tour's downtown route which will bring you to SoHo (Stop 8) where you can take the SoHo-Little Italy-Chinatown Walking Tour SoHo-Little Italy-Chinatown TourNormal entry $35.00 Discover some of New York City's most exciting neighborhoods like SoHo, Little Italy and Chinatown on an informative walking tour that teaches about the many cultures co-existing in the city. New MuseumNormal entry $16.00 After touring some of NYC's most cultured neighborhoods, you can explore the great innovation on display at the New Museum which specializes in contemporary art. Discover Downtown and the Statue of Liberty Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island No trip to NYC is complete without visiting the Statue of Liberty. Head to Battery Park in the morning and take the Statue Cruises ferry to Lady Liberty and the Ellis Island Immigration Museum. Fraunces Tavern The ferry will take you back to Battery Park and from there you can discover some of the true gems of Downtown like Fraunces Tavern. The Tavern has a rich history and once was the headquarters for George Washington, the 1st president of the United States. Wall Street Walks Catch an afternoon tour of NYC's Financial District on the Wall Street Walks tour. The journey lasts approximately 90 minutes and is jam-packed with information on early America. Museum of American Finance After exploring Wall Street, take a walk to the Museum of American Finance where the economical history of the country is on display for all to see. There are interactive exhibits used to teach visitors about finance in the U.S.A as well as financial figures like Alexander Hamilton. 9/11 Memorial & more NYC Gospel Walking Tour On Sundays, treat yourself to the best Gospel that New York has to offer on the NYC Gospel Walking Tour. The tour even concludes with an actual church service. 9/11 Memorial & Museum For every other day of the week, you can begin with a trip to the lovely Downtown area of Manhattan where you can visit the 9/11 Memorial & Museum as well as the 9/11 Tribute Center. Both attractions offer great insight on the September 11th attack of 2001 with a series of installations. 9/11 Tribute Center Clipper City Tall Ship When you're done at the museum, you can enjoy a special waterfront trip on the Clipper City Tall Ship Cruises from Manhattan By Sail. Whether day or night, you'll have an amazing view of New York City's most popular landmarks. South Street Seaport New York Water Taxi Make your way to the nearest New York Water Taxi stop and ride the cruise to Pier 11 at South Street Seaport where you can indulge in the many flavors at restaurants and great shops in the area. Circle Line Downtown Within walking distance is the Circle Line Downtown which takes you on a scenic cruise across the Hudson River. Blazing Saddles Bike Rentals Once the cruise is over, head to Blazing Saddles and ride around New York City in style. You can rent out a bicycle for a full 24 hours and also take part in guided group tours. Walk the Brooklyn Bridge Brooklyn Bridge and DUMBO Tour Get your day started with the Brooklyn Bridge and DUMBO neighborhood tour at 11am. You'll get to walk across one of the most iconic bridges in the world and discover the steadily developing area underneathe the Manhattan Bridge. Brooklyn Museum of Art Venture into one of the premier art institutions that this world has to offer. Breath-taking exhibits are always on display at the Brooklyn Museum. New York Transit Museum Then make your way to the New York Transit Museum and learn about the advancements made in the MTA's subway system over the years. You can also spend some time inside of a real NYC train displayed in the museum. After this, you'll still have plenty of time in the day to attend more attractions in the city. Empire State Building Empire State Building If you're looking to escape the large crowds at the Empire State Building, it's best to arrive early. You can enter the ESB at 8am and enjoy the 360 degree panoramic view from the 86th floor Observatory before the crowds pile in. Madison Square Garden Tour Take a short stroll down the block and tour the world's most famous arena, Madison Square Garden. During the tour you will get to know the arena's history and even step foot inside of the locker rooms for the New York Knicks and Rangers. Fashion Windows Walking Tour In the afternoon, join the Fashion Windows Walking Tour and discover NYC's greatest high fashion stores as well as the favorite stores of well known celebrities like Sofia Vergara. Times Square & Broadway The Ride If you're lucky enough to secure tickets for The Ride, it can be an excellent start to the day as you cruise the streets of New York City with a few special surprises along the way. Madame Tussauds Once the ride is over, head to the fabulous Interactive Wax Attraction Madame Tussauds in the heart of Times Square and see some of your favorite celebrities. All of that excitement sure can work up an appetite. Enjoy a delicious meal at Planet Hollywood and take advantage of your 15% discount with the New York Pass. Inside Broadway Tours Later on, learn about what it is like to be a Broadway actor as you take the Inside Broadway Tours. You'll hear from real Broadway performers and visit famous NYC theaters. NFL Experience, Times Square End the day by visiting the NFL Experience, Times Square. Feel like you are a part of a professional NFL game in The Stadium- a 4D theater. Wear comfortable clothing to visit the Equipment Room, where you can partake in both digital and physical activities similar to an NFL practice. Rockefeller center Top of The Rock Thanks to Rockefeller Center being home to a few popular attractions, you can certainly get your money's worth without having to move too far. Start the day at Top of The Rock and marvel at the beautiful view of New York City from the 3 observatory floors. Rockefeller Center Tour When you're done admiring the view of the city, take the Rockefeller Center Tour and learn the history of the plaza in addition to all the great activities to take part in while you're there. Radio City Music Hall Tour Step behind the scenes at Radio City and learn about the great shows that have taken place there since its opening in 1932. The Radio City Music Hall Stage Door Tour will answer all of your questions and even give you the chance to meet one of the Rockettes. Midtown attractions Big Bus Hop on Hop off Tours Get to know the city with an early morning ride on the Big Bus Hop on Hop off tours and feel free to get off the bus to do some exploring. You can get right back on the next bus from the nearest stop. Grand Central Terminal Audio Tour Take the Grand Central Terminal Audio Tour and learn more about the historic commuting station that sees more than 750,000 people per day. Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) After the audio tour, take a trip to the world-renowned Museum of Modern Art and view the exciting exhibits on display. You'll also find works by legendary artists such as Van Gogh and Claude Monet. Food On Foot Tours At this point, you'll be ready to eat and Food on Foot Tours is the perfect introduction to the best New York style dishes. Bring a bib. Central Park on a bike Central Park Sightseeing Bicycle Tours & Rentals The sun is shining in NYC and it's the perfect day to go for a ride. Get things started with an early Central Park Sightseeing Bicycle Tour or if you feel like riding at your own pace, rent out a bicycle for up to 4 hours. Tour at Lincoln Center Following your bike ride in Central Park, you can take the Tour at Lincoln Center and discover all of the famous organizations that have theaters within the plaza such as the Metropolitan Opera House and the New York Philharmonic. New York Historical Society Central Park with kids On Location Tours Central Park TV and Movie Sites Central Park is filled with excitement and activities for everyone, old and young. The children will certainly enjoy visiting famous areas from the big screen when they take the On Location Tours Central Park TV and Movie Sites tour. Along the journey you'll see familiar sights from Home Alone 2 and Stuart Little. American Museum of Natural History Then take a trip to the American Museum of Natural History and explore the many different exhibits highlighting various species like humans and dinosaurs. AMNH is quite a popular attraction in NYC but not to worry as you have access to Fast Track Entry which will allow you to avoid the general admission line. Museum mile The Metropolitan Museum of Art New York City is known to have great variety when it comes to art museums. A section of fifth avenue starting at 82nd street is even called 'Museum Mile'. Take a stroll and explore the great museums in the area starting with the Metropolitan Museum of Art which features more than 2 million works in their permanent collection including pieces by Picasso. Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum Later you can venture to the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, the elegantly designed building housing art from some of the world's most iconic creators of all time. Museum of the City of New York Continue your journey to the Museum of the City of New York where innovative multimedia installations like Timelapses are always on display. Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum Visit the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum and explore the country's one and only museum dedicated to historic, contemporary design. Uptown & Harlem The Cathedral of St. John the Divine Explore one of the nation's premiere religious centers, the Cathedral of St. John the Divine and learn the rich history that this landmark has built in New York City. Harlem One Stop Tour Explore the many cultural gems in Harlem such as the One Stop Cultural & Heritage Walking and Step-On Group Tour Packages. Botanical gardens and Yankees stadium New York Botanical Garden Make your way to the Bronx for a day of adventure as you take in all of the borough's greatest sights. First stop by the New York Botanical Garden to see the beautiful displays of plant life in numerous gardens. Yankee Stadium Tours You can easily spend a few hours in amazement at the NY Botanical Garden but there's still more to see in the Bronx. Plan a reservation ahead of time and secure your spot for the Yankee Stadium Tour. Get an inside look at the 27 time World Series champions, the New York Yankees and their iconic stadium. Right outside the stadium, you can access the subway and still have time to fit more attractions into your day. Hallelujah! Gospel Wednesday Tour On Wednesdays, you can also take the Hallelujah! Gospel Wednesday Tour that highlights the most iconic religious centers in Harlem. Harlem Bike Rentals Get acquainted with Manhattan's historic and culturally vibrant neighbourhood of Harlem as you go at your own pace with Harlem Bike Rentals. Dive into the culture of Harlem and explore all of the great scenery along the ride. Unlimited Biking offers up to a Full Day's rental that you can enjoy for free with your New York Pass. The Cloisters Museum and Gardens Before the day is done, pay a visit to the Cloisters Museum and Gardens at Fort Tryon Park. The Cloisters is a branch of the MET museum that specializes in medieval art pieces. During the summer you can also enjoy extended hours at the museum.
Shashia Mitchell
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The Best Things to do in Greenwich Village

Certain parts of New York are simply iconic, from Central Park to Lincoln Center. To that list you’d have to add Greenwich Village, home of beat poets, cool jazz, and, lately, good restaurants and shopping. Here are some of the best things to do in Greenwich Village. Washington Square Arch Washington Square Park, not surprisingly, is named for George Washington— he was actually inaugurated in New York as the country’s first president. The original arch was made of wood and designed to commemorate the inauguration. The marble one that stands there now was designed by the notable architect Stanford White. You can see statues of Washington and other noted leaders throughout the park, as well as performers, chess players, dog walkers. Even protesters. It’s an essential historic stop on any tour. “Friends” apartment Whether you’re obsessed with Friends (the show, not your actual ones) you have to admit that the apartment in the series is pretty iconic. The apartment - at least the exterior - is real, and you can stop by and take a few pics for posterity. It’s located at 90 Bedford Street on the corner of Grove. There’s also a great restaurant called Little Owl on the ground floor. Take your photos, find a fountain to jump in, go have a coffee, and your Friends experience will be complete. Macdougal Street Once known for being the epicenter of cool - Bob Dylan played his first gig there; Hemingway drank there; and numerous other luminaries lived, worked, or hung out there - Macdougal Street is another one in the Village that has seen an urban renaissance. Go stroll it for its history, as well as its places to eat. For starters, the once-legendary Caffe Dante is now simply Dante, and has rebranded itself as a bar/restaurant that’s known for being a great date spot. Stop by Café Wha? where Jimi Hendrix and Dylan used to play, and grab a drink and some oysters at the Mermaid Oyster Bar. But mostly, just go soak up the vibes. [caption id="attachment_3429" align="alignnone" width="2048"] Photo courtesy of Cafe Wha?[/caption] Stonewall Inn The site of the 1969 riots that launched the gay rights movement, the Stonewall Inn is a bar, entertainment space, and historic landmark all in one. It’s in the heart of Greenwich Village, on Christopher Street, and is a vital part of the history of the Pride movement. It’s also the first LGBT-history site in the country listed on the State and National Registers of Historic Places, and the first LGBT-history site in New York City. Go have a drink, buy a t-shirt, listen to some music, maybe play some drag bingo and be a part of the history. [caption id="attachment_3431" align="alignnone" width="2560"] Photo courtesy of The Stonewall Inn[/caption] IFC Center There are movie theaters, and then there’s the IFC Center, the premiere home of independent cinema in New York. Go not just to impress your friends by knowing that the latest New Wave film is playing here, but for a quintessential New York experience. It has five theaters, plenty of premieres of independent, documentary and foreign films, and a documentary festival every fall. Plus cult and classic movies on weekends. The ultimate NYC film experience, and a classic Greenwich Village one to boot. And if all this New York history has given you a hankering for more, while you're downtown, go check out Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. [caption id="attachment_3408" align="alignnone" width="2560"] Photo credit: IFC Center[/caption] Blue Note There are jazz clubs, and then there’s the Blue Note. If the name is familiar, they have branches around the globe, and it's hosted just about every jazz great. Opened in 1981, it’s now one of the premiere jazz clubs in the city. You’ll see headliners like Chick Corea and McCoy Tyner as well as legends like Stevie Wonder and Liza Minelli. But you’ll also get to see up and coming jazz musicians. If you like jazz- or just want to experience a piece of New York nightlife history- check this one out. [caption id="attachment_3425" align="alignnone" width="2560"] Photo credit: The Blue Note[/caption] Bleeker Street Once the center of a kind of urban hippie chic, Bleeker Street fell into disrepair, boasting empty storefronts and a desolate feel. But it's bounced back, and is now home to lots of chic stores and restaurants—definitely worth a visit. Visit vegan darling By Chloe, beloved by celebrities. And it's kosher, to boot. Also worth checking out: Bessou, which offers modern Japanese comfort food--yes, that’s a thing. The Porto Rico Importing Co. has been in business since 1907, and is a must-stop for tea and coffee lovers. Coffee is roasted daily; you’ll find some teas you won’t find anywhere else.) And The Village Tannery has been offering up its leather goods since 1973—it’s even open at night. Now you feel like you’re in the Village. [caption id="attachment_3442" align="alignnone" width="480"] Photo credit: Porto Rico Importing Co.[/caption] Spending New Year’s in New York? Here are some ways to make the most of it.
Go City Expert
Manhattan
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Things to Do in Uptown Manhattan

Things to Do in Uptown Manhattan Looking for things to do in Uptown Manhattan? Manhattan’s northernmost territory known as “Uptown” is made up mostly of residential areas, world-famous museums, and iconic landmarks with lots of attractions and tours. There’s no shortage of fun things to do in Uptown Manhattan. One of Uptown Manhattan’s most popular features is Central Park, the first public landscaped park in the US now a hive of activity for locals and tourists alike. Whether you opt to take a guided tour of the 770 square acres or plan to have a picnic and just relax in the park, be sure to explore Central Park and see some its highlight features during your trip! Guided Tours in Uptown Manhattan South of the park, you can access guided walking or biking tours such as Central Park Bicycle Rentals & Tours or Central Park Sightseeing Walking Tour that allow you to explore the park with an expert or journey along at your own pace with a rental bike. Central Park isn't the only area of Uptown worth exploring; the creative and historic borough of Harlem is also located in Uptown. Get to know the neighborhood by taking one of the many tours offered in the area, like the Hallelujah! Gospel Wednesday Tour , Harlem One Stop Cultural & Heritage Walking Tour,or Step-On Group Tour Packages. These are great introductions to the area that explore the history of cultures within the borough. Museums in Uptown Manhattan Museum Mile is located in Uptown, consisting of a section of Fifth Avenue from 105th street to 82nd street on the East side of Central Park. This portion of Fifth Avenue's nickname is due to the many great cultural art museums located there. Some of the museums along the Museum Mile include the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, the Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum, the Museum of the City of New York, and El Museo Del Barrio. On the West side of Central Park, you’ll find gems like the New York Historical Society, a great resource to brush up on New York specific history, and the American Museum of Natural History, which features changing exhibits that focus on the history and development of multiple species on Earth through lively artifacts and interactive displays. Further uptown, in Manhattan’s Inwood neighborhood, a few of New York City’s most unique historical museums reside: The Dyckman Farmhouse Museum and the Cloisters Museum and Gardens. The Dyckman Farmhouse Museum is the last farmhouse located inside of New York City and visitors can view the old colonial farmhouse and get to know the rural history that existed in New York prior to the large skyscrapers. The Cloisters Museum and Gardens in Fort Tryon Park is a branch of the Metropolitan Museum of Art where you can expect to see breathtaking art pieces with a bit of a twist. Its collection of over 5,000 objects exclusively features art and architecture stemming from the medieval ages, including sculptures and written text from the 12th to 15th centuries. Get a taste for the rich culture and history instilled in Harlem, a neighborhood that was at the forefront of artistic creations with Jazz musicians and poets by visiting The Studio Museum in Harlem. Many of the art exhibits featured in the museum were created by artists of African descent and some native to the Harlem region.
Shashia Mitchell

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