The New York Pass Black Friday Experience

By Suz Pathmanathan

Take your trip to NY to new heights with a helicopter ride over New York City. Everyone who buys a New York Pass between Black Friday and Cyber Monday* will have the chance to win an incredible helicopter tour experience, courtesy of HeliNY.

Escape the city on foot by taking to the skies, with The New York Pass and HeliNY. This Ultimate Tour experience will allow you to see Manhattan from a unique vantage point. From Battery going north to the George Washington Bridge, you’ll enjoy stunning views of the most famous sights in the world on this 17-20 minute tour. Discover the expansive urban oasis that is Central Park, the majesty of the Empire State Building and the iridescent beauty of the Hudson River from a height. Then experience them for free when you land with your New York Pass.

Spot the attractions on your trip

Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island: Towering 305 ft. 6 inches from the base of the pedestal foundation to the top of her torch, the Statue of Liberty is a global icon that represents centuries of American history. The 133-year-old Statue of Liberty stands as Ellis Island’s key feature.

Empire State Building: For nearly 40 years after its completion in 1931, the Empire State Building would remain the tallest building in the city. Its spectacular form towers 1,250 feet over the streets of Midtown Manhattan.

Central Park: An oasis in the middle of the NYC metropolis, Central Park was America's first landscaped park in 1867. Twenty-five million people visit Central Park each year, but very few in comparison see it from the skies!

And many more. Don’t miss out - enter the giveaway now.

Terms and conditions apply. Orders between 00.01 Monday 25th November and 23.59 Monday 2nd December will be entered into the draw.

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A Guide to Places to See in New York

New York; a place of dreams and ambitions, as well as some of the most iconic landmarks in the world. These are just some of our favorite things to do in the city that never sleeps. Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour To really familiarise yourself with the city and discover all the best places to see in New York, a Hop on Hop off Bus Tour is the way to go. The Big Bus Tour company has over 25 stops across the city as well as at the most famous museums and landmarks and the great thing, you can create your own sightseeing itinerary and jump on and off when you want. Take advantage of a free one-day ticket with The New York Pass. Empire State Building Probably one of the most iconic buildings in New York, and a definite must-see in New York, the Empire State Building towers over Midtown Manhattan at 102-stories. This famous art deco skyscraper commands some of the best views in the city and visitors can rise to the Top Deck (102 floors up!) to watch the sunset or enjoy the equally stunning 360 views from the 86th floor Main Deck. Tip: go for sunset when you can watch the city light up in all its glory. 9/11 Memorial & Museum Pay tribute to the victims of the 2001 attacks at the 9/11 Memorial & Museum in Downtown Manhattan. Located on the site of the original World Trade Centre, visitors can step back into the past and learn of the ill-fated day nearly two decades ago with over 10,000 artifacts on display. 2,000 harrowing interviews and first-hand accounts, photographs, and testimonies also make up this harrowing but humbling experience. Entry included in The New York Pass. American Museum of Natural History A great one for the kids, the American Museum of Natural History is not only one of the largest museums in the world but is home to fascinating pre-historic skeletons, ancient fossils, and giant meteorites. For anyone – old or young – with a curious mind, this museum will have you hooked from the minute you step through the door. Top exhibits: its 94-foot blue whale and a 122-foot long dinosaur skeleton. Those alone make it one of the top places to see in New York. Food on Foot Tours New York and food: two of the best things paired together. Head off the beaten path and venture into some of East Village’s most iconic eateries, or into Midtown for true New York staples. New York is famous for its diverse culinary culture so what better way to taste your way around the city than a Food on Foot Tour. Inside Broadway Walking Tour You can’t go to New York and not experience Broadway. An institution in its own right, this time you can go behind the scenes to experience what life is like on stage and learn from the stars about how to become a Broadway actor and make it big. This two-hour guided tour will take you around the Theatre District and let you in on some insider secrets, so for any budding actor or theatre enthusiast, this one is a must-see in New York. Brooklyn Bridge Connecting Brooklyn and Manhattan, Brooklyn Bridge is perhaps one of the most photographed landmarks in the city. Jump on a bike, or if you’re on foot you can join a tour or go at your own pace. Tip: it’s one of the best spots to see the iconic skyline of skyscrapers in Downtown Manhattan. Central Park Sightseeing Walking Tour A leafy sanctuary just off Fifth Avenue, set between the Upper West and Upper East Sides, Central Park is the most popular green space in Manhattan. If you’re looking to tick off what to see in New York, put Central Park on your list. If you’re visiting in summer bring a picnic and if it’s too cold get lost amid the paths through enchanting woodlands and lakes. Tip: there’s a section of the park, Strawberry Fields, dedicated to John Lennon. Grand Central Station The true hub of New York, Grand Central Station isn’t just a bustling commuter causeway – it’s an architectural delight in its own right and has been accredited status as a US National Historic Landmark. Thousands of people pass through Grand Central Station daily so the people watching is second to none, but don’t forget to look up at the ceiling mural or admire the original Tiffany clock – the largest of its kind in the world measuring in at 48-feet! Explore this Manhattan landmark at your own pace with an audio-tour. Ellis Island Operating as the immigrant check-in for Europeans coming to America, Ellis Island is one of the most historically important sites in the country. The Immigration Museum is a must-see in New York and showcases the history of over 12 million immigrants who entered the United States. Almost half of all American people descended from those who crossed through the golden door of Ellis Island so perhaps you’ll be able to trace some family roots there yourself.

Kirsten McCroskrie

Visiting Carnegie Hall

Like London’s O2 Arena and Sydney’s Opera House, Carnegie Hall New York is the place to go for live acts when visiting the Big Apple. This historic landmark dates back to the early 1890s and has been showcasing world-class performers since its opening. Carnegie Hall has hosted over 50,000 events, a world record, and continues to be revered as a place of legacy and prestige for all music lovers. Carnegie Hall history When walking through the streets of New York, you can’t miss the grandeur of Carnegie Hall in Midtown Manhattan. Designed by architect William Burnet Tuthill, it was built by philanthropist Andrew Carnegie and was one of the last buildings of its size built entirely from masonry. Inside, its welcoming foyer and celebrated white and gold auditorium nods to a Florentine Renaissance inspired design and its lobbies are hung with signed portraits by those who headlined this renowned venue. Carnegie Hall has three separate performance areas; the Main Hall or Isaac Stern Auditorium, the Zankel Hall and the Weill Recital Hall. The majestic Main Hall is the largest and can seat an audience just shy of over 2,800. Also known as the Isaac Stern Auditorium, it was renamed after the violinist to thank him for his generous donations to save the hall from demolition in the 1960s. This hall is considered the most prestigious of all in the United States when it comes to classical music but now also headlines more popular acts, too. Carnegie Hall’s Zankel Hall has passed through many names and was even used as a cinema for over 30 years. It is one of the more adaptable performance areas and this new modern renovated space welcomes the likes of classical, pop, and jazz artists from around the world. The Joan and Standford I. Weill Recital Hall is the venue’s smallest but most intimate performance space. Decorated with large draping chandeliers and soft blue velvet curtains you’ll find chamber music concerts and debut performances here along with panel discussions. The latest addition to the Hall is the Judith and Burton Resnick Education Wing which hosts programs run by the Weill Music Institute and Ensemble Connect. The Rose Museum is worth spending some time in, too, to discover the 400 artifacts and exhibitions showcasing some of the most famous acts to have played in Carnegie Hall NYC. To name a few, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Billie Holiday, Judy Garland, Nina Simone, Ike & Tina Turner... If that isn’t impressive enough, the Beatles performed here twice during their New York tour of ’64, and guess who holds the record for the most consecutive sold-out performances at this iconic venue? Liza Minelli – she sold-out 17 consecutive shows at the Carnegie Hall! Visiting Carnegie Hall One of the best ways to experience 125 years of this historic landmark is by tour and Carnegie Hall tickets are included in the purchase of a The New York Pass. The sightseeing pass offers a free tour (60-75mins) led by an expert guide where you can learn of Carnegie Hall’s three separate performance areas; the Main Hall or Isaac Stern Auditorium, the Zankel Hall and the Weill Recital Hall, as well as the Carnegie Hall Archives and the Rose Museum, too. You’ll learn anecdotes and stories of the famous performers to grace the stages, such as the long-standing folklore that a tourist pedestrian on Fifty-seventh Street asked the musician Jascha Heifetz as he was leaving on the day, "Could you tell me how to get to Carnegie Hall?" and Heifetz quipped, "Yes, Practice!" Location: 881 Seventh Avenue (at 57th Street)How to get there: Subway: Q R, to 57th StreetOpening times: Box office: Mon-Sat 11am-6pm, Tours subject to availability* Carnegie Hall tickets can be pre-booked online or by phone to avoid disappointment and their box office is open Mon-Sat 11am-6pm. Or, make the most of a free guided tour included in your The New York Pass.

Kirsten McCroskrie

Aeroplanes over New York

New York Airport to City Travel Options

New York. So good they named it twice. So pretty it holds the Guinness world record for being the planet's most Instagrammed city. And so perennially popular with tourists and business travelers that it requires not one, not two, but *three* airports to keep up with demand. It’s not hard to understand why either: think household-name attractions like the Statue of Liberty and Empire State building, a vibrant nightlife and entertainment scene (looking at you, Broadway!), and some of the best shopping in the Western world. And that barely scratches the surface. Planning a trip to to the city never sleeps? Read on for our guide to the airport transportation options that will have you enjoying the bright lights of downtown Manhattan in no time at all. New York Airports in Brief The Big Apple has three international airports: John F. Kennedy (JFK), Newark Liberty (EWR) and LaGuardia (LGA). Here’s the lowdown… JFK is the main entry point for all arrivals in the US, making it the biggest and busiest airport in New York by some considerable margin. It’s located in Queens, around 26km southeast of Midtown Manhattan. Newark Liberty Airport is 14km southwest of Manhattan and runs JFK pretty close in terms of annual passenger numbers. LaGuardia is the baby of the three main New York airports, processing around half the number of annual passengers of its Queens neighbor JFK. It’s around 17km by road from Midtown Manhattan. But what’s the best way to get to Manhattan from each airport? Read on to find out… JFK to the City AirTrain The JFK AirTrain provides a quick, easy and (largely) free way to navigate the airport’s eight terminals. It operates 24/7 year-round and connects you, the eager new arrival, to hotel shuttle pick-up areas, airport parking lots, and the rental car center. There’s an $8.25 fee if your AirTrain journey starts or ends at Jamaica or Howard Beach stations, which connect to New York’s public transportation network via the NYC subway system, the Long Island Rail Road, and public buses. By Subway Traveling on a budget? The NYC subway is your friend. Take the AirTrain to Jamaica station for subway connections to Brooklyn, Queens, Midtown and Lower Manhattan, or to Howard Beach for connections to Brooklyn, Lower Manhattan and the Rockaways only. The subway takes around 50-60 minutes into Manhattan and costs only around $3 on top of your AirTrain fare. By Train The Long Island Rail Road is a commuter train that links Jamaica station with Midtown Manhattan, Grand Central Terminal, Brooklyn and Long Island. It’s considerably faster than the subway, taking around 30 minutes into Midtown Manhattan. But you’ll pay for the privilege: an extra $5-11 on top of the AirTrain fare, variable depending whether you’re traveling during peak times or not. By Bus There are more regional bus services out of JFK than we could possibly list here, but the majority don’t go right to the heart of New York and require a connection to the subway anyway. There is one Express Bus service that operates from terminals 1, 4 and 8 and will take you all the way to downtown Manhattan. It costs $19 and runs every 30 minutes between 11AM and 7PM. By Cab JFK Airport cabs charge a fixed fare of $70 into Manhattan. That’s per car for up to four passengers. A bargain. Watch out for extra charges though, including the peak period surcharge ($5), the airport pick-up fee ($1.75), the state tax (50 cents), the variable congestion charge, and the 75-cent add-on to rides that pass through Manhattan or end south of 96th street. Oh, and don’t forget to tip, will ya? By Rental Car There are stacks of rental companies operating after arrivals in each terminal: Alamo, Avis, Hertz and Thrifty to name just a few. Book your vehicle then hop on the AirTrain to the Federal Circle Station to pick it up. Be wise to road tolls in and around NYC and be sure to check your individual rental company’s policy regarding how these should be handled to avoid picking up a hefty bill later. Newark Liberty to the City AirTrain Like JFK, Newark Liberty Airport operates an AirTrain network that serves all three terminals, providing free transport to rental cars, hotel shuttles and parking lots. You’ll pay an $8.25 fee for AirTrain journeys that connect to the city via the Newark Liberty International Airport Station. This is included in the price of NJ Transit and Amtrak tickets purchased in the terminal. AirTrain runs every 3-5 minutes between 5AM and 11PM and around every 15 minutes through the wee small hours. By Train Regular Amtrak and NJ Transit trains run direct from Newark Liberty International Airport Station to Penn Station in Midtown Manhattan, and beyond to Philadelphia, D.C., and more. Journeys into Manhattan take around 25 minutes and cost from around $20 one way. By Bus NJ Transit runs a regular Express Bus service between Newark Liberty International Airport and major NYC stations including Grand Central, Bryant Park and the Port Authority Bus Terminal. It’s $18 one way or $30 for a return ticket. You can catch the bus at regular intervals between 5AM and 1AM, 365 days a year. By Cab Newark Liberty Airport cabs charge fixed fares that range from $60-80 depending where in New York City you’re going. As with JFK, there are several additional charges to look for, and tipping for good service is expected. By Rental Car You’ll find all the regular car rental companies at the rental center on levels 1-3 of the Parking A Access Road, which can be reached for free on the AirTrain. Be sure to check about road toll policies with your chosen rental company. LaGuardia to the City Being the smallest of NYC’s ‘big three’ means transport options are slightly more limited from LaGuardia Airport. But getting to the heart of the Big Apple action is still very straightforward. By Bus There are multiple options available via the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) bus network. You can go all the way to downtown Manhattan, or hop off en route to connect to the subway and Long Island Rail Road. One-way trips on the MTA network cost a mere $2.90, making bus hands-down the most cost effective method of getting from LaGuardia to Manhattan. By Cab Cabs from LaGuardia to Manhattan range from $30-38 and again, fares are fixed by destination, but with various add-ons including state taxes, peak-time surcharges and airport access fees. Please, as ever, do tip for good service. By Rental Car Car rental agencies including Avis, Budget, Enterprise and Thrifty operate out of all three terminals at LaGuardia and there are free shuttles in front of each terminal to take you to your vehicle. Save on attractions, tours and activities in New York Save on admission to New York attractions with the New York Pass. Check out @NewYorkPass on Instagram for the latest top tips and attraction info.

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