Win a New York Helicopter Tour this Black Friday

By Alice Padfield

Our Black Friday Giveaway has now ended.

WIN two seats on a New York helicopter tour by HeliNY

Take to the skies for a unique bird's-eye view of magical Manhattan. Tick off New York's top sights on this unforgettable New Yorker Tour. No trip to the Big Apple is complete without a visit to the Statue of Liberty and on your flight you'll get an up-close view. Soar through the skies past the Brooklyn Bridge, South Street Seaport, Governors Island and Ellis Island.

You'll then head up the Hudson River and enjoy views over midtown Manhattan like the Chrysler and Empire State Buildings, Chelsea Piers, Jacob Javits Convention Center, the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum and Central Park. You'll see all this and more as you fly as far north as 72nd St before turning back towards the south and getting a breathtaking view of the One World Trade Center.

If you're looking for top sightseeing, this tour has got you covered.

How to enter

For a chance to win this incredible prize, all you have to do is purchase any New York Pass® between 9AM Tuesday 22 November 2022 and 11:59PM Tuesday 29 November 2022. Once you’ve purchased, you’ll be automatically entered into the giveaway. Easy!

If you’re the lucky winner, we’ll contact you by email by December 15, 2022, so look out for us in your inbox. Can't wait that long? Book your tour on the HeliNY website.

Click here to view giveaway terms and conditions.

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New York City Marathon

It's marathon time, baby. At least, if you like running. Yes, the New York City Marathon is upon us once more. Those of you lucky enough to have gotten a place are no doubt deep into training. It's too late to get involved now if you haven't, but there's always next year. Either way, you might be wanting to know a little more about the world's biggest marathon, so read on for an information overload on all things New York Marathon. History of the New York Marathon The New York Marathon started way back in 1970. And since it's humble beginning as a simple circuit around Central Park, the event has gone from strength to strength, attracting runners from all over the globe. 49 years later, and the race features well over 50,000 runners from 129 countries. Last year, they raised $40 million for charity. Good going, gang! Where is the New York Marathon? In New York City, da-doy. The course itself starts in Staten Island, before making its way through Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, the Bronx, and finally looping round and finishing in Manhattan. So if you're not interested in taking part in the marathon, but are interested in getting around New York, bear that in mind and make sure you check which routes are open. When is the New York Marathon? The first Sunday of November, which is November 3rd this year. Can I take part? Not this year, sorry bud. And getting in any year can be an achievement in itself. If you're looking to get involved next year, here are a few tips to follow. Entry takes place between January 14 through February 14 every year. So you'll need to apply then. Put it in your calendar. You'll also need a charity partner. Lots of people who regularly run the New York Marathon in aid of Team for Kids, and if you run and raise $2620 for them by October 2nd, you're guaranteed a spot! There are other charity sponsors chosen on the day the draw takes place on February 27th If you have over 15 New York Marathons under your belt, then congrats, you're guaranteed a place. Though, that doesn't exactly help newcomers. If you live abroad, and plan your trip to the marathon through the marathon's International Travel Partner, you may be able to book a spot. Bear in mind that the whole package doesn't come cheap. Luckily, it includes your flights, accommodation, and your entry fee! If you were admitted into this year's marathon but officially canceled, you can run the following year if you pay the entry fee again. If you're a really, really good runner with world renown, then you'll likely be accepted into the marathon if you contact the elite athlete coordinator. Why should I take part in the marathon? Well, not only do you get to raise money for some fantastic causes, but presumably, you wouldn't be here if you weren't somewhat running-inclined. So you'll know what to expect, and what you'll get out of it. The fame. The glory. And a huge binge on high carb food once the deed is done. Grab a burger at some of the best joints around, or if you're in a nostalgic mood, why not take a bike tour around Central Park, where the New York Marathon first took place? Taking part this year, or hoping to run in 2020? Let us know below!

Free Things to Do in New York City

Free Things to Do in New York City

The City of Dreams - New York City - is the ultimate destination for workers, students, and all of the human folk across the globe. Living in New York can truly be a dream come true and teach you so much about life in a metropolis that it will always be an experience to remember. That being said, it's not the cheapest city in the world. And, with so many things to see in New York, such as museums, restaurants, parks, and iconic attractions, it's easy to lose track of time and expenses while you're there. Lucky for you, there are plenty of free things to do in New York City! Here is a list of the best things you can do for free in the Big Apple. Including: Central Park High Line Staten Island Ferry New York Public Library and more! Free Things to Do in New York City: Central Park Arguably the most famous park on the planet, Central Park needs no introduction. The backdrop for countless movies and TV shows, its 843 acres of verdant delight are enveloped by the towering concrete of Manhattan. For locals, it's a quick escape from the city's hustle and bustle. For you, it's an excellent excuse for some free fun! If you need to burn off some calories from all the food, get your walking boots on and go exploring! There are tons of lakes, ponds, and bridges to explore, as well as trees to sit beneath with a book or picnic. You could also visit the Conservatory Garden, a free garden full of seasonal flora, fountains, and sculptures. Need some holiday snaps? You'll find tons of Grammable things ripe for the taking. You can even hike in Central Park, thanks to the North Woods. This 40-acre stretch of land includes trails, waterfalls, and opportunities to see some birds. Nice. And, if you've got some spare cash, consider taking a guided bike tour of the park's best bits to see it all in one fell swoop. Free Things to Do in New York City: High Line The High Line is a park built on an old elevated train track. And, given it's the former New York Central Railroad track on the west side of Manhattan, it's guaranteed to offer some of the best views in the city. You can walk through the gardens, check out the contemporary art exhibits and performances, and savor delicious food with your friends and family while getting a unique perspective of the city. Free Things to Do in New York City: Staten Island Ferry Staten Island is where the famous rap ensemble Wu-Tang Clan first came together. So, if you're a fan and want to see where the members grew up, why not take the Staten Island Ferry? Not only will you receive a lesson in NY hip hop, but you'll pass the iconic Statue of Liberty, one of the most photographable monuments on the planet. You can board the ferry at the St. George Terminal on Staten Island or the Whitehall Terminal in Lower Manhattan. The ferry ride takes approximately 25 minutes and operates every day of the week. Free Things to Do in New York City: New York Public Library Bookworms and students rejoice! The New York Public Library is free to visit! And yes, most libraries do offer free entry. While the NYPL name encompasses over 90 libraries in the city's limits, we're talking about its most famous location - the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building. And oh my, is it grandiose. Each room and floor has unique architectural features and many activities besides reading. For students living or studying in NYC, it can get a little mundane to work and hit the books at home. That's why the Rose Reading Room is so popular. This peaceful and spacious area allows anyone to set up shop and study to their brain's content. Image courtesy of legacy1995/Shutterstock Free Things to Do in New York City: Museums No good city would be complete without a comprehensive list of museums, and New York is no different. And if you're looking for free things to do in the Big Apple, some of the best are free too! The American Museum of Natural History is arguably the best of its kind on the planet. Featuring 28 interconnected buildings housing 45 permanent exhibition halls, a planetarium, and a library, you can spend literal hours wandering around. And, with recent additions like the gargantuan Titanosaur to eye up, it'll delight both kids and grown-ups alike. If you're interested in more recent history, learn all about New York at the Museum of the City of New York. It's a mouthful, but there's no better place to chart the city's rise from settlement to metropolis. Free Things to Do in New York City: Times Square Times Square is one of the most iconic spots in New York; with bright lights, street art, and performances, you can take in the true blue New York energy at Times Square. It is also one of the best places to take pictures and indulge in some good food from across the globe. Or, if you want to upgrade your experience, take a guided tour and get the low down on the area's history. New York - a city so nice they named it twice; it is hands-down one of the best cities in the world, and getting the chance to live and study there is truly a dream come true. Make sure to make the most of your time and save some money by exploring these free things to do in New York City. If you are in New York for a longer stay, consider your accommodation options. AmberStudent is an online student accommodation that helps you secure a home of choice on your study abroad journey. This is a great choice for international student housing. And, if you're looking for things to do in New York City that aren't free, the New York Pass has got you covered. Featuring all of the city's best bits, including entry to the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, and the Guggenheim, it's the best way to see it all for one low price!

Columbus Day Parade In NYC

Columbus Day is a memorial to Christopher Columbus, the explorer widely credited with discovering America. Columbus was born in Italy, and lived from 1451 - 1506 Funded by the Spanish, Columbus was determined to find another route to South Asia. Columbus first lay eyes on America on October 12th, 1492. The rest, as they say, is history. Well, it's all history, but you know what we mean. The first Columbus Day was celebrated in 1792, 300 years later. Better late than never, right? Now you're nourished on some tasty morsels of key knowledge. Use it wisely, likely at the Columbus Day Parade. That's why you clicked this, right? Here's everything you need to know about the Columbus Day Parade in NYC. Celebrate in style. When is it? Why, this very October 14th. Rather than landing on the very day Chris saw the inviting shores of these United States, it takes place on the second Monday of every October. Hence, the 14th. Celebrations commence at 11:30am, and the parade concludes at around 3pm. So get there early if you want a good spot. And where is it? In New York, doy. But where in New York? Oh, sorry. Yes, well the famed parade starts on Fifth Avenue and 44th Street. From there, it heads northward towards 72nd Street. That's where the fun stops, and you officially have to go home. No, not really, it's just where the parade ends, silly! What can I expect? Well, you get to see all the wonders of the parade, don't you? This year is the 75th anniversary of NYC's Columbus Day Parade, so it's sure to be a good one. More than 35,000 people take part in the parade itself, so expect hundreds of floats and more than a handful of bands. You'll be joining around a million other revelers to celebrate, so it shouldn't be too busy. While lots of people like to set up around Central Park to get good views of the parade with surrounding bliss of the park's flora and fauna. But you're really good anywhere along the course. Another alternative is on 67th Street, as there's usually some live music around there. What can I do once it's over? Dry your tears, human. The whole of New York City is still yours to explore. It's a nationwide holiday, so do whatever you want! You could warm-up at your new favorite coffee spot, or brave the sea as Columbus did, and see New York as Columbus may have. The possibilities are endless! Let us know what you're looking forward to doing this Columbus Day in the comments below.

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