2. WE HOPE YOU HAVE
A GREAT TIME WHILE
STAYING WITH US.
To help you make the most out
of your trip to the Big Apple,
we have gathered a listing of
30 unique New York City experiences.
See our city from an Insider’s View.
4. EXPLORE THE OUTDOORS
It might be known as the concrete jungle, yet New York
City’s distinct natural attractions top many “must-see”
lists. From lush green parks for a picnic to hidden
waterfalls just waiting to be discovered, spending time
in the great outdoors is always a treat in New York City.
5. 1—ENJOY THE OUTDOORS AND WATERFALLS. Most
of the year, New York City is all about outdoor activities
with great weather, wonderful
parks, gardens and waterways. In
our neighborhood, one can enjoy
the Rockefeller Center Channel
Gardens featuring an ever-
changing display of flowers and
verdant shrubbery. Hidden gems
include waterfalls at Greenacre
Park (East 51st
Street between
Second and Third Avenues), Paley
Park (East 53rd
Street at Fifth Avenue), and the Midtown
waterfall at 48th
Street between Sixth and Seventh
Avenues featuring a glass tunnel you can walk through.
2—CONNECT IN BRYANT PARK. With a lawn the size
of a football field, two promenades, delicious food
kiosks and other attractions, including free Wi-Fi, Bryant
Park is a popular hangout spot. Learn a new skill with
free juggling lessons, weekdays from noon to 1 p.m.
(equipment provided). For a nostalgic experience,
ride Le Carrousel, with 14 animals revolving to French
cabaret music (June to October, $3 per ride). On
Monday evenings during summer, enjoy a free outdoor
film festival, and in the winter, whirl around the ice
skating rink. 42nd
Street between Fifth and Sixth
Avenues. bryantpark.org
6. 3—TAKE A BREAK IN CENTRAL PARK. Experience New
York’s most celebrated leisure space to walk, jog, smell
the flowers, sunbathe and people
watch, just like New Yorkers do.
If you want to learn more about
the 843-acre park, laid out by
Frederick Law Olmsted and
Calvert Vaux in the 19th
century,
the Central Park Conservatory
offers many free tours. You
can also download a Central
Park App, which highlights 200
points of interest, at the App Store® or Google Play™,
free for a “lite” version or $2.99 for the entire app.
centralparknyc.org
4—EXPERIENCE THE HUDSON RIVER ON A MORE
INTIMATE SCALE. West 54th
Street to West 59th
—
Hudson River Park is a 550-acre riverside park and
estuarine sanctuary located
on the west side of Manhattan.
Clinton Cove incorporates
beautiful landscaping and
boating activities. The Cove has
an extraordinary feature called a
“get-down” which allows visitors
to get closer to the water—
below the level of the bulkhead.
hudsonriverpark.org
7. ARTS & CULTURE
From ancient treasures to modern-day masterpieces,
New York City is home to one of the world’s largest and
most impressive collections of priceless art and beauty.
Explore a wide variety of styles and mediums with a
stroll through some of the City’s cultural centers.
8. 5—FREE FRIDAY NIGHTS AND SCULPTURE MORNINGS
AT MOMA. Picasso, Matisse, Van Gogh and other
legendary artists are represented in a massive
collection, making the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
one of the most popular museums in the city. While
adult admission is normally $25, with UNIQLO Free
Friday Nights, you can visit between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m.
at no charge, and see all the museum has to offer,
including the permanent collection, special shows and
films. The Sculpture Garden is open daily at no charge
from 9:30 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. Sip your coffee while
admiring a Giacometti at 11 West 53rd
Street. moma.org
6—SEE PUBLIC ART AT ROCKEFELLER CENTER.
While some sights at the 22-acre
Rockefeller Center come with a
steep price tag such as the Top
of the Rock Observation Deck—
there are free attractions in the
complex, located between 48th
and 51st
Streets and Fifth and Sixth
Avenues. Each Holiday season, a
giant Christmas tree goes up and
makes for a fantastic stop on your
evening stroll, which could also include watching ice-
skating on the winter rink. All year long, you can admire
the Art Deco features and art throughout the Center,
including a statue of Prometheus and another of Atlas
holding the world. rockefellercenter.com
9. 7—APPRECIATE DESIGN AT THE MUSEUM OF ARTS
AND DESIGN. This contemporary, four-level museum
focuses on 21st
century design—
pieces that shape our everyday
lives. The multi-disciplinary
collection includes ceramics,
blown glass, metal objects,
jewelry, digital photography,
wood furniture, quilts and more.
Changing exhibitions delve deeply
into such topics as the art of scent
or innovations with mannequins.
Experience the exhibitions first-hand on KLM Thursdays
(sponsored by the Dutch airline), from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
There’s no set admission fee and you are encouraged
to pay what-you-wish. Located at 2 Columbus Circle on
59th
Street and Eighth Avenue. madmuseum.org/visit
8—WITNESS MAJESTIC BEAUTY AT ST. PATRICK’S
CATHEDRAL. With its impressive twin spires, it is the
largest Gothic-style cathedral in the U.S. Head inside the
massive bronze doors, with reliefs of American Saints,
to see the recent major renovation and admire the 19th
century architecture, the grand Rose Window, 7,000-
pipe organ and museum-quality artwork. To learn some
of the history, take a free tour at 10 a.m. with a volunteer
(days listed online). If you time your visit right, you may
catch a free concert by a visiting choir. The cathedral is
located on Fifth Avenue between 50th
and 51st
Streets.
saintpatrickscathedral.org
10. 9—BROWSE TREASURES AT CHRISTIE’S
AUCTION HOUSE. Even if you
don’t plan on bidding, there are
countless treasures to be found
on the auction block at Christie’s.
The building impresses with its
grand exterior of limestone and
bronze, glass canopy and high
entranceway, complete with a
mural by artist Sol LeWitt. In the
salesrooms, you may catch a
glance of lyrics by a famous musician, dazzling jewels,
precious antiquities, fine art or the estate of a celebrity.
Find listings and hours online and visit the auction
house at 20 Rockefeller Plaza on 49th
Street between
Fifth and Sixth Avenues. christies.com
11. GUIDED TOURS
Don’t miss a single sight—explore the City’s legendary
local spots and the hidden gems only New Yorkers
know about. Whether you choose a lesson in history
or a picturesque tour of the City’s most celebrated
attractions, a guided tour gives you a better insight.
12. 10—TOUR WITH A LOCAL. There are countless ways
to experience New York City, and if you prefer the
order and organization of a tour, freelance local guides
can show you Midtown sights. Free Tours by Foot
freetoursbyfoot.com offers a Midtown tour through
Times Square and past some of the city’s iconic
architecture, including the Theater District, Bryant Park,
the New York Public Library, Grand Central Terminal,
the Chrysler Building and St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Big
Apple Greeter bigapplegreeter.org is a non-profit
organization that provides cheerful volunteers to show
visitors their favorite things about their neighborhoods.
Reservations are required for both.
11—UNLEASH YOUR INNER BOOKWORM
AT THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY. The main branch
of the NYPL, a stunning Beaux-Arts landmark dedicated
in 1911, is one of the best free attractions in town. Check
out the famous lion sculptures (Patience and Fortitude)
outside and head inside to see the sumptuous spaces
housing rare manuscripts, maps and other treasures—
the Children’s Center has the real stuffed animals that
inspired Winnie the Pooh. Docents share facts and tales
on free, guided tours at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., Monday
through Saturday, and 2 p.m. on Sundays. Bonus: there’s
free Wi-Fi, so you can easily spend all day inside this
magnificent structure. The library is located on Fifth
Avenue at 42nd
Street. nypl.org
13. 12—GET TO CARNEGIE HALL. As the old joke goes,
“How do you get to Carnegie Hall? Practice, practice,
practice.” You can also pay big bucks for a concert at
New York’s beloved music hall, which opened in 1891.
We know a another way to get inside: take a guided
tour. Tickets are $15 for adults and tours are offered
four times a day on weekdays, twice a day on Saturdays
and at 12:30 p.m. on Sundays (unless there’s a private
rehearsal or a performance going on). No reservation
required, but arrive early to purchase tickets at the box
office. Seventh Avenue at 57th
Street. carnegiehall.org
13—TAKE THE GRAND TOUR. Learn the City’s
architectural and social history from urban historians
with the Grand Central Partnership, on a free, no
reservations required walking tour of the Grand Central
Terminal and surrounding Midtown neighborhood.
The tour departs from the Sculpture Court at 120 Park
Avenue, on the south east corner of East 42nd
Street
and Park, every Friday at 12:30 p.m., and runs for two
hours. While in Grand Central Terminal, be sure to grab
a quick bite in the terminal’s basement, look up for
the Whispering Gallery, a low,
ceramic archway near the Oyster
Bar where acoustical anomaly
occurs, and visit the Annex of
the New York Transit Museum
just off the Main Concourse
near the Station Masters office.
grandcentralpartnership.nyc
14. LIVE PERFORMANCES
Check out memorable live performances around nearly
every street corner in a city like no other. From talented
musicians playing tunes sure to get you moving to
legendary Broadway productions featuring world-class
performers, the show does go on in New York City.
15. 14—BE PART OF THE STUDIO AUDIENCE. It’s fun—and
free—to attend the tapings of popular television shows!
Your choices include the Daily Show, Dr. Oz Show, Good
Morning America, Inside the Actors Studio, Late Night,
Live! with Kelly & Michael, The Meredith Vieira Show,
Saturday Night Live, The Rachael Ray Show, Today
(NBC), The Tonight Show, The View and The Wendy
Williams Show. NYC&Co presents an updated list of
available TV Show Tapings: nycgo.com/tv-show-tapings
15—CONCERTS IN THE PARKS. Musicians from around
the world are coming to New York’s parks to perform.
Rock, Pop, Jazz, Classical—there’s a performance
for everyone. Enjoy free weeknight and weekend
performances at Central Park’s SummerStage, the
annual performing arts festival running May–September
at Rumsey Playfield. At the same location, The
Metropolitan Opera Summer Recital Series and Good
Morning America Summer Concert Series (Fridays 7 - 9
a.m.) are performed live. The New York Philharmonic
Concerts with Fireworks from 8 – 9 p.m. take place at
The Great Lawn. See Shakespeare in Central Park at
Delacorte Theater (enter at 81st
and Central Park West or
79th
Street at Fifth Avenue). For a full summer schedule,
check: publictheater.org/en/free-shakespeare-in-
the-park & nycgovparks.org/events/free_summer_
concerts
16. 16—FREE MUSIC AT LINCOLN CENTER. Immerse
yourself in New York’s vibrant performing arts scene
by attending one of the weekly free performances
offered in Lincoln Center’s David Rubenstein Atrium.
The performances cover a spectrum of music styles—
Jazz, Hip-Hop, Latin, Soul, Country, Classical—and
feature national and international touring artists as
well as local performers including students from The
Juilliard School. Sometimes there’s even Swing, Salsa or
other social dancing to live music (check the calendar
online). Seating is first-come, first-served, and it’s best
to get there by 6:30 p.m. 61 West 62nd
Street, Broadway
between 62nd
and 63rd
Streets. atrium.lincolncenter.org
17—CATCH JAZZ AT ST. PETE’S. Midtown Jazz at
Midday, a program overseen by
jazz pianist Ronny Whyte, gathers
musicians from New York and
around the world in concerts
every Wednesdays at 1 p.m., in the
sanctuary of St. Peter’s Church.
A donation is requested. During
the summer there are also free,
one-hour lunchtime concerts by
well-regarded artists, held on the
outdoor plaza (weather permitting), Thursdays at 12:30
p.m. St. Peter’s Church, 619 Lexington Avenue, at 54th
Street. saintpatrickscathedral.org
17. 18—STAND UP FOR A BROADWAY SHOW. One of the
cheapest ways to see a popular Broadway show is to
get a Standing Room Only ticket. The tickets run about
$27 and are available at the box office the day of the
show. The catch is you don’t get a seat, but rather are
assigned a standing area in the back of the orchestra
section (there’s usually a place to lean). Sometimes, a
friendly usher will direct you to a seat after intermission.
broadway.org/info/ticket-guide
18. BUDGET FRIENDLY
There are plenty of activities to enjoy during your trip
that require minimal spending. From movies to fitness
and even sampling the City’s best mobile fare, getting
the most from your trip to New York has never been so
affordable.
19. 19—HANG OUT WITH THEATER FOLK. The Drama Book
Shop has been part of the New York theater scene since
1917. Now located in a modest storefront location off
Times Square, the bookstore is
so beloved by thespians it even
received a Tony Honor in 2011. The
shop holds thousands of plays,
movie scripts, librettos, sheet
music, biographies and books
on theater. This is a place where
you’ll feel part of the theater
scene, including listening to free
in-store readings and discussions
with playwrights and directors. You may even bump
into a famous actor or two. 250 West 40th
Street.
dramabookshop.com
20—MEET A FIRE FIGHTER AT FDNY FIRE ZONE.
34 West 51st
Street at Rockefeller Center between Fifth
and Sixth Avenues. The kid-friendly learning center
hosts a fire safety experience in which adults and
children alike are taken through a simulated fire. The
Engine Truck at the entrance is a favorite play area
for kids of all ages. The gift shop, run by the FDNY
Foundation, is the official store of the FDNY, offering
licensed Fire Department merchandise, including
T-shirts, job shirts, jackets, hats, toys, collectibles and
souvenirs. fdnyfirezone.org
20. 21—SEE FREE MOVIES AT THE SONY WONDER
TECHNOLOGY LAB. For kids especially, playing with
the latest PlayStation™ games and gadgets at The
Sony Wonder Technology Lab
(SWTL) is a blast. Entrance to the
four-story, interactive museum
and entertainment center is free.
On Saturdays, a diverse movie
series shows films; screenings
start at 12:15 p.m. and 3 p.m.
(listings are online). Reservations
are recommended. 550 Madison
Avenue, Sony Plaza at 56th
Street.
sonywondertechlab.com
22—WATCH CLASSIC AMERICAN TV SHOWS. The Paley
Center for Media has, in its archives, more than 50,000
TV shows and radio programs. While the museum’s
round floor offers exhibitions at the Steven Spielberg
Gallery and has a nifty TV-centric gift shop, it’s the
fourth floor that’s the real attraction. There you’ll find
dozens of Mac®
computers where you can order up
titles from the collection, watching episodes of “Cheers”
or “Seinfeld.” It’s worth the suggested $10 contribution
for admission. 25 West 52nd
(between Fifth and Sixth
Avenues). Closed Monday and Tuesday, other days open
noon to 6 p.m. mediaorigin.paleycenter.org
21. 23—SHAPE UP WITH A FREE FITNESS CLASS.
Shape Up NYC is a New York City Parks & Recreation
Department program that offers free weekly fitness
classes at dozens of locations. All the classes are taught
by expert fitness instructors including Yoga, Pilates,
Aerobics and Zumba. All you need is a lock to secure
your belongings in a locker. You can find a listing of
classes online. In Midtown, you can join free Pilates
Thursdays, from 6 - 7 p.m., in the aerobics room at
the Gertrude Ederle Recreation Center, 232 West 60th
Street. nycgovparks.org/programs/recreation/shape-
up-nyc
24—LEARN SOMETHING NEW ABOUT YOUR FAVORITE
APPLE DEVICES. Apple Stores
hold free workshops on a variety
of topics and summer camps for
youngsters (ages 8 to 12) where
they learn to make movies by
storyboarding ideas, shooting
video and creating an original
soundtrack. You can sign up for
individual sessions for $99 per
year. You will find Grand Central
Terminal store less crowded than the Fifth Avenue store.
To register, use your Apple ID at apple.com/retail/learn
22. 25—THE ACT OF EATING IS A THING IN NYC.
Experience New York City’s cupcake culture at some
of the most famous bakeries such as Magnolia Bakery
(Fifth Avenue and 49th
Street) or Molly’s Cupcakes in
Downtown. A New York City must? Sunday Brunch
of course! Bottomless (all-you-can-drink) brunch is
the name of the game, and everyone loves to do it.
By The Hudson (BTH) (712 West 125th
Street) and
Pampano (Third Avenue by 49th
Street) offer it. Visiting
a Food Hall never gets old: Hudson Eats at Brookfield
Place—200 Vesey Street, Chelsea Market—75 Ninth
Avenue, Gotham West Market—600 Eleventh Avenue,
and Gansevoort Market—52 Gansevoort Street.
26—EAT ECLECTIC FOOD FROM ONE OF NYC’S
MOST BELOVED FOOD TRUCKS. There are hundreds
of mobile purveyors of fine foods
out on the street. One of the most
famous is right down the hotel’s
entrance, the Halal Guys food
truck; the lineup of people may
discourage you, but it moves fast
and the food is definitely worth
it. From lobster and crab rolls,
Korean-Mexican fusion, grilled
cheese and Belgian waffles, New
York City food trucks are serving up delicious on-the-go
meals at most popular NYC’s locations. Check
@morristruck, @waffletruck on twitter, kimchigrill.com,
to see where the trucks are parked.
23. VENTURE OUT
Think you’ve seen all of New York City? Think again.
Catch a glimpse of the city that never sleeps from up
high or get off dry land altogether to enjoy New York
without the crowds. You could even venture past city
limits and take in that East Coast sunshine right on the
beach.
24. 27—FROM RAIL TO TRAIL, STROLL DOWN
AN ELEVATED PARK. The High Line, built on a railway,
stretches from Gansevoort Street
to West 30th
Street (between
Tenth and Eleventh Avenues).
Enjoy historical walking tours,
live performances and seasonal
kids programs, series and events.
thehighline.org or follow @
highlinenyc. Morning walks on the
Highline are a great way to start
the day.
28—CRUISE NEW YORK HARBOR ON A LUXURY YACHT.
Cruise companies offer fantastic sights of both
sides of Manhattan without
leaving your seat. Circle Line,
Zephyr Yacht Harbor Cruise
circlelinedowntown.com and
water Taxi’s Hop On/Hop Off
service are the favorites. The
Classic Harbor Line sail-nyc.com
offers a more intimate, crowd-
free luxury yacht experience.
Enjoy peace and quiet on their
Schooner sail boat; they turn off their engine five
minutes after leaving the pier!
25. 29—RIDE THE SUBWAY TO THE BEACH. Fun rides,
large crowds and music by the water. Coney Island is
one of the city’s most popular
beaches, home to a burgeoning
arts community, the New York
Aquarium (open while being
rebuilt), and New York City’s most
famous amusement park. Coney
Island can be reached easily by
way of New York City’s subway
system; take any southbound D, F,
N or Q trains to Stillwell Avenue.
Your trip will take about an hour. coneyisland.com
30—VISIT THE CITY’S HIGHEST OBSERVATION DECK.
A visit to the World Trade Center site and the
Observatory Deck offers more than just an elevator
ride up the city’s tallest building—watching the twin
reflecting pools is just impressive.
Upon entry to One World
Observatory Deck, you will walk
through the very bedrock on
which the 104-story skyscraper
building stands. Captivating time-
lapse videos are played in the
elevators. You can then wander
the observatory, with stunning
views from above 1,250 feet and
the Sky Portal, a circular window that streams real-time
view of the streets below. oneworldobservatory.com
