You and your fellow travelers have just a few days to explore The City That Never Sleeps; while it’s true you probably won’t get around to everything on your collective list, you can certainly rely on the capable folks at Exploring America to customize a seamless and exciting itinerary that will whisk you around town to popular, must-see landmarks, attractions and historic highlights for the trip of a lifetime. Need a few suggestions to help round out your perfect group getaway? Read on! The historic New York Botanical Garden features 50 breathtaking acres of glorious natural landscapes and ever-changing seasonal exhibits; year round, the park is alive with beautiful growing, blooming things. Enjoy an exhilarating twist on traditional boat tours and grab some great souvenir pics of the city skyline and our lovely Lady of Liberty from aboard the 70 foot Beast – New York’s ONLY jet-powered thrill boat. Take some quiet time; pay your respects and view “The Survivor’s Stairs” at the stunning 911 Memorial. For an unmatched 360 degree bird’s eye perspective, hop into a supersonic elevator and zip straight to the LED-lit Top of the Rock at Rockefeller Center – NYC’s most famous landmark – home to so many businesses it has its own zip code. From this incredible vantage point – on a clear day – you really can “see forever”! Grab some lunch to go (New York is a foodie’s paradise – no craving goes unsatisfied here!) and head to 843 acre Central Park – a veritable oasis in the shadows of the serious skyscrapers and a mainstay of any NYC experience. The magnificent American Museum of Natural History is a behemoth; its massive holdings consist of more than 30 million specimens. While it’s impossible to see it all in a day, you can enjoy a self-guided highlights tour that gets you around its four floors to some of the most incredible exhibits in the world! Dazzling billboards, bright neon lights and show-stopping storefronts are all part of the cosmopolitan explosion of sights and sounds awaiting groups heading to Times Square – the energetic “Crossroads of the World” – after sundown. The city’s celebrated Chinatown boasts one of the largest Chinese populations outside of Asia; it’s the place to go for a sampling of authentic Asian cuisine, (including amazing traditional sweets!) charming specialty shops and intriguing open – air markets. Keep your eyes peeled for some excellent bargains and truly unique gifts for everyone back home. Scintillating nightlife isn’t your thing? How about tickets to the Broadway production of your choice?! (Don’t forget to wait by the stage door for autographs.) This throbbing nerve center of our Nation is just bursting with things to see and do – truly something for everyone. Come on…take a BIG bite!
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Sample Itineraries
2-Day New York City Tour
This 2-day tour takes you to see the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, and you even get to see a Broadway play.
- Get a 360º view of NYC
- Visit the new OWTC Site
- Broadway Play
3-Day New York City Tour
Visit the most popular attractions the Big Apple has to offer as you tour one of the top group travel destinations in the US.
- Broadway Play
- Be Seen on Live TV
- Visit a 300 Year Old Church
4-Day New York City Tour
Non-stop action each day allows your group to experience New York in a variety of ways.
- Night Photography Lessons
- Be Seen on Live TV
- Explore Lower Manhattan
4-Day NYC Fashion Tour
New York City is the perfect destination for those interested in fashion.
- Largest U.S. Department Store
- See NYC from 70 Floors up
- Visit a Fashion Museum
4-Day NYC Financial Tour
New York City group tours are a great way to learn about how the financial world works.
- Famous Gold Vault
- Optional Guided Tour
- Visit the new OWTC Site
5-Day New York City Tour
This 5-day NYC group tour is a great way to see as much of the "Big Apple" as you can.
- Night Photography Lessons
- Largest U.S. Department Store
- Three Boroughs in One Day
New York City Movie Tour
We’ve thrown in some sheer entertainment & popular NYC landmarks.
- See NYC from 70 Floors up
- Experience High Fashion
- Free Time in NYC
NYC 5 Day Theater Trip
Groups will have the opportunity to see several Broadway Plays, attend a Broadway Workshop, and go to many major New York landmarks.
- Three Broadway Plays
- Optional Guided Tour
- See NYC by Night
Attractions
- Museum at Eldridge Street
- Chinatown
- Times Square
- FAO Schwarz
- New York Botanical Garden
- Ellis Island
- Edgar Allan Poe Cottage
- Staten Island Zoo
- Blue Heron Park & Nature Center
- Bryant Park
- Museum of Natural History
- Coney Island
- Great Kills Park
- Rockaway Beach
- El Museo del Barrio
- Museum of the City of New York
- Jewish Museum
- Cooper-Hewitt Design Museum
- The Goethe Institute
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art
- Madame Tussaud’s
- New York Yankees
- New York Mets
- New York Hall of Science
- Intrepid Sea Air Space Museum
- New York Aquarium
- Radio City Music Hall
- Central Park
- Central Park Zoo
- New York Skyride
- Empire State Building
- Tour the United Nations
- Rockefeller Center Tours
- Central Park Carriage Ride
- Madison Square Garden
- Statue of Liberty
Museum at Eldridge Street
Between the years 1880 and 1924, over 2.5 million Jewish immigrants entered the United States through Ellis Island and 85 percent of those stayed in New York City. To accommodate their newfound religious freedoms, the Eldridge Street Synagogue was built in 1887 and has never missed a Saturday service since.
The Synagogue was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1996 and restored to its former glory after it had fallen into disrepair during WWII. The pigeons were evicted from the rafters, windows were replaced, and the original frescoes and ceiling decorations were refurbished by experts. The new east window, installed in 2010, is an extraordinary sight to behold seeming to capture the delicate sprinkling of stardust in a night’s sky with a glowing Star of David at its heart. Among their other awards, the Synagogue received the Preservation League of New York’s Restoration Award.
The Eldridge Street Museum was incorporated to preserve the landmark Synagogue and to educate visitors on the history and culture of Judaism in America. The museum itself has won awards for its interactive displays and exhibits on the history and beliefs of the Jewish faith.
The museum is open everyday except Saturdays, national holidays, and Jewish holidays while the synagogue is open to worshippers every Saturday.
Chinatown
Comprised of authentic Chinese cuisine like unusual candies and curious crunchies like dried cuttlefish, Chi-Town is your travel group’s one stop shop for dim sum, roasted meats, bubble milk tea, noodle varieties, soup dumplings and even Vietnamese, Shanghais, Taiwanese, Pekingese, Cantonese and Hongkonger specialties! Your bunch of globe trotters could easily spend an entire day just taste testing north of the Financial District! One of the great aspects of this neighborhood is all the foods you’ve never heard of that are equally delicious, affordable and interesting to show off on your Instagram account if you feel brave come time to order! Sightseeing takes your travel group from a statue of Confucius in Confucius Plaza all the way to the Kim Lau Memorial Arch, a reminder of the Chinese Americans whose lives were lost in World War II. Center yourselves upon entering the Mahayana Buddhist Temple across from the Manhattan Bridge where the golden Buddha (coming in at over 16 feet tall) rests upon a lotus flower. Oh, the shopping! Markets, street stands, tempting storefronts, your group could very well find yourselves stumbling into a martial arts supply store or Hello Kitty heaven! Remember this handy tip: Bring cash and prepare to haggle, many of the shops will only accept the green currency and incredible prices are famous if you can adapt to the local art of debating. Gift shops, herbal markets, tea and brewing accessories, even an ice cream factory with flavors like Zen Butter leave nothing to be desired! These days, Chinatown is populated by just about 100,000 folks. Having come about in the 1840s, Chinese immigrants established this neighborhood working occupations like cigar men or earning pay in the restaurant and laundry industry. The largest Chinatown outside of China has earned its place on the Must-See list when visiting NYC!
Times Square
There are more than a few iconic landmarks in the Big Apple including the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, Central Park, and of course, Times Square. New York City pulled itself through the centuries and into the new millennium as a booming metropolis with everything to offer. Times Square, equivalent to L.A.’s Hollywood Boulevard, is the city’s major entertainment center, where commercialism meets production, where lights meet action.
You can find everything you want, except perhaps peace and quiet, on the streets in and surrounding Times Square. This entertainment district runs the full gamut of amusements from live performances to Madame Tussaud’s wax museum, over a hundred restaurants, and countless shops. Take a tour of the area and possibly meet some Broadway actors after their performances, see the famed Coca-cola sign, Chevrolet clock, and explore the exhibits at the Discovery Times Square museum. See a show at The Orion or the Paramount Theatre, see where ABC’s Good Morning America is filmed at Times Square Studios, or check out the new exhibitions at the Museum of Modern Art. Come during the holidays and see the lighting of the tree at Rockefeller Center or the ball drop at the New Year’s Eve festival. Central Park and the New York skyline is beautiful from the Top of the Rock Observation Deck while Duffy Square maintains its regal, historic charm. There is no shortage of amusement in Times Square.
Although New York City, and Times Square in particular, has changed and evolved with the times, the spirit of the city remains the same. Start off your tour of New York City with a stop at Times Square and you will experience the true fast-paced, transformational and modern vivacity of New York. It is, after all, the city that never sleeps.
FAO Schwarz
An absolute must-see on your group’s NYC getaway, this over-the-top, mega-toy wonderland was originally founded in Baltimore under the name “Toy Bazaar” by German Immigrant Frederick August Otto Schwarz; two more locations soon followed-one in Philadelphia, and one in Boston. In 1870 Schwarz opened a New York City store known as the “Schwarz Toy Bazaar; ” ultimately, through decades and seasons of tremendous growth and change, it became known as the largest toy dealer in the city-“The original Santa Claus Headquarters.” In 2001, the flagship store was redesigned; shoppers are treated to a fabulously magical dynamic LED light show and greeted by live “Toy Soldiers” as they pass through the Grand Hall-styled entrance. FAO Schwarz , today, is known for its unsurpassed assortment of beloved high-end and limited edition plush animals, unique luxury gift items and veritable universe of toys for all ages; the store includes a concierge and first-class personal shopping service to assist discerning clients with finding the perfect gifts for good little girls and boys, as well as an amazing array of in-store interactive experiences and customizable toy shops! FAO Schweetz, a magnificent 6000 square foot candy mall full of every treat imaginable also offers as-you-like orders of its wonderful, whimsical wares; FAO Café serves famished toy hunters a delightful assortment of sweet and savory delights from NYC eateries like Crumbs Bake Shop, Jumbo Bagels, Sigmund Pretzel Shop and Donut Plant. Ride-on plush lion, $1500.00 Jewel-encrusted Etch-a-Sketch or Big Piano Dance Mat, anyone?
New York Botanical Garden
Set on remarkably beautiful terrain that includes 50 acres of old growth forest-the largest remaining expanse of original wilderness that once covered all of New York City- and a fresh-water river rolling through a rock cut gorge, this fabulous display of 50 living plant collections arranged in glorious gardens and natural landscapes, ever-changing seasonal shows, gardens and special exhibits had its illustrious origins during the civic movement of the nineteenth century to create in New York City a cosmopolitan “world capital” experience. The mission of the garden has always been three-fold: ongoing participation in plant research and conservation, maintaining/improving the gardens at the highest horticultural standard and using the garden itself as an educational venue, where visitors can learn about plant biology, horticulture and the natural world in general. Late-Winter blooms along garden paths make way for drifts of sunny daffodils that herald the arrival of Spring, when azaleas and rhododendrons burst with
vibrant pops of exotic color all through the grounds and the scent of lilac and cherry blossom fills the air; come Summer the Peggy Rockefeller Rose Garden is a fragrant, award-winning, wonder. Relax for a bit on a warm bench in the lush and delightful Nancy Bryan Luce Herb Garden; wander the three acre Rock Garden or the naturally diverse Native Plant Garden; visit the Edith Haupt Conservatory-a Victorian Style glasshouse, where you and your group will take a fascinating world eco tour through 11 distinct habitats –roam a cacti-filled desert and lose your cares in a lush tropical rain forest! The Conservatory is gracious host to all the Garden’s seasonal shows and exhibits-the Holiday Train Show is a favorite of young and old alike, and the annual rare Orchid show in Summer is a celebrated event not to be missed! Year-round the park is alive with growing, blooming things and a wondrous display of quietly artful to exuberantly magnificent seasonal change-give yourself the gift of a day at the Botanical Gardens!
Ellis Island
Ellis Island is famous today for being the portal to the American dream and opportunities immigrants did not have in their homeland, having admitted over 25 million people in its time. It was a symbol of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, just like the Statue of Liberty. Visit Ellis Island and learn not only about the history of America, but the history of your own family.
The name Ellis comes from the island’s owner, Samuel Ellis, who possessed the property in the 1770s. The Native Americans originally used the land to hunt oysters but since then it has evolved from a pirate hanging site to a harbor fort, an ammunition depot, and finally an immigration station. The original building burned completely, its record wholly lost, in a fire in June of 1897. The new station, a fireproof construction which now houses the museum, was opened in 1900.
The Ellis Island Museum, in the main building of the immigration station, has been restored to look as it did in 1918. Visitors are offered the rare chance of reliving the immigration experience as their ancestors may have, going through different checkpoints, baggage holds, and more. Children’s tours and in-depth tour options are available to teach visitors the history of Ellis Island with interviews, rare information, and more. Explore the stations and exhibitions holding artifacts, photos, videos, interactive displays, and an American Immigrant Wall of Honor. Look through the exhibit “Journeys: The Peopling of America – 1550s-1890″ to see a timeline of the earliest arrival, Anne Moore, to the last to be processed through the island. Watch the award-winning documentary “Island of Hope, Island of Tears” and marvel at the interactive collage, “American Flag of Faces,” where the stripes and stars of our flag are made up from the faces of immigrants.
Edgar Allan Poe Cottage
New York is the historic home to many famous and influential American writers including the master of the macabre, Edgar Allan Poe. Originally from Boston and later Richmond, Virginia, Poe moved several times during his forty years trying to find the literary recognition and fame he believed his work deserved. Poe was the leader of American Romanticism with works like “The Raven,” “The Black Cat,” “Annabel Lee,” and “The Fall of the House of Usher.” The Edgar Allan Poe Cottage, located in The Bronx, was Poe’s last home and is now open for the public to take a look inside the daily life of one of America’s finest and most misunderstood authors.
Believed to have been built in 1812, when Poe moved into the cottage in 1846 it looked over a pastoral landscape and down towards Long Island across the water. He chose this quaint farmhouse in the hopes to cure his ailing wife, Virginia, who was dying of tuberculosis. However, the fresh country air did not save Virginia’s life and two years later, Poe himself died under an air of mystery in Baltimore, Maryland. Though the neighborhood and views have changed, the cottage has been refurbished and is now decorated with period furniture and some pieces believed to have been owned by Poe and his wife.
The Bronx Historical Society, which curates and restored the cottage to its original state, leads guided tours through the house to bring the history of an American genius to life. Learn about Edgar Allan Poe’s life, work, and motivations from the film presentation and from the highly knowledgeable guides. See the bed in which Virginia died, the rocking chair where Poe sat, and other artifacts that make the house seem as if the couple just left the room minutes before you arrived.
Staten Island Zoo
The eight-acre Staten Island Zoo long ago garnered a rather strange claim to fame: It was the first zoo ever to assemble an exhibit of all 32 varieties of rattlesnakes known to occur in the United States; by the 1960s the zoo maintained the most complete rattlesnake collection in the world with 39 varieties on display! Ranked by Wall Street Journal as the best small zoo in New York City, Staten Island Zoo is home to an astonishing 350 different species including a gorgeous pair of the world’s rarest cats: Valeri and Kolya, Amur Leopard brothers! Mobs of Meerkats, frolicking Fossas, and precocious Red Pandas-your favorites are all here, but let’s not forget how it all started! Boasting an impressive menagerie of fish and reptiles, rattlesnakes are still a specialty; Wander into “Fear Zone” if you dare! A wonderful petting zoo encourages meaningful interaction with more docile warm-blooded and furry Kingdom Animalia residents –and a friendly and knowledgeable staff encourage and promote an entertaining as well as educational visit. Perhaps the zoo’s most famous resident is Staten Island Chuck, the official Ground Hog Day forecaster for New York City; the fine horses ridden by Parks Department Enforcement Officers while patrolling the parks and woods of Staten Island also call the Zoo home. Grab your group and hop a ferry for a fantastic “zooventure,” Staten Island Style!
Blue Heron Park & Nature Center
Groups of nature lovers on Upstate Excursion will definitely enjoy seeing a stop at this outstanding educational resource and wildlife sanctuary at the top of their itinerary. New York City acquired the refuge land in segments, between 1974 and 2001; due to the hard work and dedication of concerned Staten Islanders, the area gradually saw its amazing transformation from a tragic wasteland filled with abandoned old cars to the gloriously peaceful wildlife refuge awaiting visitors today. Six kettle ponds formed by a retreating Wisconsin glacier teem with fascinating marine life – curve billed glossy ibis, black crowned night heron, wood duck, owls, osprey, water lilies and turtles – and the surrounding woods and wetlands are chock full of native species; nature enthusiasts regularly flock to the area to observe the thriving park ecosystem. A visitor’s center lies just inside the park entrance, and offers several classrooms, a library, exhibit areas and public restrooms, picnic tables, two observation decks and a mist net for bird banding – the ideal place for the bird watchers amongst you to partake of their hobby! Three different trails traverse the refuge, and broad strokes of wildflowers, including wild columbine, Black-eyed Susan and Jack-in-the-Pulpit happily tint the landscape. Urban Park Rangers and Friends of the Blue Heron-a fabulous community organization whose goal is connecting New Yorkers to the natural world in their own backyards through environmental education, outdoor recreation, wildlife management and active conservation – offer guests a wide variety of arts and educational activities and programming including nature walks, crafts, zoo animals and special holiday events.
Bryant Park
Long-time New York City landmark Bryant Park has seen centuries of growth and change since its original designation when it was still verdant wilderness by the Governor of Colonial New York as a “dedicated public space”; George Washington’s troops actually crossed the property in retreat from the Battle of Long Island in 1776. The continual repurposing of the almost ten acre property has seen it a poor man’s graveyard and a public park; during Civil War the land was used to conduct military drills; later, it was the site of the celebrated “Exhibition of the Industry of All Nations” that kicked off one of the first major tourist booms in New York City, drawing over a million visitors. After the construction of the Sixth Avenue Elevated Railway in 1878, the park fell into a state of neglect and considerable disrepair and was “deemed” disreputable; years later, in the 1930s, it was, once again, redesigned. That wouldn’t be the last time! Fast forward: Modern-day favorite Bryant Park is built entirely over an underground structure housing the New York Public Library’s archives and thrives as a privately managed public oasis; cited as a model for the success of private-public partnerships, it is the most densely occupied urban park in the world! A fine respite from the aggressive climate of the “concrete jungle “ year-round, this beautiful park is the go-to spot during the Holiday Season, when it’s transformed into a Winter Wonderland filled with whirling ice skaters, twinkling Christmas lights and busy shoppers buzzing the scores of food and goodie carts, eclectic little gift kiosks and arts and crafts vendors scattered throughout. The advent of warmer weather brings the bloom of thousands of fragrant daffodils and narcissus, deep purple hyacinth and Easter-egg colored tulips; Spring concerts fill the air above the grounds and gardens and HBO/Bryant Park Summer Film Festival brings Monday night movies beneath the stars! Year-round, visitors enjoy the reading room, free wi-fi, abundant, clean seating, (tiny tables with umbrellas and plenty of well-manicured green grass!) world-class rest facilities, lawn and tabletop games, (ping pong in the park, anyone?) a putting green, an old-fashioned carousel, a variety of dining choices and quirky little “shopportunities”! Bryant Park is the perfect pace to kick off your shoes and the cares of the day- right in the heart of the city!
Museum of Natural History
New York City, among its other shining qualities, is a city of world-class museums. On par with the Smithsonian, the Museum of Natural History is New York’s premier history museum with exhibits and galleries on nearly every facet of our natural history. Search the skies, look deep into the world of bacteria, time travel to the land of dinosaurs, and learn about human societies from around the world.
Exhibits and collections span human and earth history from the prehistoric to our modern day knowledge of our universe. See how life thrives in extreme conditions, learn about natural disasters, and more with circulating temporary exhibitions. Tour the Mammal Halls and Dinosaur Wing where you will see a stuffed woolly mammoth, a constructed skeleton of a Tyrannosaurus Rex, and the fossils and bones of dozens of prehistoric creatures. Visit the Hall of Meteorites, the Human Origins and Cultural Halls, and the Hall of North American Forests to experience the full extent of what the museum has to offer. Kids in your group will enjoy the interactive Discovery Room, dinosaur exhibits, and the 3D films among the other interactive and immersive gallery features.
Groups are more than welcome to take self-guided tours with suggested itineraries like the Whales Tour, the Dinosaur Tour, or the Night at the Museum Tour among others. Museum highlight tours and spotlight tours on specific themes or galleries are regularly scheduled and are great for groups to learn more about the museum from expertly trained guides. Programs, events, and classes are available for every age group including adults, students, and families. Listen to the lectures, attend a film festival, a seminar, workshop, or nature walk.
The Natural History Museum is New York City’s most immersive and interactive discovery center. Bring your group down and experience the amazing natural history of your world.
Coney Island
It’s been said, “If Paris is France, Coney Island between June and September is the World!” Take a break from the standard sight-seeing, grab your group and get out there for the afternoon! This thriving oceanfront entertainment mecca, birthplace of the hotdog as we know it and host to the annual Mermaid Parade, a favorite Summer respite from the hectic pace of the steamy city-is open year round and offers comers of all ages everything they could dream of in the way of traditional, world-class boardwalk/amusement area excitement! Coney is roller coaster heaven, for sure, with competing Island parks all offering their best versions-a turn on the terrifying “Cyclone” is a must for hardy aficionados-but don’t pass the opportunity to take a sweet spin and catch the crazy view on the world-famous
Deno’s Wonderwheel-the quintessentially old-fashioned ferris wheel built in 1920 and still rollin’ strong! Scores of fun snackstands featuring traditional fried fare and local favorites, classic games of chance, great traditional rides and historical Island attractions and the sweet-salty-smoky-gritty scents, sights and sounds of a midway set against the stunning backdrop of broad sandy beach and sea-bird filled Atlantic sky await eager visitors to the oldest amusement destination in the nation! Be sure to visit the conservation-minded New York Aquarium and take in the wondrous displays at Coney Island Museum while you’re there! Hot late Summer nights bring “Flicks on the Beach;”a gigantic inflatable screen turns the Island into a walk-in theatre. As you shuffle along the boardwalk, a Nathan’s dog in one hand and a fresh lemonade in the other, rides tilting, whirling and spinning around you, music and laughter invoking Summers past filling the air and bold seagulls flocking close, hoping to snag a bite of your bun-you, too, will see why Coney Island is known as America’s Playground! Bumper cars, anyone?
Great Kills Park
Nothing like iconic Central Park, and certainly not bustling urban respite Bryant Park, ecologically rich Great Kills Park, part of the Staten Island Unit of Gateway National Recreation Area, is 580 acres of fantastic recreational opportunities – a marina, four public beaches, public boat launch, fishing and kayaking areas, a model airplane field, wild-flower strewn nature trails, and numerous ball fields….set amongst the serenity of woods, marshlands, beaches and dunes that run along the south shore for over two miles. In the warmer months, the beach area’s various concessions open; the Ranger Station is accessible year-round. Home to the only osprey nesting site on Staten Island and a birder’s paradise, the area is popular with a wide variety of feathered residents-full and part-timers alike, including horned larks, buntings , egrets, purple sandpipers, raptors of all shapes and sizes, catbirds, ducks, pheasant, warblers, red knots and oystercatchers, ruby throated hummingbirds, tree swallows and purple martins; the list is almost as endless are the possibilities you will find at Great Kills-Dutch for “Many Creeks”- a new favorite outdoor escape venue-in New York City!
Rockaway Beach
If you don’t mind sharing-it’s not huge but is the largest municipal beach in the US-and have warm sand, an eclectic mix of friendly faces and cool surf on the brain, the unexpected Long Island refuge of Rockaway Beach is for you! Better-than-ever after Hurricane Sandy’s hair-bending visit, this unassuming 170 acre strip of clean, sunny sand, consequently NYC’s only surfing beach, attracts over one million locals and tourists a year , all in search of their own unique sun-and-surf experience. Known to some as the “Hipster Hamptons” and historically as the “Irish Riviera,” this family-friendly “sanctuary in the city,” peppered with the ubiquitous amenities and peopled with types looking for a little respite from the hustle and bustle of New York City and perhaps a connection with their inner naturalist, will afford your group a relaxing escape from the beaten tourist path. Swimming is permitted from Memorial Day to Labor Day weekend; various concessions offer better-than-standard beach fare and refreshment and restrooms and spray showers are available on the boardwalk.
El Museo del Barrio
Credit Carucha Meuse
Museum of the City of New York
Founded in 1923, and charged with the consideration of “All things New York,” this museum is now the premier institution dedicated to the exploration and preservation of the rich history and distinctly diverse culture of the five boroughs of New York City. While the museum displays many pieces of art in its collections, it is not an art museum; its focus is to educate through the scheduling of exhibitions that not only embrace the past but look toward and celebrate a bright future. Climate controlled galleries display a stunning array of over 750,000 objects including theater artifacts, decorative arts, fine furniture, paintings, prints, toys, sculpture and fine photography. Fabulous collections showcased in ongoing interdisciplinary exhibitions- Timescapes, Marine Paintings, Activists New York, City as Canvas and Rising Waters, to cite a few-explore the city’s past, present and future through dynamic offerings displaying unique cross sections of time, culture, individual and collective New York perspective and artistic interpretation. A favorite field trip destination, the museum continues in its cornerstone mission of serving and education the city’s younger generations.
Jewish Museum
The Jewish Museum on Fifth Avenue along New York City’s Museum Mile houses the largest collection of authentic Jewish art and culture displayed anywhere outside of Israel. With a dedicated focus on both modern and contemporary art items and artifacts of Jewish history, its permanent exhibition, “Culture and Continuity: The Jewish Journey” is comprised of more than 26,000 objects and is supplemented by regular rotating- as well as special-exhibitions-combinations of fine art and artifact, often interdisciplinary in nature. The collection, while established in the library of the Jewish Theological Seminary of America in 1904 where it was housed for four decades- did not go public until 1947, when the widow of a prominent trustee donated the family mansion as a display venue. This little known gem in New York City offers guests a fantastically immersive illustration of the extraordinary diversity that has existed within the Jewish community itself throughout the ages.
Cooper-Hewitt Design Museum
Housed in the impressive Georgian-style landmark mansion of industrial magnate Andrew Carnagie, Cooper Hewitt’s displays presents compelling evidence of the impact of design on daily life and is the only museum in the nation dedicated exclusively to historic and contemporary design. Founded in 1896, and a branch of the Smithsonian since 1967, the institution boasts one of the largest collections of decorative arts in the world, with collections, world-class design library and exhibitions exploring a span of over 240 years of design aesthetic and creativity. The 64 room mansion itself is a fascinating study in innovative design and was the first private residence in the United States to have a structural steel frame, a house elevator, central heating and a precursor to air conditioning. It may be lavish but it was designed to be a comfortable , light-filled home. The campus includes two historic townhouses completely renovated with state –of-the-art conservation technology, a wonderful terrace and large private garden, a restful oasis to this day; all are part of the fabulous Cooper Hewitt Design Museum venue. *Currently closed for renovations.
The Goethe Institute
Goethe Institute is committed to fostering cultural cooperation and promoting German language learning via public opportunities to interact with themes and questions relevant to all aspects of German culture and society; the New York Branch is the regional coordinator of 10 institutes and one center in the North American Region, comprised of the United States, Canada and Mexico, all committed to the same goals and objectives. Culture cravers looking to hone their German language skills or slip into uniquely immersive atmospheres of discussion, art and learning will enjoy guided tours of any of the three NYC locations: The Wyoming Building located in the East Village showcases presentations, performances, film screenings and exhibits-an intimate space to gather over coffee and join in great conversation; Ludlow 38 on the Lower East Side serves as a contemporary German art gallery and the 72 Spring Street Loft in SoHo contains the library and is a center for book club meetings, Institute gatherings and conferences.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Commonly known as The Met, The Metropolitan Museum of Art was founded in 1870 by Americans after an inspiring trip to Paris. It was decided that the United States needed a national institution and artistic landmark comparable to the Louvre and The Met was established to furnish artistic understanding, inspire, and encourage the development of creativity.
The Met has been located in the same grand, neoclassical structure on 5th Avenue since 1880 and has added on new structures such as the Cloisters, a religious and traditional style collection of galleries. More than just a museum, The Met and its beautiful facade have been used as a filming location for several movies including The Thomas Crown Affair, Maid in Manhattan, When Harry Met Sally, and Hitch starring Will Smith.
The Met is one of the largest museums in the world with two million square feet of galleries and exhibits. Permanent collections include works by Rembrandt, Albrecht Durer, Georgia O’Keeffe, El Greco, Renoir, and Winslow Homer. Five paintings by Vincent Van Gogh including his beautiful piece, Cypresses, three sketches by Leonardo da Vinci, and five paintings by Pablo Picasso are also on display for visitors.
The Met is open daily with guided and/or audio tours available as well as suggested itineraries so that you are able to view as much as possible during your visit.
Madame Tussaud’s
Madame Tussauds remains the world’s most famous and most popular wax museum franchise since its original founding in 1770 Paris. Located near Times Square on West 42nd Street, Madame Tussauds curiosity shop is filled completely with amazingly authentic looking figures of celebrities, sports stars, film characters, pop culture icons, and world leaders.
This particular location opened in 2000 after the first American museum opened successfully in Las Vegas. The ropes and poles have been removed so that you may pose next to your favorite Hollywood stars and famous idols. Pretend to walk down the red carpet with Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, sing next to Katy Perry, or pose with your arm around Leonardo DiCaprio. Michael Jackson, Charlie Chaplin, Marilyn Monroe, and James Dean make up the pop culture exhibit while President Obama, Prince William and Kate Middleton, and Gandhi rest among the world leader displays. Marvel superheroes are in attendance as are cultural geniuses such as Pablo Picasso and Albert Einstein.
Take advantage of group and birthday packages to get the most out of your visit with private access, souvenir photos, and a 4D film experience. Also, be aware that the winter and summer seasons are the busiest for the museum and waiting in line to get in is a possibility. Be sure to bring your camera to commemorate your visit with the stars.
New York Yankees
Songwriter Steve Goodman had the right idea: “Take me out to the ball game…take me out to the crowd…” 27-time World Champion New York Yankees take to the field this season in quest of yet another World Series trophy! Dedicated fans bent on seeing that bucket list shrinking might want to plan their Big Apple group getaway around some superstar home action at world-famous New York City landmark Yankee Stadium! So you’re not a Bleacher Creature; all fans of the Bronx Bombers have one thing in common: 24-7 loyalty to one of the most popular sports teams in the world! If tickets to an awesome home game aren’t on your agenda this trip, behind-the-scenes tours of Yankee Stadium gets you access to the Yankees Museum, Monument Park, The Dugout and Yankees Clubhouse where you’ll find all the sweet official Yankees memorabilia, sportswear and merchandise a fan could dream of! Whether you fantasize of playing for the “Pinstripes” or just love to watch them in action-Adventure Student Travel will help your group hit a vacation home-run, Sultan of Swat style! “It’s root, root root for the home team…”
New York Mets
“Meet the Mets! Meet the Mets! Stand right up and greet the Mets!” Bill Katz and Ruth Roberts penned this little ditty way back in 1961. Die-hard fans of this old New York ball club are famous for standing by their blue(and-orange) collar team, team, thick and thin. If you’re numbered amongst the faithful, and tickets to see your boys at “The New Shea” (Citi Field) aren’t part of your Big Apple travel agenda, make sure your travel group (you’re all Mets fans, right?) stop in at the Mets Clubhouse at 11 West 42nd grab yourselves some cool team memorabilia-they’ve got a huge selection of everything a long-time fan of the New York Metropolitans could want, with alotta caps at better-than-ballpark prices and all the “Mr. Met” a devotee could hope for. “…East Side, West Side, everybody’s comin’ down…to meet the Mets of New York Town!”
New York Hall of Science
“Forms in Transit,” a striking cast sculpture near the east entrance of New York Hall of Science greets visitors to this popular museum, established in 1964 as part of the original World’s Fair; where other exhibits closed, it remained open and served as a resource for students. Its exhibits at the time were limited but included plans for the world’s first public “atomarium.” As the museum transitioned from its original purpose and science-fiction orientation to a relevant science museum, the first in New York City, plans for the display of an atom were realized with a $40,000.00 quantum atom exhibit, part of a $400,000.00 expansion and renovation. The museum’s growth and popularity with visitors was most unexpected and led to the city’s pursuit of further funds and expansions. Today, its outdoor display of restored rockets donated by NASA continue to draw crowds and over 450 exhibits, demonstrations, workshops and activities explaining science, technology, engineering, and math offer an energetic and immersive hands-on educational experience to visitors of all ages. Increase your understanding of scientific principles of motion, sight, and sound with a recess on the Science Playground; consider Seeing the Light-learn about color and sight perception; embark on NYSci’s Search for Life Beyond Earth and meet Camille, the new Mars Rover designed by two sisters! Have a Big Apple evening free? Grab your group and engage in after-hours scientific exploration of everything from ant communication to the magic and wonder of optic illusions with Science After Dark! Scavenger hunt or milky way and cookies with a 3D movie, anyone?
Intrepid Sea Air Space Museum
On Pier 86 you will find the world-renowned venerable veteran air craft carrier USS Intrepid; a tour of this museum receives billing as “The Most Inspiring Adventure in America” and a few hours here warrant a place on every group’s NYC must-see list. The Intrepid Sea Air Space Museum is a magnificent, mind-boggling, almost intimidating interactive carrier museum complex offering up close and personal viewing of 27 authentically restored military aircraft on Intrepid’s massive hangar deck, an 18,000 square foot education center, access to the USSS Growler, a Cold-War Era diesel electric submarine that carried out top-secret nuclear deterrent patrols and an optional tour of the newly re-opened Space Shuttle Pavilion. Want more perspective? Flight simulators G-Force Encounter and Transporter FX give you all the thrills of supersonic flight and a little insight into a pilot’s world. See the world’s fastest military jet and spy plane, marvel at propeller-driven WWII aircraft, and ooh and ahh over the British Airways Concorde, the fastest commercial airliner to cross the Atlantic-if you’ve ever wondered what the inside of its luxurious cabin might look like, here’s your shot! A variety of fascinating guided explorations tell their stories and you will find your group all ears as you fall back in time and relive history aboard USS Intrepid or get up close and personal with Space Shuttle Enterprise.
New York Aquarium
Finish up that Nathan’s dog, slurp that last drop of fresh lemonade, wipe your hands and get over to the wonderful and watery New York institution boasting as its claim to fame the fact that it’s the longest continually operating aquarium in the United States! The AA accredited New York Aquarium opened at Castle Garden in Battery Park, Manhattan, in 1896 where it operated until its relocation to the Coney Island Boardwalk in 1959 and is managed by the Wildlife Conservation Society as part of an integrated system of four zoos and the aquarium. Situated on 14 oceanfront acres, this waterworld comfortably houses over 350 aquatic species showing off their fine form in exceptional exhibits. Explore the awesome diversity of marine habitat-visit the coral reefs, freshwater lakes and flooded forests of Conservation Hall-get acquainted with the wonderful relationship of the colorful clown fish and the infamously irritable sea anemone. Introduce yourself to the wiggling walruses at Sea Cliffs-watch them slurp delightful herring snacks from a giant straw while hungry sea otters engage in a rollicking game of fetch-for lunch-and precocious penguins bob for prizes in their 300-foot *Rocky Pacific Coastline* habitat; meet and mingle with whiskery Aquatheater Stars at Sea Lion Celebration! (Psssst-Coming soon: the 57,000 square foot “Ocean Wonders: Sharks” exhibit!)
Radio City Music Hall
Best known as the home of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular and the dancing Rockettes, Radio City Music Hall has wowed, lured, and entertained visitors since its opening in 1923. Built as part of John D. Rockefeller’s revolutionary Rockefeller Center, Radio City Music Hall is an art deco masterpiece and a national landmark theater that has hosted movie premieres, sold-out concerts, and award shows for decades.
The Radio City Christmas Spectacular is a generational tradition and the number one holiday production since 1933 when it first debuted. Since then, Radio City has been used for movie premieres of greats like Breakfast at Tiffany’s, To Kill a Mockingbird, Mary Poppins, and White Christmas. Music idols such as Ray Charles, Frank Sinatra, and Liberace have taken the stage in the past. Today, you may buy tickets to see Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga share the stage among other artistic productions. Visit during the winter to catch the Christmas Spectacular performed by the Rockettes or take a tour and meet one in person.
The building itself is a monument to Rockefeller’s roaring ‘20s architecture, an artistic remnant of the art deco movement. The Great Stage arches 60 feet into the air and reaches its arms 100 feet wide to envelop the more than 6,000 seats in the audience. The Mighty Wurlitzer organ was built specifically for the theater and is still in use to captivate the audience in its grand groans, angelic sopranos, and fantastic bass notes.
Exploring America > U.S. Cities > New York City Tours
Central Park
There is never a shortage of things to do in the Big Apple, but if you need to slow down a little from the hectic chaos of the city all you need to do is step inside the 843 acre oasis between 5th Avenue and Central Park West. Central Park is as pivotal a landmark to New York City as the Empire State Building, being the first major landscaped public park in the country, established in 1843. Since then, the park has lured millions of tourists and locals alike into the meticulously manicured gardens and amazingly diverse attractions hidden within the trees.
Jog the paved pathways, picnic on the lawns, or take your dog through the park on a nice Spring day. If you enjoy nature, boat along the lake, sit and watch the flowing waterfall at the Loch, explore Shakespeare Garden, or sit and read on Cherry Hill or the Great Lawn. Explore iconic Central Park features like the Mall and Literary Walk or the dozens of sculptures and fountains that decorate the landscape. See beautiful renditions of Alice in Wonderland, Simon Bolivar, Ludwig van Beethoven, the hero dog Balto, Romeo and Juliet, and the gorgeous Bethesda Fountain to name a few.
For groups with children, have some fun at the carousel or the many playgrounds. Visit the rides and attractions at the Victorian Gardens Amusement Park and then head over to the Central Park Zoo or even the pool. The Charles A. Dana Discovery Center, Belvedere Castle, Wollman Rink, and more offer visitors a diversity of entertainment for every season. Play a game of volleyball or tennis on the courts, catch a concert or a play at the amphitheater, or take a custom or group tour of the park to learn more about the ecology, history, and design.
Central Park Zoo
Big things come in small packages: open year-round, this wonderful 6.5 acre zoo in the midst of verdant Big Apple refuge Central Park, is no exception to this rule! What had its humble origins as a *menagerie* of gifted and donated exotic animals and pets in the mid-1800s soon evolved into a full-fledged, properly-housed zoo. As its population grew and times changed, old-fashioned accommodations saw much-needed upgrades and now the resident creatures happily thrive, play and court visitors to naturalistic habitat exhibits with their daily routines and antics. Would you have believed-if you hadn’t read it here-there exists a Sea Lion Pool in New York City, or that the Central Park Zoo is home to one of the most important collections of rare snow leopards in North America? Listen to lemurs’ territorial declarations and marvel at the Red Bird of Paradise’s elegant “Butterfly Dance”; observe an adorable Red Panda foraging for food, tally red-bellied turtles in the wetlands and trek around a tiny, rocky island populated by Snow Monkeys! Be a guest at a Penguin fish feed, catch silly sea lions showing off or giggle and gawk at tufted puffins. Stop for some healthy refueling at The Dancing Crane Café; in warmer weather, the Central Garden offers visitors a fabulous respite -be sure to stop and smell the heirloom roses!
Exploring America > U.S. Cities > New York City Tours
New York Skyride
Sit back in a comfortable seat and let Kevin Bacon fly you over the New York that is rarely seen. This is, of course, the New York Skyride, a virtual tour of New York City from above, below, and in between all narrated by movie star Kevin Bacon.
Skyride debuted in 1995 as a complementary attraction to the Empire State Building’s observation deck and is located on the second floor of said building. This is a perfect attraction for first-time New York visitors yet it’s also a great stop for even the most seasoned of vacationers. See sites that even most locals have never seen. Soar from incredible heights without fear of falling, speed through traffic at breakneck speeds that even the taxi drivers can’t match, and see the New York landmarks from unusual and enlightening angles. See Times Square, the Statue of Liberty, and Yankee Stadium among other attractions both famous and unknown. Come after a visit to the observation deck to enhance your experience of New York from above.
Skyride tours show every half hour from 8:00 am-10:00 pm daily, including holidays. Helicopter tours and double-decker bus tours of the city are also offered through Skyride’s parent company, Skyline Multimedia Entertainment.
Empire State Building
Visitors to The City that Never Sleeps will have no excuse to miss a ride to the top of this iconic NYC landmark-it’s open from 8:00 am to 2:00 am daily! Experience spine-tingling, mind-boggling, spectacularly breathtaking views 1250 feet above the heart of Manhattan-on a clear day you can see Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Massachusetts and New Jersey! This beloved skyline symbol of dreams and aspirations draws intrepid sight seers from all walks of life to its famed lookouts; whether you choose to stop at a comfortable 86 floors with both indoor and outdoor viewing options or continue 200 feet higher to the climate-controlled privacy of the 102nd floor observation deck – the highest public point in New York City-is entirely up to you; both vantage points offer unmatched 360 degree views!
Grab your camera and go-but leave the shopping bags back in your room to save time in security-you won’t want to miss that exhilarating Big Apple sunset panorama!
Tour the United Nations
The international headquarters of the world’s peacekeeping organization, the United Nations, has been operating in New York City since the building’s completion in 1952. Over one million visitors explore the UN on guided tours every year to better understand this alliance’s mission to protect and serve the nations of the world.
Located on nearly 18 acres along the East River, the United Nations is an iconic landmark and a symbol of international cooperation. Arrive along the river and witness the flags of member states arranged in a colorful array of peace and partnership. Enter through the Visitor’s Center and take a guided tour of the headquarters, starting with the exhibits and installations on the works of the UN over the years. Visit the General Assembly Hall, the Security Council Chamber, the Trusteeship Council Chamber, and the Economic and Social Council Chamber where delegates and officials meet to discuss important issues. View the 30 articles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, remnants from the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki such as bottles and coins, and various landmines. Artistic renditions decorate the headquarters though none are without crucial significance. See the “Golden Rule” mosaic, a guitar made from an AK-47, and a mural by artist Jose Vela Zanetti.
Official speakers are on hand by request to discuss topics and give briefings on nuclear safety and security, the UN charter, disarmament, counter-terrorism, peacekeeping, and human rights among many others. Each speaker is chosen based on their expertise and all are consulted or employed by the United Nations.
After you finish your tour, commemorate the visit with a souvenir or book from the UN or UNICEF gift shops, the UN Bookshop, or the UN Women’s Guild. The Visitor’s Cafe is open to the general public and only recently the Delegates Dining Room has been opened to visitors.
Rockefeller Center Tours
Rockefeller Center was first envisioned by American business tycoon John D. Rockefeller over a hundred years ago as a “city within a city.”
Construction began on Rockefeller Center during the worst years of the Great Depression, employing thousands of individuals and that is only the beginning of Rockefeller’s philanthropy and contributions. Today, Rockefeller Center is a beautiful building complex with art deco details, historical significance, and entertainment attractions. TV shows like Saturday Night Live and 30 Rock are filmed at 30 Rockefeller Plaza while the building complex has been featured in Sleepless in Seattle, Home Alone 2, and Elf.
Arriving at Rockefeller Center, you first see the grand building with a statue of the mythical Atlas holding up the world in a representation of Rockefeller’s personal philosophy. Other artistic decorations include Winged Mercury, the Fraternity of Man, and other murals commissioned by Rockefeller himself to represent man’s struggle and success. Several innovations and traditions started here such as the annual lighting of the Christmas tree and the skating rink. Visit during the spring and summer months to see the flowers in full bloom in the Channel Gardens and during the winter holidays for the special shows.
Rockefeller Center is home to Radio City Music Hall and the iconic Radio City Christmas Spectacular featuring the Rockettes. Be in the audience for a taping of the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon at NBC Studios or look out over the New York City skyline from the Top of the Rock Observation Deck where you will see one of the best views in the city.
Central Park Carriage Ride
We’ve all seen the big screen romance stuff-the lovelorn guy, besotted with “the girl,” arranges a Central Park Carriage ride to whisk her, Cinderella-Style, away from her cares while he captures her heart with a bouquet of roses and box of fine chocolates. We’re well familiar with the snowy Holiday scenes, where the streets are abustle with bag-burdened last-minute shoppers and miles of strung electric stars twinkle and sway against the wise, winking skyline; he (same guy) whisks her away in a flurry of perfect snowflakes as she draws her sable closer against the chill and scoots next to her hero, the clip-clip sound of horseshoes on city streets ticking into the frozen air above the city as his hand moves to his coat pocket where he pat-pats the small box shape lump nestled in the wool and smiles to himself, hopeful. “Single” or not, visitors to the Big Apple will find the City that Never Sleeps just as beautiful from a seat in a fine horse drawn carriage next to a travel buddy as it would be cozied up to a silver screen sweetheart! Whatever your pleasure, be it a standard trot around the beautiful park or a magical extended late-night, bright lights city tour replete with live violin, chocolate covered strawberries and a videographer to capture your ride in fine detail- you’re the designer of your own grand Central Park Horses carriage ride- a must-do on any quintessential Big Apple agenda!
Madison Square Garden
The World’s Most Famous Arena, Madison Square Garden, was built as a multi-purpose arena in the heart of Manhattan. The current building was opened in February of 1968 though several others were built and demolished since the first building in 1879, originally owned by circus magnate P.T. Barnum.
Madison Square Garden is best known as the most famous stadium in the nation, hosting the New York Knicks, the Rangers, and the New York Liberty among other special events. The Garden’s history in hosting sports events are varied and impressive. Tennis matches, WWE and boxing fights, the Harlem Globetrotters, the gymnastics American Cup, and professional bull riding events have been held in this prestigious arena.
Besides sports, concerts, comedy acts, and speakers have taken the stage to perform before nearly 19,000 seats. Michael Jackson, Elvis Presley, and Elton John have performed before a packed stadium while Billy Joel, Shania Twain, Lady Gaga, and Usher continue to wow fans in the stands. In the past, The Garden has held the Democratic National Convention, All-Star games, New York Police Academy graduations, and has even been featured in movies like the 1998 classic Godzilla starring Matthew Broderick.
Take a tour of the arena to get behind-the-scenes information or try the food at The Garden’s Club Bar & Grill.
Statue of Liberty
Credit Marley White
Probably the most recognizable attraction in the whole United States, the Statue of Liberty is located on 12-acre Liberty Island in the New York City harbor. This beautiful statue was a gift from the French. While she took nine years to construct in France, upon her arrival in America after she had been crated into 350 separate pieces she only took four months to assemble in her new home. She stands as a universal symbol of democracy and freedom, especially for immigrants as they approached the island. She actually served a term of 16 years as a lighthouse when she first arrived! You’ll learn even more about the history and symbolism on the Promenade tour which takes you behind the scenes of this enormous sculpture. The observatory tour lets you climb one step further to the observation balcony where you can see spectacular views of the New York City harbor. Lady Liberty’s full name is Liberty Enlightening the World. She is modeled after the Roman goddess Libertas, (except for her face which was created in the likeness of the sculptor’s own mother) the goddess of freedom worshipped by the freed slaves of the country. With broken chains enveloping her sandaled feet, Liberty is built to appear as though she is walking forward toward progress, not standing still. To put to bed the rumors, her crown is in fact open to tourists but only advanced reservations can guarantee entry! Standing between your tour group and the top of the crown is a whopping 393 steps. For those still building up wind power in the lungs, an elevator is available inside her 305 foot tall structure. The crown is comprised of seven points, each one represents a different sea and a different continent, all after one sacred goal: peace.