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.

Exploring America > U.S. Cities > New York City Tours

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!

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 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.

Exploring America > U.S. Cities > New York City Tours

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!

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.