Explore New York City

by Mollie Millington | Feb 25, 2022 | sponsored post, travel

No matter what time of year, I have always enjoyed my time in New York.  In case you haven’t been before, I wanted to share some ideas on how to see it all and even get some steps in.  Go New York’s Explorer pass gives you about 75 options with how to spend your time in the city.  Start off your visit with the one day hop-on hop-off bus tour.  I love doing these bus tours when I am in a new city (even though sometimes I doze off).  My suggestions is to stay on for an entire loop to get a lay of the land and see what looks interesting.  On the next lap, hop off at the spots that looked most interesting and explore.

The Guggenheim Museum is one of the 75 attractions and tours included in the Explorer pass.  The first time I visited there, I saw an installation that has microphones listening to ice melt. Mind blown! The building was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and is beautiful inside and out.  The collection is contemporary art with early modern and impressionist too.  It is a great option if it is cold or rainy weather and you want to spend some time indoors.  It is located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan and I prefer to call it the Gugg.

If you enjoy art, the Museum of Modern Art (aka MOMA) is another great option on the Explorer pass and is nearby in midtown Manhattan.  Here you can see the originals of many famous pieces of art by Andy Warhol, Pablo Picasso, Vincent Van Gogh, Roy Litchenstein, Henri Matisse, Frida Kahlo, and many more names you may recognize.  The texture of original paintings will never cease to amaze me (Jackson Pollack’s Full Fathom Five included paint tube caps, cigarette butts, buttons, and nails).  If it is allowed, see if you can get up close and have a good look.

Nothing beats the New York skyline (sorry London, but you are too flat!).  If you like to see things from up high and the sun is shining, you have a few options to take in incredible views of the city.  Traditionally, the Top of the Rock Observatory (70th floor) and the Empire State Building (86th floor or 102rd floor) are where most people go.  There is a newer place now too at Edge at Hudson Yards (100th floor).  The Edge features a glass floor viewing platform to see directly below you. For an extra fee, you can enjoy a glass of champagne while up there too. If you are like an extreme challenge, check out the City Climb at the Edge, which is the world’s highest open air ascent in the world.  You admission fee includes a video of your climb and photos at the top.  How many people can say they have done this?

If you like to stay active while on holiday (you know I do!), the Explorer pass also covers several walking tours and bicycle rental options.  If you are interested in history, the Secrets of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island walking tour takes four hours and includes ferry rides to both attractions.  If you prefer to stay on dry land, you can rent a bike and explore Central Park for the day (pack a picnic).  The bike rental includes a helmet, map, lock and basket  mounted on your bike to hold your gear. Alternatively, you can rent bikes in Harlem or near the Brooklyn Bridge.  Or, if you prefer to refuel frequently throughout the day, the Food on Foot Tours have a lot of choices for locations and cuisines throughout New York City.

I will always encourage people to visit New York City.  It is so large, it makes it easy to keep up with your steps while exploring a new area. Just remember that the United States is as big as Europe, and each city has its own culture. You will see that even within New York City, each borough and neighbourhoods has its own personality to it.

What is a favorite place you have found when visiting The Big Apple? How many steps did you hit in a single day as you explored?

This post is sponsored by Go New York.