Your End of Summer Bucket List

Summer is quickly coming to an end! Whether you can’t wait for fall or you’re soaking up the last of the summer sun, everyone has a summer bucket list. Take part in these New York City activities while the weather is still warm!

Night Tour

Nothing beats a summer sunset! The night tour runs year round but a nice evening summer breeze coupled with a Twilight tour of the city lights and famous landmarks is incredible. From the Brooklyn Bridge to a panoramic view of the skyline, don’t miss out on the most incredible Manhattan summer sunset you’ll ever see!

Guided Bike Tour

Central Park is 1.3 squared miles, there’s no way you can experience it all on foot. Taking a guided bike tour is a perfect way to experience summer in the city while learning about the history surrounding central park. You’ll see iconic central park spots like the Bethesda Terrace and Fountain, the Bow Bridge, the Shakespeare Garden and more!

Intrepid Museum

The Intrepid is such a great staple in New York City museum culture. And it’there’s something for everyone no matter what age you are. It’s an amazing experience to go on the top deck of the Intrepid in beautiful weather

Whether you come to just walk through, get hands on experience or learn the history behind the Intrepid; it’s the perfect place to spend a day in NYC!

Hop on, Hop Off Ferry Tour

Board the cruise at Pier 78, the World Financial Center, DUMBO, or Pier 11. All from aboard the ferry you can view the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, One World Trade Center, the Brooklyn Bridge and more! There’s no better way to cool off from a hot summer day than taking a tour on the Hudson by boat!

Don’t forget to follow CitySightseeing New York on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Share your end of summer pictures with us for a chance to be reposted!

How To Escape the Undesirable Weather in NYC

Unpredictable summer weather can leave New Yorkers and tourists alike scrambling to find an escape from the wind, rain, or heat. Getting trapped in any weather you’re unprepared for can be disastrous and leave you seeking cover for an indoor activity. The Guggenheim is the perfect place to escape to whether you need to get away for just 30 minutes or a lengthy 3 hours.

The entire building is a piece of art in itself. Although it is widely recognized for it’s exterior the inside is just as aesthetically pleasing. Stand on the main floor and stare up in awe! The Guggenheim is set up in the perfect way where you aren’t afraid that you’re missing any rooms. Level by level you can take your time when taking in the art!

Located on the Upper East Side, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum is right across from Central Park at the corner of Fifth Ave and East 89th Street. It’s also stop number 34 on our Uptown Tour bus tour! With easy access to other neighboring Museums like the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Smithsonian Museum of Design/ Jewish Museum, and the Museum of the City of New York. Take note of their hours as they change daily and the only day of the week they’re closed is on Thursdays.

It’s a must for the art lovers. From Impressionist to Post-Impressionist, early modern and contemporary art you can experience them all at the Guggenheim. It also features special exhibitions throughout the year. There’s no way you could be bored with so much to take in. The collection has grown exponentially and continues to grow today!

Daily public tours are offered at 2 pm led by highly knowledgeable Guggenheim educators. If you would rather experience the make sure to purchase an audio guide! An audio guide may be what’s best in store for you if you’re looking for a longer visit.

Don’t let the weather steal away your day of sightseeing in New York City! There’s a plethora to see inside while dodging lousy weather. Visit the Guggenheim and experience a day filled with art. Access the Guggenheim via our Uptown Tour, hopping off at stop number 34. Or travel on the 4,5,6, and Q subway lines, or use the M1, M2, M3, or M4 bus lines on Madison or Fifth Avenue.

Don’t forget to follow CitySightseeing New York on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Share your Guggenheim pictures with us for a chance to be reposted!

 

July Events in New York City You Can’t Miss

Happy July New York! It’s summer time in The Big Apple and you know what that means; cruises, rooftop events and seeking air conditioning literally wherever you can find it (sorry avid subway riders).

Fourth of July Fireworks Cruise

On Independence Day, enjoy a fireworks cruise on the Hudson with CitySightseeing New York! The cruise boards from Pier 78 at 5:30 p.m. and will be returning at 10:45 p.m. On board enjoy dinner, drinks, a DJ and the perfect view of the Macy’s 4th of July fireworks show.  Reserve your spot while you still can!

Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest

At 10:00 a.m. on July 4th in Brooklyn gather at Nathan’s to watch as the “most talented gluttons prove just how many of America’s finest delicacy they can swallow in ten minutes”. Thousands come together to watch every year. Join in on the celebration this year! For more information click here.

Free Concerts at the MoMA

Summer Sundays for classical and jazz music! July 9-30 the MoMA presents free concerts at The Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Sculpture Garden. The gate will open at 7:00 p.m. and concerts begin at 8:00 p.m. Seating is first come first serve, for more information learn more about the event here.

NYC Poetry Festival

July 29-30 on Governors Island, attend the NYC Poetry Festival. There is a suggested donation of $10 at entry at 11:00 a.m. You can find information on the lineup, open mic performances, volunteering information and more here.

Shakespeare in the Park

Every summer, the Public Theaters puts on Shakespeare in the Park. Taking place at the open-air Delcorte Theater in Central Park. To learn how you can get tickets, check out Time Out’s full guide. The second half of the summer presents A Midsummer Night’s Dream (July 11th- August 13th) directed by Lear deBessonet.

Iconic NYC movies in Bryant Park

June kicks off the Bryant Park outdoor movie screenings. Grab your friends, a blanket and some popcorn! This is the 25th year that Bryant Park will be holding the outdoor film screenings. In honor of the monumental birthday, iconic NYC films will be featured all summer long. Every Monday the lawn opens at 5pm for you to snag your perfect spot!

Written by Taylor Hoblitzell

 

 

The Best Events NYC Has to Offer this June

Kick off the start of summer having fun in the sun! Free events, music festivals, and father’s day festivities for dad! You can’t miss out.

The Governors Ball Musical Festival

Music Festival – June 2nd-4th, 2017 – Randall’s Island Park – NYC

 

The iconic music festival on Randall’s Island is coming up this weekend! On June 2nd-4th The Governors Ball Music Festival is at Randall’s Island Park. All your favorite artists like Chance the Rapper, Lorde, Tove Lo, Childish Gambino and more will take the stage this weekend. Find schedules, tickets, transportation and more here.

 

Coney Island Mermaid Parade

Parade – Saturday, June 17, 2017 – Coney Island  (online pre-registration ends on Tuesday June 13)

Children, families, and floats are all welcome to participate in the 2017 Coney Island Mermaid Parade! The parade takes place on Coney Island at 1pm on Saturday, June 17, 2017. For more information, registration and more, click here.

Father’s Day Brunch Cruise

Brunch Cruise – Sunday, June 18, 2017 – Pier 40

What better way to celebrate your father than treating him to a two hour brunch buffet cruise. Featuring a dessert station, mimosas and beers, and a live jazz band and DJ on board. On Father’s Day at 12pm boarding begins. Rain or shine the cruise will take place from 12:30pm-2:30pm. Get more information and reserve your seats here.

 

Shakespeare in the Park

Free Event – Until June 18 – Central Park  

Every summer, the Public Theaters puts on Shakespeare in the Park. Taking place at the open-air Delcorte Theater in Central Park. Ending on June 18th, the public theater presents Julius Caesar directed by Oskar Eustis. To learn how you can get tickets, check out Time Out’s full guide. The second half of the summer presents A Midsummer Night’s Dream (July 11th- August 13th) directed by Lear deBessonet.

Iconic NYC movies in Bryant Park

Free Event – Every Monday at 5pm – Bryant Park

June kicks off the Bryant Park outdoor movie screenings. Grab your friends, a blanket and some popcorn! This is the 25th year that Bryant Park will be holding the outdoor film screenings. In honor of the monumental birthday, iconic NYC films will be featured all summer long. The screenings begin on June 19th, showing 1933’s King Kong. Every Monday the lawn opens at 5pm for you to snag your perfect spot!

Written by Taylor Hoblitzell

May Events You Must Attend

New York City always has endless fun activities going on for both New Yorkers and tourists to take part in. But this May, here are the top events and festivals to put on your calendars.

Mother’s Day Garden Party May 13-14

It’s the Mother’s Day weekend your mom deserves (and probably needs). Bring the whole family out for live music, games, picnicking, and more! Get your tickets here.

Food Book Fair May 11-14

If you love to eat and read then this fair is for you. You’ll be kept well-fed and well-read at this year’s Food Book Fair. Get more information about the fun filled weekend here.

The Village Voice Choice Eats May 19

It’s the 10th anniversary of the tasting event featuring 50 PLUS restaurants reviewed by the village voice! Guests get to sample the best dishes from the best restaurants along with complimentary drinks! More information and ticket purchases can be access here.

Vulture Festival May 20-21

Experience the pop culture extravaganza May 20-21. The featured talent includes Aziz Ansari, Chelsea Handler, Stephen Colbert, Sarah Jessica Parker and so many more awesome and talented people. Tickets are already available for most shows now. Get more information about the Vulture Festival and who will be there here.

Washington Square Outdoor Art Exhibit May 27-29

Come to Washington Square park the weekend of Memorial Day Weekend (May 27, 28, 29) and experience the outdoor art exhibit. Fine artists and craft artisans from New York and around the world are being showcased. Find out all about the exhibit here.

 

Written by Taylor Hoblitzell

Brighten Up Your April With These NYC Events

Earth Day New York 2017

Tuesday April 18, 2017 12:00pm-7:00pm

Meet at Union Square West, New York, NY for Dozens of exhibitors, environmental non-profits, green businesses, kids’ activities and live performances! Have questions regarding the Earth loving event? Contact info@earthdayny.org or call 212-922-0048.

Tribeca Film Festival

 April 19-30, 2017

It’s the annual legendary film fest here in NYC! You don’t want to miss out; get your tickets here!

Tartan Day

Saturday, April 8th, 2017

Register NOW; HERE. It’s the 19th annual New York Tartan Day Parade and you’re so invited! There’s no charge to march in or attend the parade– what a deal! Don’t miss out!

Arts Fests Happening This April

MoCCA Arts Festival 

April 1-2, 2017 ~this weekend alert~

This TWO DAY multimedia event is Manhattan’s largest independent comics, cartoon and animation festival. You’ll be one of 7,000 attendees if you go check it out which you totally should.

Downtown Urban Arts Festival

April 8-May 20, 2017

Theater. Film. Music. Poetry.

Intrigued by any of these forms of ART?! Well then you better get yourself the Downtown Urban Arts Festival.

Easter Events

Barnyard Egg Hunt

Saturday, April 15, 2017 @ 11:00 am – 3:00 pm

Bring your baskets! This kid friendly Easter Egg Hunt in Queens will be a day of fun; get your tickets here!

Amazing Easter Egg Scavenger Hunt

Saturday, April 15, 2017 @ 1:30 pm

POGO Events presents The Amazing Easter Egg Scavenger Hunt at Slattery’s on East 36th Street. For only $39 a person a series of clues leads you around the city! Book this awesome day of Easter fun here.

Easter Parade and Easter Bonnet Festival

Sunday, April 16, 2016 @10am – 4pm

Every year on Easter Sunday celebrators show off their best bonnets along Fifth Ave. The pageant is a New York City tradition that dates back to the 1870’s. Viewers watch on 5th Ave from 49th Street to 57th Street but the best place to watch is the St. Patrick’s Cathedral.

Food Events

Free Cone Day!

Tuesday April 4, 2017

Brooklyn Wine Fest

Saturday, April 8, 2017 

Callings all wine lovers! Here is your exclusive chance to get access to hundreds of new wines from all around the world. Get your tickets now and come to the Brooklyn Expo Center for unlimited wine samples paired with live entertainment, food and interactive games.

Hot Sauce Expo

April 22-23, 2017 10 am – 6 pm

Come to the Brooklyn Expo Center for a kid friendly Hot Sauce Expo for vendors, recipes, and more. Meet other hot sauce enthusiasts and invite your friends on Facebook!

NYC Bacon and Beer Classic

April 29-30, 2017

Citi Field hosts this heavenly events– explore and indulge in UNLIMITED bacon and craft beer, come on it doesn’t get much better than this. Sample over 100 beers from regional breweries and eat 50+ bacon-infused dishes from local chefs. There’s even a bacon eating contest! Get your tickets or volunteer here.

Written by Taylor Hoblitzell

Here are the Top Events You Must Attend in March

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day

Come to the top destination for celebrating St. Patrick’s Day: New York City. The Legendary St. Patrick’s Day parade will be held on St. Patrick’s Day, Friday March 17^th from 11am to 5pm. The parade can be viewed on 5^th Ave!

Not only is there the legendary St. Patrick’s Day parade, but with the best bar scene in the country there’s going to be an awesome bar crawl! And because this is a greatest city in the world, there’s three days of the most Irish spirited pub crawl ever! Sign up for Thursday the 16^th, Friday the 17^th, or Saturday the 18^th here.

Craft Beer Festival

Calling all beer lovers! March 24^TH at 7pm to March 25^th at 10pm. Located at 125 West 18^th St. Enjoy 150 beers, ciders, and meads from 75 breweries! Buy tickets on their website and join their Facebook group and invite your friends!

Cat Camp

Now for our cat lovers, take part in the city’s first feline-focused conference and adoption extravaganza this March! All cat lovers can come together to learn more about cats, shop, and meet adoptable cats. You may find your next furry friend here!

St. Patty’s Day Fun For All

The Irish Arts Center opens its doors for a free St. Patrick’s Day celebration! On Sunday, March 12^th from 12pm to 4pm induldge in what the New York Times calls a free sampler of Irish culture. The center will be filled with authentic music and dance performances. They also have classes for adults and children. You could even learn the basics of the Irish language! It’s a special day you won’t want to miss!

 

Written by Taylor Hoblitzell

Madison Square Garden Tour

New York is the best city in the world, filled with the best of food, art, culture and entertainment. Knowing where to get a closer look of what the city has to offer including its history is hard, but did you know that you can take a behind the scenes tour of one of the most famous arenas in the world? MSG provides an all access tour in one of the most expensive stadium venues ever built, as you learn about its 139 year history.

The current stadium located in Midtown Manhattan is the fourth venue to be named Madison Square garden. The first arena opened its doors on Madison Avenue in 1879. Unfortunately, the Garden was roofless. Summers were hot and winters were cold, and although architecturally beautiful, a second garden followed on the same site in 1890. It featured music concerts, dog shows, beauty contests and boxing, which was technically illegal at the time, simply called “exhibitions”.

In 1925, Madison Square Garden III opened its doors on Eighth Avenue between 49th and 50th Streets. MSG III’s most memorable cultural and sporting events occurred here, many becoming major moments in history. They commemorate historic events that occurred at the Garden including Wayne Gretsky’s retirement, Joe Frazier and Muhammad Ali’s first fight and Marilyn Monroe serenading John F. Kennedy with her scandalously sultry Happy Birthday to You.

Lastly, the currently standing Madison Square Garden IV opened in 1968. Although renovated, the new Garden kept some of its iconic characteristics, like the now famous round, cable-stayed great arena roof and a section of its original “blue seats”. The Garden is now used for, basketball, hockey, boxing, concerts, ice shows, circuses and other forms of sports and entertainment. They are home to the New York rangers, the New York Knicks, and residency to singer-songwriter Billy Joel. MSG continues to bring crowds in from all over the world and have as many as 320 events per year.

If you’ve stepped foot in the big apple, are a sports fanatic, or fancy a specific musician, you’ve probably heard of Madison Square Garden. On the all access tour you’ll see exclusive VIP areas of the state-of-the-art arena and commemorate over 130 years of legendary Garden history. You’ll view the arena like never before and get the inside scoop on all your favorite players when you explore the Knicks and Rangers locker rooms. At a convenient location in Manhattan between 7^th and 8^th Avenues from 31^st to 33^rd Streets, it’s easy to get to, and near many Manhattan landmarks, including the Empire State Building, Herald Square, and Rockefeller Center.

Number One Place to Go in February: The MET

The Met….All I can say is that in the seven years that I have been sightseeing in New York City, I am still in awe of all that The Met has to offer. From the European paintings to the vast array of sculptures to  the ancient artifacts that you were unaware were still even in existence: The Met brings to life things we didn’t even know we cared about. Here is a brief photo preview to the wonders of The Met!!!

Travel Through Space, Air and Sea Without Leaving NYC

I’ve always loved museums. My parents always used to take me to museums as a child and I just loved walking through museums I had never visited and learning all the history. The first time I visited the Intrepid was when I was 9. To be honest, I was confused. I had no idea why we were going to walk around on a boat in New York City. I protested that a museum on a boat was silly but my parents forced me into our car and we drove through Manhattan until we reached the Intrepid.

I was shocked. I remember being overwhelmed by how large this “boat” was. The hot August sun shined in the Hudson River and I became eager to go inside. Little did I know that the Intrepid is maybe the most interesting museum because the ship itself is a floating piece of history.

Earlier this week I got to visit the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum for a second time. I walked in shortly after 10am. On week days, The Intrepid is open from 10am-5pm. There weren’t many people inside yet so I had a bit of time to walk around and take pictures.

It was certainly a different experience going in the middle of January with snow on the ground. The flight deck was still sprinkled in snow but it looked beautifully peaceful.

I started from the top floor and worked my way down. I instantly was brought back to my childhood, remembering my first visit over 10 years ago. The Intrepid is such a great staple in New York City museum culture because there’s something for everyone no matter what age you are. As a child, I remember my sister and I getting insight the space crafts, fighter planes and enjoying the hands on aspects of the museum.

I watched as kids enjoyed the same exhibits I had enjoyed years ago, I noticed their parents watching them and reading information about said exhibit. Whether you come to just walk through, get hands on experience or learn the history behind the Intrepid; it’s the perfect place to spend a day in NYC!

If you’re looking for a fun day in the city but you want to learn something, definitely go to the Intrepid. It’s an interactive history lesson on the Hudson that you’ll never forget! Share your pictures from your Intrepid visit with us on Facebook and Twitter! Don’t forget to follow CitySightseeing New York!

 

 

Written by Taylor Hoblitzell