When you want a great vacation, it goes by so many names - the Big Apple, the City That Never Sleeps, and for most New Yorkers, the center of the universe. It's New York City. And this is the place to be for sightseeing tours and travel packages.
Make sure you see our conditions of use for the smart-tourist.org website
NYC Travel Packages
There is so much to see and do in New York City, especially Manhattan, that it's important to do some planning for your NYC getaway. The longer you stay the more you can see. So think about how long you'll be there, and where you might like to stay. You can always find companies and agencies that offer NYC tours, where everything is planned out for you. Sometimes the best New York City travel deals are found that way.
Once you get to the city, you won't be at a loss for things to do. But first, you have to get to New York. There are all sorts of travel deals and NYC getaway packages available for people heading to the big apple. Many travel agents can put together a custom Manhattan getaway package for you. There are also NYC travel packages available from tour companies and even the airlines. They usually include airline tickets, transfers from the airport to your hotel and even tickets to Broadway shows or museums. Some may include discounts at selected restaurants. Some of the best Manhattan travel deals and Manhattan travel packages are available through the airlines. Some may include tickets to an NBA game or other event in Madison Square Garden. You can even get tickets to an NFL game, although you'll be leaving NY for New Jersey to see that one.
Manhattan Sightseeing Tours
Maybe you want to book your own hotel and plane reservations. But everyone could use some expert advice. So consider signing up for a tour of Manhattan. There are tours to appeal to all kinds of tastes and interests.
Please be sure to read our smart-tourist.org terms of use and privacy policy
There are also Manhattan bus tours that will take you all over Manhattan to see the various NYC attractions. Many of these NYC bus tours run on a regular basis like the Grayline tours. There are also other bus companies that provide Manhattan sightseeing tours. You can ride them from one sight to another, getting on and off the busses, as you want. Some of the vehicles are single deck, complete with air conditioning which is great in the summer. Other tour buses have an open deck on top. Circle Line also offers a NYC sightseeing tours via boat that sails around the island. Most of the tour lines also provide night tours and even dining and wine excursions. The cost of all these tours will vary with the season and the number of people in your groups, so call around to get the best deal.
Another idea - get an MP3 or iPod audio tour. These are available for cities all over the country, and can be a great way to learn about a place on your own schedule.
Want something really special? Then consider a VIP limo tour of NYC. Limousines can be rented for couples, group tours, or airport transfers. Imagine cruising the streets in your personal vehicle - what a great way to see the sights. You can see all the sights and attractions and do it on your own schedule for as many hours as you like - or can afford. Again, costs can vary, but it won't be cheap, so call around.
If your package deal includes a hotel, great. If not, you'll need to book that yourself. But not a problem. Hotels in New York are everywhere. Think about what part of town most interests you. The west side and the east side are close to different Manhattan attractions. If Central Park is where you plan to spend some time then the upper west side is the place to be. Midtown is full of places like Broadway and Times Square. And downtown has the Battery and South Street Seaport. Each of these areas has hotels that will fit just about any budget, including extended stay hotels or apartments. When planning your Manhattan tour talk with the people at your hotel. They'll be able to hook you up with Manhattan sightseeing tours.
If you plan on staying more than a week think about staying in one of the many extended stay hotels, apartments or condos that are available.
There is so much to do in New York city. Just people watching can take up hours. Venture to Central Park where you can wander the paths for hours. Or ride the carousal. Or rent a boat and row around the lake. In the winter you can go ice skating on Wollman Rink. All that just in Central Park. You can also go ice skating in the winter at Rockefeller Center. Just across the street from there is Saint Patrick's Cathedral.
Manhattan is filled with museums to explore. Along the edge of Central Park you'll the Natural History Museum, the Museum of Modern Art and the Frick Collection.
Don't forget to go see the Statue of Liberty in the harbor. One of the best ways to do that is to take a ride on the Staten Island Ferry. It doesn't stop at the Statue of Liberty Island but goes right by. It's the best place to take pictures. The round trip from lower Manhattan takes an hour and the best part, it's free. After riding the ferry take a short walk up the east side to South Street Seaport. You can shop and grab something to eat here. Perhaps grab one of the deck chairs that over look the East river and just relax.
Go to Times Square, sit at the tables placed there and watch the city go by. Times Square is in the heart of Broadway. You'll find theatres right there and along the streets that branch off, including the famous 42nd street.
You'll always find something to do in New York City.
