Is the New York Pass Worth the Money?

People visiting New York City for the first time are always shocked by the shear cost. The get a sense that most of the major events that everybody wants to see, from the Empire State Building, to visiting a museum is going to set you back twenty dollars on average. This is per person, per event. Sure, children are typically less but two adults and two kids will leave still leave you paying $60 for one attraction.

When people come to New York they always have the dream of seeing everything there is to say. The truth is though, they're only going to get to about four or five attractions in a day, depending on when you start and when you decide to pack it in. Part of the reason is due to the lines to get in to certain places, e.g., the Empire State Building, could have you waiting in lines in excess of two hours. This is no joke. I have personal experience in this.

If you want to reduce your cost when visiting New York City then you should consider picking up a New York Pass. As I stated before you may only get four or five attractions in for a day. If you take the average of $20 per person, that's $80 to $100 that you would have shelled out to visit those attractions. The New York Pass costs $75 for a one-day pass and $110 for a two-day pass, $140 for a three-day pass and $180 for a seven-day pass. So you can see how you can really save if you in the city for multiple days.

Now there are a few things to think about when considering whether to buy a New York Pass. There are a lot of things to do for free, like going into Central Park or window shopping on 5th Avenue or visiting FAO Swartz or the Sony Plaza. You could spend a considerable amount of time doing these things so a New York Pass would be a waste of money in that situation. Also, make sure that you call all of the places that you are planning on visiting as there is a fair amount of these attractions that are being renovated. Some of them, like Lincoln Center at the time of this writing, is not doing any tours because of renovations.

My wife and I met up with some of our college friends in the city about a month ago. I convinced the group to get a New York Pass for each person (it cost less for children). We save money after the first three events (the Empire State Building cost $20 followed by the New York Skyride which would have been $35 and then Madame Taussaud's which would have cost $29. That's $84 and we didn't even get to lunch yet. My wife and I also had the two-day tickets so the savings were really spectacular. If you are planning on hitting all the major attractions on your visit to New York City the New York Pass will definitely save you a lot of money!

New York at a Glance

There are almost 300 places of interest in the area of interest, they range from the bustling New York Stock Exchange, and from historic synagogues to dazzling skyscrapers.

The following content will provide a time-saving guide to New York's most interesting sights.

Museums and architecture each have a section, and there are guides to the people and cultures that have given the city it's unique character. Each sight is cross-referenced to its own full entry. Below are the top ten tourist attractions to start you off.

New York's Top Ten:

1. Ellis Island
2. Empire State Building
3. South Street Seaport
4. Rockefeller Centre
5. Museum of Modern Art
6. Central Park
7. Metropolitan Park
8. Statue of Liberty
9. Brooklyn Bridge
10. China Town

More details about this top 10 attractions:

Ellis Island:

Half of America's population can trace it's roots to Ellis Island, which served as the country's immigration depot from 1892 until 1954. Nearly 12 million people passed through its gates and dispersed across the country in the greatest wave of migration the world has ever known.

Centred on great hall or Registry Room, the site today houses the three story Ellis Island Immigration Museum. Much of this story is told with photos and the voices of actual immigrants, and an electronic database traces ancestors. Outside, the American Immigrant Wall of Honor is the largest wall of names in the world. No other place explains so well the "melting point" that formed the character of the nation.

Visit early to avoid the crowds.

Visitor's Checklist:

Departure every 30 minutes.
Timings: 9.30am - 3.30pm summer (winter hours vary).

Empire State Building:

The Empire State Building is the tallest skyscraper in New York. Construction began in March 1930, not long after the Wall Street Crash, and by the time it opened in 1931, space was so difficult to rent that it was nicknamed "the Empire State Building." Only the immediate popularity of the observatories saved the building from bankruptcy - to date, they have attracted more than 120 million visitors - and soon became a symbol of the city the world over.

Simple Person with high thinking. Likes to travel, hear Music, reading books and writing books. Traveled more than 10 countries for the past 6 Years. Visited United States, Canada, Singapore, Malaysia, London, Switzerland, Paris, Belgium, Germany and more.

Involved in online article writing since May 2007. Previously worked with software company for a period of 9 Years. Presently involved in developing a very huge site for New York Visitors which helps all travelers to New York City.

10 Family Fun Things to Do in New York City For FREE

1. Central Park: It is 8000 acres of greenery in the middle of a bustling city. This is my favorite place in NYC, if I happen to be in New York for my Birthday, this is where I always spend the day. There is plenty to see and do at Central Park. You can just stroll, which can be so romantic, almost any season of the year. If you are with the kids, during summer, you can sit at any of the grassy area and have a picnic, or play ball. There are benches all around the park underneath big oak trees, where you can sit and enjoy music from the local musicians, watch people dance on their roller blades, or just simply people watch. There are 2 children's zoos: Tisch Children's Zoo, and Central Park Zoo -which is free for kids under 3. If you don't want t to go inside you can still enjoy watching the Seals and the Sea lions for free, who are visible from the outside. If your kids like to sail toy boats, there is a small pond just for this. For kids 6 and up, who like to bird watch, if you go by the Belvedere Castle they'll loan you Binoculars, guidebook, map, and sketching pads. In the summer time, if you want to cool off by a fountain, there is a beautiful one. During winter, there are 2 ice skating rinks in the park.

2. Staten Island Ferry: It's a great way to see the wonderful view of New York Harbor across a 5 mile stretch, in this 25 minute ride, as it goes from Manhattan to Staten Island back and forth. It's free, you can't beat that! This is one of the main means of transportation used by Staten Islanders to get to Manhattan, so try to avoid rush hours.

3. Times Square: Yes it is very touristy, but I'm still in awe with all the lights and building high advertising boards every time I see it. If you want to take a break from the glittering lights and go window shopping, you want to visit the multi-story Virgin Store, Toys R Us, Hershey's, MTV etc. If you wish to go see a Broadway, the tickets can be purchased at a discounted price, up to 50% off, at the ticket booths with big TKTS signs on 42nd Street, on the day of the Show.

4. Rockefeller Center: If you can wake up early enough, the Today Show on NBC is hosted from the Rockefeller Plaza. We went there once with 3 month old Seth, even though it was pretty chilly that morning, I guess it was worth it being on TV for 2 seconds!! To see the view of New York from the observation deck at Top of The Rock, buy the Sunrise Sunset ticket, this allows you to visit the deck twice in the same day. If you still don't want to spend that money taking the NBC Studio Tour or the Radio City Tour there is plenty to do in and around Rockefeller Center. My favorite thing to do is sit by the food court near a window overlooking the ice skating rink. Or, rather than pay the full $10 to $14 ice skating ticket price, go during lunchtime Monday - Thursday (excluding Holidays) between 11:30am to 1:00pm, and you can get in for just $5! The subway stop is right at Rockefeller Center, few levels down. The St. Patrick's Cathedral Church is right across the street.

5. St. Patrick's Cathedral: This 125 year old gothic style Catholic Cathedral built of white Marble has the most amazing architecture, stained glass windows, and marble sculptures. It is very peaceful, and gives you a sense of calm from the hustle and bustle right outside its door. After 9/11 a lot of people took solace visiting this tranquil cathedral.

6. Brooklyn Bridge: You can get an up and close look at one of the oldest suspension bridges in the country. It spans the East River connecting Brooklyn to Lower Manhattan. There is a water taxi you can take from here to Manhattan. You get a spectacular view of Manhattan from this side of the east River. It's also nice to walk around Brooklyn Heights and look at all the beautiful Brownstone Homes.

7. South Street Seaport: Most recently, the evacuation scene for the Will Smith movie, I am Legend was filmed here. We just happened to be there while the filming was going on with thousands of extras. See, you never know what you will run into in New York! At Pier 17 Pavilion there is plenty of places to Shop and eat. It's nice to sit by the window in one of the restaurants overlooking the river and Brooklyn. Or you can get this view from one of the decks. You might see and enjoy some street performer's or live music during summer time. The South Street Seaport Museum comprises of 12 blocks of artifacts and collection of historic fleets. It shows the history of NYC as a port city. It's quite a sight to see the skyscrapers, tall ships, and the Brooklyn Bridge, all in the same view.

8. Grand Central Station: The inside of the main concourse with high beautiful painted ceiling, tall arched windows, marble floors, is just as impressive as the outside design, with great sculpture of Hercules among others surrounding a 13 foot clock, and large Corinthian columns. It's amazing how this hub connects all forms of transportation; it is the world's busiest train station, with 150,000 commuters every day. On Wednesdays, and Fridays, at 12:30pm there is a free tour of the station.

9. Metropolitan Museum of Art: If you love art, and it's never too early to start exposing your little one to this. The museum is free on 1st weekend of every month if you are a Bank of America customer, and have BOA debit, ATM, or credit card, under the Bank of America, Museum on Us program. We have visited and enjoyed more museums now than ever before, once our son was born.

10. Window Shop: As long as you are willing and enjoy walking, there are plenty of places to window shop in NYC. Take along your husband or boyfriend to 49th street Diamond district, walk on Fifth Avenue, or Upper West Side - By Columbus Avenue and Broadway. Sometimes just being there amongst all that, makes you feel like a million bucks!! Of course during the Christmas season, you want to take Window tour, with beautiful holiday themed displays at stores like Bloomindales, Barney's, and Saks Fifth Avenue etc.

How has your experience been at some of the places mentioned above?

Check out more tips on budget travel, family fun, kids activities, and hassel free travel with kids at www.travelbargainmama.com

I'm Shreejana Hickman, and I began the blog, Travel Bargain Mama to assist moms, families, and any travel enthusiasts, find the ultimate travel bargains available, family and or kid friendly activities throughout the US, around the world, or in your local area. Despite these tough economic times, we can still enjoy traveling to new and exciting places, or to a favorite city. Travel Bargain Mama was started on the premises of value, hard-to-find bargains, and getting more with less.

I currently live in Atlanta with my husband Scott, and our 2 year old son Seth. All of us love traveling, and take every opportunity to do so. Before having Seth, I worked in consumer and small business banking for 6 years, and I have a degree in finance from Kennesaw State University. Throughout college projects, and my career in banking, I've always been focused on saving money for my clients and businesses. Now I intend to do the same for my readers through this blog.

I was born and raised in Kathmandu, Nepal, which is in Southeast Asia. Nepal is the beautiful land of Himalayas, and where Mt. Everest stands, the tallest mountain in the world. We take a 25 plus hour flight, with 3 connections, to Nepal, once every 2 to 3 years. This blog includes writing about this and other trips, New York City, San Francisco, Orlando, Miami, Montreal, Los Angeles, India, Austria, Germany, Switzerland, Bahamas, Chicago, Washington, D.C., London, Bangkok, Tibet, and many more domestic and international destinations. We live in Atlanta, but New York City is almost a second home to us as we visit family and friends about 4 to 6 times per year.
Please visit http://www.travelbargainmama.com, and post comments, get email updates, enter contests etc.

New York City - Travel Tips And Ways To Save Money

New York City, the city of spirit, is the best tourist place in USA. Its major attractions include the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, the magnificent Met, the well known Broadway stages, the Empire State Building, and the 5th avenue boutiques.

The grand hotels in the city are well located, and they provide premium quality services and facilities to make the tourists feel at home. However, in order to save money, do not choose hotels close to any major attraction. You should always opt for a 2-3 rating hotel in the city if you really want to fit other expenses in your budget.

There are a number of shopping centers in New York. Again, in order to save money, opt for shopping places that are cheap and good. The shopping areas near hotels are generally costly. You should, therefore, go for shopping areas a little far from the hotel.

Your stay at New York City can become really costly during festive seasons like those of Christmas and New Year.
Therefore, you should never plan a trip to New York at this time.

Yet another way to save money is to avoid taking the help of travel agents. You need not waste money by giving it to travel agents and guides. Instead, you can use direct online services to get your hotel booked beforehand.

Also, try to contact a person you know in the city in order to know all about shopping centers, attractions, restaurants etc. A resident of the city will have more information than any travel agent or a guide. Also, for travel, you can opt for a city bus instead of a cab.

Last but not the least; keep your money safe.

Things to Do in April in New York City

April showers bring May flowers... and lots of exciting things to do in New York City. With spring in the air and dozens of events taking place, April is a great month to visit the greatest city in the world. Here are some highlights!

Tribeca Film Festival
For film buffs, spring in New York means it's time for the popular Tribeca Film Festival in lower Manhattan. Various cinemas in the Tribeca district showcase hundreds of international films, often with the director and cast ready and waiting to answer questions after the screening. Almost every one of the more than 200 films is a North American, international, or world premiere.

The Easter Parade
Every Easter Sunday, Fifth Avenue from 49th to 57th streets is closed to traffic for this colourful and exciting spectacle. The tradition dates back to the mid-1800s when the upper crust of society would attend church services and then parade their new Easter outfits down Fifth for all to see! Starting at 10am, admire the passing parade of participants decked out in creative bonnets and elaborate costumes. There is plenty of entertainment, stunning floral displays and even a real Easter bunny or two. Celebrate Easter services at St. Patrick's Cathedral on 50th Street and Fifth, St. Thomas Church on 53rd and Fifth or at the Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church.

Cherry Blossom Season at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Spring is a lovely time of year to experience New York, and there is no better celebration of spring's beauty than the cherry blossom viewing season in April at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden (BBG). Visitors can walk under the boughs of the cherry trees and experience the Japanese tradition of Hanami, watching the delicate blossoms as they vibrantly come to life. The Brooklyn Botanic Garden boasts the largest collection of cherry trees outside of Japan, and it is stunning to see the lush blooms of these more than 200 trees come alive in their rich colours. The BBG is located at 1000 Washington Avenue in Brooklyn.

Earth Day Celebration in Central Park
With its lush greenery and beautiful landscaping, Central Park is a must-see in the spring. The Earth Day celebration in the heart of the park is a free event open to the public and includes live musical performances, art and crafts, and lots of environmental projects like tree planting. Families can pack a picnic, spread out a blanket and enjoy the festivities.

Opening Day at Yankee Stadium
Baseball fans count down the days to spring training, and especially to the opening day of the season in April. The gates of the New York Yankee's new stadium open in April 2009. Located on the north side of 161st Street between River and Jerome Avenues, it is right across the street from its original home. The 1.3 billion dollar state of the art facility boasts advanced audio visual technology and several tasty dining options to enhance the fan's experience.

NewYorkJourney.com will give you a comprehensive look at several of the sites mentioned above along with information on a variety of other attractions and hotels in the Big Apple. Get the information you need to know before you travel, to make sure you get to see the best of the best in New York City.