New York City
New York City has been ranked as one of the world's most popular travel destinations, and with good reason. Home to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, the Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building, Wall Street, and Time Square with its dazzling theater district, New York has something for everybody. While it is unlikely you will be able to see and do everything there is to do in New York (at least in one trip), we have tried to highlight some of the more well-known sites to give you a taste of the "Big Apple".
Highlights of New York
- The Statue of Liberty
- The Empire State Building
- Metropolitan Museum of Art
- Central Park
- Times Square, Broadway, & The Theater District
- Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum
- Circle Line Boat Sightseeing Cruise
Historical Sites
Statue of Liberty
The Statue of Liberty, unveiled on October 28, 1886, was given to the United States by France as a gesture of friendship between the two countries; however, it quickly became much more than a gift. With its torch raised at 151 feet above New York Harbor, this phenomenal monument became a symbol of hope and freedom to the world. Even today the Statue of Liberty is an inspirational sight. With over 12 million immigrants passing through Ellis Island between 1892 and 1954, more than 4 out of 10 Americans can trace their ancestry to this port of entry.
The Empire State Building
Built between 1930 and 1931, The Empire State Building at a height of 1,250ft (381 meters) held the distinction of being the tallest building in the world for many years. Visitors can take a ride up the elevator to the observation tower which offers some stunning views of the city. For those wanting to enhance their experience, we recommend trying-out the "New York Sky Ride" described under the "activities" section below.
Grant's Tomb
For a peak at the largest mausoleum in North America, you may want to pay a visit to the memorial and tomb of former US President Ulysses S. Grant. Constructed in 1897, the mausoleum is a beautiful marble structure which contains mosaics of scenes from some of Grant's successful battles at Vicksburg and Chattanooga. Grant was the first full General of the Armies having earned four military stars and another of his major accomplishments included signing the act establishing the first national park, Yellowstone, on March 1, 1872.
Activities
New York Sky Ride (Empire State Building)
This visual and motion simulation experience allows you to lift off from atop the Empire State Building, soar through the Manhattan Skyline, glide past the Statue of Liberty, play in traffic at Times Square, "zoom" through Wall Street, and ride the stomach-crunching Coney Island Cyclone – all while secured into a seat which is part of a specially designed platform, synchronized to the movements on the wide 18x18 foot screen. The NY SKYRIDE experience is narrated by Comedy Central's comedians and native New Yorkers who describe New York City life through their own eyes. More information about the NYSKYRIDE may be found on their website. ISE Cardholders will receive $3.50 off of the regular rate by showing their card and by presenting the coupon that may be accessed on the ISE Website.
Metropolitan Museum of Art
The Metropolitan Museum of Art is one of the largest museums in the world and displays masterpieces from nearly all of the world's different cultures. With 5 million visitors a year, it attracts more people than any other site in New York City and is a must-see if you are planning on visiting New York!
Museum of Modern Art
MoMA (as the Museum of Modern Art is known) has the world's greatest collection of modern art, from Van Gogh to Monet to Picasso and more. If you are a fan of modern art, you will appreciate this museum.
American Museum of Natural History
This museum has over 36 million specimens on display – from the mammoth and great dinosaurs of prehistoric times, to a fragment of the oldest rock in the universe. There's also an IMAX Theater and a Space theater which is said to be one of the most technologically advanced in the world.
Central Park
Central Park is an 843-acre green "oasis" in the heart of New York. Here you can stroll along 58 miles of tree-lined paths or just people-watch from a shady park bench. At the south end of the park there is a zoo (Central Park Wildlife Center) and The Wollman Skating Rink. "Strawberry Fields" (a tribute to John Lennon) and "Sheep Meadow" are on the west side of the park and are designated places for quiet meditation. New Yorkers and visitors alike enjoy this park as a welcome respite from the bustling city streets.
Times Square, Broadway and The Theatre District
One of the most well-know symbols of New York is Times Square. There are dozens of theaters in the area that all present world-class performances. Visitors should definitely try to catch a Broadway show if possible. For those interested in purchasing Broadway tickets, there is a discounted rate of $10.00 per ticket if you book online at: www.applause-tickets.com.
Madame Tussauds
Madame Tussauds New York has taken the idea of a wax museum to a new level. With over 200 celebrities cast in wax, this is a great place to get up-close and personal with some of your favorite stars. In addition, Madame Tussauds offers interactive experiences where you can "sing" on American Idol, or hang-out with the Osbournes on their family couch while they swear at each other. This is a great place to have some fun! Additional information may be found on their website. Those with an ISE Card will receive $6.00 off (mention the code ISE ADULT so they can look it up the computer).
Circle Line Boat Sightseeing Cruise
Enjoy a relaxed and refreshing 3-hour cruise as you discover the secrets of the city. You'll circumnavigate Manhattan Island and see it all - 3 rivers, 7 major bridges, 5 boroughs, over 25 world renowned landmarks and, of course, a magnificent close-up of the Statue of Liberty. Beverages, food and souvenirs are available on board. Experience the grandeur of New York on our 2-hour city highlights tour. You'll enjoy magnificent views of the world's premier skyline and a close-up view of Lady Liberty. Sail down the Hudson, cruise around the Battery, up the East River, and under the Brooklyn, Manhattan and Williamsburg Bridges to the United Nations and back. Trips depart from Pier 83 at 42nd Street on the Hudson River. If you have an ISE Card, you are eligible for a discount of $4.00 off of a 3 hour full island cruise or $3.00 off of a 2-hour semi-circle cruise.
CitySights NY
Ride with the leader! We provide our passengers with the best view possible of the city on a Hop-on Hop-off double decker tour bus of Downtown, Uptown, Night or Brooklyn tour. View the must famous neighbourhoods, attractions and places of interest such as Time Square, Madison Square Garden, Macy's, Empire State Building, World Trade Center, Village, Harlem, Brooklyn and more. A complete tour package to see all the places of interest is available with the All Around Town Tour which includes the Downtown, the Uptown, Night and Brooklyn Tours plus a boat cruise and admission to the museum of NYC. Save $5 automatically when you use this link: www.citysightsny.com/res.php?ref=ise.
Places to Stay
Hostels
There are a wide variety of places to stay in New York. To search for hostels online with full descriptions, photos and availability features, please click here. The $2 reservation fee will be waived when booking through this site.
Hotels
We can recommend 5 clean comfortable and reasonably priced hotels in Manhattan: Comfort Inn, Super 8 Hotel; La Quinta, Red Roof Inn and Ramada Inn. Rates start at $109 per night and ISE Cardholders receive a 10% discount. Click here to book online.
Places to Eat
New York City is packed full of amazing restaurants and it can be daunting to figure out where to get a cheap meal. There are various books available such as "Lonely Planet New York" or "Cheap Thrills" Guides which give detailed information as to where you can eat more economically. Below are a few places that serve meals for under $15.00:
El Deportivo
El Deportivo is a Puerto Rican place for meat lovers in Hell's Kitchen (Midtown/West Side), with both a casual and more formal section. Main courses tend to go for around $6.45. For more information you can call them at: 212-757-0819/6869.
Madras Mahal
Madras Mahal, opened by Nina and Nitin Vyas in 1983, was the first New York kosher vegetarian India restaurant. They serve no fish, no meat, and no egg products. It's been referred to as a "bustling, friendly place" with wonderful food. Average main courses cost about $9.00 here. Their phone number is: 212-684-4010. Hours are Mon-Fri 11:30 am-3 pm and 5-10 pm; Sat-Sun noon-10 pm.
Moustache
Moustache is a charming, relaxed Middle Eastern Restaurant. It gets very crowded and the service can be slow at peak times, but the food makes it worth the wait. Opening hours are noon to 11pm. Their phone number is: 212-228-2022
Pearson's Texas Barbecue at Legends Sports Bar
Pearson's serves authentic barbecue: moist and succulent pork shoulder, all-out Texas brisket, sausage, wonderful chopped pork, fall-apart pork ribs, juicy beef short ribs, and chicken. Located in Jackson Heights (Queens), meals go for around $12.00 each.
Getting Around
Subway
Probably one of the best ways to get around New York is on the subway. Additional information on subway routes, prices, and schedules may be found on their website at: http://www.mta.nyc.ny.us/nyct/subway/
Taxi
For those who don't mind spending a bit of money, you can't beat the convenience of a Taxi. New York has plenty of them and if you can get a group of people together, the cost doesn't have to be outrageous.
Bus
There are various shuttles and buses that will take you from the airport to the city. One that we recommend is run by The New York Airport Service (718-875-8200) or www.nyairportservice.com. If you have an ISE Card, a one way trip from JFK or LGA Airport is only $8.50 ($3.50 off of the regular fare).
Moving On
Air
New York has three airports and flights to just about anywhere in the world (most flights are directed through New York as the fly into or out of the United States). Additional information on the airports near New York City (Kennedy, La Guardia, or Newark), may be found online.
Train
For those interested in train travel, Amtrak has some nice routes to cities and towns outside of New York. For a 15% discount on the ticket price, ISE Cardholders need to call Amtrak to make a reservation (800-835-8725), and then call the ISE Head office to give them the reservation number (800-255-8000). The ISE Head office will issue and mail the discounted Amtrak ticket to them.
Bus
Greyhound buses offer a variety of routes to cities all over the United States. The coaches are clean, and have bathroom facilities onboard. Additional information on Greyhound may be found at www.greyhound.com. ISE Cardholders will receive a 10% discount on all "walk-up" Ameripass tickets purchased. Cardholders simply need to keep their purchase receipt and send a photocopy of their ISE Card to the ISE Head office address (found on the back of the ISE Card) and the refund will be mailed to them.
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