New York can be an intimidating city to tackle if you’re looking to see everything in a short period of time. If you’re looking for a whistle-stop tour of NYC to make the most of a flying visit, we’ve got suggestions for you!
But don’t worry - if you’re an NYC native looking for a unique way to explore the city, we have a few unusual ideas for you too! Even if you’ve lived in the city for many years, you may not have seen everything - and you definitely haven’t seen the city from 30ft above the skyline! Read on to explore some of the quickest and the most unusual ways to see New York for first-timers and native New Yorkers.
Why is New York a great place to visit?
New York is an amazing place to visit for several reasons. From memorable Broadway shows to famous buildings, from world-famous art galleries and museums to amazing shopping destinations, there’s something for everyone here.
See the whole of New York in a day with RiseNY
Our unique New York attraction near Times Square is a great way to see the whole of the city (and a year’s worth of events!) in just one day!
First, travel back in time with a Jeff Goldblum-narrated documentary in a replica of New York City’s first ever subway.
Then, see memorabilia and artifacts from NYC’s history in our interactive museum, covering topics like Broadway shows, iconic films, memorable NYC fashion and more.
Finally, soar 30ft over the city on our 4D flight simulator of New York’s skyline! You’ll fly over all the key events in one year of New York City living, from 4th of July fireworks to the Times Square New Year’s ball drop!
Get your tickets now and see more of New York that you thought possible for one day.
Exploring New York in a day (for tourists)
There are so many ways to see the city quickly and get in as many destinations as possible in a 24 hour period. Here are a few common ways you can speed around NYC:
Hire a bike
Hiring a bike is easy and cheap, and it’s a fun way to get around without getting stuck in the crowds (or in a famous New York taxi!). It usually starts from about $25, or you can use a pay-by-minute bike which is available all over the city.
Where can I hire a bike in New York?
Either you can find a pay-as-you-ride bike station dotted all over the city, or you can find a bike rental spot. Around Central Park is a great area to find a bike, as it’s a popular way to explore the park.
New York Bike Routes
There are many miles of bike routes across the city, as well as green routes in the surrounding areas. There’s the Hudson River Greenway, the East River Greenway and many more which will take you all over the island of Manhattan.
Take the Subway
There’s always the famous New York subway to take if you’re looking to get around quickly!
How much does riding the subway cost?
It’s only $2.90 to ride the subway, with reduced fares for those who are over 65 or have disabilities. It’s easy to tap in and out with a debit or credit card, or you can buy a Metrocard.
Is the subway in New York complex?
Though the New York subway is a good way to get from A to B quickly, it can be a bit complicated if you’re not sure where you’re going. After all, there are 472 stations - it would take you around 22 hours to see them all! However, there’s maps and help points at many stations that are there to guide you.
Is the New York subway safe?
Yes, the New York subway is safe! As with any travel in a city as a tourist (or as a native), it’s best to keep your valuables close and stay aware of your surroundings, particularly during crowded journeys. However, the subway is safe to use.
Take a ferry
If you’re visiting famous locations like Staten Island, you can take the classic NYC ferry. It’s a classic NYC experience, and a brilliant way to see an important historical site and the island of Manhattan from afar. (Did you know? You can also see the Staten Island ferry from above on RiseNY’s immersive ride!)
Do kids travel for free on the NYC ferry?
Children who are shorter than 44 inches can sail on the ferry for free when traveling with an adult.
Exploring New York in a unique way
Feel like you’ve seen everything there is to see in New York? We bet you haven’t seen it from above!
Helicopter Ride
If you’d really like to explore the city from an angle you’ve never seen before, try a helicopter ride!
How much is a helicopter ride in New York?
To book a seat on a helicopter, you are likely to spend around $235 or more for a 15 minute journey. This includes the city tax / heliport fee of around $35.
What is the best helicopter tour in NYC?
There are several helicopter tour options in NYC, but we’d recommend one of the following:
- A flight around Manhattan Island
- A night time flight over the city
- A doors-off helicopter ride, where your view isn’t obstructed
Are New York helicopter tours worth it?
For an unforgettable experience looking at New York from above, a helicopter ride is amazing. However, there are other ways to see the New York skyline from above - and it won’t cost you hundreds of dollars!
RiseNY
Wondering how to visit New York differently? Our New York immersive experience will have you feeling like you’re actually flying over the city! With high-resolution footage of the New York skyline and 4D effects like wind and mist, you’ll forget you’re strapped into our ride in a 40ft, 180 degree dome!
What kind of ride is RiseNY?
Our RiseNY ride is a 4D ride taking place in a dome theater, complete with special effects. It’s a flight simulator over New York, allowing you to experience a year of celebrations in the city.
How does RiseNY ride work?
This flight simulator of New York will send you soaring 30ft over the skyline of the city. Though the wind, scent and mist effects help you to feel like you’re really flying, don’t worry, you’re strapped in safely!
