New York Layover

Dec 18, 2008 | Comments 0

If you’re on a long layover in The Big Apple, you can really only get a small taste of the things available to see and do. Here’s some of our favorite things, especially for someone new to the city. Remember, especially with International flights, to leave plenty of time to get back to the airport and catch your next flight.

You can always take a taxi to get around NY, however, it can cost a lot by the end of the day and doesn’t always save you time. (JFK offers a rate of $45 by taxi into the city, not including bridge tolls and tip). The subway is a great, affordable way to see the sights, and you can find a map of all the stops here.

Here’s some more information on transportation options from JFK and La Guardia.

If you plan on seeing lots of New York sights, we suggest investing in the New York Pass. The New York Pass gives you admission to 40 of New York City’s top attractions, starting at $65 per day. If you plan on visiting a bunch of attractions and museums, it will save you a good deal of money.

Layoverguide’s Suggestions Of Things To Do On A New York Layover:

Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island

Take a ferry to the Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island, to visit where roughly 12 million immigrants entered the United States. The Ellis Island Immigration Museum is a great place to learn about the history of Ellis Island. There are security checks, so make sure you don’t have any sharp objects. Don’t miss the audio tour at Ellis Island – it’s full of interesting history. You can check out ferry times and locations here.

Ground Zero Museum Workshop
It’s hard not to visit New York without remembering the tragic attack on September 11, 2001. Head through the Financial District to Ground Zero to visit the location where the twin towers stood. It may surprise you how big the space was — about 12 million square feet. Check out the Ground Zero Museum Workshop.

Broadway Show
Nothing says New York like Broadway. Book ahead online to save time and money at Playbill, Theatermania, and Broadwaybox.

Scott’s Pizza Tours
New York is known for their pizza, and for those who love a slice, there’s no better way to spend your day then trying the best pizza in the city. This tour includes the history of New York pizza, as well as visits to the city’s four top pizzerias. All tours start in Manhattan and visit pizzerias in the outer boroughs, so double check your timing back to the airport for your next flight.

Central Park
Central Park is a great way to enjoy New York’s biggest park. You can enter the park at 59th and check out all the artists. Inside the park you can ride the carousel, skate at Wollman rink, visit the zoo, ride in a horse-drawn carriage, see Strawberry Fields and you can’t miss the ducks at the pond. You can also stop for a bite at the boathouse.

Rockefeller Center & Home Of The Rock Observation Deck
Rockefeller Center is where you’ll find the Top of the Rock Observation Deck, as well as shopping, restaurants, the NBC Studio Tour and the ice skating rink at Rockefeller Center. If you need a quick view of New York, the observation deck is much less crowded than the Empire State Building, yet has great views. It is a 3-tiered observation deck on the 67th, 69th, and 70th floors and you can enter on 50th Street between 5th and 6th Avenue.

Empire State Building

If you have the time to battle the tourists, don’t miss heading to the top of the Empire State Building. It’s quite a sight, from 102 stories high. For those in a rush, a $35 “Express Ticket” gets you on the deck within 20 minutes.

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New York Layover

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