When we were in New York we had a list of attractions we wanted to see. The cheapest way of doing them really was to get some sort of attractions pass. I chose the Sightseeing Pass Flex for six attractions. It cost £245 for four of us and I’m sure it worked out we saved about 50% on admission costs! It also opened our eyes to things we may not have chosen to do if we didn’t have it!

Cycle tour in Central Park

It was a beautiful bright sunny day and we were up early!

We took the cycle tour with Central Park bike tours. It took us on around an hour bike ride around the major attractions of Central Park such as Bethesda Terrace, The Reservoir, Strawberry Fields and loads more. It was a whistle stop tour but the guide was knowledgeable and friendly and in my opionion it was the best thing we did in NYC! 

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Backstage tour of Madison Square Gardens

Madison Square Gardens is a major concert and sporting event in the centre of Manhattan. It is located just next to Penn Station a stone’s throw from Times Square.

Our tour guide gave us a look around the arena which has had a major refurbishment. Every day of the year there is something going on there and memorable photos for each day are displayed around the edge where the walkway, toilets, drinks and food retailers are. We also saw The view from VIP seating, the press gallery and watched the cheerleaders warming up for the Knicks game that was that night. There was also an incredible virtual reality experience which took you on stage with Billy Joel, to an ice skating game and of course to watch the basketball! It was awesome!!

One World Observatory

The One World Observatory Tower is built on the site of the World Trade Center Tower One. It is the tallest building in the northern hemisphere and located downtown in the oldest part of New York close to the financial district. I found the experience to be quite emotional! You travel up 100 floors in the lift which shows videos of the history behind settlers arriving in New York.

At the top you get a bird’s eye view of Manhattan- I was shocked how small the Statue of Liberty looked.

Next to the One World Observatory is a memorial site to the people who died at 9/11. It was another emotional experience!

The Ride

The Ride is a bus tour with a difference! We were booked onto a show (which really is what it is!) at 7pm and met the bus outside Five Guys on 42nd Street! We had booked our places online and had to enter details of the Sightseeing Pass. If we hadn’t been able to provide this when we boarded they would have charged us the full amount if $69 each.

Seats are laid out along the length of the bus so everyone is looking the same way out of the side windows. Our hosts introduced us to the ride of our lives as we travelled through midtown from The Empire State Building to Central Park and back again, captivated by street entertainers, ballet dancers, musicians and comedians all disguised as regular passers by! It was an incredible experience and a definite highlight!!!

Top of the Rock

We went to the top of the Rockerfeller Centre at night as to see New York from up high at night is a must do! It was stunning to see the Enpire State building lit up and I just love the Chrysler too!

Airport transfer to JFK

This is such a boring one but we didn’t have time to do any more attractions!

So the sightseeing pass was well worth it in experience and opened us up to so many amazing opportunities! There are still lots of things I’d like to do but these can wait till our next visit!

Check out where we ate!

What’s your favourite thing to do with kids in NYC??