Brooklyn Bridge Park. Photo © Julienne Schaer
During the height of New York City’s blistering winter, the city’s tourism agency has found a clever way to entice New Yorkers out of the comfort of their homes. From January 21 through February 9, “NYC Must-See Week” offers two-for-one tickets to some of the city’s most sought-after attractions, museums, live performances, and tours across the five boroughs. Ahead, discover some of the best attractions to visit during Must-See Week, from architecture walking tours to observation decks and everything in between.
Museums
Museum of the City of New York
The Museum of the City of New York captures the vibrant essence of the five boroughs, showcasing the cultures, people, sounds, and sights that define the city’s unique personality. A highlight of the museum’s offerings is “Timescape,” a 22-minute multimedia history of NYC narrated by Stanley Tucci. Two-for-one admission costs $23 and can be purchased here.
Guggenheim
Housed within the world-renowned Frank Lloyd Wright-designed building, the Guggenheim Museum is celebrated for its unique and innovative exhibitions, displayed along a large ramp that spirals upwards through the cylindrical structure. Two-for-one admission costs $30 and can be purchased here.
The Paley Museum
Anyone interested in television, radio, the internet, and digital technologies shouldn’t miss the Paley Museum. Featuring a public library of over 160,000 TV, radio shows, and commercials, the center hosts dozens of daily screenings of classic episodes of shows like “I Love Lucy” and “The Muppet Show,” as well as special films about topics like presidential campaign ads, the representation of teens in popular media, and more. Two-for-one admission costs $11 and can be purchased here.
Museum of the Moving Image
Astoria’s Museum of the Moving Image is the only institution in the country dedicated to the art, technology, and cultural impact of film, television, and digital media. Home to the largest collection of moving image artifacts in the U.S., the museum screens hundreds of films annually and offers a variety of educational programs. Its main exhibition, “Behind the Screen,” invites guests to dive into the creative process behind moving images through interactive experiences, rare artifacts, unique artworks, and more. Two-for-one admission costs $23 and can be purchased here.
Observation decks
Edge
Take in breathtaking views from the highest outdoor observation deck in the Western Hemisphere. Located on the 100th floor of 30 Hudson Yards, Edge offers guests unobstructed views of the Manhattan skyline, the Hudson River, and the city below. Two-for-one admission costs $20 per person and can be purchased here.
Empire State Building Observatory
Located in one of the world’s most iconic skyscrapers, the Empire State Building Observatory offers stunning views from one of the highest vantage points in the five boroughs. Situated on the 86th and 102nd floors, visitors can also explore an immersive museum on their way to the top, learning about the building’s rich history and significance. Two-for-one admission costs $102.26 and can be purchased here.
Top of the Rock Observation Deck
Perched atop 30 Rockefeller Plaza, the Top of the Rock features three levels of indoor and outdoor observation decks, offering breathtaking, unobstructed views of the city skyline. With terraces facing north, south, east, and west, it’s one of the city’s premier observation decks. For a little extra, guests can enhance their visit with two new attractions: the Skylift, which elevates visitors above the deck for unparalleled views, and the Beam, where they can recreate the iconic “Lunch Atop a Skyscraper” photo. Two-for-one admission costs $43.56 and can be purchased here.
Tours
Rockefeller Center Tour
Explore the rich history, art, and architecture of Rockefeller Center on a guided tour. Expert guides will take guests through the iconic complex, offering insights into its famous landmarks, streets, and buildings. Two-for-one admission costs $58.80 and can be purchased here.
Build Tours
This Must-See Week, embark on an engaging tour across the city to explore some of its most iconic architectural marvels. Guided by distinguished architects, urban planners, and art historians, Build Tours offers an immersive and educational experience, showcasing everything from stately brownstones to soaring skyscrapers. It’s a must-see for architecture enthusiasts and curious tourists alike. Two-for-one admission costs $51.94 and can be purchased here.
Untapped New York
Discover more about some of the city’s most unique spots that are off the beaten path. Untapped New York offers guests exclusive access to places usually off-limits to the public and uncovers secret stories behind some of the city’s famous landmarks. Two-for-one admission costs $41.34 and can be purchased here.
On Location Tours
Explore iconic locations from your favorite movies and TV shows with On Location Tours. Led by local actors and actresses, these tours include fan favorites like the NYC TV & Movie Tour, Sex and the City Hotspots Tour, Sopranos Sites Tour, Gossip Girl Sites Tour, and more. Group tours and private tours are also available. Two-for-one admission costs $21.20 per person and can be purchased here.
Inside Out Tours
Offering off-the-beaten-path bus and walking tours of NYC, Inside Out Tours is a great option to learn more about the lesser-known facts and stories behind the city’s neighborhoods. They offer gospel tours, jazz house tours, historic tours, food tours, art tours, and shopping tours in English, Spanish, French, and Italian. Two-for-one admission costs $24.50 per person and can be purchased here.
Other attractions
QC NY
This winter, treat yourself to a relaxing day spa experience without leaving NYC. Located in former military buildings on Governors Island, QC NY offers over 20 wellness experiences, including saunas, steam rooms, relaxation areas, outdoor gardens, water therapies, and breathtaking skyline views from its heated outdoor pool. Two-for-one admission starts at $102.41 for entrance after 5 p.m. and can be booked here.
New York Botanical Garden
Venture through the New York Botanical Garden’s lush grounds, taking in extravagant displays of nature. Across the garden’s 250 acres, explore collections in tropical rainforests, cactus-filled deserts, curated palm tree displays, and much more. Two-for-one admission costs $17.50 per person and can be purchased here.
Artechouse
Experience the latest and best works in 21st-century art at Artechouse. The art center offers experiential, one-of-a-kind art exhibits and explorations by groundbreaking artists pushing the limits of creative expression. Two-for-one admission costs $25.98 and can be purchased here.
Find the full list of experiences and museums participating in this year’s Must-See Week here.
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