Looking for ideas for your trip to the Big Apple?
Elena from JWT Travel is just back from a trip to New York and shares some of her favourite things to do and see in New York, whether you are embarking on a North America cruise or travelling as part of a School Trip to New York:
1 – Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Museum
Hop on a ferry that will bring you to historical Ellis Island and Liberty Island.
Ellis Island, America’s first federal immigration station, where you can learn about the history of immigration and the 12 millions immigrants who passed through this gateway to the American dream.
At the Ellis Island National Immigration Museum you will experience interactive exhibitions through America’s immigration history from the 1500s until today as well as celebrate immigrants of all eras at The American Immigrant Wall of Honor.
As you cruise to Liberty Island, they can admire the impressive Statue of Liberty, America’s most iconic symbol of promise and freedom, taking in Lady Liberty from different angles, understanding its history, presence and the powerful values it represents.
2 – Admire breath taking views of New York City
Admire the iconic New York skyline from above! Some of our favourite buildings with Observation Decks to admire breathing views of the city are:
The Empire State Building: take in stunning views of New York skyline from one the tallest buildings in the world. From its 102nd Floor outdoor observatory to the 86th Floor indoor observation deck, where your students can admire the iconic Central Park, the Hudson, East Rivers, and super skyscrapers.
The Edge: this magnificent newest observation deck offers unique views on the Western side of Manhattan, and it has a super glass floor, where you can take a group picture and see the city streets below.
Top of the Rock Observation Centre at the Rockefeller Centre also offers the best views of New York City, with terraces facing east, west, north, and south of the city!
Tip: For an unforgettable experience, visit at sunset and watch the city light up as day turns to night!
3- Guided tour of Manhattan
Discover the heart of Manhattan with a local guide. In Lower Manhattan, see the 11/9 Memorial from outside at Ground Zero, where the Twin Towers once stood before the tragic events of 11th September 2001. The memorial is a piece of art; the two large square reflecting pools, with its impressive artificial waterfalls, sit in the exact footprints of the original towers. The flowing water and the names of the victims engraved around the edges create a space that is peaceful, moving, and unforgettable. It’s an experience that helps students connect with history on a personal and human level.
While in Lower Manhattan, you can also walk along Wall Street, explore the heart of the financial district, and stop by the famous Charging Bull.
Your guided tour can also include Central Park, in Upper Manhattan, a perfect place for students to walk, bike, or simply enjoy some green space in the middle of the city.
And don’t miss a walk across the legendary Brooklyn Bridge, which links Lower Manhattan with Brooklyn Heights. Along the way, you will enjoy breath taking views of the Manhattan skyline, Brooklyn, and the East River.
Tip: The view from the Brooklyn Bridge at night is especially stunning, a great moment for photos and memories!
4 – Explore some Museums
New York is home of some of the most impressive museums in the world, giving visitors the opportunity to engage with history, culture and art; particularly if you are organising a school trip. Here are three of our top museums for school trips:
The Metropolitan Museum of Art or Met, located near Central Park. Students can explore a wide range of collections, including African, American, Medieval, and Greek art, admire classical sculptures, and discover fascinating Egyptian artifacts. It’s an inspiring journey through thousands of years of global art and history.
MoMA: The Museum of Modern Art, with the world’s foremost collection of modern and contemporary that has included renowned artists such as Beth Van Hoesen and Vincent van Gogh.
Tenement Museum, where students can experience over 100 years of New York City history. The Museum welcomes you into the homes of immigrant, migrant, and refugee families , working-class tenement residents who moved to New York City from other countries and other parts of the country and their work helping building American society.
5 – Experience a Gospel
Experience the soul of a super Sunday gospel choir performance , a unique cultural highlight of any trip to New York.
The best place to hear gospel music it is still in New York’s African-American churches, especially in Harlem, where you can witness the energy, emotion, and spiritual power of this music in its true form.
We hope you find these ideas on what to do and see in New York useful for your upcoming trip, contact our knowledgeable travel experts for advice and to help you start planning your trip.
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