Planning a trip to New York City can be overwhelming with its endless attractions, events, and hidden gems. Our Fun Bus 3-night tour is designed to give you the best of NYC in just two days, with ample time to explore the city any way you choose. Click here to view the itinerary for our 3-Night NYC Trip departing July 25th and returning July 28th.
Day 1 - Getting There
The Fun Bus departs Lancaster early in the morning and makes several stops to board passengers. We will arrive to our hotel in East Rutherford, New Jersey around 4 pm.
After you've settled in to your hotel room, travelers have the option of taking the Fun Bus to the new American Dream indoor entertainment complex, which has too many attractions to list, including North America's largest indoor water park! It's comparable to the Mall of America, offering shopping, dining, entertainment and so much more! Click on the link to check it out for yourself.
Taking the New Jersey Transit into the city is another option for your Thursday evening, as there is a bus stop conveniently located just outside the hotel.
Days 2 & 3- NYC Baby!
After enjoying your complimentary buffet breakfast at the hotel, have your plans ready for two full days of exploring the Big Apple! Wondering where to go, what to see, and how to do it all? Well, let me tell you, New York City and its 5 boroughs are packed with tons of cool stuff to check out. We've put together a list of just a few of the awesome experiences you can have as a tourist in the city that never sleeps.
NYC on a Budget
NYC offers a plethora of free and affordable events for enthusiasts of arts, culture, and entertainment. While some activities, such as outdoor concerts and movie series in city parks, are mainly held during the summer, there are numerous options available throughout the year. These events guarantee enjoyable experiences and picturesque settings for your social media posts. Explore these cost-effective activities to enhance your visit to the City and make it a memorable (and budget-friendly) one.
New York City Parks While you may feel as though you've entered a concrete jungle, NYC is rich with green space and natural attractions that will help you feel enchanted by Mother Nature and whisk you away to a more serene setting. Enjoy a walk, a picnic, or even a free concert or movie in the parks.
Washington Square Park, located in Greenwich Village, Manhattan is renowned for its iconic features - the Washington Arch and central fountain. Visitors can enjoy a vibrant showcase of art and culture throughout the year, with musicians often stationed around the fountain perimeter, providing a delightful soundtrack to accompany the scenic surroundings.
Prospect Park in Brooklyn is widely known for its elaborate manmade waterway (wetlands) and trees, which represent the majority of Brooklyn's original forest, the park serves as a highly functional green area. Encompassing 526 acres, it features a zoo, the nation's first urban Audubon Center, an ice rink, a band shell, a carousel, and numerous sports and recreational amenities.
Central Park is the most famous and most visited park in NYC. You could easily spend the majority of your day taking in this iconic gathering spot, so be sure to check out the calendar of events, and make your plan to experience the park. Central Park Visitors Info
The High Line is a public park that was constructed on a former freight rail line elevated above the streets on Manhattan’s West Side. Rescued from destruction by local residents and the City of New York, the High Line was inaugurated in 2009 as a unique public area where guests can enjoy nature, art, and design. This elevated park offers stunning views and unique urban art.
Museums Take advantage of free admission times at museums like the Museum of Modern Art (Friday evenings) and the American Museum of Natural History (pay-what-you-wish). MoMA | AMNH. Check out this list of FREE museums published by the New York City Tourism website.
Free Movie Nights What's more New York than sitting on a blanket in the park with ginormous sky scrapers as your backdrop as you kick back and enjoy a classic movie on the big screen? Imagine yourself relaxed in the park taking in one of your favorite films with the bustling city in front of you - talk about cult classic... Here is a list of free outdoor movies coming to NYC Parks this summer.
Broadway Shows You might be thinking... "I thought this was NYC on a Budget?" Hear me out! There are ways to score discounted Broadway tickets and all it takes is a bit of research and a free spirit. TKTS booths offer last-minute tickets at a fraction of the cost on the day before or day of some Broadway shows. Of course, if you've been dying to see a particular show, go ahead and purchase your tickets in advance so you are guaranteed to see it, but if you're willing to take a chance on experiencing Broadway theater on a budget, check out TKTS booths.
Family-Friendly NYC
There is no shortage of activities to enjoy with the whole family in NYC. Here are just a few points of interest to help you get the ball rolling on planning your family's exciting adventure to the big city!
Intrepid Museum Immersive exhibits. Thrilling experiences. Convenient dining and shopping. At the Intrepid Museum, you’ll never run out of exciting things to do. Visit their website for more information.
Coney Island: Classic amusement park rides and beach fun. Coney Island.
Bronx Zoo: One of the largest zoos in the world. Bronx Zoo Tickets.
MOFAD: The Museum of Food and Drink brings the world of food and drink to life with exhibits you can taste, touch, and smell. They are the world’s premier food museum and a global educational resource that inspires generations of curious eaters of all ages and backgrounds.
Must-See NYC
From the awe-inspiring Statue of Liberty and the bustling energy of Times Square to the breathtaking views from the Empire State Building, NYC offers endless opportunities for exploration. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, the city's diverse array of attractions and sightseeing activities promise to leave you captivated and inspired.
CityPASS® is a great way for you to remove the stress of planning your sight-seeing adventure. They offer several packages ranging in duration and number of sights, and you can choose which sights you would like to see. Click on this link to visit their website and for more information.
Brooklyn Bridge Stroll the infamous and expansive bridge as you take in stunning views of Manhattan and Brooklyn. Brooklyn Bridge Info.
DUMBO Stands for Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass, is one of Brooklyn's most visited neighborhoods. Take in the famous Manhattan Bridge view from Washington Street. DUMBO Info.
Top of the Rock Panoramic views from the top of Rockefeller Center. Relive the iconic spirit of ‘Lunch atop a Skyscraper’ when you book your reservation for Top of the Rock
9/11 Memorial and One World Trade Center Observatory Located at the World Trade Center in New York City, the 9/11 Memorial Museum tells the story of 9/11 through media, narratives, and a collection of monumental and authentic artifacts, presenting visitors with personal stories of loss, recovery, and hope. Get more info here. Be sure to experience one of the best observation decks in the city when you purchase entry tickets for One World Observatory.
Famous NYC Eateries
From savoring a classic pastrami sandwich at Katz's Delicatessen to indulging in decadent cookies at Levain Bakery, there's something to satisfy every palate. Whether you're seeking iconic eateries, trendy brunch spots, or authentic international cuisine, NYC's diverse food landscape promises a memorable gastronomic adventure. Here are few options to consider when making your dining plans for your 2-day visit.
Eataly is a foodie's paradise with authentic Italian cuisine offered by several restaurants in one location. Eataly NYC
When you think classic New York Steakhouse, think Keens, which dates back to 1885, was made famous by its Mutton Chop among other interesting features. Keens Steakhouse
Gramercy Tavern is a Manhattan staple celebrating its 30th year in operation. Known for its refined American cuisine, exceptional service, and warm, inviting atmosphere. The restaurant is celebrated for its seasonal, farm-to-table dishes crafted by acclaimed chefs, offering both a casual Tavern menu and a more sophisticated Dining Room experience. Gramercy Tavern
Named "Best New Restaurant" in 2021 by Time Out Publication, Dhamaka is celebrated for its bold and vibrant Indian cuisine that showcases regional dishes rarely found in typical Indian restaurants. Known for its adventurous menu, Dhamaka features authentic and intensely flavored street foods and traditional home-style dishes from various parts of India. Dhamaka
There are far more restaurants in New York City than one could ever imagine. Research the areas you will be visiting to find restaurants to suit your taste buds and budget. Plan ahead, reservations are required at most locations. For even more inspiration, visit the Time Out website.
We have only nicked the top of the iceberg when it comes to visiting the Big Apple, but we hope this blog post helps you develop your own itinerary for your two-day adventure in NYC.
Fun Bus offers several trips into and out of the city each day. You'll want to prepare for your trip by researching the public transportation options available in the city.
Book your seats on the Fun Bus today by calling (740) 653-4600.
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