New York City

See the Bright Lights of the Big Apple, From Broadway to Wall Street 

Widely regarded as the entertainment, art, fashion, financial and performing arts capital of the world, New York City offers an unmatched experience for student travelers. No trip to the Big Apple is complete without immersing yourself in the iconic sights and sounds that make this city one of a kind. Catch a Broadway show in the heart of the Theater District, or cheer on a major league team at Yankee Stadium or Madison Square Garden.  

Take in the awe-inspiring skyline from the Empire State Building or Top of the Rock, and wander through unique neighborhoods like SoHo, Chinatown and Times Square for shopping, culture and unforgettable photo ops. Stroll through world-famous museums like The Metropolitan Museum of Art or the Museum of Modern Art, and explore the historic exhibits at the American Museum of Natural History. From the bright lights of Broadway to the quiet beauty of Central Park, New York is not just a destination – it’s an experience your group will never forget. 

Sample Itineraries

Day 1

  • Arrival and group orientation 
  • Visit to Top of the Rock or Empire State Building for panoramic city views 
  • Radio City Music Hall Tour 
  • Dinner at Ellen’s Stardust Diner – singing waitstaff and group-friendly menu 
  • Broadway show (student group tickets available!) 

Day 2

  • Breakfast at hotel 
  • Ferry to Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Immigration Museum 
  • Visit the 9/11 Memorial and Museum 
  • Lunch at Hudson Eats or Eataly Downtown or local food court 
  • Guided Wall Street Tour – Explore the history of American finance with stops at the New York Stock Exchange, Federal Hall and the Charging Bull 
  • Evening pizza dinner and optional Harbor Lights Cruise 

Day 3

  • Breakfast at hotel 
  • American Museum of Natural History 
  • Guided Midtown Tour: Lincoln Center, Central Park, Museum Mile, Fifth Avenue, Rockefeller Center, Radio Center Music Hall, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Carnegie Hall and Times Square 
  • Free time to enjoy Times Square and/or walk through Central Park  
  • Dinner, followed by a Broadway Show 

More to Explore

Attractions/Theme Parks 
  • Summit One Vanderbilt – A thrilling sky-high experience with mirrored floors, glass ledges and panoramic city views 
  • Madame Tussauds Wax Museum – Strike a pose with lifelike celebrities in this interactive Times Square favorite 
  • Luna Park at Coney Island – Play classic boardwalk games, and enjoy seaside snacks 
  • The Rink at Rockefeller Center (seasonal) – Glide across the ice under the city lights, surrounded by iconic Midtown skyscrapers 
  • Carnegie Hall – Legendary concert venue known for its world-class acoustics 
  • Central Park Zoo – A compact but charming zoo in the heart of Central Park 
  • Brooklyn Bridge – Walk across for stunning views of the Manhattan skyline 
  • Hudson Yards – Modern retail, dining, and architecture hub, home to The Edge observation deck 
  • Chinatown – Cultural immersion with bustling markets and authentic cuisine 
  • Coney Island – Boardwalk nostalgia meets thrill rides and hot dogs 
  • Grand Central Station – A beautiful transportation hub with a famous starry ceiling and food hall 
  • New York Public Library – Historic library with its iconic lions and grand reading rooms 
  • Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Times Square – Oddities, illusions and interactive exhibits 
  • The High Line – A scenic elevated park built on old rail tracks with gardens and skyline views 
  • The Theater District – See a Broadway show or explore the NYC lights 
  • The Bronx Zoo – One of the largest zoos in the world with immersive exhibits and group education programs 
  • MLB: New York Yankees – See a classic American League showdown 
  • MLB: New York Mets – Cheer on the Mets at Citi Field in Queens 
  • NBA: New York Knicks – Basketball at Madison Square Garden, a true NYC experience 
  • NHL: New York Rangers – Fast-paced hockey action at “The World’s Most Famous Arena” 
  • MLS: New York City FC – Enjoy top-tier MLS matches 
Museums and Historical Sites 
  • The Metropolitan Museum of Art – One of the world’s top art museums 
  • The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) – Home to Van Gogh, Warhol, Picasso and cutting-edge contemporary works 
  • The Guggenheim Museum – A Frank Lloyd Wright masterpiece filled with modern art 
  • New-York Historical Society – NYC’s oldest museum, with fascinating artifacts and stories of America’s past 
  • Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum – Explore a real aircraft carrier, a space shuttle and fighter jets right on the Hudson River 
  • Federal Hall National Memorial – George Washington’s inauguration site and a cornerstone of U.S. history 
  • Madame Tussauds Wax Museum – Fun, pop culture-focused museum  
  • Museum of American Finance – Discover the story of Wall Street, money and the economy in this hidden gem 
  • Museum of Math – Engaging, hands-on exhibits that make math fun and interactive for all ages 
  • National Museum of the American Indian – Explore Native cultures through art, music and storytelling 
  • Museum of the Moving Image – Fascinating exhibits on film, TV and video games 
  • Museum of Tolerance New York – A reflective museum promoting social justice and historical awareness 
  • New York Hall of Science – STEM-focused fun with 450+ interactive exhibits 
  • Belvedere Castle – A whimsical stone castle in Central Park with panoramic views 
  • Castle Clinton National Monument – A historic fort in Battery Park 
  • Fort Schuyler – A 19th-century military fort now home to the Maritime Industry Museum 
  • General Grant National Memorial – The final resting place of President Ulysses S. Grant, the largest mausoleum in North America 
  • Governors Island – Seasonal ferry-accessible island offering historic forts and skyline views 
  • Hamilton Grange National Memorial – Alexander Hamilton’s restored home in Harlem,  
  • Joan of Arc Memorial – A unique bronze statue in Riverside Park honoring the French heroine 
  • Morris-Jumel Mansion – Manhattan’s oldest surviving house, rich with Revolutionary War history 
  • New York Vietnam Veterans Memorial – A somber, reflective space in the Financial District  
  • Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace National Historic Site – Reconstructed childhood home of the 26th president, with guided tours available
Group Dining 
  • John’s of Times Square – Pizza in a converted church, large group seating 
  • Carmine’s Italian Restaurant – Family-style dining ideal for student groups 
  • Hard Rock Cafe NYC – Classic rock-and-roll-themed dining 
  • Dallas BBQ – Big plates and group deals, multiple locations 
  • Eataly Downtown (Wall Street) – large, indoor Italian-themed market and eateries with a view 
  • Century 21 Food Court (Wall Street) – casual dining options 
  • Serendipity 3 – Quirky and famous for its frozen hot chocolate and over-the-top desserts (great for small groups or celebratory stops) 
  • Junior’s Restaurant & Bakery (Time’s Square) – Known for legendary cheesecake and classic diner meals 
  • Planet Hollywood NYC – Movie-themed dining and easy group booking 
  • Applebee’s (Times Square) – Multi-level location designed for large parties  
  • Patsy’s Pizzeria – Classic NYC pizza with space for groups and authentic neighborhood charm 
  • The Smith (Lincoln Center or Midtown) – Trendy brasserie-style spot with group-friendly options and private dining availability 
  • Sardi’s Restaurant – Iconic Broadway hangout with caricatures of stars lining the walls 
Shopping
  • 5th Avenue – Luxury brands to flagship stores like Apple and Nike; it’s a quintessential NYC shopping stroll 
  • FAO Schwarz Toy Store & American Girl Store – Interactive and iconic toy experiences near Rockefeller Center 
  • Original Macy’s at Herald Square – Massive department store with 10 floors of shopping 
  • Bloomingdale’s & Saks Fifth Avenue – High-end department stores known for fashion, accessories and beauty 
  • Century 21 (Downtown) – Discount shopping for designer brands near the World Trade Center 
  • Canal Street – A lively stretch known for NYC souvenirs and bargain hunting 
  • Hudson Yards Shops – Shopping mall with upscale stores and eateries near The Vessel 
  • Times Square Gift Shops – Packed with t-shirts, hats and all the NYC kitsch students love 
  • Chelsea Market – Unique mix of artisanal vendors, food stalls and boutique shopping 
  • South Street Seaport District – Waterfront shopping and dining, plus great views of the Brooklyn Bridge 
  • Brookfield Place – Elegant indoor mall stores, food court and Hudson River views  
Guided Tours 
  • Apollo Theater Tour 
  • Brooklyn Tour with Inside Out Tours 
  • Carnegie Hall 
  • Guided Downtown Tour including: Macy’s, Manhattan Mall, Grand Central Station, China Town, Little Italy, Greenwich Village, SoHo, the Financial District and Battery Park. 
  • Guided Midtown Tour including: Lincoln Center, Central Park, Museum Mile, Fifth Ave. Rockefeller Center, Radio City Music Hall, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Carnegie Hall, Times Square and the Theater District. 
  • Lincoln Center Tour 
  • Make-A-Movie Workshop 
  • NBC Studio Tour 
  • New York Harbor Tours 
  • New York TV and Movie Tour 
  • On Location Tours 
  • Radio City Music Hall Tour 
  • United Nations Tour 
  • Wall Street Tours 
Live Shows + Theater 
  • Aladdin 
  • Frozen 
  • The Phantom of the Opera 
  • Dear Evan Hansen 
  • Mean Girls 
  • Chicago 
  • The Lion King 
  • The Book of Mormon 
  • Wicked 
  • Other seasonal options!
Performance & Workshop Opportunities 
  • Carnegie Hall 
  • Band of Pride Tribute 
  • Central Park, Naumburg Bandshell 
  • Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine (choirs only) 
  • Lincoln Center of the Performing Arts 
  • Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Times Square 
  • St. Patrick’s Cathedral 
  • South Street Seaport 
  • Riverside Church 
  • St. Patrick’s Day Parade 
  • NYC Broadway Workshop 
  • Disney Theater or Dance Workshop 
  • Statue of Liberty 
  • The Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum

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