Top 5 Upper West Side Tickets: Deals & Passes

Thinking about visiting the Upper West Side? Well, very many folks find it’s a cool area to checkout in New York City, what with all the culture and landmarks. That said, you probably wanna know what the best ticket options are to make the most of your visit, right? This rundown looks into five must-have tickets and passes that can seriously make your trip smoother, so to say, more interesting, and maybe cheaper. We’re covering stuff from famous museums to chill neighborhood experiences, to be sure your time on the Upper West Side is pretty awesome, if that sounds good. Selecting the best ticket option is one way to experience New York tourist spots.

1. American Museum of Natural History Tickets

When people think of the Upper West Side, that American Museum of Natural History springs to mind almost at once, as a matter of fact. It’s that huge! And, really, so many things to see that one trip might not cut it. What’s included in this ticket usually gets you into most of the main halls, too, allowing you to wander among dinosaur skeletons, shimmering gemstones, and way cool exhibits about humans and animals. The general admission price is usually around $28 for adults, yet students and seniors usually get a small discount. For that ticket you can see multiple exhibitions at the Natural History Museum.

But hey, before you purchase that ticket, be sure to look at those add-on options. Maybe, you wanna catch a show at the planetarium, as an example, or step into a special exhibit, it could be worth the extra cash. It’s almost important to remember that New York CityPASS usually includes admission to the museum, that’s another idea. If you’re planning on visiting more attractions across the city, this can save you some dollars actually. The museum has many ways to purchase passes including special rates for groups.

2. New York Historical Society Pass

If that history bug bites you, then that New York Historical Society could be just your spot, arguably. Located a short stroll from Central Park West, it holds an impressive collection of documents, artifacts, and exhibitions that capture, to say the least, New York’s rich past. Passes typically run around $22 for adults, yet you can often snag discounts, maybe through your university, if you have some affiliation, very true. Become a member for added benefits.

Check what kind of exhibitions are on display when you’re planning your trip; they usually have changing exhibits alongside their core collection, usually keeping things interesting. Special exhibits might highlight stuff from the Civil War era to NYC’s influence on music, just a little. See what I mean? And maybe bring your student ID for discounts; they’re usually quite accommodating. New York Historical Society has unique documents on life in revolutionary war.

3. Lincoln Center Tours

Love performing arts? I find that the Lincoln Center is home to some very well-known institutions, like the Metropolitan Opera, New York City Ballet, and the New York Philharmonic. Actually, there are guided tours giving you a peek backstage and telling tales of performances past. Tours actually run about $25 per person and are pretty cool for theater buffs who would want to know more about the inner working of opera.

Think about booking your tour in advance since spots can actually fill up really quick, particularly during peak season. You might even consider catching a matinee performance; Lincoln Center is very lively on weekends. Oh, you should check the calendar on those days. See what performances line up with your visit, might be, as well. And don’t forget to snap some photos near that fountain; so iconic! Tour goers get the opportunity to experience unique stage design. Get passes at a cheaper rate if you are a student.

4. Central Park Bike Rentals

If all those buildings make you very antsy and restless, renting a bike is a cool idea. You can experience Central Park too! And believe me, the southern entrance is right there at the edge of the Upper West Side. Several rental spots along Central Park South will have you ready to explore this beautiful green place, usually charging around $15-$20 per hour.

Plan for a ride early in that morning, when things get too crazy in there, or late in that day for way better light. Very ideal for photographs if you’re into that sort of stuff! Plus, remember to stick to those marked bike paths and follow all park rules; safety always comes first, usually, which includes following traffic laws. You’ll see Belvedere Castle and Strawberry Fields and so many cool, sweet little surprises that most tourists never see. Find locations with easy bike rental pickup. The city implemented new plans for green and bicycle paths.

5. Local Walking Tours

Don’t want to deal with crowds or structured tours? Those local walking tours is usually a pretty chilled-out option to learn a bit about the UWS vibe. very! Multiple companies offer them, from historical walks to food tours, generally tailored to all tastes and wallets. And they can range from $30 to $50 depending on their length and what’s included.

Do read the reviews prior to booking one of them; it really makes all the difference, so. Try to go for those with great guides known for actually making history interesting. If you pick a food tour, maybe try a local food truck too so your dollars goes a little farther. Look for tours with great, enthusiastic guides who know more than anyone on the Upper West Side. Get a view on some local walking tours to learn more about the UWS culture and to see the unique spots locals go to every week for fun. Take tours with historical documentation of local buildings.