Top Three Experiences in NYC I’ve Loved so Far 💛

We have made it to half the year already and for me, this year has shown many great explorations. Some of these adventures feature exhibits, newly opened attractions and even visiting new places I didn’t know existed. I think that’s why I love this city so much, you are able to discover so many different things by just walking a few blocks and looking around you. I’m able to do this quite as often as I can, I definitely recommend it when you have a day to yourself in the city. There were a few experiences that have stuck with me this year so far and trust me you would want to put them on your list. My list will go from earliest in the year to the most recent.

First up is Rise NY

To start off the year with a bang, I went to experience Rise NY which is New York’s newest adventure. This was a unique and had never existed in the city. Not only is it a museum but it is a film, then a ride as well. I was able to go with the promotion for Must-See Week where certain attractions in NYC are part of it. It was also in previews which was cool, I got to see the whole museum with no one around, so my friend and I were able to go through everything without rushing. Rise NY takes you on the history of Manhattan and the rest of the city- radio, tv, film, finance, architecture and even talking about Broadway. Each exhibit had many different props that correspond to each section, like for the fashion exhibit they had an actual dress Beyonce wore.

The ride was very fun and had many elements when there’s so much happening around you. You are greeted with a vintage TV studio and then plays a video of the setting/plot of the ride. This video brings you back in time with the whole ambience which I loved as well. Then after the video, you are able to enter the ride itself; not only are you sitting but as the ride prepares to start, the ground goes away completely. It feels like you are flying instead of on a ride; I would compare it to Soarin from the Disney Parks. There’s a lot of motion so if you are sensitive, be mindful.

knm tip: Look at each nook and cranny of the exhibits because there are some elements you’re able to interact with. They are worth the look around!

Second up is Arcadia Earth Museum

I wouldn’t even call this a museum, this is a journey of Earth itself! Arcadia Earth is an informative and fully immersive space where you get to learn about the Earth. You get to learn the facts about the meat supply, the ocean, the forests and many more exhibits. Each exhibit is made by different artists- where there were these colorful jellyfish all around the room, it was very nice to see. When you first walk in you are greeted by colored murals as well as the front desk people. They tell you to get the accompanying app to see the AR part of the experience (the picture you see in the section). This app shows you each animal that corresponds with each exhibit as well as organizations that help the earth every day. I was able to contribute to one of them and help make the oceans better, loved that aspect of the museum.

knm tip: Get the app the day before you go to the museum, so you don’t lose any time. Also, there are different organizations you can donate to, so not just the one I donated to.

Lastly is Summit One Vanderbilt

Summit is one of the new observatories that the city has opened recently and it’s worth the visit. Once you go through the building, you go through security, then are given white fabric covers for your shoes since the floor is all glass (very important to not take them off); you are able to make your way to the entrance room where a video is presented, shows everything that you will encounter in Summit. You ascend in the elevator to the main room and trust me it will be one of the most beautiful sights you see, apart from the actual city skyline. This room has countless mirrors everywhere which are great for pictures. It has three floors to take advantage of and explore as much as you can. One of my favorite rooms is the floating ball room- beautiful silver balls float all around you and can be used as props if you want.

knm tip: Take your time! What’s cool about Summit is not only the different rooms, but you can stay as long as you want in each of the exhibits. Don’t forget to get pictures outside on the deck as well; you get to see the glass elevator as well.

If you are just native to New York or going to visit soon, put these on your list because they are worth the adventure! Happy exploring!

Side note: There are a few more experiences I got to see this year, but the others are getting a separate future blog post. Definitely worth to check out as well! But check out my Instagram for other places I go to. (instagram @thek.n.m)

All photos taken by me and title image/featured image made with Canva