Our beloved Travel Guides have kicked off Season 8 on a high with an unforgettable trip to New York City, aka the city that never sleeps. 

And we’ve come along too…well, in their wallets! Travel Money Oz Currency Pass is the official currency card of Travel Guides, so we’re following along to recap their trip highlights, how much it’ll cost you to visit, and our top New York City travel tips. 

Keep reading to find out the best ways to tour New York City and catch up on the latest Travel Guides episode on 9Now. 

New York City Holiday Highlights 

With only one week in the Big Apple, the Travel Guides were able to tick a lot off their bucket lists! From romantic boat rides in Central Park to renting a billboard in Times Square to singing along in the world’s only Broadway piano bar, you’re bound to add some (or all!) of these New York attractions to your itinerary.  

Explore Times Square – the Heart of NYC 

Known for its glowing billboards and bustling crowds, Times Square is a must for any visitor to New York. It is also home to a few iconic landmarks, including the Red Stairs – where you can get a pretty sweet view and selfie opportunity at the top! 

While walking around Times Square is a free experience, you can pay for a more personalised experience such as renting a billboard or jumping on a 360 photobooth, both of which our Travel Guides tried out and loved. 

COST: 

• Times Square billboard rentals can cost $150 USD (about $240 AUD) 

Experience Broadway in Unique Ways 

As the Travel Guides discovered, you don’t have to see a classic Broadway show to get a theatrical New York experience! 

The teams boarded THE RIDE, an interactive Broadway bus that doubles as a NYC sightseeing tour. The experience kept our Guides entertained and guessing until the very last leg. 

If you’re a fan of karaoke (or belting out a Broadway number in the shower!), then Marie's Crisis Café is the place to be. This cosy joint is the only acoustic sing-along show tunes piano bar in the world! The Guides found themselves singing along with other patrons in the bar to classical theatre songs. How wholesome? 

COSTS: 

• THE RIDE bus experience starts can start from $125 USD (about $200 AUD) 
• Marie's Crisis Café has free entry with cocktails starting at $15 USD (about $24 AUD) 

Tour the Empire State Building and Climb 30 Hudson Yards

If there’s one thing that stands out in NYC, it’s the skyscrapers! The Travel Guides were lucky enough to visit two – the Empire State Building and 30 Hudson Yards. 

Known for its Art Deco architecture and many screen cameos, the Empire State Building is a marvel from top to bottom. The Guides checked out the interactive on-site museum to see how it was built, stopped to take a photo with the King Kong feature, and soaked in the view of NYC from the observatory. 

Over at 30 Hudson Yards, the Travel Guides daringly buckled up to climb the buildings’ external staircase and lean off the side of the structure (yikes!). If you’re not great with heights, you can still take in the city from the safety of the observatory deck.  

COSTS: 

• Empire State Building tours vary and start from $44 USD for adults (about $70 AUD)
• The 30 Hudson Yards City Climb starts at $185 USD (about $279 AUD) and general admission to the Edge observatory starts at $34 USD (about $55 AUD) 

Take a Breather in Central Park 

It’s no lie that New York City is busy. So, if you want to escape the crowds and reconnect with nature, Central Park is your haven. 

Central Park is the size of 500 footy fields combined…which equals a LOT of ground to cover in a short time. 

That’s why the Guides opted for a Pedicab Tour to be ‘passenger princesses’ for the day and be taken to must-see spots around the park, including John Lennon’s memorial ‘Strawberry Fields,’ and iconic Home Alone filming locations. 

Another way to explore the park is by boat. Our Travel Guides rented rowboats and set sail on the Lake, often referred to as the heart of Central Park. And this romantic experience will steal your heart! 

COSTS: 

• Pedicab Tours start from $25 USD (about $40 AUD) 
• Central Park Boathouse rowboats cost $25 USD per hour (about $40 AUD) 

Visit the 9/11 Memorial and Museum 

While the Travel Guides were in New York, they stopped by the 9/11 Memorial and Museum to pay their respects to those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001.

The Guides were led through an expert-led tour to gain a deeper understanding of what happened on 9/11 and those affected through compelling stories and artifacts, including the flight of stairs now known as the ‘Survivors’ Staircase.’ 

COST: 

• The 9/11 Memorial entry is free but the Museum Admission and Tour ranges from $44-56 USD (about $70 – 89 AUD)

Set Sail Around the Statue of Liberty 

When you think of New York, the Statue of Liberty is often one of the first things to spring to mind. Officially named ‘The Statue of Liberty Enlightening the World,’ the iconic monument was partly built by the same guy who constructed the Eiffel Tower, Alexandre-Gustave Eiffel! 

To get an up close and personal experience of Lady Liberty, our Guides boarded The Circle Line cruise tour. While getting stunning views of the city and learning more about the statue, they were able to get some truly Insta-worthy snaps. 

Plus, you can treat yourself to some Liberty-themed drinks onboard! 

COST: 

• The Circle Line express cruise tours start from $29 USD per adult (about $47 AUD)

Take in the Culture of Coney Island 

Our Travel Guides traded the city streets for the seaside shores by popping by Coney Island. Described as New York’s Luna Park, Coney Island is known for its amusement parks, beach, and famous boardwalk. 

While there, the Guides became ultimate tourists by getting Nathan’s Famous Hotdogs and strapping into the iconic Pheonix Roller Coaster – maybe not in that order though! 

Coney Island is a perfect day trip for some family-friendly fun and to absorb a different side of New York City. 

COSTS: 

• Nathan’s Famous Hotdogs start from $9 USD (about $14.50 AUD) 
• The Pheonix Roller Coaster is $15 USD per ride (about $24 AUD) 

Top New York City Travel Tips 

By now you’re probably itching to book your New York adventure…we don’t blame you! We want you to have the best trip possible, so we’ve rounded up some top travel tips to help you on your way: 

• New York City can be pricey and basic items such as coffee will add up! Make sure to budget for a higher daily spend than other U.S. cities. You can use our Budget Calculator to stay on track! 
• While ATMs are frequent, get yourself a Travel Money Oz Currency Pass to ensure you’re not charged exorbitant transaction fees. 
• Take some cash with you for smaller vendors and tipping – grab all the United States Dollars (USD) you need either in-store or buy USD online from Travel Money Oz!
• Tipping is common practice in NYC, particularly at restaurants, and can range from 20-25% on top of the bill (before sales tax). 
• The subway will be your best friend getting around the city and you can get an OMNY transport card with $2.90 USD fares (about $4.60 AUD).  

Want more Travel Guides in New York? 

Can’t get enough of Travel Guides? Us too! Make sure to watch the latest episode on 9Now to get their full New York City itinerary. 

Tune in next Sunday night at 7:00 pm AEST on Channel Nine or 9Now to watch as the Travel Guides go to Switzerland!

^Disclaimer:

^{This blog is provided for information only and does not take into consideration your objectives, financial situation or needs. Travel Money Oz has sought to ensure that the information is true and correct at the time of publication (First Published April 23, 2025). Prices, details and services are subject to change without notice, and Travel Money Oz accepts no responsibility or liability for any such changes, including any loss resulting from any action taken or reliance made by you on any information provided. You should consider whether the information and suggestions contained in any blog entry are appropriate for you, having regard to your own objectives, financial situation and needs. While we take reasonable care in providing the blog, we give no warranties or representations that it is complete or accurate or is appropriate for you. We are not liable for any loss caused, whether due to negligence or otherwise, arising from use of, or reliance on, the information and/or suggestions contained in this blog. Daily Cost: All prices are approximations. Your costs may differ depending on where you go, where you shop, and their individual factors. Daily Budget: Costs are estimated per person and do not include accommodation. Terms and conditions apply to Best Price Guarantee, Rate Guard and Cash Commitment. See travelmoneyoz.com for more details.}