New York New York is a staple of the Las Vegas skyline, bringing “The Big Apple” to the Nevada desert.
In all, New York New York’s facade is comprised of twelve 1/3rd-scale replica structures including The Empire State Building, The Chrysler Building, The Liberty Plaza, and The New Yorker Hotel.
Out front of the casino is a 150-foot tall replica Statue of Liberty, and a 300-foot long replica of the Brooklyn Bridge.
While taking in the unique theming elements is the main draw, there are plenty of other itinerary-worthy activities at New York New York, and nearby on the Strip.
Itinerary Ideas at NYNY
Ride the Big Apple Coaster: I say this in the most positive, loving way possible: It’s a rough, wild, ride.
With a maximum height of over 200 feet and max speeds of 67 miles per hour, the rollercoaster at New York New York is of theme park quality and sends riders upside down multiple times.
A single ride costs $25, re-rides are $10, and all-day ride passes are $65.
Hit the Arcade: Although smaller than peer arcades on the Strip at Excalibur and Circus Circus, NYNY’s Big Apple Arcade is packed with modern games and is steps away from a truly awesome rollercoaster.
Dueling Pianos: The Bar at Times Square transforms into a dueling piano bar nightly, and it’s a blast. My wife and I typically grab a seat at a video poker machine outside the bar (facing in), allowing us to take in the show while sipping complimentary drinks (thanks to gambling).
Stroll through Greenwich Village: Tucked behind the Bar at Times Square, this intricately themed portion of the property will give you the feel of being in NYC.
Active restaurants and a coffee shop occupy the street level of the mock city giving it an even more authentic feel. This little corner of New York New York is one of my favorite spots in all of Las Vegas.
Grab a Cheap Slice: One of my favorite food options in the Greenwich Village section of the resort is Sirrico’s, which serves cheap & quick slices that I think rank among the best pizza in Vegas.
Catch a Live Music Show: Free live music performances are commonly held in front of New York New York on their replica Brooklyn Bridge. Shows typically take place on the weekends, from 7 pm – midnight, but the full entertainment calendar can be viewed here.
Mad Apple by Cirque du Soleil: Mad Apple combines comedy, music, street performers, and acrobatics. Intended to “Fuse the spirit and creativity of the two cities that never sleep”, Mad Apple offers a bit of something for everyone.
Tickets start at $49, and can be purchased in advance with:
Snag a Cheap Breakfast at America: When it comes to cheap sit-down restaurants on the Strip, it’s tough to beat America, which serves breakfast around the clock. While it isn’t the fanciest meal you’ll eat, most items on the menu land in the $15-$20 range.
I recently stopped in for a massive breakfast (pictured below) and thought it was a solid meal for the price.
Things To Do Near New York New York
See the Pyramids: Head across the street to Excalibur and take the free tram that runs to both Luxor and Mandalay Bay.
Luxor is a “must-see” resort if only to check out the awe-inspiring theming and architecture.
Two of my favorite educational attractions in Las Vegas also call Luxor home. The first, Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition educates guests on the tragedy that surrounds the ill-fated ocean liner with artifacts recovered from the seafloor and personal stories.
The next, Bodies… The Exhibition provides an education on the inner workings of the human body by leveraging real human cadavers and specimens.
Re-Live the Hunger Games: Across the street at MGM Grand is The Hunger Games Exhibition, which displays movie props, costumes, and set recreations.
One of the more unique aspects of the Hunger Games attraction, however, was the archery experience. While I was skeptical that it’d be cool going in, shooting Nerf-like arrows at targets on a large screen was both fun and easy to master.
Hit the Range: If you’re remotely interested in golf, check out Topgolf which is tucked behind MGM Grand. There, your group will have the opportunity to smack golf balls, drink beer, and dine on a unique menu.
The games at Topgolf are focused much more on socializing and fun than they are on athletic ability.
Gamble Smoke-Free: Neighboring New York New York to the north, Park MGM is the only smoke-free casino on the Strip.
Upgrade your Pool: Here’s the deal. The pool at New York New York is functional, but it’s not the property’s signature amenity.
I recommend paying for a cabana/daybed (required for non-guest entry) at either the pool at MGM Grand across the street which has a lazy river, or Mandalay Bay’s Beach which offers a wave pool, lazy river, and real sand beach.
Find Cheap Eats/Drinks: Walk north to Planet Hollywood and explore the Miracle Mile Shops. Inside is an abundance of cheap drink and happy hour deals.
Additionally, one of my favorite places to eat cheap on the Strip, Ocean One, can be found inside which offers a full $5.99 lunch menu.
Hopefully, my suggestions for things to do at New York New York Las Vegas and nearby were able to help you identify a thing or two to add to your Las Vegas itinerary!
If you need additional inspiration, check out my property by property rundown of things to do on the Strip.
See Also: A complete list of FREE things to do in Las Vegas, and Kid-Friendly things to do.
Feature Image: ©photo7/123RF.COM
I’m a former software salesman turned Vegas aficionado. While the craps table is my preferred habitat, I pull myself away to explore new attractions, shows, restaurants, and outdoor activities around Las Vegas with the intent of sharing my experiences.
Ultimately, I just want to help folks plan a better trip and save a few bucks in the process.