Embark on an exhilarating journey through time and space at RiseNY, Times Square's newest immersive attraction. Discover New York's rich history, iconic landmarks, and vibrant culture before taking flight on a breathtaking aerial tour of the city that never sleeps.
RiseNY is an immersive attraction in Times Square offering a unique blend of New York City history, culture, and a thrilling flight simulation experience.
Location: 160 West 45th Street, next to McDonald’s on Times Square
Transportation: Easily accessible by subway (1, 2, 3, N, Q, R, S trains to Times Square) or bus (M7, M104 to 7 Av/W 44 St)
Tickets: It’s advisable to
book online
. Access is included in several NYC attraction passes for potential savings
Visiting Hours: Monday to Thursday and Sunday 10:00 am - 6:00 pm; Friday and Saturday 10:00 am - 8:00 pm
New York City has always been a place of wonder and excitement, but RiseNY takes that experience to new heights—literally. This innovative attraction offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the Big Apple from an entirely new perspective.
Your adventure begins with a step back in time to 1904, as you enter NYC’s first subway station at City Hall. Here, you’ll be treated to an immersive film narrated by the charismatic Jeff Goldblum, showcasing how New York evolved into the global crossroads we know today. This captivating introduction sets the stage for the journey ahead.
As you progress through seven meticulously curated exhibits, you’ll delve into the heart of what makes New York tick. From fashion to music, movies to Broadway, each gallery offers a treasure trove of historic artifacts and star-studded memorabilia. These exhibits not only educate but also provide incredible photo opportunities, allowing you to immerse yourself in the city’s rich cultural tapestry.
Practical information
Before you embark on your RiseNY adventure, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with some key details to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. From finding the attraction to understanding ticket options, we’ve got you covered with all the practical information you need.
Location
RiseNY is conveniently situated in the heart of Manhattan, at 160 West 45th Street, next to the McDonald’s on Times Square. This location makes it easily accessible for both tourists and locals alike.
How to get there
New York City offers various transportation options to reach RiseNY. Whether you prefer public transit or other means, you’ll find getting to this exciting attraction is a breeze.
Let’s explore the different ways you can make your way to RiseNY, ensuring you start your adventure without any hassle.
Subway
The subway is often the quickest and most convenient way to reach RiseNY. From the 42nd Street - Port Authority station, head east on 45th Street towards 7th Avenue. You’ll find the entrance to RiseNY just a short walk away.
Several subway lines serve this area, making it accessible from various parts of the city. Take the 1, 2, 3, N, Q, R, or S trains to Times Square station. From there, it’s just a brief stroll to your destination.
Bus
If you prefer traveling above ground, buses are an excellent option. Make your way to the 7 Av/W 44 St Bus Stop, which is serviced by the M7 and M104 bus routes. From there, RiseNY is just a two-minute walk away.
This option allows you to take in some of the city sights as you approach your destination, giving you a taste of New York’s bustling streets before your immersive experience begins.
Hop-on Hop-off Buses
Hop-on hop-off buses are a fantastic way to navigate between New York’s top attractions, including RiseNY. These buses offer the flexibility to explore the city at your own pace while providing informative commentary along the way.
By choosing this option, you can easily combine your visit to RiseNY with other nearby attractions, maximizing your sightseeing time in the Big Apple. Plus, you’ll get a great view of the city as you travel between destinations.
While driving in New York City can be an adventure in itself, it’s generally not the most convenient option for visiting attractions like RiseNY. The area around Times Square is notoriously congested, and parking can be both scarce and expensive.
Instead, we recommend using public transportation or ride-sharing services to reach RiseNY. This way, you can avoid the stress of navigating busy streets and searching for parking, allowing you to focus on enjoying your experience to the fullest.
Tickets
Securing your tickets to RiseNY is an important step in planning your visit. There are several options available to suit different preferences and budgets.
It’s a good idea to book in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, to ensure availability and benefit from online discounts.
Entrance with Discount Passes
For savvy travelers looking to maximize their New York experience while keeping costs in check, several discount passes include admission to RiseNY. These passes can offer significant savings, especially if you plan to visit multiple attractions during your stay.
The New York Sightseeing Pass
The New York Sightseeing Day Pass is an excellent choice for those wanting to experience the best of the city. This pass grants you access to numerous major attractions, including RiseNY, for a set number of days. It’s a cost-effective way to explore New York’s top sites without worrying about individual ticket prices.
GoCity Explorer Pass
With the Go New York Explorer Pass, you have the flexibility to choose from over 90 top attractions. This pass allows you to tailor your itinerary to your interests while enjoying significant savings. Including RiseNY in your selection makes for an exciting addition to your New York adventure.
The New York Pass
For culture enthusiasts and avid explorers, the New York Pass offers access to more than 100 attractions. From world-class museums to iconic landmarks and exciting tours, this pass covers it all. By including RiseNY in your itinerary, you’ll add a unique, immersive experience to your cultural exploration of the city.
Visiting Hours
RiseNY is open seven days a week, with extended hours on weekends to accommodate more visitors:
Monday to Thursday: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
Friday to Saturday: 10:00 am to 8:00 pm
Sunday: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
Best time to visit
To make the most of your RiseNY experience, consider visiting during weekdays. The queues tend to be shorter than on weekends, allowing for a more relaxed and enjoyable visit.
Many visitors find that early afternoon on weekdays can be particularly pleasant, with fewer crowds and ample time to explore each exhibit at your own pace. This timing can make your RiseNY adventure even more memorable and immersive.
What to Expect at RiseNY
RiseNY offers a captivating journey through the essence of New York City, blending history, culture, and technology in a unique experience.
As you enter, you’ll traverse seven themed areas, each offering a distinct slice of New York life: Finance, Skyline, TV/Radio, Fashion, Music, Broadway, and Film. Take your time exploring each section, learning how these elements have shaped the city’s identity and continue to influence its character today.
In the Finance area, you can experience the thrill of ringing the New York Stock Exchange bell. The Skyline section showcases the city’s iconic architecture, while TV/Radio transports you to famous television sets. Fashion enthusiasts will marvel at exhibits featuring outfits worn by celebrities like Beyoncé, while music lovers can try their hand at being a DJ and admire costumes worn by artists like Cardi B.
Broadway comes to life with costumes from beloved musicals like Aladdin and The Lion King. The Film gallery celebrates movies and TV series set in NYC, offering a nostalgic trip through the city’s cinematic history.
The grand finale is an awe-inspiring flight simulation over New York. Seated in a state-of-the-art theater, you’ll soar through the city, surrounded by an immersive 180-degree screen with stunning 8K visuals. The moving seats, combined with wind, fog, and even city scents, create an incredibly realistic flying experience.
Tips to Visit RiseNY
Maximize your RiseNY experience with these insider tips, ensuring you make the most of this unique New York attraction.
Visit on Weekdays: For a more relaxed visit with shorter queues, consider coming on a weekday. This allows you to experience the exhibits without the rush and gives you more space to enjoy each display.
Time Your Visit: Allocate about 60 to 90 minutes to fully immerse yourself in the entire experience. This duration allows ample time to engage with all the exhibits without feeling hurried.
Restroom Use: Make use of the restroom located on the second floor before entering the museum. This is particularly useful as it helps you avoid the need for interruptions once you’ve started exploring the exhibits.
Coat Rack: Take advantage of the unattended coat rack to store your belongings. This convenience means you can move more freely around the museum without carrying extra weight.
Ticket Validity: Your ticket is valid for the entire day, so feel free to explore at your own pace. There’s no need to rush through; you can return to any sections you found particularly interesting.
Photogenic Spaces: RiseNY features many Instagrammable spots with striking multimedia effects. Be ready to capture and share vibrant photos of these dynamic elements.
Informational Resources: Pay attention to the information plaques and scan the QR codes provided for additional insights into the exhibits. This extra layer of information will enrich your understanding and appreciation of the displays.
Visit Duration: While the recommended visit time is around an hour, some visitors may find themselves engaged for longer. Plan your schedule with some flexibility to accommodate a longer stay if captivated by the exhibits.
Interactive Elements for Kids: Engage children with the interactive elements found throughout the exhibits. These features are designed to entertain while educating, making the experience enjoyable for younger visitors.
Accessibility
RiseNY strives to accommodate all visitors, but there are some important considerations to keep in mind:
The ride portion features strobe lights, loud sounds, wind, and scents, which may not be suitable for those with sensory sensitivities. However, the cultural evolution experience leading up to the ride is enjoyable for most visitors.
To participate in the ride, you must be able to wear the provided seatbelt and remain upright independently. Prosthetic devices need to be secured, removed, or stored for safety reasons. Certain physical abilities may be required for participation.
While the ride area is wheelchair accessible, staff members cannot assist with transfers on and off the ride. It’s recommended that those needing assistance be accompanied by someone familiar with their needs. In case of emergency or evacuation, having a companion who knows how to safely assist you is crucial.
Frequently Asked Questions
RiseNY is an immersive attraction in Times Square that combines New York City history, culture, and a thrilling flight simulation. It features seven themed galleries and culminates in a soaring ride over NYC’s iconic landmarks.
The entire experience typically takes between 60 to 90 minutes, depending on factors like crowd size and how much time you spend in each exhibit. Most visitors spend about an hour exploring all the attractions.
Yes, RiseNY is designed to engage visitors of all ages. The interactive exhibits and multimedia effects are particularly appealing to younger visitors. However, parents should consider their children’s comfort with the flight simulation portion.
Yes, you can! RiseNY is described as an “Instagrammable space”.
Yes, the ride area is wheelchair accessible. However, for the ride itself, visitors must be able to wear a seatbelt and remain upright independently. Staff can provide information but cannot assist with transfers.
The ride features strobe lights, loud sounds, wind, and scents, which may not be suitable for those with sensory sensitivities. Visitors must be able to wear a seatbelt and remain upright. Certain physical abilities may be required to participate.
RiseNY is open daily. Monday to Thursday and Sunday: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. Friday and Saturday: 10:00 am to 8:00 pm.
RiseNY is located at 160 West 45th Street, next to McDonald’s on Times Square. It’s easily accessible by subway (take 1, 2, 3, N, Q, R, or S trains to Times Square) or bus (M7 or M104 to 7 Av/W 44 St stop).
Yes, RiseNY is included in several discount passes such as The New York Sightseeing Pass, GoCity Explorer Pass, and The New York Pass. These can offer significant savings if you plan to visit multiple attractions.
Weekdays, especially in the early afternoon, tend to be less crowded. This allows for a more relaxed experience and shorter wait times.
Your ticket is valid for the whole day, so you can explore at your leisure. However, it’s best to confirm the re-entry policy with staff on the day of your visit.
Being located in Times Square, there are numerous dining options in the immediate vicinity.
Yes, there’s an unattended coat rack available for visitors to use, located near the restrooms on the second floor.
The flight simulation is highly immersive, featuring a 180-degree screen with 8K visuals, moving seats, wind effects, and even city scents to create a realistic flying experience over New York City.
The flight simulation involves movement and visual effects that might affect those prone to motion sickness. If you’re concerned, it’s best to inquire with staff about the intensity of the ride before participating.
Where to Stay Near RiseNY
Staying near RiseNY can be an excellent choice for visitors looking to immerse themselves in the heart of New York City’s action. The attraction’s location in Times Square puts you right in the center of one of the city’s most vibrant and iconic neighborhoods. This area is not only bustling with entertainment options but also offers easy access to many other popular attractions.
However, it’s important to note that Times Square can be quite noisy and crowded, especially at night. If you’re looking for a quieter stay while still maintaining proximity to RiseNY and other Midtown attractions, you might consider hotels in nearby areas like Bryant Park or the Theater District. These locations offer a slight retreat from the constant buzz of Times Square while still keeping you within walking distance of RiseNY and other major sites.
More Entertainment Options in New York City
New York City is a treasure trove of entertainment, offering a diverse range of attractions to suit every taste. While RiseNY provides a unique perspective on the city, there are many other exciting experiences waiting to be discovered. Here’s a selection of additional entertainment options that showcase the Big Apple’s vibrant culture and history:
Central Park Zoo
Nestled in the heart of Manhattan, Central Park Zoo offers a delightful escape into nature. This compact yet diverse zoo is home to an array of animals from tropical, temperate, and polar zones. Highlights include the sea lion pool, the penguin exhibit, and the children’s zoo. The zoo’s location within Central Park makes it a perfect addition to your city exploration, allowing you to combine wildlife viewing with a stroll through one of the world’s most famous urban parks.
Step into the world of celebrities and historical figures at Madame Tussauds Wax Museum. Located in the heart of Times Square, this interactive attraction features stunningly lifelike wax figures of famous personalities from entertainment, sports, politics, and history. You’ll have the opportunity to “meet” your favorite stars, pose for photos, and even participate in immersive experiences. With frequently updated exhibits and special themed areas, Madame Tussauds offers a unique and entertaining way to engage with pop culture and history.
Unleash your inner secret agent at SPYSCAPE, an immersive spy museum and experience. This modern, interactive attraction puts you in the shoes of a spy, testing your skills in code-breaking, lie detection, surveillance, and special ops. Through a combination of high-tech exhibits, hands-on challenges, and real spy artifacts, SPYSCAPE offers a thrilling journey into the world of espionage. You’ll learn about famous spies, discover your own spy profile, and gain insights into the history and future of intelligence.
Although not located in New York City, Hersheypark is a fantastic option for those willing to take a day trip or extend their vacation. Located in Hershey, Pennsylvania, this chocolate-themed amusement park offers a sweet escape from the urban hustle. The park features a mix of thrilling roller coasters, family-friendly rides, and water attractions. You can also explore Hershey’s Chocolate World, learning about the chocolate-making process and even creating your own candy bar.
Other Nearby Attractions
After experiencing the unique perspective of New York at RiseNY, you’ll find yourself perfectly situated to continue your adventure. Whether you’re interested in world-class theater, breathtaking views, historic landmarks, or cutting-edge art, there’s something for everyone just a short walk or quick subway ride away.
Times Square
Experience the vibrant energy of Times Square, located just a short walk from RiseNY. Famous for its dazzling array of bright lights and as the epicenter of Broadway theater, Times Square is not just a crossroads of the world, but a bustling hub of entertainment and excitement. Whether you’re drawn by the latest hit musicals, the throngs of people from around the globe, or the iconic sight of neon billboards and digital displays, there’s always something happening in Times Square that captures the dynamic spirit of New York City.
Known as the heart of American theater, Broadway offers world-class performances that captivate audiences from around the globe. With dozens of theaters showcasing everything from long-running classics to cutting-edge new productions, there’s always something exciting on stage. The vibrant atmosphere, dazzling marquees, and talented performers make Broadway an essential New York experience. Whether you’re a theater enthusiast or a first-time attendee, catching a Broadway show is an unforgettable way to immerse yourself in the city’s cultural scene.
Top of the Rock Observatory
Located atop the iconic Rockefeller Center, the Top of the Rock Observatory offers breathtaking 360-degree views of New York City. From this vantage point, you can see Central Park, the Empire State Building, and the sprawling cityscape in all directions. The three-level observation deck provides both indoor and outdoor viewing areas, ensuring spectacular vistas regardless of the weather. With its central location and shorter lines compared to some other observatories, Top of the Rock is an excellent choice for experiencing New York from above.
This historic complex is a city within a city, featuring beautiful Art Deco architecture, shops, restaurants, and numerous attractions. Home to NBC Studios, Radio City Music Hall, and the famous Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree during the holiday season, there’s always something to see and do. Don’t miss the chance to watch ice skaters glide across the rink in winter or enjoy the summer gardens.
This legendary entertainment venue is a must-see for its stunning Art Deco interior and rich history. Known as the “Showplace of the Nation,” Radio City Music Hall hosts concerts, stage shows, and special events throughout the year, including the famous Christmas Spectacular featuring the Rockettes. Even if you don’t catch a show, the venue offers tours that provide fascinating insights into its architecture and backstage areas.
Housing one of the world’s finest collections of modern and contemporary art, MoMA is a paradise for art lovers. The museum’s ever-changing exhibitions showcase works by renowned artists like Van Gogh, Picasso, and Warhol, alongside cutting-edge contemporary pieces. With its spacious galleries, sculpture garden, and thought-provoking installations, MoMA offers a comprehensive look at the evolution of modern art.
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