Festival travel: New York City hosts the Governors Ball, with cheap flights from Pittsburgh

Festival travel: New York City hosts the Governors Ball, with cheap flights from PittsburghPhoto: iStock
Hoodline
Published on May 21, 2019

Looking for the right time to visit New York City, but hoping to skip the typical Big Apple tourist scene in favor of a more local experience? The Governors Ball Music Festival is right around the corner, and might have exactly what you're looking for.

Started by local music lovers in 2011, it features 60-plus artists of all genres, plus a selection of the best eats in town, street artists from around the city, interactive games and activities, and more. What better way to experience the music, art and culture at the heart of NYC?

Thankfully, there are plenty of regular, relatively inexpensive flights between Pittsburgh and New York City. We pulled from travel site Skyscanner to provide you with a short list of flights and hotels handpicked for the occasion. (Prices and availability are current as of publication and subject to change.)

Hoodline offers data-driven analysis of local happenings and trends across cities. Links included in the articles may earn Hoodline a commission on clicks and transactions.

Cheapest New York City flights

Currently, the cheapest flights between Pittsburgh and New York City are if you leave on May 31 and return from New York on June 4. Spirit Airlines currently has tickets for $226, roundtrip.

There are also deals to be had earlier in May. If you fly out of Pittsburgh on May 29 and return from New York City on June 2, Spirit Airlines can get you there and back for $229 roundtrip.

Top New York City hotels

Regarding where to stay, here are some of New York City’s top-rated hotels, that we selected from Skyscanner's listings based on price and customer satisfaction.

The Standard, High Line (848 Washington St.)

Photo: Trip by Skyscanner

If you're looking to splurge on top quality, consider The Standard, High Line. The hotel has a 4.4-star rating on Skyscanner, and rooms are currently available for $275.  

All 338 rooms at The Standard, High Line have ground-to-ceiling windows with spectacular views. It is within close proximity to the west side highway, Javits Center, SoHo and the Financial District. 

The Dream Downtown (355 W. 16th St.)

Photo: Trip by Skyscanner

There's also the 4.5-star rated The Dream Downtown, which has rooms for $204/night.

Situated between the thriving Meatpacking District and Chelsea, The Dream Downtown is the latest addition to the Vikram Chatwal Hotel portfolio. This luxury property features 315 loft-inspired rooms and a rooftop lounge with city views.  

Ace Hotel New York (20 W. 29th St.)

Photo: Trip by Skyscanner

If you're looking for an inexpensive place to stay, try Ace Hotel New York. The 4.3-star hotel has rooms for $84/night.

Ace Hotel New York is a 12-story hotel in the heart of Midtown Manhattan. The unique boutique hotel has 269 rooms and is located near the Theater District. 

Top picks for dining and drinking

If you're looking to snag a bite at one of New York City's many quality eateries, here are a few popular culinary destinations from Skyscanner's listings that will help keep you satiated.

Levain Bakery (167 W. 74th St.)

Photo: Trip by Skyscanner

First things first: where to satisfy your sweet tooth. For a popular option, check out Levain Bakery, which has an average of 4.8 stars out of 42 reviews on Skyscanner.

"The chocolate chip walnut cookie is amazing!" wrote visitor Sandy.

The Meatball Shop (84 Stanton St.)

Photo: Trip by Skyscanner

Also worth considering is The Meatball Shop, with 4.6 stars from 49 reviews.

"These are the best meatballs I have ever had," wrote ABelle. 

Red Rooster (310 Lenox Ave.)

Photo: Trip by Skyscanner

If you're looking for a local favorite restaurant pick, head to the Red Rooster, with 4.5 stars from 56 reviews.

The Red Rooster is part of the vibrant Harlem community. The menu reflects the roots of American cuisine while celebrating local farmers and artisanal food makers. The Red Rooster features a takeout market, bar and restaurant.  

Featured local attractions

New York City is also full of sites to visit and explore. Here are some popular attractions to round out your trip, again from Skyscanner's listings.

The Brooklyn Bridge Park (334 Furman St.)

First up is The Brooklyn Bridge Park. It checks in with 4.6 stars from 469 reviews.

Located in the heart of New York City, The Brooklyn Bridge Park is a great place for tourists and residents to visit. This park is located beside the Brooklyn Bridge, considered one of the portals into the city and although the park itself is simple, it also offers an amazing view of the entire city. 

The High Line Park (New York)

Photo: Trip by Skyscanner

Then, there's The High Line Park, with 4.9 stars from 390 reviews.

"This is the most fun place I have found to walk in the city," wrote visitor Lars. 

The Statue of Liberty (New York)

Photo: Trip by Skyscanner

Finally, consider checking out The Statue of Liberty. It has 4.9 stars from 410 reviews.

Lady Liberty has welcomed the grandparents and great-grandparents of many Americans. A symbol of the country's possibilities, The Statue of Liberty National Monument includes nearby Ellis Island, where many European immigrants started on their journey of becoming Americans.  

This story was created automatically using flight, hotel, and local attractions data, then reviewed by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.