Halloween in New York

Halloween in New York

By Dom Bewley

When things go bump in the night more frequently than usual, it can only mean one thing. No, not a rodent infestation; it's Halloween! The spookiest time of year has evolved from simple trick-or-treating to a time of grand experiences! And if you're in New York for the festivities, you might want to know what's going on! Well, look no further. In this guide to Halloween in New York, we'll tell you about all the best spooky bits you'll not want to miss. Now fly, my pretties! Fly!

Including:

  • When is Halloween in New York?
  • Where is Halloween in New York
  • Catacombs by Candlelight Tour
  • Ghosts of Greenwich Village Tour
  • Village Halloween Parade
  • and more!
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When is Halloween in New York?

If you are a human person, then you probably already know this. But this one's for all you non-humans who might be unaware. The spookiest day of the year falls on October 31st; this year, that's a Monday. And you might be thinking, "Monday's a school night; how am I supposed to get my spook on when I've got work the next day?"

Don't worry; we hear you, and we see you. You'll be pleased to know that much of the Halloween hijinks will take place the weekend before the day itself. You'll even find some shenanigans in the two weeks sandwiching the big day. A big Halloween sandwich of fun, if you will.

Where is Halloween in New York?

Well, it's in New York. The Big Apple. The city that never sleeps. You... specifically clicked this blog. Are you okay? Do you need to sit down and take a moment?

Things to do on Halloween in New York

Anyway, enough with the spooky silliness; you'll want to know what to do over Halloween in New York, right? Well, let's take a look at the best eerie activities on offer.

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Be brave on a Catacombs by Candlelight Tour

Ever danced with the devil in the pale candlelight? Yes, we've taken some liberties with that quote, taken from the eternally-Halloweeny mind of Tim Burton, but stay with us here. Because you won't be dancing on this candlelight tour of the catacombs beneath St. Patrick's Old Cathedral.

This 90-minute guided tour will take you through the myriad underground tunnels and passageways beneath this holy place. And your creepy yet information-savvy guide will regale you with spooky tales as you go. Many famous New Yorkers rest in these catacombs, and there's sure to be a creepy story for some of them.

Pairing history with spooky dark places? What more could you ask for on Halloween in New York?

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Go hunting on a Ghosts of Greenwich Village Tour

Above the dank and dark catacombs, we now travel to Greenwich Village. Did you know it was originally named after a green witch? Neither did we, because it is a lie. There never was a green witch in Greenwich. But you know what Greenwich does have? Ghosts. Tons of ghosts.

That's right, Halloween-goers, you too can discover Manhattan's spine-chilling secrets on a ghostly walking tour of the local neighborhood. Visit Greenwich Village's most haunted hangouts to hear tales of lost children, celebrity ghosts, and park-dwelling phantoms. Let your guide weave creepy tales that go bump in the night. Witness the weirdness of the Hanging Tree, take a spooky stroll around Washington Square Park, and get ready to snap a picture of real ghosts along the way. Who knows, maybe you'll get lucky!

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Image courtesy of Inspired By Maps/Shutterstock

Do the monster mash at the Village Halloween Parade

Have you seen the news? Every year, New York is taken over by ghouls! 50,000 creatures of the night descend on the Big Apple, taking the streets and terrifying locals. That is, unless those locals are taking part. Because we're talking about the Village Halloween Parade, and if you're in town for Halloween, you won't want to miss it.

The parade runs up Sixth Ave from Canal St to 15th St in Manhattan, so if you want to get involved, you'll need a costume. This year's theme is 'freedom', so really you make of it what you want. If you're keen, head to Sixth Ave and Canal St at 6.30PM and prepare to march at 7PM!

If you'd rather watch from the sidelines, then by all means. Either head to Sixth Ave early to grab a spot (it gets busy as the march draws near), or head to the end of the parade at 14th St to 16th St to catch a whole host of sweaty, tired monsters passing the finish line.

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Enjoy cocktail cackles at Hocus Pocus

Fancy sprinkling some camp into your Halloween merriment? Then you'll love Hocus Pocus, a cocktail extravaganza courtesy of A Drinking Game NYC.

Featuring a faithful rendition of the Disney classic Hocus Pocus, you'll watch along as the three witches enact their dastardly plans. Just make sure you've exercised your drinking hand, because every time you hear the bell, you'll need to take a sip.

Can you survive the night, or will the witches' inebriating spells take hold of you before the end? Only time, and your wits, will tell.

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Run for your life at the terrifying Blood Manor

If you want to dial up your Halloween with a hefty dose of adrenaline, then look no further than the ominously-titled Blood Manor. Maybe leave the kids at home for this one, because you'll be in for some real terror.

This massive haunted house is located at 359 Broadway, and it's not for the faint of heart. In fact, children under 14 won't even be allowed in for fear of being scarred for life! For those of you daring enough to enter, you'll find haunted halls, petrifying passageways, and a multitude of actors trained in one thing and one thing only - being really scary.

If you survive and want to go next year, then you're in for a treat, because the whole house is refreshed every year. So next time you round that corner you were sure was safe, you might be in for a surprise.

And that's the end of our spooky guide to Halloween in New York? Want some less-spooky ideas for experiences in the Big Apple? Check out Go City! With our Explorer Pass and All-Inclusive Pass, you can work the city's best attractions around your vacation itinerary! So, what are you waiting for?

Dom Bewley
Go City Travel Expert

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Four Days in New York

Planning to spend four days in New York City and wondering whether it’s enough time to see everything? One of the world’s most intense and invigorating, energetic, and ever-changing cities in the world, the sprawling metropolis has so much to offer, you could live there for a year without seeing and experiencing everything. However, four days in New York is enough to see all the top attractions and get a feel for the city. While you’ll have your work cut out for you and will end up walking a good few miles, it’s just enough time for you to take a bite out of the Big Apple and fall in love. So, what to see and where to go? This four-day itinerary will guide you through the top sights and food spots you simply can’t miss on a visit to New York City. Top Tips for First-Time Visitors to New York City With just four days in New York, time is of the essence, so here are a few tips to help make the most of your stay. Comfortable shoes are essential! New York City is best explored on foot, and you’ll spend a lot of time walking around. It’s essential to bring a pair of comfortable walking shoes for your four-day adventure. Expect long lines at popular places New York City is one of the most visited cities in the world and is busy year-round. Prepare for long lines at the top attractions. Get the 7-Day Unlimited Ride Metro Card New York City has an outstanding public transportation system that provides a quick way of getting around the city. The 7-Day Unlimited Ride Metro Card is worthwhile if you plan on using the subway. For only $33 you’ll have unlimited access to the metro for seven days. Now that you’re prepped, let’s hit the streets! Four-Day Itinerary for New York City Day 1 Morning in Central Park Your first stop on your Big Apple adventure must be Central Park. One of New York’s most recognized attributes, Central Park is the lush green heart of Manhattan. Designed by the award-winning landscape architect team, Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, the park spans 843 acres and is home to everything from a lake to an ice-skating rink. You could spend the entire day in the park and not see everything, so why not use your pass to rent a bike from Central Park Full Day Bike Rental on two wheels! Visit the most popular attractions in the park like the picturesque Loeb Boathouse, the historic Belvedere Castle, Sheep's Meadow, and the rolling Strawberry Fields. When you’re done exploring, head to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, one of New York’s top museums. Founded in 1870, the MET is home to over two million pieces of art spanning 5,000 years. Don’t miss Monet’s Bridge over a Pond of Water Lilies and Vincent van Gogh’s Self Portrait with a Straw Hat. If you prefer archeology over art, head to the American Museum of Natural History on the border of Central Park in the Upper West Side. Use your pass to gain access to the museum and marvel at the incredible collection of natural wonders. Don’t miss the life-size model of a 94-foot blue whale in the Hall of Ocean Life. Afternoon in Midtown After lunch, it’s time for a bit of retail therapy on one of the best shopping streets in the world! Head down Fifth Avenue to browse the stunning window displays of the top luxury brands in the world and do some shopping if your credit card will allow it. Make a stop at the Saint Patrick’s Cathedral along the way. Hailed as one of the most beautiful churches in the world, the Neo-Gothic style cathedral took 21 years to complete due to the Civil War. Use your pass to enjoy express entry into the cathedral where you can wander around in awe of the breathtaking architecture. Evening in Times Square Times Square is one of New York’s most visited attractions and can’t be missed during your NYC sojourn. Brace yourself for the massive screens and neon lights lighting up the night sky. Be prepared for crowds – Times Square heaves with tourists, especially at night, but it’s an experience of a lifetime that will leave lasting memories. Another must-do when in New York is to catch a Broadway Show if you can afford it. Broadway Shows are an integral part of New York and even if you’re not the greatest theater fan, watching a show like The Lion King or Wicked on Broadway is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Use your pass to enjoy a Broadway and Time Square Walking Tour. Walk in the footsteps of stars as you visit legendary Broadway locations like the Edison Hotel and Shubert Alley. Day 2 Morning in Greenwich Village When in New York, do as New Yorkers do and grab a bagel for breakfast. You’ll find plenty of bakeries and cafés selling mouthwatering versions – try salmon and cream cheese if you really want to be a New Yorker. The best way to explore this charming neighborhood is on a walking tour. Use your pass to join a Greenwich Village Walking Tour and enjoy a two-hour guided tour of the ‘birthplace of American Counter-Culture.’ Visit Washington Square Park, the symbolic heart of Greenwich Village and a gathering place for avant-garde artists and students from NYU. Eat your bagel on the steps of the fountain and watch street art performers and musicians ply their trade. Discover film locations (Friends and Mozart in the Jungle) and learn about the area's famous residents like Edgar Allan Poe and John Wilkes Booth. Visit the birthplace of the LGBTQ+ Movement in America, the Stonewall Inn. Afternoon in Soho, Little Italy, and Chinatown Your next stop is the neighboring areas of SoHo (South of Houston Street), Little Italy, and Chinatown. Save some time by using your pass to enjoy a SoHo, Little Italy & Chinatown Walking Tour and dive right into the heart of Manhattan. Enjoythe ritzy shops and their museum-worthy window displays in SoHo and shop until you drop. Venture into Little Italy and be prepared to salivate as you wander around NYC’s tastiest neighborhood. Discover the rich history of Chinatown and explore its secret underground tunnels. Evening in Chelsea As the sun begins to set , head to the unique High Line Park to take in some spectacular city views. The once-disused railroad track was converted into a verdant floating garden that now passes through some of New York City's most historic neighborhoods. Wander along the elevated park on a High Line, Chelsea & Meatpacking District Walking Tour with your pass. Take in the art installations and admire some of New York's most famous buildings, including the Empire State Building and Frank Gehry’s IAC Building. When you’re done walking the High Line, pop into Chelsea Market for something to eat. The world-famous food hall is home to a mix of restaurants and shops selling an array of mouthwatering gourmet goodies. Day 3 Morning at the 9/11 Memorial and Museum and One World Trade Center Visiting New York City without spending a few hours in the 9/11 Memorial and Museum would be remiss. Based next to the overwhelming might of the monolithic One World Trade Center, the museum details the horrific events that took place on that day and honors the almost 3,000 victims of these attacks and all those who risked their lives to save others. Use your pass to gain entrance to the museum and be prepared for a deeply moving and reflective experience. Join a 9/11 Museum Workshop with your pass where you’ll learn about the nine-month recovery period after the events of 9/11 and the people involved. Don’t miss the never-ending waterfall that cascades into twin reflecting pools where the Twin Towers once stood. The names of victims of both the 1993 and 2001 attacks are engraved in stone around the waterfall. Afternoon in Wall Street and Brooklyn As you wander towards Wall Street and the Financial District, be sure to check out the architecturally significant and rather curious design of the Oculus Mall, which is like the spine of a long-forgotten fish. Walk around the Financial District and see the iconic New York Stock Exchange. Have a photo taken with the famous Charging Bull and admire the historic Trinity Church. Next stop, the famous Brooklyn Bridge and the charming neighborhood of DUMBO. Connecting Manhattan to Brooklyn, the Brooklyn Bridge is one of the oldest bridges in the country and one of New York’s most iconic attractions. A lovely way to explore this area is on a Brooklyn Bridge and DUMBO Walking Tour. Stroll across the architectural icon and be sure to take tons of photos – it’s one of the most photographed landmarks in NYC. Learn the history of the bridge from your guide as you soak up spectacular views of the Manhattan skyline. Stroll around the trendy Brooklyn neighborhood called DUMBO which is famous for its art galleries, high-end boutiques, and scenic waterfront views. This is the place for out-of-this-world New York pizza, so find a spot for dinner! Day 4 Morning at in the Diamond District Your first stop today should be the beautiful Grand Central Station. Take in the breathtaking design and the grandeur of the celestial ceiling of the central terminal. Grab breakfast and a coffee in the food hall downstairs. A short walk from Grand Central Station is the Museum of Modern Art. Fondly known as MoMA, the striking Yoshio Taniguchi-designed building houses one of the most significant collections of modern art in the world, with works by world-renowned, such as Van Gogh, Picasso, Cézanne, Magritte, Pollock, Matisse, and Warhol. Use your pass for free access to the Museum of Modern Art and spend the morning marveling at masterpieces. Afternoon at the Empire State Building You can’t leave New York without visiting the Empire State Building. This world-renowned building is a short walk from Bryant Park and is the perfect place to see the sunset over Manhattan. Built during The Great Depression, Empire State Building is a glorious example of Art Deco design with a magnificent lobby boasting 24-karat gold and aluminum leaf ceiling murals. Use your pass to gain access to the Empire State Building and head up to the 86th floor to get a 360-degree panoramic view of the city. Take in the city from the observatory deck and see Connecticut and Pennsylvania more than 80 miles away on a clear day or watch the city lights begin to twinkle as it gets darker. Evening at Madison Square Garden Spend your last evening in New York watching a Knicks basketball game or the New York Rangers on the ice at Madison Square Garden. The 20,000-seat venue in the heart of Herald Square witnessed Marilyn singing ‘Happy Birthday’ to JFK and hosted two Ali-Frazier fights. If you aren’t lucky enough to get tickets, you’ll find plenty of top-notch restaurants in and around the square for your last NYC dinner.
Alex Birungi
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Things to do at Night in New York City

When the sun goes down, the Big Apple comes alive. Neon lights begin to flicker, restaurants buzz and theaters roll out their red carpets. From outdoor movies in pretty parks to bustling night markets and Broadway shows, when it comes to nightlife, New York has something for everyone! Let's check out what's on the cards when the sun sets in the 'City that Never Sleeps.' Soak up the City Lights from an Observation Deck There is no better way to toast the sunset over New York than from one of the many observation decks dotted about the city. Watch the city lights begin to twinkle as twilight turns to night and see the city like never before. Several Manhattan buildings have observation decks open in the evening where you can take in the city for all its glory. Top of the Rock at the Rockefeller Center The Top of the Rock takes up the last three floors of Rockefeller Center. It features three levels of indoor and outdoor observation decks that offer spectacular, unobstructed views of the city skyline. The 68th and 69th floors have terraces with glass railings that provide beautiful panoramic views of the whole city. The 70th floor boasts an open-air rooftop deck with no metal or glass enclosures, providing perfect photo opportunities! Enjoy several unique experiences on the way up to the Top of the Rock ranging from the magnificent Joie chandelier and an exhibit of interactive artworks to a sound and light hallway and a time capsule over Manhattan. Use your pass to gain free admission to the Top of the Rock to soak up the incredible 360 ̊ panoramic views. Empire State Building Head up the world-renowned Empire State Building to the main deck observatory on the 86th floor to take in those famous New York City views. Use your pass to enjoy complimentary access to the Empire State Building and whizz up to the open-air observation deck that wraps around the building's spire. Marvel at the endless views, which on a clear evening, can stretch all way across six states! The Edge Cast your eyes over the city from one of the highest outdoor sky decks in the world. Located at 30 Hudson Yards, the Edge is a state-of-the-art platform with a glass floor that extends out into mid-air 100 floors above the ground. Feel like you are floating above the city as you sip a glass of bubbles from the Champagne bar to toast the sunset and take in unrivaled panoramic city views. This one is not for the faint-hearted! Remember to use your pass to gain free access to the Edge. One World Observatory Take in the sunset from the highest point in the city – the top of the One World Observatory. Zip up to the 102nd floor in just 47 seconds in the astonishingly fast SkyPodTM Elevators while you watch a multimedia display of New York City transforming from unsettled lands into a forest of skyscrapers. Look over the city below through the glass floor of the Sky Portal and enjoy several thrilling audiovisual experiences while you are at the top of the world. Use your pass to enjoy complimentary access to the One World Observatory, as well as an exclusive discount off a signature cocktail from One World Observatory's premier restaurant and bar, One Dine. Cheers! Hit Times Square Times Square is one of New York's top attractions and offers second to none nightlife! It's packed with a wealth of entertainment from bars, restaurants, and nightclubs to theaters and TV recording studios and really comes alive at night. Learn about the famous district on a Broadway & Times Square Walking Tour. Use your pass to enjoy this tour where an experienced actor and director tour guide will take you to all the hot spots. Have a laugh at the LoL Times Square Comedy Club or head to the Bowlmor Times Square arcade for bowling, state-of-the-art video games, and old-school pinball. Use your pass to visit Madame Tussauds and gain free access to the MARVEL Universe 4D cinema experience. Sip cocktails at the Haven Rooftop bar and watch the action on Time Square below. Catch a Broadway Show A quintessential evening activity in New York is catching a Broadway show. While they are expensive, the experience is an unforgettable one and really shouldn't be missed! With over 40 official Broadway theaters in New York, you're bound to find something that piques your interest. Top Tip: The best way to get discounted show tickets is to head to TDF's TKTS Booth in Duffy Square (47th Street and Broadway) and wait in line on the day of the show. You can get some fantastic discounts on tickets for most shows. Catch a Different Kind of Show If you prefer something more energetic, use your pass to enjoy the Shake, Rattle & Roll Dueling Pianos Show Hosted at the historic Cutting Room on East 32nd Street, this three-hour rock 'n' roll extravaganza features an all-request evening of live music from dueling pianos, fantastic food, and plenty of drinks. If jazz is your thing, head to Harlem, the birthplace of the music genre, to enjoy a classic jazz performance. Use your pass to get tickets to the Harlem Jazz Series, a one-hour performance of classic jazz hits some of the industry's best musicians. Enjoy a Sunset Movie at Bryant Park If the weather is good, why not watch an outdoor movie at Bryant Park? Tucked behind the New York Public Library, Bryant Park is the beating cultural heart of Midtown Manhattan and is famous for its iconic movie nights under the stars. Grab a delicious picnic pack from Perfect Picnic with your pass and find a spot on the lawn for a romantic evening out. Top Tip: These movie nights are extremely popular, so get there when the lawns open at 5 pm to get a good spot. Take in the City Lights from the Ferry Soak up the magical after-dark glow of the Big Apple on a romantic harbor cruise. Use your pass to hop on a Harbor Lights Cruise with Circle Line and enjoy a cruise through the city. There is indoor and outdoor seating, a full bar on board, and an outdoor viewing deck for those Insta-worthy photographs. The narrated cruise offers interesting facts about famous New York landmarks like the Brooklyn Bridge and the Statue of Liberty as you glide past. Catch a Yankees Game One of the most exciting things to do in New York at night is to watch a Yankees game under the lights. Head to the game a little earlier and use your pass to enjoy a Classic Tour of the Yankee Stadium Get a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the legendary stadium as you visit areas not usually open to the public, like the dugout and the press box. Watch out for the ghost of Babe Ruth, who apparently wanders around the stadium! Stargaze at the High Line As the sun begins to set , head to the unique High Line Park to take in some spectacular city views. The once-disused railroad track was converted into a verdant floating garden and now passes through some of New York City's most historic neighborhoods. Wander along the elevated park on a High Line, Chelsea & Meatpacking District Walking Tour with your pass. Take in the art installations and admire some of New York's most famous buildings, including the Empire State Building and Frank Gehry's IAC Building. You can also enjoy free stargazing evenings at the High Line every Tuesday from dusk until 9:45 pm. Telescopes are provided and spaced throughout the park by the Amateur Astronomers Association, who are also on hand to help and answer any questions.
Alex Birungi
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