Things to Do in New York in Spring

New York City really comes alive in the springtime. The parks are in bloom, the snow has melted away, and there's a happy and warm air (literally and figuratively) that sweeps the entire island.

By Katie Sagal
Published: May 16, 2024
Central Park Spring

Spring is a great time to visit New York, with cheaper airfare and lodging available, shorter attraction lines, and exciting new special events and shows offered daily. If you’re looking for things to do in New York in spring, check out our list of some of the best activities and attractions, including...

  • Butterfly Conservatory Exhibit at the American Museum of Natural History
  • Top of the Rock Observatory
  • Empire State Building
  • Landmarks Cruise
  • Central Park Bike Rental
  • Cherry Blossom Season at Brooklyn Botanic Garden
  • Baseball Games and Sports Stadiums
  • New York Botanical Garden Orchid Show
  • Macy’s Flower Show
  • Tribeca Film Festival

American Museum of Natural History Butterfly Conservatory

butterfly-on-my-finger-conservatory-american

In addition to being one of our favorite museums in the entire city, the American Museum of Natural History is also a great place to visit (over and over again) because of its spectacular line-up of special exhibits. Explore the grounds Night at the Museum style. Study dinosaur fossils, learn about biodiversity and environmentalism, travel from Earth to space, and much more. In spring, check out the annually-available Butterfly Conservatory Exhibit, which showcases these amazing delicate creatures in a riot of colors and shapes.

Top of the Rock Observatory

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While the city’s natural landscapes are slowly starting to come to life, it’s kind of hard to get the right perspective on nature from the ground. See spring in full bloom from the Top of the Rock. Zip all the way to the top of 30 Rockefeller Plaza for spectacular views of Central Park and beyond. Enjoy a skyline dotted by skyscrapers and greenery.

Empire State Building

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Another great place to see the entire city come to life is from atop the famous Empire State Building.  Learn how the Art Deco building has become one of the most famous in the world. The Empire State Building experience is more than just an observation deck, too. As you journey from the ground floor to the top, you'll be immersed in interactive exhibits that tell the story of this architectural masterpiece.

Landmarks Cruise

The warmer weather calls for a ride through the harbor. Hop aboard a Circle Line Sightseeing cruise and see the iconic Manhattan skyline from the water. The Landmarks Cruise is a classic and will cover all things NYC. Float by the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and more.

Central Park Bike Rentals and Tours

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The return of warm(ish) weather to NYC means that people are bringing their bikes out in force. Join in with an easy bike rental and pedal through the always lovely Central Park to enjoy the emerging flowers all around you. If you want to explore beyond the park, another popular route takes you across the Brooklyn Bridge. There are often guided tours you can join, which allows you to explore the city without the pressure of figuring out where to go on your own, and deciding whether or not there's really a bike lane ahead of you.

Brooklyn Botanic Garden

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There are few things as lovely as these delicate, exotic blossoms. Fortunately for you, you don’t need to travel thousands of miles to Japan to see these amazing trees for yourself. The Brooklyn Botanic Garden has an astonishing collection of cherry blossom trees that bloom in splendor each spring.

Roam the gardens and marvel at their beauty – with camera in hand, of course! They even have a cherry blossom tracker you can use to see when the trees will be at the point of peak bloom, so you can plan your trip around a certain date.

Root for the home team

Yankee Stadium

One of America’s favorite springtime traditions is the return of Major League Baseball. It's always a ton of fun to take in a game with the whole family, and NYC fans will be cheering right along with you. So whichever team you support, there’s some exciting early-season baseball to enjoy during your next NYC trip!

Want to see more of Yankee Stadium? Take a tour! Sports fans may also enjoy a tour of Madison Square Garden.

New York Botanical Garden Orchid Show

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The Annual Orchid Show NYC is a sight not to be missed for fans of gardening or all things botanical. Come to the New York Botanical Garden to see the gorgeous array of various orchid specimens, arranged in ways to evoke the wild beauty of these distinctive plants. Get excited to see some beautiful plants, and consider bringing one home, too!

Macy’s Flower Show

Macy's Flower Show

In celebration of the beauty of spring, the Macy’s Flower Show is back for another amazing year. Visit the iconic department store and see the displays come to life with thousands of gorgeous flowers covering mannequins and more. A must-see for plant lovers, there will be several special events and talks, marvelous featured gardens, and even bouquets of the day. You'll even find floral-themed food and face painting for the kids.

Tribeca Film Festival

The amazing Tribeca Film Festival is one of the city’s best-beloved events of its kind. In addition to dozens of film screenings at theaters across the neighborhood, the festival also offers special events, Tribeca Talks panels, interactive installations, live music, and much more.

Save on springtime activities in New York City

Discover our full line-up of New York attractions including The Empire State Building, Top of the Rock Observatory, the Statue of Liberty, and more.  

🤩 >> If you want to see and do as much as you can, our All-Inclusive Pass is for you.    

😎 >> If you want to pick just a few attractions and visit at your own pace, our Explorer Pass is the perfect option. 

Katie Sagal
Go City Travel Expert

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New york skyline at night with lit windows, plus lit-up tops of Empire State and Chrysler building
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Things to do in New York for a Birthday

“It’s up to yoouuu, New York Ne-ew Yoooork!” Take it Frank! Make the promises of that karaoke classic come true. Because there’s nothing better than celebrating a birthday in New York City. And exactly how you celebrate is indeed up to you! Unwrap our suggestions, grab your sightseeing pass and start spreading the news...The Big Apple is too big for an exhaustive list but we hope you’ll be inspired by some of our best NYC birthday ideas. Treats we’ve wrapped up include: The best food in New York New York Harbor Cruises Luna Park on Coney Island Exploring Central Park Following in the footsteps of celebrities Taking in a Broadway show Hitting the high spots (including a New York helicopter flight) Posing for rooftop photoshoot and making memories Discover the best food in New York Let’s start as we mean to go on - filling our faces! Begin your day of celebration with breakfast the American way. Tuck into a tower of fluffy pancakes, served with crispy bacon, blueberries and a stream of sticky maple syrup. Enjoy eggs every way you can imagine. Bag bagels and cream cheese, biscuits and gravy, cinnamon rolls, English muffins, Belgian waffles, fruit salad - all washed down with unlimited caw-fee...Shall we stop yet? The Tick Tock Diner on 8th Avenue (corner of 34th) is not only the largest diner in NYC but serves breakfast around the clock. Happily, whatever the time of day, the melting pot of culture that is NYC means you can find pretty much any cuisine of your dreams - whether you’re satisfied with a street stall or looking to have your cake and eat it at a Michelin-starred restaurant. Pick up some tasty treats at multi-cultural Chelsea Market, in the heart of the funky Meatpacking District, renowned as one of the greatest indoor food markets in the world. Chefs and locals crowd this formerly industrial space to select prime cuts of meat, fresh fish and artisan cheese, whilst tourists stop by for premium burgers, Italian gelato, pizza, pastrami, bagels, hot dogs, Chinese, Korean BBQ...the list is deliciously endless... A Food on Foot Tour will help you discover even more authentic eateries and best kept snack secrets. Choose the Midtown Mix Tour to chow down like a local in Manhattan or the Go West Tour to discover the culinary diversity of historic Hell’s Kitchen. To enjoy the flavours of the neighbourhood known particularly for its Eastern European Jewish community, opt for a Tastes of the Lower East Side walking tour and pick up delicacies such as a true kosher pickle, a knish, a bialy and the famous black and white cookie. Cruise New York Harbor - fast or slow Once you’ve satisfied your appetite, why not push the birthday boat out - literally - with a morning or afternoon of leisurely sight-seeing aboard a Best of New York Circle Line Cruise? Whatever the time of year, indoor seats or a huge outdoor deck make it a fun yet relaxing way to tick off some of New York’s best sights. You’ll cruise all three rivers and see around 130 landmarks including the full Manhattan Skyline, the Yankee Stadium, Greenwich Village and the Financial District. If you’re tight for time, with more birthday fun to pull in, the Circle Line Landmarks Cruise is a shorter - 90 minute - tour of the premium views, including the Brooklyn Bridge and the Chrysler Building. Later, for a magical twilight finale to a special day, set sail on a Harbor Lights Cruise which departs just as the sun sets. An onboard bar serves beer, wine, cocktails and soft drinks so you can raise a birthday toast as you watch that unforgettable skyline twinkle into life. If you’re celebrating a teen birthday - or simply feel the need for speed - maybe ditch the gentle cruise in favour of a blast from The Beast. Get on board this mean, green, jet-powered speedboat to roar down the Hudson river at speeds of up to 40 knots? It’s loud, it’s fast and, since the crew have been known to wield water guns, you’re likely to get wet! Whichever you choose, birthday candles can’t hold a torch to Lady Liberty. Fast or slow, all harbor cruises make time for mandatory photo opps of New York’s most famous icon. Smile please! Ride classic coasters at Coney Island If thrills and spills are your idea of birthday fun, how about a trip to Coney Island’s legendary Luna Park? From families with kids, to coaster connoisseurs, there’s something for everyone at this fun seaside destination, around 10 miles from the city. The first Luna Park, opened in 1903, was renowned for its ground-breaking attractions and the miracle that was electric lights. Although that park burned down in 1944 it inspired dozens more ‘lunaparks’ around the world and the amusement park that still stands on the site has all the colourful quirkiness of the original. Enjoy its timeless charm as you stroll the boardwalk, play the sideshows and thrill to rides including the 137ft Astro Tower, the Steeplechase coaster and the Brooklyn Flyer chair swing. Then brace yourself for launch as extreme thrill ride Slingshot catapults you into the air at 90mph. Luna Park is also home to the historic Cyclone Roller Coaster, a bone-shaking, breath-taking wooden coaster dating from 1927 that is registered as a New York City Landmark. Dare you ride? Explore Central Park Whether you’re looking for action on your special day or prefer more laid-back celebrations you’re sure to find a destination or activity to suit in Central Park, possibly the world’s most well-known urban green space and beloved by locals and tourists alike. Take a carriage tour, relax in a rowboat or get up close to the animals at the zoo...Perhaps you’ll get your legs pumping and your heart singing with a two-hour bike tour that takes in top sights like Belvedere Castle, the Imagine Mosaic and Strawberry Fields. Put your best foot forward on a walking tour of little known paths and ponds along with famous fountains and statues. Or simply pick up some snacks (and a birthday cake of course) and unwind with the perfect picnic. Follow in the footsteps of celebrities Whilst we’re in Central Park are you getting a niggling feeling that you’ve somehow been there before? To sort out the sights you’ve seen on screen try tagging along on a TV & Movie Sights tour. Where did Kevin meet the bird lady in Home Alone? Is that the bridge where Buddy throws snowballs in Elf? Shed light on locations from Love Story, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Enchanted and Glee to name a few...All so familiar. And super fun. If you love that kind of celebrity stalking, why stop at Central Park, when there’s a whole city awash with spots you’ll recognise from the big and small screens. Jump on an NYC TV and Movie Bus Tour to grab a selfie at classic locations like the Friends apartment building, the Ghostbusters Firehouse and familiar places from Ocean’s Eight, Spiderman and loads more... There’s even a special movie tour for fans of Marvel and DC Superheroes. Capes at the ready... Take in a Broadway show New York is known the world over for its sparkling theatre district. So grab your popcorn, get your feet a tappin’ and take your seats for a birthday performance. Even if you don’t know your jive from your jazz hands, with 41 Broadway theatres, each typically offering 8 performances a week, we’re confident you’ll find something you’ll enjoy. There are shows for literally every taste and age group, from straight drama, to comedy, performance art (the Blue Man Group) and original music (like the physical percussive show, Stomp). Or maybe, like most, you’ll opt for the magic of the musicals? Choose from family favourites like The Lion King, Aladdin or Wicked, or long-running classics like Phantom of the Opera or Chicago. Perhaps one of the big-name shows of recent years - think Hamilton or Come from Away - will capture your heart? To scout out the options or learn more about the area, the theatres and the stars, why not join a walking tour of Broadway and Times Square? From the glamour to the ghost stories, you’ll be centre stage for all the showbiz gossip, trivia and history. On your birthday, after all, the spotlight is on you! Hit some high spots Wheeee! A helicopter ride over New York is about as awesome as it gets. Unless you’re some kind of seasoned celebrity it’s an incredible once-in-a-lifetime thrill to soar above the skyscrapers for a unique, birds-eye view of the Statue of Liberty, the Brooklyn Bridge, the Empire State Building and all the rest.There are plenty of private tours on offer, usually including a commentary or fun facts. If you book at sunset you’re guaranteed all the glory of golden hour - though beware if the weather’s cloudy - it would suck to soar but not see... If your budget doesn’t stretch quite that far, take it to the top anyway by hitting one of the city’s many breathtaking observation decks. Gaze down at the distant hubbub from the dizzying heights of the Empire State Building’s 86th floor observatory. Or get a snap of the Manhattan skyline including the Empire State, by zooming up to the Top of the Rock observatory at the Rockefeller Centre. Make memories Whilst you’re feeling on top of the world, a rooftop photoshoot is a super-cool way to ensure a lasting memory of your special day. An expert photographer will capture the moment in a private session, as you pose against the backdrop of the World Trade Center. Or, to be even more original, create your own picture for posterity on a sketching tour with a New York City-based artist. You’ll get a drawing-pad and pencil along with a 90 minute tour of history, culture and the chance to sketch some Lower Manhattan landmarks including the Wall Street Bull, the Washington Monument and the Trinity Church Cemetery (final resting place of Alexander Hamilton.) Let's draw a line. We hope we’ve given you just a rough picture of the many places you might choose to pop a cork and blow out your candles in the buzzy, beautiful Big Apple. To discover some of them and many more New York attractions, pick up an All Inclusive Pass or an Explorer Pass, then sightsee, save and celebrate with Go City. It’ll feel like your birthday every day.
Jo Cooke
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New York in March

We love New York all year round, but the city especially shines at the beginning of springtime. Though the weather is still a little chilly this time of year, the area offers a wide array of fun activities and exciting events for you and your loved ones. Whether you’re looking to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day to its fullest, catch a first-rate classical music performance, or taste some of the best pizza in the city, you’ll find that there are countless reasons to love the Big Apple. So, if you’re looking for a great spring vacation, make sure to read through our guide for things to do in the city during this time of year. With Go City, see more for less. Get Festive   Those who are visiting during St. Patrick’s Day might want to check out the city’s annual parade. Recognized as both the oldest and largest celebration of its kind, the New York Saint Patrick’s Day Parade offers a wonderful traditional experience for you and your loved ones. Attracting about 2 million spectators each year, the extravagant event features enormous floats, fun marching bands and captivating dancers. In addition, visitors should be able to find special events and lively activities at bars and restaurants across all five boroughs.   New York City has always been known for its vibrant arts scene. To get your fill of some of the area’s top performers and emerging talents, head over to Brooklyn Dance Festival. At the event, attendees can enjoy original choreography and beautiful storytelling across a wide variety of styles. As captivating as it is magical, the event is the perfect way to soak up the culture of the city.   Whiskey connoisseurs - pay attention! Kicking off towards the end of the month, the NYC Craft Distillers Festival offers attendees a chance to sample some of the industry’s premium spirits at a lower price point. Recapturing the magic of the Roaring Twenties, the event also presents aerial silk performers and burlesque artists just to help you get into the swing of things. Both elegant and lively, the festival provides something a little different from the usual bar experience. Find Fun Activities If you’re looking to avoid the chilly weather, why not book tickets for the Museum of Ice Cream? Yep, you read that right. This delightful and playful institute is entirely dedicated to one of our favorite childhood treats. Providing a fun and unique experience, the museum offers over 13 multi-sensory installations for you to sink your teeth into. Snap some pictures, play in a ball pit of giant sprinkles, or taste some of the establishment's signature flavors - what’s not to love?   New York City is well-recognized as a cultural and creative hub. Standing as one of the biggest international art fairs that the city has to offer, the Armory Show NYC offers the perfect quiet and relaxing alternative to a busy day of touring. The event showcases pieces from over 200 galleries and 30 countries with a focus on contemporary and modern art. A thoroughly interesting and engaging experience, you won’t want to miss out on this one! For a long time, visitors have flocked to New York to admire its architectural integrity – but did you know that the city also offers a museum for those who are especially curious about the constructural background of this vast vertical metropolis? Located in Battery Park City, the Skyscraper Museum focuses on the area’s structures as incredible products of design, objects of technology, and places of work and residence. Upon entrance, visitors can learn more about designers, builders, and investors who contributed to the city’s rich architectural heritage. With so much to see and learn, we highly recommend saving this one for a dull March afternoon.   Another one of our favorite things to do for the month of March is attend the New York Peace Film Festival. Kicking off towards the end of the month, the event seeks to bring social and political awareness through the art of filmmaking. Screening a wide variety of fantastic feature-length films, short narratives, and documentary pieces, there’s a little something for everyone here. A perfect activity to fill those rainy March afternoons, this unique cultural event should be at the top of everyone’s itineraries! Experience the Culture of the City New York is a world capital of live music. Standing as a fantastic example of the city’s contributions in creativity and innovation, the NY Philharmonic is recognized as one of the most revered symphony orchestras in the country. Presenting world-renowned performers in a grand space, the event provides a profound musical experience for you and your loved ones. Offering an incredible atmosphere and unforgettable experience, you don’t have to be a classical music aficionado to enjoy this one.   One of the best ways to experience New York is through its food. Super scrumptious and deeply fascinating, the Little Italy Food Tour provides a terrific way to sample some of the area’s greatest culinary offerings whilst learning more about the vibrant culture of the city. As you walk, you’ll be able to hear more about the history of the mafia and visit movie site locations from The Godfather. Discover the best pizza in the city and unlock the secret history of this charming neighborhood. Since New York is celebrated for its culture in diversity, it's no surprise that the city offers a wide array of interesting events throughout the spring. Ushering in the spring with much enthusiasm and vibrancy, Holi in the City is an annual festival of colors which celebrates the Hindu holiday of Holi. Though throwing colored powder is the main activity of the festival, attendees can enjoy musical performances, dancing, and delicious food. Be sure to wear white and have your phone at the ready for those great photo opportunities! We love New York in March. The air is crisp, the lines are shorter, and the beginning of the springtime brings a whole host of seasonal activities. Whether you want to party at Holi festival, watch sensational dance performances close up, or hop into a pool of sprinkles at the Museum of Ice Cream, you won’t want to miss what’s going on in the city in March. To make the best out of your vacation, check out Go City’s All-Inclusive Pass and Explorer Pass. For more information, connect with us on Instagram and Facebook.
Sarah Harris

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