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

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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 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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Is New York Safe?

In many ways, New York is the perfect place for recreation and exploration. From its fantastic cultural amenities and historical landmarks to great bars and restaurants, the city has it all. Still though, like any entity that reaches an immortal level of fame, the city has amassed quite the reputation. Rumors began to fly. So, it only makes sense for a person to wonder, ‘’is New York safe to visit?’’ Well, we’re here to tell you that the answer is a resounding yes! But, if you still need more convincing, or are perhaps looking for tips for how to stay safe during our visit, have a read through our guide to navigating the concrete jungle! How Safe is New York? There’s nowhere quite like the Big Apple. The city is one of the most visited destinations in America – and with good reason! Still, New York is not without its flaws. A fairly common issue for visitors to the city is petty crime, coming in a wide variety of forms. From bag snatching and pickpocketing to phone grabbing and mugging, it can sometimes seem like there’s much to look out for. A lot of the time, criminals prey on new visitors because they stand out and seem like they don’t know their surroundings. To avoid becoming an easy target, we suggest that you dress conspicuously and keep an eye out for suspicious activities wherever you go. Things to be Aware of When visiting New York, you might feel excited to buy tickets for some of your favorite events – and who wouldn’t be? Still, it’s important to stay especially cautious when looking at tickets, due to the rising prevalence of fraud. To ensure that you’re paying for what you get, we advise you to avoid buying tickets which are marketed on social media, instead purchasing directly from well-established companies and websites. This way, you’ll know for sure that your tickets are legitimate and won’t have to miss out on something truly special! Is New York Safe at Night? Forever bold and buzzing with life, New York is well-recognized for its great nightlife. Though a night out in the big city is a lot of fun, it can also present some risks. Whilst spiking and attacks are irregular incidences, they can and do happen – so it's important to take precautions to reduce the chances of becoming a victim. First off, we recommend going out in a group - remember, there’s always safety in numbers. Still, if this isn’t possible, then it’s best to let somebody know where you’re going for the night. In addition, you should drink in moderation and politely decline any beverages offered to you by strangers. We also suggest taking a taxi back to the hotel over other modes of transport, since walking or taking public transport at night could be dangerous. Though going out in New York might sound like a big deal, it doesn’t present any bigger issues than partying somewhere else in the world – plus it’s twice the fun! Is Transport in the City Safe? Another common concern of visitors to New York is if it's dangerous to travel around the city. The Big Apple presents many different methods of transportation, all of which are time-efficient, cost-effective and, yes, pretty darn safe! Still, of course, we suggest that you keep super vigilant of your surroundings and apply good ol’ fashioned common sense when exploring the city. For those who are planning to use public transport to get around, it's important to keep a close eye on your belongings and not show any cash. Also, be sure to plan your trip beforehand – this way, you won’t get lost, or potentially end up in a dangerous neighborhood. If you’re going opt for a taxi, you should steer clear of any unmarked cabs – you'll note that all NYC cabs are clearly display the cab driver's medallion number. Uber and Lyft are also a great cheaper safe alternative. If you want to walk around and soak up the atmosphere of the city, we suggest sticking to daytime hours and busier areas. How to Stay Safe in New York A common misconception about the city is that it can be dangerous to visit – however, if you stay in safer areas, you’ll have little to worry about. Some of the better areas of the city include Midtown, Greenwich Village, Chelsea, and the Upper West Side. Still, if you decide to venture into one of New York’s grittier neighborhoods, it's important to pay attention to your surroundings. The best thing to do is stay sharp and keep your wits about yourself whilst exploring the area. If you need to stop for directions, we suggest going into a local shop and asking an employee. Though discovering a new area can be quite daunting, there’s no reason not to if you take the right measures. Solo and Female Travelers Generally, New York is welcoming to all of its visitors. Still, with its sprawling cityscape and big reputation, it seems understandable that some would think it could pose a threat for solo travelers and women. Although we think New York is a great vacation spot, we still want to emphasize how important it is to be properly prepared for your trip. If you’re a solo traveler, make sure to research your destination ahead of time. When you arrive, you should keep in touch with friends and family back home so that they know what you’re up to. For female travelers, it's important not to share too much personal information about your itinerary or where you’re staying with strangers. If at any point you feel uncomfortable, don't feel scared to make a call or talk to someone in the vicinity. As with any city, New York can present its dangers, but if you’re careful and make smart decisions, you’ll get along just fine. Enjoying Your Time in the City Safely There are endless things to see, do and experience in New York. The list of remarkable attractions and cultural institutions run the gamut. Just think: the Statue of Liberty, Central Park and Grand Central Station. Still, every city has its issues, so it’s important to follow basic precaution measures whilst visiting. Though New York has a pretty strong safety record, we advise you to be cautious to avoid any incidents or inconveniences that could occur. 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. With Go City, you can see more, for less.
Sarah Harris

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