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.

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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Best time to visit New York City

New York City is a fun and exciting place to visit any time of year. This sprawling city of more than eight million residents offers world-class shopping, sporting events, restaurants, and museums. It's also home to some of the most iconic American landmarks and attractions including the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island. However, some seasons in New York are better suited to different interests than others. Below are just a few suggestions on when you should visit based on what New York events and attractions you plan on experiencing during your visit. The best time of year to visit New York City for sightseeing New York weather can be fickle and sometimes make it difficult to navigate the city streets to see in the sights. That's why it's important to choose a seasonable time in order to make your sightseeing more enjoyable. The temperate New York weather in April, May, September, and October is perfect for walking tours of the city and taking in such sights as the 9/11 Tribute Museum, Top of the Rock, and the Empire State Building. Best time to visit New York for foodies Food festivals abound in New York City during the summer. The annual Taste of Times Square food festival takes over the theater district for a week every June. June also brings the annual Big Apple BBQ Block Party to the Madison Square neighborhood. Early July brings French Restaurant Week to the city, and, at Coney Island, you can witness the annual Nathan's hot dog eating contest on July 4th. In addition, farmers' markets set up all over the city from May through September. Best time to visit New York for shopping While there is really no bad time to visit New York City for shopping, some times of year are a little better than others. The holiday season, which begins in the city around the middle of November, brings a variety of gift items and seasonal merchandise. After Thanksgiving, the department store windows add a festive air to Fifth Avenue, Third Avenue, and Herald Square. For bargain hunters, January and February is sale season in New York, with white sales and discounts on holiday merchandise. Best time to visit New York for shows For ticket availability, visiting New York City in January/February or September/October is desirable. The city is less crowded during these times of the year and you're more likely to be able to get tickets to top shows. For ticket bargains, check out Broadway week, held in both January and September. You can get 2-for-1 tickets to more than 20 shows during these weeks. Best time to visit New York City for museum hopping While New York's hundreds of museums are fascinating to explore any time of year, they are less crowded during winter, when there are fewer tourists and locals are more inclined to stay home where it's warm. Escape the winter weather by spending a day at The Met - you still won't see all this wonderful and extensive museum has to offer. Or, museum hop along Fifth Avenue's Museum Mile, with stops at the Guggenheim Museum, the Museum of the City of New York, the Cooper Hewitt Design Museum, and The Frick Collection. About the pass One of the best ways to get the most out of your trip to New York City is to purchase a pass for New York by Go City that allows you to experience a variety of attractions for a single price. We make it easy. You choose the pass that best matches your interests, load it to your mobile device or print a hard copy at home and show it for admission to more than 90 NYC attractions. Plus, you'll avoid waiting in line at the ticket counters. Get your pass for New York today and start making huge savings on sightseeing.
Andrew Martineau
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Fun Things to Do in New York - The Ultimate Tourist Guide for Your Trip

Greatest city in the world? You decide. From a skyline populated with more skyscrapers than we can count to the expansive green that is Central Park, there’s one thing that can’t be argued: New York City has something for everybody. Whether you’re traveling with kids, planning a romantic getaway, meeting up with friends, or just going solo, our travel guides have all the information you need to plan the perfect trip and make sure you see it all (and then some). What are some popular attractions to visit? Hop On Hop Off New York Bus Tour - A must do for first-time visitors, this sightseeing tour is not only the perfect introduction to New York, but you can hop on and hop off to visit other attractions included in your Pass. Empire State Building - Spend some time at one of the most iconic and world famous landmarks. Top of the Rock Observatory - From high atop Rockefeller Center, this is one of the best places for unmatched views of the city. Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Immigration Museum - Visit the grounds of Liberty Island for unbeatable views of Lady Liberty and downtown Manhattan. 9/11 Memorial & Museum - located at the World Trade Center site, bears solemn witness to the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 and February 26, 1993. American Museum of Natural History- One of the largest museums in the world, with collections of more than 32 million specimens and artifacts. The Museum of Modern Art - Its extraordinary exhibitions and collections are dedicated to helping you understand and enjoy the art of our time. These are just a few. Want more fun ideas for things to do in New York? Head over here for more New York attractions to see during your trip. How long are you visiting? Whether you're visiting New York City for 24-hours or a whole week, we've put together sample itineraries that include a ton of the most popular things to do in the city. From top-rated tours to iconic landmarks, these itineraries give you the best New York City experience based on the time you have. One Day in NYC - sample itinerary 2 Days in New York City - sample itinerary 3 Days in New York - sample itinerary A Week in New York - sample itinerary New York staycation ideas for a fun weekend near home Who are you visiting with? No matter who you're traveling with, there are a ton of things to do in New York City for everyone. We've put together a list of top attractions and activities tailored to every type of traveler, from young kids to couples and even nerds. Things to Do in NYC with Kids Things to Do in NYC with Teens Things to Do in NYC for Couples Things to Do in NYC for College Students What type of activities interest you? Whether you're envisioning yourself checking off all of the city's top museums or you just really want to be part of a live audience, our New York City local experts put together a few 'best of' lists to help you streamline your itinerary. Top Museums in New York City How to Get Saturday Night Live Tickets Best Places to Take Pictures in NYC Visiting New York on a budget more coming soon! What parts of New York City are you visiting? We highlighted a handful of the top attractions and places to see by neighborhood so you can maximize your time in each location. NYC Neighborhoods Guide Things to Do in Times Square Things to Do in Lower Manhattan Things to Do in and around Central Park Things to Do in Midtown Manhattan When are you visiting? New York City offers a different experience with each season, weather, and holiday. Check out our lists of things to do in New York City throughout the year to make the most of your itinerary and experience unique, calendar-based events. Things to Do in New York in the Spring Things to Do in NYC in the Summer Things to Do in New York in the Fall Things to Do in New York City in the Winter Things to Do in NYC When it Rains Things to Do in New York When It’s Hot Out What's the best way to get around? NYC is easy to navigate and there are lots of options for transportation, including public transportation, taxis, and shared ride services. Hop-on, hop-off tours: A hop-on, hop-off sightseeing bus tour, like Big Bus New York, is a great way to get acquainted with the city and visit popular attractions. Tours follow a specific route and time schedule, so plan accordingly if you have timed tickets or reservations. Public transportation: the MTA subway and bus system is the most popular way to get around the city. You can purchase a reusable MetroCard from vending machines at most subway stations. The subway is often faster than relying on cabs due to traffic. Tip: get the free moovit app for point-to-point trip planning and real-time updates for both subway and bus routes. Taxis: taxis are available and easy to hail down. Looking for more info? Check out our post on getting around New York for tourists. Where should you stay? There are plenty of great places to stay in the area. Below are a handful of hotel suggestions located near popular tourist attractions and fun things to do. The Gotham Hotel Langham Place, New York, Fifth Avenue The Plaza Hotel Hilton Garden Inn New York-Times Square Central Hudson New York, Central Park Where should you shop? In between sightseeing, try and find some time to pick up some souvenirs. Here are a few popular areas to get some of the best shopping in New York. Woodbury Common Premium Outlets Bloomingdales Macy's Herald Square SoHo Upper East Side Make sure to check out all of the extra discounts and savings available on the New York City Explorer Pass. Where to Eat? Go on a tour of New York City’ foodie scene with our top picks for family-friendly places to eat in New York City. We’ve included top picks for every appetite and even made note of nearby attractions so you can sightsee while you taste your way through New York City’s culinary destinations. No judgment. Fun Info from a Local Despite what you may hear, literally, honking is illegal in NYC. Approximately 1 out of every 21 New Yorkers is a millionaire. New York City is the most linguistically diverse city in the world. Almost half of its residents speak a language other than English at home. The MTA subway system consists of 722 miles of track. New York City was the original capital of the United States. Share your adventure with us! Tag us when you upload photos from your trip to Instagram: @GoCity or #GoCityCard.
Casey Makovich

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