14+ Fun Things to Do This Memorial Day Weekend in NYC

By Katie Sagal

Celebrate the unofficial start of summer in New York for Memorial Day Weekend with something extra exciting. From skyline views, sunny parks, museums and memorials, there's something to suit every visitor. If you’re looking for New York Memorial Day Weekend 2020 ideas, check out some of these local activities and fun things do in NYC in May, including...

  • Enjoy skyline views from the Empire State Building
  • Visit the world famous art museums
  • Seeing the city from the water
  • Tour the iconic Yankee Stadium
  • Picnic in the sun at Central Park
  • and more...

Save on Attraction Admission

Regular admission to a number of these attractions are available on the New York Explorer pass. Choose as you go from dozens of New York attractions & activities and save up to 50% off combined admission vs paying at the gate. See all available passes and NYC attractions – Learn more. Please note, some of these special May and Memorial Day weekend events may be separately ticketed and not available on the New York Explorer pass.

Special NYC Vistas

Image of Building, Cityscape, Urban, City, Outdoors, Nature, Aerial View, Head to the Top of the Rock for unreal views of the New York City expanse from 800 feet above ground level. You'll get 360-degree views and a new perspective on the city. If you want to go classic, then you can't beat the Empire State Building. Both provide distinctive views, and they're actually a lot of fun to visit as a pair, to see which you like better! Getting In: Top of the Rock tickets and Empire State Building tickets are available as options with the New York Explorer pass.

See the City From the Water

Image of Boat, Ferry, Vehicle, Person, Or, see the city from the water on a fascinating sightseeing cruise. One of the most popular options is the Landmark Cruise by Circle Line Sightseeing! This delightful excursion will escort you past many of the city's top waterfront and skyline attractions, including the Statue of Liberty, One World Trade Center, Battery Park, the USS Intrepid, Wall Street, and many more. Getting In: NYC Landmarks Cruise tickets are available as an option with the New York Explorer pass.

Art Museums

Image of Indoors, Museum, City, Person, Road, Street, Urban, Backpack, While you may be thinking, why bother spending the first weekend of summer inside, you should know that Memorial Day Weekend is one of the most popular days to visit museums across the city. Consider a visit to the world-famous Metropolitan Museum of Art and its iconic collection of art across the ages, featuring everything from Dutch Masters to Ancient Egyptian artifacts to Modern Art. Another popular museum of the Museum of Modern Art (or MoMA), which, you guessed it, features contemporary and modern works of art. Or, if you're on the lookout for something new and exciting, the exquisitely-curated Met Breuer is a must-see. Getting In: Metropolitan Museum of Art tickets, MoMA tickets, and Met Breuer tickets are all available as options with the New York Explorer pass.

Learn About American History

Image of Art, Sculpture, Statue, Person, Landmark, Statue of Liberty, Memorial Day is the perfect time of year to explore American History. What better place in NYC to learn about the history of our country and some of its most important moments than with a visit to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island? So many of the heroes who serve in the military today are descended from people who came through Ellis Island, and it's always an honor to see the names engraved on that iconic wall. Hop aboard a ferry that will escort you from the mainland out to Liberty Island and Ellis Island. If you want to go up into the statue, be sure to reserve tickets in advance, as Memorial Day is a very popular weekend for visiting the city and most visitors love Lady Liberty. Getting In: Statue of Liberty ferry tickets are available as an option with the Go New York Explorer pass.

Stroll Through Central Park

Image of Grass, Nature, Outdoors, Park, City, Urban, Person, College, Handbag, By Ingfbruno (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons
With nearly 500 acres of grass, lakes and ponds, and woodland, there’s plenty of room to fly a kite, enjoy a picnic, or explore the monuments and statues throughout the park. Not to mention the people watching, Central Park is one of the best places on the planet to sit back and observe. For a quintessential Central Park experience, rent a rowboat from the Loeb Boathouse or try your hand at racing a remote controlled boat in the pond at Conservatory Water. Movie buffs and first time visitors will also enjoy seeing sights they'll recognize in the Central Park Movie Sights Walking Tour through the park. Getting In: Explore Central Park's TV and movie sites with our Walking Tour or why not join our TV and movie bus tour - both available as an option with the Go New York Explorer pass.

Unique New York Food

Image of Hat, People, Person, Adult, Female, Woman, Bride, Child, Girl, Accessories, Glasses, Face, Head, Photography, Portrait, Photobombing, Handbag, Happy, Smile, Pen, Baseball Cap, Cap, Be sure to get a classic, New York hot dog from a street vendor or pizza, or noodles, or cannoli... While there are plenty of corner hotdog stands all around the city – not to mention food trucks of all types – New York has a lot more to offer on a gastronomic level. Take a culinary tour of New York, and get a real taste of the city’s diverse cultures and cuisines. You'll get to sample the best of NYC's street food from authentic vendors, not just the places that cater to tourists. If you love food and love exploring new cuisines and food scenes in a new city, this tour is for you. Getting In: Food on Foot Tour tickets are available as an option with the Go New York Explorer pass.

Memorial Day Parades

Image of Person, American Flag, Flag, Boat, Vehicle, Hat, Handbag, By ENS Darius A. Radzius [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Every Memorial Day, the streets of New York City come alive with parades honoring those who have served in the United States Armed Forces. The Memorial Day parade in NYC starts at Madison Square Park and travels up Fifth Avenue to Central Park, where a ceremony is held at the Eternal Light Monument. Along the route, veterans from all branches of service march proudly as they are cheered on by appreciative crowds. Military bands provide stirring music while colorful floats remind spectators of America's proud military history.

For many citizens, this annual event serves as a reminder that freedom comes with a price - one paid for by those who serve and protect the country every day. Memorial Day also provides an opportunity for Americans to reflect on the sacrifices made by the nation's heroes and their families and a chance to express gratitude and appreciation for their service.

Getting In: All NYC Memorial Day parades are free and open to the public.

Bike Rides

Image of Helmet, People, Person, Bicycle, Cycling, Vehicle, Boy, Child, Male, Adult, Man, Female, Woman, Girl, Teen, Whether you’re taking a guided tour of the city’s most historic neighborhoods, or just meandering the expanses of Central Park, biking is a great way to enjoy the great outdoors and see more of the city. New York Bike rentals are convenient and eco-friendly ways to explore the Big Apple. A favorite activity for kids! There are rental locations throughout the city, including Central Park, the Brooklyn Bridge, and Harlem. Getting In: Central Park Bike rentals are available as an option with the New York Explorer pass.

DUMBO Excursions

Image of Bridge, Brooklyn Bridge, Landmark, Check out DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass) in Brooklyn for some off-the-beaten-path fun. You'll get great views of the Manhattan skyline, from the Statue of Liberty all the way to the Empire State Building. Pack a picnic to eat at the Brooklyn Bridge Park, check out the pop-up food stands under the bridge, or get in line to grab a slice of world-famous Grimaldi's pizza. Head to Pier 2 to shoot some hoops, grab refreshments, or take a spin on the full-size roller skating rink. Take a stroll through the Pier 3 Greenway Terrace to admire the beautiful landscaping and check out the outdoor art exhibits. Getting In: DUMBO Walking Tour tickets are available as an option with the New York Explorer pass.

Staten Island

Image of Cityscape, Urban, Outdoors, Bridge, Water, Waterfront, Boat,

Memorial Day Weekend in Staten Island is an exciting and fun-filled time for both locals and tourists alike! With its beautiful beaches, lush parks, historical sites and attractions, there’s something for everyone. From family barbeques to biking along the waterfront to exploring some of New York City’s most iconic spots like the Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden or Historic Richmond Town, you’re sure to find plenty of things to do. Whether it's a picnic on Midland Beach or a day trip out to Fort Wadsworth – the possibilities are endless! So if you're looking for something different this Memorial Day weekend, consider spending your holiday in Staten Island. You won't be disappointed!

Relaxing Beaches

Image of City, Amusement Park, Fun, Theme Park, Urban, Water, Waterfront, By Charles Kyriazos (https://www.flickr.com/photos/kyriazos/1057134292/) [CC BY 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons
New York area beaches will reopen for the summer season on Memorial Day, so be sure to spend a little time on the waterfront. The water may be a little cold for swimming but you’ll be able to work on your tan or throw a Frisbee around. Trust us, the locals will be out in force after having made it through another bleak winter. Coney Island Beach is a popular, family-friendly beach with its famous boardwalk and amusement park, and Rockaway Beach is another good option. If you love Coney Island, don't forget to check out their popular retro rides at Luna Park! And don't forget to enjoy a hot dog on Coney Island. Getting In: Luna Park at Coney Island tickets are available as an option with the New York Explorer pass.

Tour Famous Sports Arenas

Image of Person, Shop, Shopping Mall, Walking, City, Handbag, Photography, Parliament, The Yankees are in town this Memorial Day Weekend with a series against the Los Angeles Angels and the Houston Astros. The Bronx Bombers are looking as good as ever this season, lead by Aaron Judge and Didi Gregorius they are one of the best teams in baseball. If you can't get tickets, however, or don't have the time to devote to a full game, get in the spirit with a tour of one of baseball's favorite stadiums. It's a great opportunity to explore the history of the stadium, its landmarks, and the most famous players. Or, if you prefer hockey and basketball, Madison Square Garden is another fun place to tour, with its long history and storied past. So many memorable events have happened at The World’s Most Famous Arena® through it's 130-year history, whether or not you're a fan of the Rangers or Knicks there will definitely be something about the tour that interests you. Fun Fact: all of The Beatles have performed there, but not at the same time. Getting In: Yankee Stadium Tour tickets and Madison Square Garden Tour tickets are available as options with the New York Explorer pass.

The Brooklyn Museum & Botanical Garden

Image of Stopover at the Brooklyn Museum, located on 52 beautiful acres of botanical gardens that have flourished in Brooklyn since the 19th century, it's a great way to spend an afternoon in the sun. Be sure to visit the museum itself, too, with its impressive collection of multicultural art and artifacts. There aren't many places in the city with such a wonderful marriage of art and nature. Getting In: Brooklyn Museum and Botanic Garden tickets are available as an option with the New York Explorer pass.

Memorial Day Fireworks NYC

Image of Fireworks, Person,

New York Memorial Day Weekend is a time for celebration, and what better way to show your patriotism than with some fireworks? Every year on the Saturday night before Memorial Day, New Yorkers gather in parks and public spaces to witness an amazing display of pyrotechnics. The sky is lit up with dazzling colors as rockets soar high into the air, bursting into showers of sparks that cascade down like glittering rain. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly activity or just want to enjoy the spectacle from afar, there's something magical about experiencing fireworks during this special weekend. So grab a blanket, some snacks, and your friends, and get ready to be amazed by the show!

Additionally, many New Yorkers use the long Memorial Day Weekend as an opportunity to visit parks and monuments dedicated to our nation's heroes. From the 9/11 Memorial in Lower Manhattan to the African Burial Ground National Monument near City Hall, there are plenty of places to pay tribute and reflect on those who have served our country. So take some time this holiday weekend to remember why we have this special day in the first place and honor all of those who have sacrificed for our freedom.

Finally, no Memorial Day Weekend would be complete without a picnic or two! Whether you're planning a large outdoor gathering with friends or just a small meal with family, there's something special about celebrating with food amidst nature. Pack up your favorite dishes and head to your nearest park or beach, where you can relax and enjoy the company of friends in a beautiful setting.

So however you choose to spend your Memorial Day Weekend, make sure you take the time to reflect on what this special day means and remember why we celebrate it every year. Have fun and stay safe!

Happy Memorial Day from New York City!

Remember to Save on Attraction Admission

There you go - plenty of fun ideas for things to do in NYC in May to help you plan your Memorial Day weekend itinerary. With so many things to do in and around New York, you’ll probably end up having to choose between several excellent options. Remember, many of these great ideas are available on the New York Explorer pass, where you can save up to 50% on combined admission vs paying at the gate. We really hope you consider adding a few of these popular options to your upcoming plans. Enjoy!

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New York in April

April is undoubtedly one of the best times to visit New York. Whilst the city isn’t exactly known for its balmy winters, millions make the expedition each year to experience its wonderful springtime. From beautiful gardens and parks to fantastic Easter celebrations, this place has it all. If you’re looking for some inspiration when it comes to planning a trip to the Big Apple, check out our list of the best things to do in the warmer months. To make your money go further, have a look at our Explorer Pass and All-Inclusive Pass. With Go City, you can see more, for less. Taste the City Music festivals provide an experience like no other. To grab a slice of the action, head down to the Brooklyn Folk Festival. True to its name, this event features the very best of American and world folk music across a wide variety of genres, including blues, bluegrass, Latin & Balkan music and much more. In addition, there are vocal and instrumental workshops, film screenings, and jam sessions to sink your teeth into. Ever dreamed of taking a sneak peek at the newest and most innovative automotive trends? Well, as it turns out, you can! The perfect activity for a somewhat disagreeable afternoon, the New York International Auto Show presents the very best that the automobile industry has to offer in a comprehensive and engaging way. A total car-lovers’ dream, this 10-day auto consumer extravaganza features everything from classics and luxury dream cars to new models and even futuristic concept vehicles, right in the heart of Manhattan. With almost 1,000 of the world’s most stunning vehicles on display, we promise you won’t leave bored! New York presents a wide variety of options when it comes to all things food. A total must for meat lovers, Brisket King is a culinary festival featuring 20 chefs and pitmasters serving up their best mouthwatering creations. Enjoy the juiciest brisket in Brooklyn prepared in every way thinkable as well as craft beer, hard cider and spirits. After the brisket king is crowned, guests are encouraged to stay for the after-party and – you guessed it – more food! Sounds pretty good to us. Soak up the Spring There’s no shortage of great outdoor attractions all over New York. Stretching through the Meatpacking District and along the West Side of Manhattan, the High Line is a linear park and popular city landmark, welcoming a whopping 8 million visitors each year. Perfect for a lazy springtime stroll, the structure was redesigned in 2006, and now serves as a living system for a wide variety of plants and animals. Go for a picnic, admire the majestic city skyline or sit back and enjoy the sunset – the choice is yours! Another one of our favorite places to see in the springtime is the Conservatory Garden in Central Park. Since first opening in 1937, the spot has become a favorite for visitors from all over the world and is now known as one of the most noteworthy public gardens in New York City. The garden is comprised of three areas, each with a specific design: the English-style South Garden, the French-style North Garden, and the Italianate Center Garden. April is the perfect time to amble through the winding pathways and admire the waterlily pools and stunning floral displays along the way. If you're travelling during Easter, you might want to check out the many egg hunts taking place around the city. At the beginning of the month, the Children’s Museum of Manhattan throws its own event with egg sculptures hidden throughout the institute. Another great option is the Rockefeller Center’s Inaugural Easter Egg Hunt with live musical performances, Easter bonnet making stations, prize giveaways, and more. Meanwhile, those who want to get in touch with their inner child should consider looking into Central Park’s Easter Egg Scavenger and History Hunt. Get Cultured For those rainy spring afternoons, it just makes sense to have a good backup plan. Eclectic and full of character, Chelsea Market is a great place to visit with friends and family. Located right in the center of the Meatpacking District, this fun attraction is known for its seriously tempting food hall, unique stores and live music performances. Grab a bite to eat, weave through the interesting stalls, and pick up some one-of-a-kind souvenirs for loved ones along the way. The market’s bohemian flair and laid-back atmosphere puts it in a class of its own. Those who are looking to celebrate Easter in style should definitely consider checking out the Easter Parade and Bonnet Festival. Beginning as a spontaneous event in the 1870s, this fun annual procession began as a means for the city’s most fashionable dressers to exhibit their impressive festive finery. Though the event draws in smaller numbers nowadays, New Yorkers participate each year with great enthusiasm and increasingly outlandish costumes. Creative and eccentric, the event is a unique cultural expression of Easter which you won’t see elsewhere. Spring weather can be a little touch-and-go - still, New York presents a wide array of fantastic indoor activities right at your disposal all throughout the month. Those who are looking to soak up the culture of the city should consider checking out Tribeca Film Festival. Set up by Robert De Niro himself, this event was developed as a way to restore the Tribeca neighborhood of Lower Manhattan following the 9/11 attacks. The event attracts around 150,000 attendees each year and is widely considered to be one of the most prestigious film festivals in the area. Showcasing a diverse selection of feature films, short pictures, and documentary pieces, there’s a little something for everyone here. Those who are especially interested can also attend immersive programming and Q&As with relevant storytellers. New York in the spring is a beautiful time for many reasons. The weather is warm, the streets are bustling with life, and the city is in full bloom! But the best part? No matter where your interests may lie, you’ll always be able to find fun things to do. From cherry blossom peeping at the Conservatory Garden to seriously tempting food festivals in Brooklyn, there are so many great things to do in the city for every type of traveller! Make the most out of your visit with our All-Inclusive pass and Explorer pass. For more information, check us out on Instagram and Facebook.
Sarah Harris
New York
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New York Itinerary – 3 Days in New York City for First Timers

See the best of New York's world-class attractions and its buzzing neighborhoods in just three days with our tailor-made itinerary.
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New York City Marathon 2019 Guide

The TCS New York City Marathon is an annual race held each November in NYC. It is arguably the second-most famous marathon in the United States, after the one and only Boston Marathon. It attracts tens of thousands of runners each year, making it the largest marathon in the world by the number of runners. It’s also one of the six World Marathon Majors, so it’s among the most prestigious races in the entire world. It’s been held every year since 1970, except for 2012 when it was canceled due to Hurricane Sandy. If you’re planning to come to NYC to run the New York City Marathon, coming to cheer for a friend, or just hoping to see a bit of the race during your visit, check out this complete guide to the NYC Marathon. When is the New York City Marathon? The New York City Marathon for this year will take place on November 3, 2019. It’s scheduled for a Sunday to minimize disruptions to commuting patterns as several streets will be closed for several hours. However, be aware that they will block off many streets, re-route buses, and temporarily close some subway stations. What is the New York City Marathon Course? One of the coolest and most unique things about the New York City Marathon is that its 26.2 miles purposefully encompass land in all five boroughs. It’s ideal for runners who want to sightsee while running, too! The course begins on Staten Island and finishes in Central Park. For a full course map and additional details, see the race website. Things to Know about the New York City Marathon For Runners... Runners will start in multiple waves throughout the morning, beginning with men’s professional wheelchair at 8:30 am and ending with Wave 4 at 11:00 am. While hand-held water and fuel belts are permitted, Camelbaks and other such gear are prohibited from the course. You’ll find water and refueling stations every mile from Mile 3 to Mile 25. There are mile-markers and clocks at every mile; the first 8 miles will be color-coded to correspond to your start corral color. Race day is race week! Check out the many events leading up to Sunday’s big event on the race website to make the most of your experience. The course will start to close after about 6.5 hours, with a sweep bus coming along each mile progressively. Runners are welcome to continue the race after this point but should be aware that the course will no longer be completely closed to traffic. For Spectators... There is no place for spectators at the start line or along the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge due to space constraints, so you’ll need to station yourselves along the course. The halfway point, Pulaski Bridge, is closed to spectators. Most fans wait on the Queens side for the runners to proceed past halfway. You will need Grandstand tickets to see the final few yards of the race around Central Park. For full info on the best spots to cheer on runners, see below. They do not allow spectators at the finish line. Meet your runner after the race at the Family Reunion zone on Central Park West between West 62nd and West 65th streets. There’s a party for spectators! At the New Balance Mile 16 Block Party, you can enjoy a DJ, live music, and much more. Because of the marathon’s expansive scope, portions of the city will be closed for several hours, some for the entire day. Check out the closures for more details. There are several prohibited items that spectators can’t bring to the course. Consult the website for full details. Best Spots to Watch Your Runner on the Course Fourth Avenue, Brooklyn (Miles 2-4) Fourth Avenue and Atlantic Avenue (Mile 8) Williamsburg and Greenpoint, Brooklyn (Miles 10-13) Pulaski Bridge (Mile 13.1) New Balance Mile 16 Block Party (First Avenue at 62nd Street) First Avenue, Manhattan (Miles 16-18) East Harlem (Miles 18-20) Fifth Avenue, East 90th Street-East 105th Street (Miles 23-24) 67th Street on West Drive (Finish) How to Follow the Marathon Remotely If you’re unable to come to cheer your runner on in person, check out the official TCS New York City Marathon App to track your runner. There are also two digital screens on the course to which well-wishers can submit “Cheer Cards” for their runners to see when en route. As far as television goes, if you’re in NYC, you can watch the race live on ABC. Outside of the NY Metro area, it will be on ESPN2 and affiliated media properties. Save on Things to do After the Marathon If you’re in NYC to cheer on a runner at the New York City Marathon—or run it yourself!—you may be in search of things to do afterward. Check out the best things to do in NYC and save with the Go New York pass. Save up to 50% on combined admission and choose from nearly 100 different attractions, tours, cruises, and more. Share Your Adventure with Us Tag @GoCity or use the hashtag #GoCityPass in your vacation photos and we'll feature you on our page. Follow the Go City Instagram and Facebook pages for competitions, special offers, and events and inspiration for your chosen destination too!
Katie Sagal

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