Things to Do in NYC in Summer

By Katie Sagal

New York City is beautiful all year-round but when the sunshine hits the streets, the city comes alive. There are dozens of free events, fun festivals, and exciting attractions for the whole family to enjoy, you’ll never want to leave. If you’re planning a visit and looking for things to do in NYC in summer, check out our list of the top attractions and activities going on this year, including...

  • Central Park
  • American Museum of Natural History
  • Museum of Modern Art
  • Landmarks Cruise
  • The Met
  • Clipper City Tall Ship
  • Brooklyn Bridge Tours
  • Brooklyn Botanic Garden
  • Food Tours

Heading to the area to celebrate Independence Day? Then check out our post on things to do in NYC 4th of July Weekend. You should come back towards the end of summer too - if you do, here are some things to do in New York Labor Day Weekend.

Explore Central Park

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One of the nation’s most beloved urban parks, Central Park is considered by many the true the heart of Manhattan. It spans almost 850 acres and is filled with everything from picnic spots and baseball diamonds to works of art. It's also home to attractions like the Central Park Carousel in the Victorian Gardens, skating rinks, and more. Be sure to check out the famous Ramble or spend an afternoon sitting by the lake.

A delightful way to spend a warm summer day is by going on a bike ride through Central Park. With this full day’s bike rental, you can customize your own day of sightseeing without the hassle of needing a rental car or having to sprint to catch a cab. Hit the paths of Central Park, head to the world-famous Museum Mile, or simply ride wherever your heart desires!

Alternatively, a walking tour is a great option for those looking for a more leisurely experience of the city's famous park. Learn all about Central Park and it's history as you take a stroll around the landmarks such as Bethesda Fountain and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir with a knowledgable guide.

American Museum of Natural History

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The American Museum of Natural History, conveniently located adjacent to Central Park, is a family favorite. This museum is most famous for its huge collections of dinosaur fossils and striking gemstones, the Milstein Hall of Ocean Life, and the Hayden Sphere.

They also have a number of special programs and rotating exhibitions that run during the summer months, so be sure to add it to your New York City itinerary!

Museum of Modern Art

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Fans who prefer contemporary to classical will love the MoMA. This world-famous modern art museum has often been estimated to be the greatest collection of modern art in the world. This is certainly a must-visit for museum and art lovers looking for things to do in NYC in the summer.

Some of the top artists and works of art you’ll see in their collections span the gamut from Picasso to Pollack, including Warhol’s Soup Cans, Van Gogh’s Starry Night, and more. They've also got a few special exhibits running over summer, featuring everything from painting to photography and sculpture.

Landmarks Cruise

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One of the best ways to explore NYC's most significant sites is with a cruise. Manhattan is, after all, an island! Hop aboard a Landmarks Cruise to showcase all the best highlights of the New York skyline. Get a great view (and those all-important photos) of sights like the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, One World Trade Center, Battery Park, Wall Street, and many, many more.

This amazing sightseeing cruise will also take you under a number of bridges and within 100 feet of Lady Liberty for those perfect snapshots. Plus, you will experience panoramic views of both upper and lower Manhattan.

Metropolitan Museum of Art

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The Met is among the best art museums in the world, and for good reason. This top tier museum has some of the most extensive collections of art and artifacts in the world, numbering more than 2 million distinct items. Highlights of The Met collections include their Ancient Egypt wing, their collection of artifacts from classical antiquity, plus paintings and sculptures from all the biggest European masters.

Clipper City Tall Ship Sail

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Another fun way to explore NYC waterways is which a charming historic cruise. For history buffs and especially boating aficionados, the chance to set sail on the 120-foot Clipper City Tall Ship is a real treat.

Work on your summertime glow as you soak up the sun and enjoy a complimentary drink while you take in this bustling city from a maritime vantage point. Sit back and enjoy your journey into the waters off Manhattan, and return refreshed by the sea air and relaxed by the intimate experience.

Brooklyn Bridge Tour

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Although there are dozens of tours you can choose from – including TV or movie-themed tours, food tours, and cultural heritage tours – the Brooklyn Bridge walking tour is one of our favorites. Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge and into the trendy DUMBO neighborhood for great views and fun shopping and dining opportunities.

Another fun way to explore this neighborhood is on two wheels. Hire a bike and cruise over the famous Brooklyn Bridge; you'll defiinitely want to stop for some snaps on the way over!

Brooklyn Botanic Garden

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If you love the great outdoors but prefer the feel of a cultivated garden, then you’ll delight in a visit to the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. Be sure to check out the "Plants in Bloom" section of their website before your visit; it will highlight the plants that are at their finest so you know what to look out for.

This gorgeous collection of flora is also conveniently located next to the prestigious Brooklyn Museum, which features fascinating and inspiring exhibits from around the globe. Combine visits to both into one educational day!

Another fun option if you love nature and botanical gardens is the New York Botanical Garden, nestled in the Bronx.

NYC Food Tours

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Many people -- and certainly New Yorkers themselves -- think that NYC cuisine is among the best in the world. With its diversity of culinary experiences and cultural offerings, there's so much to taste. It's nearly impossible to get a sense of NYC's real dining scene on your own.

That's why a guided Food on Foot Tour is a fun idea! It allows you to sample a wide variety of New York delights, with a focus on cuisine, neighborhood, or type of meal. Try the World Famous Sweet Tooth Tour, get your fix on the Ice Cream You Scream, join the Midtown Mix away from the typical tourist haunts or take part in the East Village Variety with six delicious stops. There are so many options!

Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival

This event is an annual showcase of current hip-hop artists plus artists who have influenced the genre. You’ll also find fun family activities, a film festival, hip-hop exhibition, informative lectures, and food and clothing vendors.

Don't miss the "Brooklyn's Finest" gallery. It showcases artwork inspired by legendary Brooklyn-based artists including the one and only Biggie Smalls.

SummerStage Concert Series

For over 30 years, this prestigious free concert series has featured a diversity of performances from theatrical shows to musical performances from hip-hop to opera to folk and everything in between. Events are rain or shine, so don’t forget to bring a blanket or umbrella.

Held each year in Central Park since 1986, SummerStage is an arts and culture festival for locals and visitors alike. The festival was designed to serve as a public resource to enrich the lives of New Yorkers. Today it continues to be a great summer activity for New Yorkers of all ages.

Save on Summertime Activities

There you go. A few things to do in NYC in the summer, including some special events, and other seasonal activities in June, July, August, and September.

Regular admission to a number of these attractions are available with a pass for New York by Go City®. Choose as you go from popular attractions and save on combined admission vs paying at the gate – click here to find out more.

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10+ Romantic Things to Do in New York on Valentine's Day

From some of the world’s most unique museum dates to some classic options like ice-skating in Rockefeller Plaza, stunning aerial views, and intimate picnics in Central Park, it’s hard to imagine a more romantic city than New York. If you’re looking for romantic things to do in New York for Valentine's Day, then check out a few of our suggested activities. Our favorite activities to get those sparks flying include: Empire State Building MoMA & the Guggenheim Central Park New York Botanical Gardens Ice Skating Museum of Sex Cruise along the Hudson Dinner Broadway Musicals Jazz Concert See the City from Above at the Empire State Building The Empire State Building has a reputation as one of the most romantic buildings in the world - in no small part due to its history of having served as the location for any number of romantic films, lovers’ rendezvous, and even proposals. Take a ride to the top, day or night, and enjoy that soaring feeling of being on top of the world. Re-enact “An Affair to Remember” and meet exactly at 7:01PM. Then, you can enjoy a fun and flirty meal at some of the nearby restaurants (although we recommend heading away from Times Square to avoid crowds!). Don’t forget to catch a glimpse of the special lighting effects in honor of Valentine’s Day – the top of the spire will be lit with alternating red and pink sparkles. Explore the Art World Mankind has been turning to art to show their love for centuries. So with that in mind, we're sure a visit to the many amazing art museums of New York City this Valentine’s Day weekend is sure to nourish your lover’s soul. The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) offers a unique perspective on love, as seen through paintings like the iconic “LOVE” pop art piece by Robert Indiana. You'll also find a number of unexpected pieces that will get your creative juices flowing. The Guggenheim is another world-famous museum that features several romantic pieces, showcasing the love of art from the 19th century to today's contemporary art. There's an ever-changing calendar of exhibitions so be sure to check out what's in store for your romance-filled visit. Enjoy the (brisk) Outdoors at Central Park & More Now we all know that February isn’t the ideal time of year to be outside in the Northeast, but you can’t cross a romantic stroll off your list of things to do in New York City on Valentine’s Day. Wrap up warm and walk through some of the city’s best parks, like Central Park or Prospect Park, and enjoy the beautiful wintry landscapes. That being said, if you’d prefer the romance of nature without the reality of the weather, try a visit to the New York Botanical Garden or the Brooklyn Museum and Botanic Garden, both of which offer indoor spaces featuring gorgeous tropical plants. Ice Skate at Rockefeller Center If you’re hardy enough to brave the outdoors, then why not try out one of the most romantic wintertime traditions in the city? Ice skating. Watch the ice skaters at the Rockefeller Center rink or in Central Park, or tie on a pair of skates yourself, as long as you don’t mind being out-skated by some locals. Besides, there’s nothing as sweet as a bit of rink time with your love – remember Serendipity? Rockefeller Center and Central Park simply too touristy for your taste? Then head to Bryant Park’s Winter Village for other skating options. They also boast a number of food stalls, shops, and miscellaneous vendors. You know, if you'd like to treat your partner to a little something. Play up Your Sensual Side at the Museum of Sex What’s Valentine’s Day without a little sensuality? One of the most romantic things to do in New York City for this lovers’ holiday is a celebration of the human body, in all its glory. Try a visit to the one-of-a-kind Museum of Sex, a truly educational and enlightening tour of humanity’s relationship with sex. You’ll see art and artifacts spanning the aesthetics of black and white photography to comic books and pop art. It’s not all about art, either – you’ll find some of the most important and compelling conversations about human sexuality in the world represented in the programming and exhibits at this museum. Hop Aboard a Romantic Cruise Although February is a chilly time of year to be out on the water, you will find most tourist-oriented cruises will run at least once per day. One of our favorite options is the romantic Harbor Lights Cruise, which showcases New York in its most flattering light, with all the glitter of the city on display against a beautiful sunset. It's the perfect opportunity to get that lovely couple's photo in front of the city skyline. If you’re in the city primarily to sightsee, however, something like the Landmark Cruise would also be a good option! There's still something really fun and romantic about being out on the water, regardless of your featured attractions. Enjoy a Romantic Meal The mix of delicious cuisine and romantic ambiance that many New York City restaurants offer (both this time of year specifically and year-round) make the Big Apple an ideal destination for a Valentine's Day date. Whether you’re interested in the high-class romance of a steak-and-seafood restaurant or you’re really just looking for an amazing vegan burrito, NYC has that perfect place to satisfy your cravings. If you’re looking to explore new areas for dining options – and we do recommend branching out from Times Square for the really good stuff – try scoping out places like Greenwich Village, TriBeCa, the West Village, and NoMad. Brooklyn also has some great fare if you’re willing to venture on the subway (we promise it’s fine!). Take in a Show The home of Broadway and everything inspired by the art and music industry, New York City offers some of the best theaters in the world just in time for Valentine’s Day. Whether you want to go all-out with a romantic evening performance of the hottest new show, or you want to try something new at a comedy club or a small indie theatre in the Bronx, there is something to suit every taste. Be sure to purchase tickets in advance, as a show in NYC is an incredibly popular Valentine’s idea among locals in the Tri-State area, too. There are also a number of discount ticket sites available, so it's worth your time to do some research before visiting to see if you can get a good deal on your desired performance. Or, if you just fancy enjoying the bright lights of this buzzing area from the street, join a Broadway and Times Square walking tour and walk in the footsteps of some famous names down the glittering Great White Way. Jazz Concert There's nothing more romantic than the cool vibrations of soulful jazz music. Visit Harlem and be transported back to where it all began in 1970s New York at the Harlem Jazz Series. During this one-hour concert, you'll listen to the sensual sounds of both modern and past Jazz musicians, such as Ella Fitzgerald, Miles Davies, Duke Ellington and Billie Holiday. While you're here, take your time to explore the neighborhood of Harlem, home to trendy eateries and cool bars – the perfect place to spend your Valentine's Day in the Big Apple. Remember to Save on Admission Whether you’re a more conventional flower-and-dinner kind of couple, or you prefer something more off the beaten path, there are plenty of romantic things to do in New York for you to choose from. Remember, some of these great options are available with Go City®, where you can make big savings on combined admission vs paying at the gate.
Katie Sagal
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An All-Weather Guide to New York

New York City is one of our favorite vacation destinations for plenty of reasons. Sports fans will appreciate the strong athletic history of the city, just as artsy folks will love the museum, theatre, and gallery scene. Those who crave adventure and excitement can opt for any number of cruises, tours, bike rides, excursions, and more. Of course, what you might do on your NYC vacation probably depends on the time of year, and the weather. New York weather can be unpredictable, but it’s also fairly consistent depending upon the time of year. There are advantages to traveling to NYC pretty much any time of year, but you may wish to carefully consider any potential drawbacks before making your travel plans. To make your vacation planning a little bit smoother, we’ve put together this all-weather guide to New York. You can’t predict the weather in NYC, but you can make a few plans to make sure that you’ll have a blast regardless of the temps. New York Weather in Spring Spring is one of the best times to visit NYC. The temperatures range from chilly to pleasant, and many of the outdoor attractions like cruises that have been closed from the previous winter will start to open up again. Some of our favorite things to do in New York during the spring include: riding a bike through Central Park, walking the High Line, exploring the burgeoning blossoms at the New York Botanical Garden, or simply enjoying a good lunch on a patio. Keep in mind that you will need to dress in layers, and be prepared for unexpected rain. You should have a light jacket and/or sweater, umbrella, and good shoes. Avoid sandals, as the spring rains could make the streets pretty dirty. New York Weather in Summer Summer is among the more popular times to visit New York, with many families taking advantage of the summer vacation to explore the Big Apple. The temperatures can get quite hot in NYC in the summer, so it’s important to prepare for a lot of direct sun. If you’re looking to stay cool in the summer in NYC, we like the idea of a cruise. The cool breezes will make the heat more bearable, and it’s a fun way to get unique vacation photos. Take a landmark cruise around Manhattan to see all the best sites, or hop aboard the ferry to see the Statue of Liberty. If it should get too hot to be outdoors at all, cool off with a few hours wandering around the Met and scoping out their vast artistic and cultural collections. Credit: Anthony Quintano (license) New York Weather in Autumn Fall in New York is one of our favorite times. The leaves of Central Park are changing color, the air is crisp, and everything is celebrating the flavors of the season. And while many folks are back to work and school, it’s actually a top time for school trips and weekend getaways. See the fall foliage from above with a trip to the top of the Empire State Building. Or, if the weather isn’t too chilly, try a Central Park Tour to see the leaves up close. You could also enjoy a cruise or two before they close for the winter. Autumn also ushers in a bevy of new special exhibits at the city’s best museums, from the American Museum of Natural History to the MoMA. Try ice skating in Central Park for a memorable winter New York City activity. New York Weather in Winter Don’t be scared away from visiting NYC in the winter. It’s true that the air is cold, the snow can pile up (and often in very inconvenient places on the sidewalk), and certain attractions like cruises won’t be operating. At the same time, this is your opportunity to see the city with fewer crowds and more space to explore. Snap photos with your favorite celebs at Madame Tussauds, tour Madison Square Garden (or take in a Knicks game), or check out the Top of the Rock Observatory. If you’ll be visiting around the holidays, join up with this holiday market walking tour or try your hand at ice skating. Keep in mind that NYC is very busy during the December holidays, but it’s worth the congestion to see the gorgeous store windows and the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree. Tips for Visiting New York in All Kinds of Weather Wear sunblock. Even if it’s winter, if you’re walking around at all you’re going to be exposed to sunlight and it’s important to protect your skin. Carry an umbrella at all times. A small collapsible one will save you when it starts to suddenly downpour in the summer or winter. Wear comfortable walking shoes and avoid sandals. You’re going to be walking quite a bit, whether you’re strolling the sidewalks or poking around indoors at a museum, and you’ll need the support. Bring layers, even in warm weather. If you’re hot outside in the summer, you’re going to freeze inside in the air-conditioning. Plan back-up transit. If it does suddenly rain, get windy, or start snowing, walking may not be the best way to get between attractions. We like the hop-on-hop-off Big Bus tour for linking many attractions together. Check the weather on an app before your trip, and regularly during the trip. While East Coast weather is less fickle than in other places in the country, it can still be unpredictable. You’ll want to be sure to keep up on the most current forecast. Reserve some indoors activities for colder, rainy, or otherwise unfavorable days. Check out our recommendations for things to do when it rains in NYC. If you’re visiting in winter, we recommend waterproof boots. While it may not have snowed in a while, half-melted piles of slush can stick around for quite some time. Save on New York Attractions Year-Round Whenever you’re making your trip to NYC, be sure to bring a Go New York pass with you. Save up to 50% on admission to nearly 100 of the city’s best attractions. With something that’s just perfect for any time of year, we’re sure you’ll make the most of this money-saving pass. Share Your Adventure with Us Tag @GoCity 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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2 days in New York City: a weekend in NYC itinerary

Spending a weekend in New York and wondering how to make the most of it? We've got you covered with our tailor-made itinerary.
Casey Makovich

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