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Things to Do in New York When It's Hot Out

Summer in the city

If you've been on the sweltering sidewalks of NYC in the summer, you know how hard it can be to find things to do in New York when it's hot out. There's no need to panic, though. Dozens of New York attractions offer you the chance to enjoy the highlights of the city and beat the heat.

This summer, don't let the heat deter you from taking full advantage of the many things to do in New York. Check out a few of the attractions we listed below to help you beat the heat, including everything from maximizing your A.C. exposure to enjoying a cool-down cruise on the river. If you're looking for things to do on a hot day in New York, here's our pick of the best attractions...

  • The American Museum of Natural History
  • The Metropolitan Museum of Art
  • Madame Tussauds New York
  • Museum of Modern Art
  • Lady Liberty Cruise
  • Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum
  • Radio City Stage Door Tour
  • The Whitney Museum of American Art

The American Museum of Natural History

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The American Museum of Natural History

Cool down at the American Museum of Natural History, one of the largest natural history museums in the world. Visitors of all ages will find something that intrigues them here. From the Alaskan Brown Bear diorama to a 563-carat Star of India Sapphire, the history that lives within the walls of this museum spans centuries. Most notably, AMNH is home to a famous collection of dinosaur fossils, such as Milstein Hall of Ocean Life, which features a 94-foot whale model. 

Getting in: American Museum of Natural History tickets are included on all Go City® New York passes.

Madame Tussauds New York

While it's sweltering outside, you'll find many of your favorite celebs hiding out in here. Take a break from sweating on the streets of New York to mingle with the likes of Rihanna, Brie Larson, Taylor Swift, and Justin Bieber. Take plenty of hilarious snaps with the A-listers, pretend you're performing on Broadway, and stroll down a New York catwalk. Madame Tussauds is a great place to spend the day when it's too hot to function outside!

Getting in: Madame Tussauds New York tickets are included on all Go City® New York passes.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

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The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Just across the park, you'll find the Metropolitan Museum of Art, one of the most prestigious and comprehensive art museums in America. Its many marble halls are perfectly chilled in the summer, especially in exhibit spaces where they keep precious or fragile artifacts.

The museum, which is consistently voted TripAdvisor's #1 Museum in the World, showcases over 5,000 years of art from every corner of the world. The Met's fantastic permanent collection includes showcases like Arms & Armor, The Robert Lehman Collection, Modern and Contemporary Art, and many, many more. 

Getting in: The Metropolitan Museum of Art is separately ticketed.

The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)

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The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)

On the other end of Central Park, the Museum of Modern Art is home to some of the most influential pieces of modern art in the world. The MoMA features the works of Monet, Warhol, Cezanne, Van Gogh, and Seurat, as well as hordes of contemporary artists who are constantly changing the face of modern art. In addition to the famous permanent halls, the MoMA regularly features a unique range of ever-changing special exhibits. 

Getting in: Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) tickets are included on all Go City® New York passes.

Cruise around the harbor

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Cruise around the harbor

On a hot day in NYC, the best place to be is on the water. The cool ocean breeze paired with all the landmarks you'll cruise by will make for a perfect, relaxing afternoon. Here are some of our favorite New York Harbor cruises:
 

  • Visit Lady Liberty and explore Ellis Island with the Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Immigration Museum Ferry ticket. Take a quick and enjoyable ride on the ship to Ellis Island where you'll have free time to venture around the museum and up to the Statue of Liberty.
     
  • The Lady Liberty Cruise by Circle Line Sightseeing is the fastest and best way to see this stunning monument. Forge through the Hudson River towards the statue and keep your eyes peeled for a glimpse of the Freedom Tower and the World Financial Center along the way.
     
  • A New York Water Taxi: All Day Access Pass can get you where you want to be quickly. Hop aboard the famous yellow water taxi and travel easily between Manhattan and its surrounding boroughs. It's the perfect excuse to visit Brooklyn!
     
  • Hop on the Statue Sunset Cruise by Circle Line Sightseeing as the sun goes down for a unique experience in the harbor. Enjoy smooth sailing past all the lit-up landmarks and capitalize on the chance to see Lady Liberty with a gorgeous New York sunset as her backdrop.
Ellis Island
  • Another cruise that will take you around the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island is the Downtown Liberty Express Cruise. This narrated sightseeing excursion will direct your attention to the most important and historical sights along the water.
     
  • A Shearwater Classic Schooner cruise offers the unique experience of sailing aboard an old-timey, 82-foot schooner. You have the choice between a daytime Statue of Liberty Cruise or a nighttime City Lights sail. Both cruise routes will take you past the most recognizable landmarks in New York.
     
  • Hop aboard one of the largest sailing vessels in the world with a Clipper City Tall Ship Sail. The gigantic ship spans 158 feet and looks like an ancient sailboat. Its luxurious feel will make you feel like a member of New York's elite society as you sail past the Statue of Liberty and more.
     
  • The Best of NYC Cruise by Circle Line Sightseeing is perfect for those who don't want to miss a thing while in New York. This route will take you past more than just Ellis Island or the Empire State Building. You'll also see Yankee Stadium, Wall Street, and the South Street Seaport.

Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum and Space Shuttle

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Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum and Space Shuttle

Learn about American military and naval history at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum and Space Shuttle. By exploring four historic vessels hands-on, you'll get a new vantage point on life at sea. Hop aboard the Aircraft Carrier Intrepid, Submarine Growler, Space Shuttle Enterprise, and British Airways Concorde. 

The most famous of the four, the Intrepid, is a massive aircraft carrier that has survived five kamikaze attacks and a torpedo strike in WWII and the Cold War. You'll see dozens of authentically restored aircraft, a prototype NASA orbiter, a diesel-powered submarine, and more. 

Getting in: Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum and Space Shuttle tickets are included on all Go City® New York passes.

Radio City Stage Door Tour

Radio City Music Hall

Radio City Stage Door Tour

No trip to New York is complete without a visit to the famous Radio City Music Hall. Perfect on a hot day, this studio tour will keep you out of the sun and take you behind the scenes. Visit the auditorium and see where some of the most lavish productions have taken place. See the celebrity guestbook, discover the secrets of the Great Stage, and have your photo taken with a world-famous Rockette. 

Getting in: Radio City Stage Door Tour tickets are included on all Go City® New York passes.

The Whitney Museum of American Art

The Whitney Museum of Art showcases a unique, ever-changing collection of modern and contemporary art by up-and-coming American artists. From video presentations to multimedia displays to photography showcases - there's something for every art lover to see at this cultural institution. 

Getting in: The Whitney Museum of American Art tickets are included on all Go City® New York passes.

Save on New York summertime activities

There’s no shortage of things to do in New York when it’s hot out, and the suggestions above are just some of our favorite indoor activities.

Discover our full line-up of New York attractions and save up to 50%, 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.

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Nicole Muto
Go City Travel Expert

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Things to do in Soho

Running from Houston Street to Canal Street, SoHo presents some of the most interesting things to do in the city. We can never get enough of this bohemian NYC district. Whether you’re looking to browse the stores, explore the neighborhood’s artistic side, or admire its unique cast-iron architecture, you'll never be bored in SoHo. We’ve spent a lot of time in the area and are presenting our favorite things to do to help you plan the perfect vacation. Keep scrolling to read our list of the best attractions to visit whilst you’re there! Explore the Area New York has always been a city devoted to commerce, with SoHo presenting some of the best shopping opportunities in the area. Drawing from the neighborhood's bohemian roots, the Artists and Fleas market serves as a stellar browsing location and fun cultural experience all at once. Situated along Broadway, this enticing marketplace is known for peddling everything from vintage fashion and furniture to original artwork and one-of-a-kind antiques. Dive into the crowds, soak up the atmosphere, and shop ‘til you drop! If you were wondering where to grab a bite to eat in Soho, don’t worry – we've got you covered! Besides being a fantastic shopping destination, the area presents a wealth of cozy bistros and fun bars to satisfy your appetite. Begin your day with the perfect breakfast at Dominique Ansel Café, where you can find the original iteration of the cronut, amongst other delectable confections. Stop for a laid-back brunch at the historic Fanelli Café. We also recommend checking out City Winery for its first-rate wine selection and fabulous live performances. Whatever you choose to do, we promise you won’t go hungry! Those travelling with family might want to check out the next item on our list. Offering plenty of space and fresh air, the Vesuvio Playground is the perfect place for kids to let loose without a care in the world. Renovated in 2007, the beloved city park has everything from sandboxes and basketball courts to bocce courts and musical chimes. Still, summertime is the best time to stop by, since the spray showers and wading pool will be in use. With its lively atmosphere and long list of engaging features, this one is well worth adding to the family travel bucket list. Find Interesting Activities If this isn’t your first visit to the Big Apple, you might be looking for some new museums to pique your interest. Luckily for you, the city presents a countless array of unique cultural amenities to explore. Housed in an authentic firehouse that was decommissioned in 1904, the New York City Fire Museum stands out as one of our favorites for its fascinating repository celebrating the history of its fire department. Walking around the institute, visitors can view a first-class collection of over 10, 000 objects spanning from the 18th century right through to the present. We love this place because it’s impossible to leave without having learned something new. The concrete jungle presents plenty of unique and exciting activities for those of all ages. Bright, colorful, and inviting, The Children’s Museum of the Arts seeks to cultivate curiosity and creativity in little ones. Offering hands-on activities in sculpture, sound-art, and stop-motion animation (just to name a few), this place pushes the boundaries way beyond the standard educational experience. Whilst you’re there, don’t forget to check out the museum’s unique collection of children’s art, which dates back to the 1930s. One of our favorite things about New York is that it’s always coming up with new ways to surprise us. Bringing to life all of your childhood fantasies, the Museum of Ice Cream is recognized as the first ever ‘’selfie museum’’. With a total of 13 immersive installations and creative concepts, the institute acts as a fun and unique space for photo opportunities.Though it doesn’t provide an educational experience like some of Soho’s other cultural amenities, this isn’t what this place is about. Rather, the institute serves up a sweet experience to remember. Get Cultured If you’re looking for an interesting cultural experience, you won’t have to venture far. A former artists’ enclave and current hipster hotspot, SoHo and its many museums offer an enticing mix of art, history and culture. Standing out amongst other elite museums in the city, the Leslie Lohman-Museum of Art is recognized as the only institute dedicated to artwork documenting the LGBTQ experience. Upon entrance, viewers can enjoy an expansive collection of over 30,000 artworks, ranging from contemporary paintings and sculptures to installation and video pieces. Particular highlights include works by David Hockney, Andy Warhol and Bernice Abbott. Another one of our favorite spots in SoHo is the Angelika Film Center. Since its founding in 1989, the theater has become known as the most successful and recognized arthouse in the United States. A must-visit for film lovers and casual viewers alike, the establishment screens an interesting and diverse array of independent films across all genres. With its eclectic atmosphere and laid-back vibe, the theater is a wonderful place for spending time with friends and family. We couldn’t write an article about SoHo without mentioning Broadway. Drawing in millions of visitors each year, Broadway is a well-recognized epicenter of fashion, theater and commerce. This major thoroughfare has a lot to offer, with world-renowned brands, designer boutiques and fantastic eateries around every corner. Whether you’re looking for a successful shopping experience, or just a casual stroll through the city, a visit to Broadway would make the perfect daytrip! Don’t forget to check out the beautiful cast-iron architecture which the area is known for! Soho is one of the most exciting areas of New York. After a visit here, you may be inclined to agree. From trendy flea markets and enticing restaurants to influential art galleries and theaters, the area has a little something for everybody. To get the most out of your visit, check out our All-Inclusive Pass and Explorer Pass. If you’d like to know more, connect with us on Instagram and Facebook. With Go City, you can see more, for less.
Sarah Harris
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Things to do in Midtown

No visit to New York is complete without exploring Midtown. Situated at the very heart of Manhattan, the area is home to some of the city’s best cultural attractions, shopping opportunities, and dining spots. Spend the day shopping on Fifth Avenue or view the city from dizzying heights at the Empire State Building. Or, if you’re an arts lover, check out the Museum Mile or head uptown to catch a musical on Broadway. So, if you’re planning to make the visit, have a read through our guide of the best things to do in the area. With Go City, you can see more, for less. Explore the Area If you’re looking for the ultimate shopping experience, there’s no better place to be than Midtown. Stretching for six whole miles through the district, Fifth Avenue draws in millions of visitors each year – and with good reason! The street has much to offer, with popular flagships, upscale boutiques, and spectacular window displays, especially around Christmastime. Flanked with enticing attractions and buzzing with life, this major attraction delivers a shopping experience going way beyond our wildest dreams. Dive into the crowds, pick up a souvenir for your loved ones, and soak up the incredible atmosphere. Hey, what’s not to love? Though New York is most usually recognized for its towering skyscrapers and modern structures, the city is home to many beautiful historic buildings. An absolute must-see for history buffs and architecture geeks alike, St. Patrick’s Church is known as the biggest Gothic Roman Catholic Cathedral in the United States. Occupying an entire city block, the venerable structure stands out amongst its neighbors with a real sense of authority and presence. Both the exterior façade and interior design of the church are incredibly fascinating, as they tell a whole lot about the city’s religious and architectural past. Still, the main draw of the site is its atmospheric underground catacombs, which showcase the intricacies of 19th Century art and innovation. One of our favorite things about Midtown is that there’s a surprise around every corner. Situated between Madison Avenue and Broadway, Koreatown (AKA ‘’Korean Times Square’’) is one of the best-kept secrets of the area. Here, visitors can enjoy interesting shops, great restaurants, and a vibrant sense of community. This small but sweet enclave would be the perfect place to grab a bite to eat after catching a show on Broadway. See the Sites It’d just be wrong to write about the Midtown area without mentioning the Empire State Building. A world-famous attraction and mainstay of New York City culture, the iconic tower is one of the most impressive highlights of the cityscape. Still billed as one of the tallest buildings in the world, this majestic structure grants captivating views of Central Park, the Statue of Liberty, as well as five different states. We strongly recommend purchasing your tickets online ahead of time to cut down on your queueing time! Of all the things to do in Midtown, one of the area’s biggest draws is Grand Central Station. Infinitely more than just a train station and commuter’s hub, this iconic tourist magnet has long served as an emblem of New York City culture. This national historic landmark is perhaps best known for its beautiful architecture and unique history – its famous golden clockwork, intricate tilework, and swooping arches and most certainly a sight to behold. Those who are interested in learning more about the background of the building can take historical tours. In addition, the attraction packs over 100 dining and shopping vendors all under one roof! Midtown presents an incredible wealth of cool things to do, see and experience. Comprised of a whopping 19 commercial buildings and spanning over 22 acres, the Rockefeller Center is a fantastic stop for any first-time visitor. Whether you’re looking for live music, historical artwork, or live tapings of your favorite talk show, this is where you want to be. Catch a show at Radio City Music Hall, tour NBC Studios, and in the wintertime, take a spin on its world-famous ice rink. The world’s your oyster! Get Cultured New York is an art lover’s dream, with Midtown presenting some of the city’s top cultural institutions. Drawing in millions of visitors each year, the Museum of Modern Art is often recognized as one of the biggest and most influential institutions of its kind. Upon entrance, visitors can enjoy an expansive collection of over 200, 000 artworks across all mediums. Particular highlights include Vincent van Gogh’s The Starry Night, Salvador Dalì’s The Persistence of Memory and Roy Lichtenstein’s Drowning Girl. Looking for a memorable cultural experience? Look no further than Broadway! Situated on a popular thoroughfare of the same name, the notable theater is often considered to be the most influential playhouse in the United States. Unlike indie playhouses, the Broadway Theater runs classic crowd-pleasers which are sure to suit those travelling with friends or family. You can see famous shows such as The Phantom of the Opera, Moulin Rouge, and The Lion King. The theater is located on 53rd Street, with plenty of restaurants and bars just minutes away. Another one of our favorite things to do in Midtown is visit the Morgan Library. Formerly the private collection of financier J. Pierpont Morgan, this majestic repository is a total bibliophile’s paradise. Situated on Madison Avenue, this Italian Renaissance-style palazzo shelters the largest on-paper collection of art, literature and musical works in the United States. Particular standouts include one of 23 copies of the original Declaration of Independence, Charles Dickens’s manuscript of A Christmas Carol, and a signed manuscript of Henry David Thoreau’s Walden. There are endless things to see, do and experience in Midtown. From the area’s world-class entertainment venues to its fantastic shopping destinations, dining spots and architectural landmarks, it’s essentially impossible to take it all in in just one visit. Whatever you choose to do, you won’t be disappointed; rather, you’ll struggle to fit it all in. Make the best out of your travel experience with our All-Inclusive Pass and Explorer Pass. If you’d like to know more, connect with us on Instagram and Facebook.
Sarah Harris

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