New York City Labor Day Weekend - 10+ Fun Things to Do in September

By Casey Makovich

Labor Day weekend is one of the last chances for a summer getaway. New York City is certainly going to be a fun and festive place to be on this long weekend. If you’re looking for New York City Labor Day Weekend ideas, check out some of these local activities and fun things do in New York City in September, including...

  • Metropolitan Museum of Art
  • Empire State Building
  • Top of the Rock
  • Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Immigration Museum
  • Brooklyn Bridge Bike Tours
  • Central Park Tours
  • NYC Labor Day Parade
  • Brooklyn Bridge Park Pool
  • And more!

From sights that should be on every NYC bucket list to Labor Day special events, we've got you covered.

1. Empire State Building

Image of Empire State Building, Landmark, Tower, It goes without saying, but we'll say it anyway. The Empire State Building is a must-see and should be among your biggest priorities when planning your NYC Labor Day vacation. As one of the most iconic buildings in the city, there's no way you can miss out on a chance to climb to the top. Visit the 86th floor observation deck and look upon the entire city from 1,050 feet above ground. The building is located in the heart of Manhattan, so there's plenty to see and do before or after you visit the top!

2. The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Image of Indoors, Museum, Person, Shoe, Handbag, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, or the Met, is consistently voted of TripAdvisor’s Top 25 Museums in the United States. From modern Europe to ancient Oceania, the Met covers every culture and every artistic medium around the world. We suggest you head to the rooftop to enjoy refreshments, soak up stunning New York City skyline views of Manhattan and Central Park, and see what temporary installation exhibits they're hosting on the roof. Keep in mind that the Met has two sister institutions, too: the Met Cloisters, featuring secular and religious medieval art and Met Breuer, with a focus on contemporary art. You can visit either of those two for free with a ticket from the Met for three consecutive days!

3. Top of the Rock

Image of Cityscape, Urban, Photography, Nature, Outdoors, Scenery, Another great place to see the city from above is at the Top of the Rock Observatory. Travel 800 feet up to one of three observation decks at the famous 30 Rock building. From the very top, you'll have a clear view of the Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building, One World Trade Center, Central Park and more. While both the Empire State Building and the Top of the Rock are famous in their own right, many people say that Top of the Rock has more unobstructed views these days. If you don't want to pay a visit to both, keep that in mind when choosing.

4. Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)

Image of Art, Painting, Adult, Female, Person, Woman, Art Gallery, Another great culturally-enriching option for travelers to New York is the Museum of Modern Art. The MoMA is a top artistic institution in NYC, filled with a variety of mediums and art installations by the most famous artists in history. Some of the most notable works that call the museum home include Van Gogh's The Starry Night, Claude Monet's Reflections of Clouds, and Andy Warhol's Campbell's Soup Cans.

5. Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Immigration Museum

Image of Art, Adult, Male, Man, Person, Sculpture, For history buffs and those who are New York-obsessed, the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Immigration Museum should definitely be on your itinerary. General admission to both is free, but you will need to pay for the ferry ticket to get to both attractions. Both the museum and the iconic statue serve as a huge part of New York's history. Learn more about Lady Liberty, a gift from France, and the story of Ellis Island with a self-guided audio tour. Ellis Island is also an important piece of American history for those whose families came to the United States during the first half of the twentieth century. Check out their moving exhibits, especially the Peopling of America Galleries. From the island, you'll have unmatched views of Lady Liberty up close as well as a fantastic landscape of downtown Manhattan.

6. Rent a bike

Image of Bridge, Brooklyn Bridge, Landmark, Photo via iStock
There's no better way to take advantage of a beautiful day in New York City than to rent a bike--especially if you're going to take that bike over the Brooklyn Bridge! Whether you're looking to go solo and make your own route, or you want to follow a guided bike tour of all the must-see spots, a bike ride over the bridge is guaranteed to make your trip that much better.

7. 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
Another great place to rent a bike or take a tour is Central Park. Central Park is the most-visited public park in the entire country! And it's no wonder -- the park is gigantic and chock-full of things to see and do. Rent a bike to get some exercise while you sightsee and keep your kids busy. If you'd prefer a bit of guidance on your peddling, take a bike tour with an expert local tour guide who will showcase all the most significant spots in Central Park, from the Shakespeare Garden to the Cherry Hill Fountain. You can even take a walking tour that will bring you to all the spots in Central Park where movies and TV shows have been filmed. This tour is specialized option for seeing the park, but it can be a great way to tap into your love of media (or your kids' media obsessions!).

8. Coney Island

Image of Amusement Park, Glove, Fun, Person, Roller Coaster, Adult, Female, Woman, Male, Man, Head to Coney Island for some classic boardwalk fun. It's the perfect place to bring back memories of your own childhood and help your kids create new memories of their own. From carnival games to amusement park rides, Coney Island has it all. Visit Luna Park and test your bravery on rides like the Steeplechase, Brooklyn Flyer, Power Surge and more. Get a wristband for the day and enjoy all the exciting rides that fill the boardwalk. You can also relax on one of the public beaches, explore the parks, or even check out a Brooklyn Cyclones game (a minor league baseball team). There's also the nearby New York Aquarium as well as the modest but engaging Coney Island Museum, which is well worth the $5/per adult admission.

9. New York City Labor Day Parade

Image of Backpack, Handbag, People, Person, Parade, Hat, Car, Balloon, City, The New York City Labor Day Parade is the annual parade run by the New York City Labor Council in celebration of the working men and women who contribute to New York City. This year the parade will run on Saturday, September 10th, 2022, beginning at 10:00 am. Starting at 44th Street & Fifth Avenue, the parade makes its way through the city filled with local-made floats. Please note, this parade takes place the Saturday after Labor Day Weekend.

10. Brooklyn Bridge Park Pool

Image of Water, Person, Adult, Male, Man, Amusement Park, Water Park, Photo by Etienne Frossard
Don't miss a chance to swim with the Brooklyn Bridge as your backdrop. Since its 2012 debut, the Pop Up Pool at Brooklyn Bridge Park has been a crowd favorite. To avoid overcrowding, visitors are given a 45-minute timed session to splash around and soak in the sun at one of the best parks in NYC. Access to the beach is free to the public, but as mentioned there is a time limit. This is a good alternative to pricey pool clubs in the city and is a nice idea if your hotel doesn't have a pool.

11. Riis Park Beach Bazaar

Image of Indoors, Restaurant, Urban, City, Person, People, Adult, Male, Man, Female, Woman, Photo via Dylan Johnson
Though a beach day is probably not the first thing on your mind when you're planning a trip to the Big Apple, it's definitely worth adding to your to-do list. The Jack Riis National Park is located right in Queens and hosts an all-summer long party that ends Labor Day Weekend. Don't miss the final hurrah, complete with live music, great food and drinks, and tons of boardwalk games. This national park is open to the public free of charge.

12. West Indian Day Carnival (Labor Day Parade)

Image of Carnival, Photo via Filip Wolak
The biggest cultural festival in NYC is the West Indian-American Day Carnival, also known as the Labor Day Carnival Parade, in Brooklyn. This celebration of Caribbean culture features marchers in elaborate costumes promenading down the Eastern Parkway to the sounds of reggae and calypso. The parade takes place on Monday, September 10, 2022 and begins at 11 am. For spectators, tasty ethnic food and drink is also available. Favorites include jerk chicken, fried flying fish, rice and beans, and johnnycakes. Admission is free and open to the public.

13. Washington Square Outdoor Art Exhibit

Image of Adult, Female, Person, Woman, Male, Man, Photo via Rebecca MB. Pearson
Stop in at Washington Square and catch one of the many artists set up there working on portraits and pieces. Hundreds of exhibitors, from NYU students to artists who were born and raised in the Village, display their paintings, sculptures, jewelry, photography and more. The show takes place on University Place starting at E 13th Street. These art exhibits are free and open to the public, so they make for a good budget-friendly option this Labor Day.

Save on Attraction Admission

Regular admission to a number of these New York attractions are available on the New York Explorer Pass®. Choose as you go from 90 top attractions and save up to 50% on combined admission vs paying at the gate. See all available passes, attractions & prices – Learn more. We hope you consider visiting some of these attractions to help round out your summer vacation in style.

Share your adventure with us

Remember to tag @GoCity in your holiday snaps 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! https://www.instagram.com/gocity/

Casey Makovich
Go City Travel Expert

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10...9...8... 10 tips for celebrating New Year’s Eve in Times Square

New York City's Times Square celebration is one of the most famous and popular New Year's Eve celebrations in the world, so it's no surprise that Times Square and the city as a whole will be packed around this time.
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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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Best Brunch Spots in New York

Brunch is a serious business in New York. It’s when everyone rolls out of bed, fights through that weekend malaise (or possible hangover), and heads out to the new hot spot for the decadent food and bottomless mimosas. For brunch lovers heading to (or living in) New York City, we’ve pulled together our favorite venues for this timeless weekend rite. To help fill out the rest of your day, we’ve also made some suggestions for other fun things to do in the area after you’ve eaten your fill. Red Rooster View this post on Instagram A post shared by Red Rooster (@roosterharlem) on Feb 2, 2019 at 9:01am PST The brainchild of famed chef Marcus Samuelsson, this Harlem hot spot boasts a menu filled with all the luscious southern favorites you can imagine—fried chicken and waffles, biscuits, gooey cinnamon rolls, and the ever-popular rooster slam, a delectable combo of hot honey chicken, blueberry waffle, French toast, beef sausage, bacon, and a fried egg. Things to do Nearby: We like the walking tour of Harlem that focuses on the history of gospel in this neighborhood, or the self-guided bike tour of Harlem to help you burn off that eggs benedict. Jacob’s Pickles View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jacob's Pickles (@jacobspickles) on Aug 22, 2019 at 9:53am PDT You’ll probably need to wait at this immensely popular UWS spot, but it’s worth every minute. Their abundant menu features practically everything we can imagine wanting for brunch: more southern favorites like biscuits and gravy, the French classic Croque madame, deviled eggs, catfish tacos (I know, right!?) and, of course, their signature array of pickled veggies. Things to do Nearby: Jacob’s Pickles is conveniently close to many cultural attractions like the American Museum of Natural History and the New York Historical Society Museum, as well as the west side of Central Park. Victor’s Café View this post on Instagram A post shared by Victors Cafe (@victorscafenyc) on Aug 26, 2019 at 9:01am PDT A sumptuous array of Cuban cuisine awaits you at Victor’s Café. Located in Hell’s Kitchen, this brunch powerhouse offers classics alongside new inventions—our top picks include ceviche de pargo, bartolito (plantain croquettes), empanadas, and the Cubana frittata. They also offer hearty brunch entrees that feel more like dinner options, but you’ll leave feeling stuffed and content. Things to do Nearby: Within a stone’s throw of the theatre district, Victor’s Café is near the Museum of Modern Art, Radio City Music Hall, and the Top of the Rock. Plus, you know, all the theatres. Vinegar Hill House View this post on Instagram A post shared by Vinegar Hill House (@vinegarhillhouse) on Aug 10, 2019 at 4:33am PDT Among the most popular restaurants in Brooklyn, Vinegar Hill House is a cozy space serving rustic dishes from a modest menu. You won’t have a wealth of choices, but what they offer makes up for it in taste. Some current dishes (although these may change) include sourdough pancakes, omelets, and shrimp and grits. Things to do Nearby: Explore the Brooklyn Navy Yard, walk around DUMBO, get some shopping in, or check out the local street art. Olmsted View this post on Instagram A post shared by Olmsted (@olmstednyc) on Aug 18, 2019 at 9:19am PDT Located in Prospect Heights, this eclectic restaurant features plentiful brunch in beautiful digs. The menu shifts frequently to cater to seasonal produce and local sources, but some recent options have included Austrian donuts, potato latkes, heirloom tomato schnitzel, and waffles with seasonal fruit and whipped cream. You can also enjoy a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Things to do Nearby: One of the best ways to unwind and burn a few calories from brunch is to stroll in some fresh air—fortunately, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden and Museum is right near Olmsted! Locanda Verde View this post on Instagram A post shared by Locanda Verde (@locandaverde) on Aug 15, 2019 at 6:01am PDT Fans of Italian cuisine will adore the rustic and hearty fare offered by one of the city’s best. A beloved spot in Tribeca, Locanda Verde features favorites like lemon-ricotta pancakes, frittatas, sandwiches, and all kinds of egg dishes. If you’re there on the later end of brunch, you can also opt for more hearty savory dishes—definitely worth the feeling of being extra full. Things to do Nearby: Several cruises depart from the adjacent piers if you’re hoping to enjoy a leisurely boat ride around the harbor. You’re also close to the 9/11 Memorial & Museum. Café Mogador View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mogador (@mogadorcafe) on Jun 17, 2019 at 10:05pm PDT Fans of Moroccan food, or anyone looking to try something unique, will delight in Café Mogador. Its East Village location boasts flavorful Mediterranean dishes like halloumi with eggs, French toast, eggs with spicy stewed tomatoes, buttermilk pancakes, and organic granola. You can also choose from sides like house-made merguez sausage, bacon, and authentic sauces like Schug. Things to do Nearby: You’re a few blocks or a quick transit ride away from several different cultural tours, including a tour of St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral and the downtown experience by the RIDE, an entertaining tour perfect for visitors. Upland View this post on Instagram A post shared by Upland (@upland_nyc) on Aug 4, 2019 at 7:28pm PDT Anyone homesick for California or their fresh cuisine won’t want to skip brunch at Upland. Located in the Flatiron District, this chic restaurant combines Italian influences with a Cali cool vibe in dishes like funky donuts, buttermilk pancakes, eggs benedict, quiche, and bucatini cacio e pepe. May we also recommend “The Larry David,” an everything bagel with smoked whitefish, tomatoes, capers, and cream cheese? Things to do Nearby: If you’re brunching with your significant other—or a hot date—then try checking out the Museum of Sex. It’s a funky little space that’s among the most unique museums in the city. Otherwise, the Empire State Building is a few blocks farther north. Balthazar View this post on Instagram A post shared by Scott Shells (@scottshells) on Sep 1, 2019 at 9:18am PDT A longstanding Soho brasserie, Balthazar is not for those with a light budget. However, should you be in the mood to splurge, they offer a menu bursting with French delights like caramelized banana tartine, chicken liver, and foie gras mousse, eggs Florentine, a ratatouille omelet, and many (very expensive) seafood options. If you want to see the décor but only want to spend a bit, try one of their hangover drinks—which will still run you over $15/drink, but hey, it’s Soho. Things to do Nearby: Soho’s location makes it the perfect nexus for local tours, as well as the City Winery, which is an awesome destination if you want to keep up with the imbibing. Maison Kayser View this post on Instagram A post shared by Eric Kayser Officiel (@maisonkayser) on Aug 12, 2019 at 8:19am PDT This bakery-slash-café is one of a series of such outposts, but the original location in the UES is a nice place to start. Offering primarily French fare—and doing very well at baking said French pastries—this is the perfect option for those looking for a quick bite or less expensive option. Some of their most iconic dishes include natural levain bread and viennoiseries, all baked on-site. You can choose from a pit stop at the coffee bar to grab some bread, or a sit-down at the café to enjoy a full Parisian menu. Things to do Nearby: The Upper East Side is filled with nature, culture, and fun. Spend the rest of the day at the Met, zip around Central Park on a bike, or marvel at the architecture at the Guggenheim Museum. 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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