Walking the streets of New York City in the summer, you can feel the heat rising from the pavement as the sun sizzles overhead. But as the temperatures rise, so does the city’s energy. New York in summer has so much to offer visitors and locals alike as seasonal events, so it’s the perfect place for a summer getaway.
If you plan to spend some time in NYC this summer, here are some activities to fill your sunny days and steamy nights.
The Joys of Visiting New York in the Summer
Even though New York City is notorious for its hot, humid summers, there really is no time like summer in New York. Besides all the typical top attractions, you’ll find plenty of seasonal activities to enjoy in the summer months. Think trips to Coney Island, catching some sun at the beach, and summer festivals exploring the city’s culture and cuisine.
Other summer pastimes you shouldn’t miss include catching a baseball game at Yankee Stadium, seeing an outdoor theatrical performance, or sampling mouth-watering gastronomic delights at the Smorgasburg open-air food market.
There’s no shortage of things to do in New York in the summer, so we’ve chosen five of the best that give you a little variety. Grab your sunglasses and some walking shoes, and get ready to hit the sultry summer streets in New York City!
5 Key Places To Visit During Your Next Summer Trip to New York
New York is a city that never sleeps, especially in June, July, and August. The long days of summer are packed with things to do that often spill over into the nights and even into the wee hours of the morning. To help narrow down your list, here are some things to do to have a perfect New York summer.
1. Take a Walk Through the Iconic Central Park
A stroll through Central Park is a must, no matter the time of year. However, the park comes to life in the summertime with several seasonal festivals, including:
- SummerStage Festival
- Harlem Meer Performance Festival
- OZY Fest Summer Performance Series
- Shakespeare in the Park
- Central Park Conservancy Film Festival
- GMA Summer Concert Series
It’s also the perfect setting for a tasty picnic in the park. You can bring your own food or pick up a prepared picnic basket at the park packed with all kinds of goodies. The park also allows grilling and barbecuing on Memorial Day, the 4th of July, and Labor Day, meaning you can enjoy a delicious cookout in one of the most scenic spots in NYC.
And if you’re still hungry, there’s plenty of great dining around Central Park. In Harlem, north of the park, you'll discover endless restaurants that serve authentic soul food. East and west of the park, you’ll find eateries spanning all kinds of cuisines and tailored to every budget. You can’t go wrong!
2. Feel on Top of the World at Edge at Hudson Yards
After you’ve marveled at the lights in Times Square, stroll south towards Hudson Yards and experience the pure adrenaline and wonder at Edge. The observation deck at Edge is the highest in the Western Hemisphere, clocking in at 100 stories tall. The glass floor and mid-air suspension design will make you feel like you’re soaring through the clouds over New York City. You’ll get unbelievable city skyline views as you see NYC like never before.
3. Enjoy Stunning Views on a City Cruise
Want a fun way to cool off? Take a spin around the shores of New York on a Circle Line Sightseeing Cruise. These city cruises allow you to explore the best of NYC from a different perspective as your guide points out interesting landmarks and shares stories and the history behind each one.
You’ll start on the Hudson River and head south around lower Manhattan. Along the way, you’ll spot the Empire State Building, cruise past the Brooklyn Bridge and Brooklyn Bridge Park, Battery Park, and Governor’s Island, and then head up the East River. There are tours of different lengths depending on what you want to see and how much time you have to spare.
4. Cool Off at the Museum of Modern Art
Escaping the heat and slipping into a nice, cool museum couldn’t be a better plan on a hot, sticky day. The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) is one of the largest and most important museums in the world when it comes to modern and contemporary art. Here, you’ll find work from iconic artists like van Gogh, Matisse, Picasso, Warhol, Pollack, and so many more who have helped to shape art as we know it today.
MoMA is massive, and it’s easy to spend the whole day getting lost in the museum’s impressive collection. If you only have a few hours to spare, save time to see these biggies:
- Vincent van Gogh’s The Starry Night
- Salvador Dalí’s The Persistence of Memory Cla
- ude Monet’s Water Lilies
- Frida Kahlo’s Self-Portrait with Cropped Hair
- Henri Matisse’s The Dance I
- Andy Warhol’s Campbell’s Soup Cans
5. Discover the Vibrant Energy of Rooftop Bars
Combining great views and tasty drinks is a summertime specialty in New York when the city’s rooftop bars open for the season. There are endless spots to try specializing in everything from brunch to cocktails to fine dining. What’s great about NYC’s rooftop scene is that there’s something for everyone.
As you explore, you’ll find relaxing bars to chill and enjoy the views, rooftops where the energy and music are cranked up for partying, and even more perfectly styled to capture an unforgettable moment for your Instagram feed.
Plan Your Next Summer Escapade in New York City
To really get the most out of your next summer getaway to New York, save yourself the hassle and some money by buying tickets in advance to the city’s top attractions.
Purchasing New York CityPASS® tickets lets you see the best of the city without having to wait in long ticket lines or spend tons of money:
- New York C3® tickets save you at three attractions.
- New York CityPASS® tickets save you at five attractions.
- New York C-All™ saves you up to at 10 attractions.
By purchasing CityPASS® tickets, you can save significantly on must-see attractions like the Empire State Building, MoMA, Edge at Hudson Yards, and many more.
So what are you waiting for? Buy your CityPASS® tickets now and discover the best savings in NYC!
New York City Lodging
To get the most out of your stay in New York City, we recommend finding lodging near New York City's top attractions. Use this map to find the right lodging for you:
Booking.com