New York City is a massive place and one of the most preferred destinations for visiting and exploring. However, if you are visiting for the first time or planning a trip in the summertime, you may feel overwhelmed with all that there is to do there. During the warm season, the city comes to life with more people out and about.
You can find many things to do in different neighborhoods depending on your interest. However, if you have many things that interest you, it can be challenging to determine what things to do and places to explore.
So, where do you start? Besides ensuring your safety while traveling, don’t fret – below is a guide to give you some of the best activities and places to see when you visit New York City this summer.
Places to Explore
Central Park
One of the most iconic places in New York City and the site of several films and Television, the greens of Central Park will draw you in with the beauty of such a lush place amidst a bustling city. In addition, there are several activities that you can engage in while you are there, such as boating, bird-watching, and skating.
Sometimes there are performers in the park, with live entertainment you wouldn’t want to miss. Top musicians and artists will sometimes do concerts there, too! If you’re going to explore as much of the park as possible, you can look at mountain bikes for sale and do some biking around the city to explore and travel easily.
Coney Island
The amusement park alone is reason enough to visit Coney Island. During the summertime on Fridays, you can see fireworks here in the evenings.
Coney Island is on Brighton Beach, so you can also enjoy the lovely summer beach weather and get cooled off in the water on a hot day. It is also not expensive to take the ferry if you want to enjoy being on the water.
Staten Island
There is a rich history in Staten Island, and it is equipped with parks, hiking trails, and playgrounds. In addition, there are plenty of museums and historic buildings, and you can take the ferry around on a tour if you desire.
Statue of Liberty
You should visit and tour the Statue of Liberty on Ellis Island, as no actual New York City trip is complete without seeing this impressive monument. One might argue that seeing the Empire State Building is more essential, but both are equally exceptional places to visit! You will need to purchase Statue of Liberty crown tickets in advance since they are limited to how many can go at one time, so plan accordingly.
Brooklyn Bridge
Brooklyn Bridge is one of the most famous bridges in the world, and you can see the ongoing traffic driving across while walking on the pedestrian path. You can even watch the sunrise or sunset with fantastic views and take some amazing pictures of Lady Liberty.
Little Island
Close to the meatpacking district and the High Line is Little Island. It’s a newer attraction in NYC but sports a beautiful park on concrete stilts over the Hudson River. It boasts some fantastic views, and you can also visit to attend various events and art exhibitions.
Things To Do
Broadway Shows
Attending a show on Broadway is entertainment at its finest. You can watch artists perform from all over the world and depending on your interest; there is a show for every kind of music lover. You can book your shows in advance and choose your seats or submit to the Lottery on the day of a particular show to see if you can win tickets.
If you’re bringing children, you could see a family friendly Broadway show like Disney’s Aladdin or The Lion King. If you’re a fan of the classics, you might want to see The Phantom of the Opera. If you like history, you could see Hamilton, and if you like contemporary events, you could check out Dear Evan Hanson or Waitress.
There are plenty of museums to explore in the city, but almost everyone was touched by the tragic events of 9/11. The museum pays tribute to those who lost their lives during this horrendous attack. In addition, there are plenty of documentaries, papers, and artifacts to bring more awareness to what happened that day.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Historical artifacts from Rome and multiple contemporary art pieces will be found at the Met. In addition, there are plenty of exciting exhibits, from Native America to Instruments of Rock and Roll. You should also note that you can visit the rooftop bar while enjoying people watching below during the summertime.
Stroll the High Line
The rail system known as the High Line was open for trains back in 1934 but closed in 1980. It is one of Chelsea’s trendy attractions, creating a pleasant green setting to walk through, complete with art, music, food, and much more to enjoy.
Kayak on the Hudson
A fun way to see the city with some adventure is by booking a kayaking trip on the Hudson River. You can do a tour from any skill level, so even as a beginner or someone who’s never been on a kayak, you can still enjoy this excursion. There are also stand-up paddleboard tours if you’re feeling more inclined.
Bryant Park
During the summer, Bryant Park hosts Summer Movie Nights, where you can enjoy the cool summer evenings and watch a popular flick. The best part is this is an entirely free event; you just need to bring a picnic blanket and snacks and enjoy. There are food and beverages available to purchase there as well.
Enjoy Your Visit
Whatever you are most interested in doing during your visit to NYC this summer, there is something to offer everyone. Keep in mind with temperatures being warm and sunny, pack your sunscreen and some hats and sunglasses.
If you’re a planner, it would be most helpful to research what events, festivals, or special deals might be going on during your stay in New York City. Whether or not you want to attend any of them, it is helpful to know where larger crowds of people will be if you would like to avoid those areas. Then, enjoy all you can in the lively city and mak
