I LOVE New York City. In addition to visiting in the summer, I’ve visited the city during the holiday season and twice over Thanksgiving to see the famous Macy’s Parade.
One of the best things to do while in New York is just walking around, and being there in the summer makes it way easier to do that. Sure, it’s hot and can be uncomfortably humid on the subway, but having warm temperatures, long hours of daylight, and plenty of rooftops to enjoy evening drinks on under the city lights makes it incredibly magical.
Pack light, loose-fitting clothing, some stylish sunglasses, and sturdy sandals for walking in.
Summer Things To Do in NYC
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
The Met is without a doubt the most overwhelming art museum that I have ever been to. If there are specific things you want to see, make sure you prioritize those first before you tire yourself out wandering around. Personally, I enjoyed just walking around the halls and seeing what appeared. I made it through some photography, European/Renaissance art, the ancient Egyptian pieces, a China “through the eyes of the west” special exhibit which was AWESOME, the instruments collection, Greek and Roman art, as well as some contemporary exhibits.
Budget Hack for the Met: The initial impression from a glance at the “Admissions” board would leave the average adult to believe they have to drop $25 to see all the art that the museum has to offer, it actually “pay-what-you-can,” the $25 is just the suggested donation.
Central Park in Summer
I love walking through Central Park, and summertime is the best time to be here. Walk around the lake and watch people in the rowboats, buy a popsicle to cool down, enjoy a picnic in the shade or work on your tan in a sunny patch on the grass.
Water Taxi from Brooklyn to Manhattan
Instead of walking across the Brooklyn Bridge, get a quick boat cruise on a water taxi. If you’re traveling on a budget, this is the best way to get on a boat in NYC.
Catch the ferry from DUMBO- (an acronym for “Down-Under-the-Manhattan-Bridge-Overpass neighborhood) and take it into the heart of the city. It’s a great alternative to the subway.
Coney Island
Rides, fried food, drinks, and the ocean? A day trip to the end of the Q line in Brooklyn will land you at Coney Island. Sure, it’s overpriced and outdated, but it’s a fun way to get to the coast and see what it’s all about. Ride a few rides, walk the boardwalk and even dip your feet into the water.
In the summer, Coney Island is packed with people and would not make for a particularly relaxing beach experience, but it does feel like an escape from the skyscrapers, sidewalks, and sardined subways.
Another fun thing to do in New York in the summer? Go on a whale watching adventure!
During your visit to Coney Island, you have to try a Coney Island hot dog at the Famous Nathan’s. It’s both delicious and disgusting at the same time.
FOOD & DRINK
The Smith
The Smith has several locations throughout the city and Sunday morning after a night of drinking, we found ourselves at the East Village spot, seated at the bar for some brunch.
This restaurant does a deal where the purchase of a breakfast entree gets you a complimentary mimosa, Bellini, bloody mary or any other breakfast cocktail.
The eggs benedict was amazing and we had a great time even though we were seated at the bar as a group instead of a table. Prices were very reasonable for the atmosphere, quality of food and service.
The Standard Biergarten
The Standard proved to be an awesome, open-air Biergarten (for the summer, of course) located underneath the High Line. Loved the outdoor atmosphere, the massive beers and the buzzing crowd playing ping pong and socializing.
Agozar Cuban Restaurant
All I’m gonna say is…. 2-4-1 MOJITOS! This place is absolutely awesome and I’m so glad my friend Mariah knew about it. They have 2-4-1 Mojitos and other delicious tropical drinks during happy hour. We went here before dinner and the atmosphere was really great and it felt somewhat calmer than a lot of busy bars and restaurants in the city.
They don’t skimp on the mojitos either, just because it’s a good deal doesn’t mean the quality is bad! They were really great, the pineapple mojito was my favorite.
This bagel shop is always a must stop for a delicious, hot and fresh bagel with cream cheese and a coffee. On many of my visits, I’ve stopped here every day to fuel up for a long day of walking throughout the city.
Brooklyn Farmacy
A lesser-known gem in Brooklyn, the farmacy is an old-school soda fountain, serving egg creams, milkshakes, ice cream sodas, and other comfort foods. It’s an awesome, retro place to stop in for food, it’s like traveling back in time!
Video Highlights from New York Summer
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