What to do in New York for every season

Whether it’s your first time, or you’ve been many times, New York has a timeless magic that is globally renowned. From Manhattan’s iconic skyline to Central Park’s famous paths, the Brooklyn Bridge, or the bright lights of Broadway – this city has something for everyone, not just its beloved New Yorkers.

Pre-pandemic tourism peaked at just over 66 million visitors in 2019, and today New York is still one of the most searched-for vacation destinations in the world. While the city is great all year round, each season offers different opportunities to experience the city in different ways.

So, how do you know when is the best time for you to go?

What season should you go to New York?

New York is famous for its vibrant seasonal changes, from The Saks Fifth Avenue Christmas tree to warm SoHo summer nights – but when would New York be best for you? Take our questionnaire (below) to find out if it’s snow walks or sunsets you’re looking for.

Use our questionnaire to discover what season is best for you to visit New York based on your activity, weather, and budget preferences. Simply go through the questions, keep track of your total score, and use the scorecard to uncover the season most suited to you.

Highlights of summer and winter visits

Let us guide you to some of the seasonal favourites of New York City.

Top 10 things to do in New York in summer

Summer in the city is buzzing with energy and heat, literally! Some head out to Coney Island, while others love to soak in the sun on rooftop bars and pools while watching the sunset over Manhattan. If this sounds like your vacation go-to, summer’s the one for you.

To help, we’ve compared review websites and social media to uncover the top best things to do in New York in summer.

We've selected the best things to do from multiple sources such as review sites and local New York guides, and rated them based on 4 factors (price, reviews, social popularity and search popularity) to uncover the best things to do in summer in New York.

1. The Met

Set on Fifth Avenue and backing onto Central Park, The Metropolitan Museum of Art houses two million pieces over its 17-acre space. It also hosts the world famous The Met Ball each year and rolls out the red carpet on its iconic steps.

Interior of Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York

2. Yankees baseball game

The New York Yankees are one of the most successful baseball teams in history. Coming from the Bronx they are a key part of the city culture and loved the world over. You can see them in action at Yankee Stadium all through summer. Strike!

3. Top of the Rock

For breathtaking views of Manhattan, The Top of the Rock is pretty unbeatable. The art deco Rockefeller Center is home to the open-air viewing platform where you can walk around the entire top and see the whole of New York stretching as far as the eye can see.

Skyline view of city skyline with Central Park in the background, New York

Top 10 things to do in New York in winter

If layering-up to watch the ice-skating with a hot chocolate is your thing, New York in the winter has everything you want. Christmas is huge there too, with incredible displays all over the city and some of the best stores in the world; you’ll be spoilt for choice.

To help, we’ve compared review websites and social media to uncover the top best things to do in New York in winter.

1. Central Park

One of the most famous parks in the world, Central Park is set in the center of Manhattan and spans a huge 843 acres. You’ll find lakes, meadows, and famous landmarks such as Central Park Zoo and the John Lennon memorial known as Strawberry Fields. Plus: restaurants, ice-skating and of course, incredible views of the city from the tops of boulders.

2. Grand Central Station

Superman, Men in Black II, and Armageddon are just a few of the movies that feature the stunning Grand Central Station. Completed in 1913, it draws 20 million visitors a year who want to see the magic for themselves, from the famous constellations painted on the vaulted ceiling, to the clock, marble pillars and bustling hallways.

3. The Empire State Building

Ten million bricks and 60,000 tons of steel make up one of the most recognizable buildings of all time, while being brought to the big screen in 1933 by King Kong has given The Empire State Building icon status. You can go right to the top – and you can even visit between 10pm and 1am Thursday to Saturday and see the stars up close.

Early evening view over New York City from atop the Empire State Building

Visit New York

There are so many things to do in New York City. Whether it’s art, sport, nature, dining or shopping, New York ticks every box, no matter the time of year.

Let’s get you there: Discover New York.

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