Best Things to Do in NYC in the Summer: A Visitors' Guide

Summertime is a great time to take a vacation and explore an exciting new place, and for many, New York City is at the top of their list. There's plenty to see and do in NYC at any time of year, but in the summer, the city comes alive with fun activities and exciting events. Check out some of these ideas to create the best NYC summer trip experience!

Indoor Fun in NYC

Are you concerned that rainy or cold weather could spoil your trip? Don't fret: Some of the best things to do in NYC in the summer are located indoors. New York City is home to world-class museums, restaurants, shopping, and so much more. In fact, a trip to Manhattan is hardly complete without a visit to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. As the largest art museum in the United States, the Met offers more than 5,000 years' worth of inspiring art from around the world and displays more than two million works in its permanent collection. Book our Uptown & Harlem Tour for a fun, easy way to experience the Met, the American Museum of Natural History, and the Guggenheim Museum.

Also on the Uptown & Harlem route is Manhattan's Theater District, where most Broadway theaters and other fun entertainment spots are located. One of the best things to do in NYC in the summer is to catch a Broadway show, offering world-class entertainment as well as a chance to relax in the air conditioning. Whether you're into popular musicals or plays, catching a Broadway show is guaranteed to be a good time.

Fun Things to Do Outdoors

To take advantage of some of the best summer events, NYC tourists should check out the many free festivals, concerts, and other types of live entertainment taking place around the city. Throughout the summer, you can find fun and unique festivals happening in every borough. Browse a street fair in the Bronx, check out a hip band in Brooklyn, or visit Central Park for one of its many open-air summer concerts.

Speaking of Central Park, enjoying a relaxing day at the park is definitely one of the best things to do in NYC during the summer. Be sure to take a stroll under the canopy of elm trees at the Mall and Literary Walk, take pictures in front of the beautiful, blooming flowers of the Shakespeare Garden, and visit Strawberry Fields, one of the park's most inspirational landmarks, dedicated to the memory of John Lennon. Many of our double-decker sightseeing routes include the iconic Central Park, and when you book one of our tour packages, we'll even include a two-hour bike rental in the park so you can experience it on two wheels.

What to Do During Summer Vacation

The calendar is always packed with the best summer events in NYC, so you're sure to find plenty of fun happenings to attend. One of the most famous, if slightly nausea-inducing, events is the annual Nathan's Famous Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest. There's plenty of music in the air during summer in the city, too: Take in a SummerStage show or check out the MoMA PS1 Warm Up concert series. Or enjoy a famous festival: NYC knows how to party, whether it's during Pride or at the Coney Island Mermaid Parade!

Best Places to Visit in NYC in Summer With the Kids

Families with kids can find tons of fun things to do in New York City this summer! The Central Park Zoo and the American Museum of Natural History are tops on most parents' lists. The Central Park Zoo is a New York staple, with polar bears, leopards, sea lions, and much more. It even has its own special kid-friendly area, the Tisch Children's Zoo, featuring the only cow in Manhattan! At the history museum, you'll be able to explore animals of the past and present from all over the world, including dinosaurs.

The Best Things to Do in NYC in the Summer With Babies and Toddlers

As a family-friendly city, there are many fun things to do in New York with small children. The New York Public Library offers many free story-time events, kid-friendly activities, and other special events for kids of all ages. And be sure to check out what's going on at the Bronx Zoo, which has a children's discovery zone and other fun seasonal events. Small kids will be delighted by a ride on the carousel at Central Park!

Romantic Getaways for Couples

Looking for romantic date night ideas? Seeing the lights of New York City at night is a must! One of the best summer activities in NYC is our Night Tour, which allows you to see the glamorous lights of Times Square as well as the Brooklyn Bridge, the Chrysler Building, Grand Central Terminal, and lots more! Of course, you also can't go wrong with dinner at one of the city's many great restaurants and a carriage ride through Central Park.

No matter when you come or who you're with, when you book a New York City tour with TopView Sightseeing, you're signing up for the experience of a lifetime. There's no better way to experience the beauty of the city than from the top of a double-decker bus, and when you book online with us, you'll get the best price on your Big Apple adventure. Whether you're traveling alone, having a romantic weekend with a partner, or taking a family vacation, we have the perfect tour package for you!