Whether you are a native New Yorker or visiting the Big Apple for the first time, there are plenty of sites to see and activities to experience. With summer in full swing, the 5 boroughs are bustling with events for people of all ages to enjoy. Here are our top ten most exciting things to do in NYC this summer:
#1 QC NY
Since QC Terme Spas and Resorts opened its Italian spa on Governors Island, it has become a top destination for New Yorkers seeking a quick rejuvenating getaway. QC NY is known for its meticulously curated rooms with dozens of different wellness paths that provide a holistic spa experience for anyone looking to relax and be pampered.
Some of the luxurious amenities include saunas with city views, cleansing steam rooms, therapeutic Vichy showers, and outdoor thermal pools overlooking the New York City skyline.
Our team had the pleasure of working on the ground with QC NY for their launch and had a blast inviting influencers and media to experience the different luxurious amenities QC NY has to offer. If you are looking to treat yourself, we can vouch that QC NY has everything you need! Head to their website to book your next wellness retreat.
#2 Central Park
Central Park is a classic favorite among New York natives and visitors alike. The famous park has been spotted in movies like Home Alone 2, Ella Enchanted, Elf, and more!
Central Park is the perfect destination to escape the hustle and bustle of New York City without having to go too far. Enjoy over 800 acres of greenery with daily events and experiences, including a children’s zoo, dining, picnicking, roller skating, and a romantic rowboat ride at the Loeb Boathouse.
Check out the park’s website to find out more about what events will be taking place this summer.
#3 Coney Island
Looking for summertime thrills but don’t want to plan a vacation? Break away from the hectic city life and head over to New York’s only seaside playground, Coney Island! Simply hop onto the Q, N, D, or F trains straight into South Brooklyn for your all-in-one experience.
Coney Island is a top attraction in New York and is known for its boardwalk of vendor dining, relaxing beach views (with occasional movie showings), and Luna Park — home of the famous Cyclone roller coaster!
Beginning on June 24th, Coney Island will host Friday night fireworks every week at 9:45 pm and will be available to enjoy throughout summer until September 2nd. If you’re visiting soon, don’t miss the annual Coney Island Mermaid Parade! This will be Coney Island’s 40th parade, and one of the largest art parades in America! The parade begins at 1 pm on Saturday, June 18th.
#4 Candytopia
After their long-anticipated reopening on April 29th, our team was lucky enough to have been involved in their relaunch (and had a blast while there)!
Don’t miss your chance to explore the sweetest exhibit in Manhattan! Tickets are available via their website.
Candytopia is back in NYC for the first time since 2018 right in the heart of Pann Plaza! If you are a candy lover, this Instagram-worthy exhibit is a must-see. The interactive family-friendly candy wonderland includes seventeen different exhibits including a confetti room, indoor ziplining, a marshmallow pit, swings, and a candy art gallery full of New York-themed art pieces.
#5 Times Square
Times Square is typically a go-to for those visiting New York City and we understand why. There are many different attractions in Times Square for all to enjoy. Seeing the bright lights of the many billboards is exciting for the most seasoned of New Yorkers!
For those looking for activities in the area, Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum features 200 life-sized wax figures of many influential people, including heartthrobs like Bad Bunny, Super Heros like Spiderman, and celebrities starlets like Kim Kardashian.
Other nearby attractions include the M&M store filled with sweet staples and merchandise, double-decker bus tours that take you around the city to explore, the Upside-Down exhibit at the “Stranger Things” store, and of course, attending a Broadway show or musical. Current shows you will find in theaters include Chicago, The Lion King, Wicked, Plaza Suite, The Phantom of the Opera, Dear Evan Hanson, and Jersey Boys.
#6 The Met
The Metropolitan Museum of Art is one of the most well-known and largest museums in the world. Whether you are familiar with the Met from Gossip Girl or the annual star-studded Met Gala, it is certainly worth the visit.
Some of the current exhibits include Baseball Cards from the collection of Jefferson R. Burdick, Kimono Style: The John C. Weber Collection, In America: An Anthology of Fashion, and In America: A Lexicon of Fashion. Admission costs vary, so be sure to bring a photo ID and your student ID for your best chance at scoring discounts.
#7 Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte #UnleashTheBubbles Stone Street Takeover
Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte “unleashed the bubbles” last weekend on Stone Street in the Financial District. The exciting takeover kicked off with a bubble ball pit, bubble balloons, outdoor dining with themed bubble domes, and enormous inflated champagne bottles!
If you weren’t able to attend the kick-off events have no fear! During the remainder of June participating restaurants on Stone Street will have delicious food and specialty drinks made with Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte. Some of the restaurants include Harry’s Cafe, Adrienne’s, and The Cauldron to name a few. Stone Street will also have Uber gift card giveaways.
Our PR event team was thrilled to help bring the exciting kick-off to life and cannot wait for everyone to enjoy the special offerings! Be sure to check out the Stone Street takeover, now open until July 9th.
#8 MoMA
Looking for world-class contemporary art? The Museum of Modern Art is the ideal destination for you! Bask in the presence of famous art pieces including Van Gogh’s “Starry Night,” Dalí’s “The Persistence of Memory,” Monet’s “Water Lilies”, as well as some of Andy Warhol’s pieces such as “Marilyn Monroe,” and “Campbell’s Soup Cans.” Admission costs will vary, but if you’re a resident of NYC, be sure to take advantage of free admission on Fridays between 4 – 8 pm!
#9 5th Avenue Shopping/Billionaire’s Row
Fifth Avenue has always been famous for the prestigious stores it houses. Most shopping destinations on the avenue fall between 39th and 60th Street, where you will understand why only billionaires can afford a casual shopping spree The further north you walk, the more luxurious the stores get. Some of the retailers you may find are Saks Fifth Avenue, Van Cleef, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Tiffany and Co., Cartier, Prada, and Bergdorf Goodman.
If you want to get a taste of the life of luxury, stroll down Billionaire’s Row.
#10 Governor’s Island
Governor’s Island is a fun excursion to escape a hot New York City summer day. The island has several different food vendors such as Pizza Yard, Joe Coffee, Taco Vista, and Souvlaki GR, though many people also like to pack a picnic and grill at the available grilling stations. There’s also kayaking, bike rentals, hammocks, and guided tours. Our tip: after a fun and busy day here, check out QC NY’S spa to unwind and relax after exploring the great outdoors.
No matter which activities speak to you while in NYC, we know you will find something fun to try in our top ten New York favorites!
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