Summer in New York City is an exciting time, especially if you’re in Manhattan. Wondering what’s going on near you? From food festivals to outdoor adventures and more, we’ve rounded up the top 10 things you need to experience in the Big Apple this summer.
- Visit Smorgasburg in Manhattan & Williamsburg
This buzzing outdoor food market offers great city views and delicious bites. It is America’s largest weekly open-air market, attracting thousands of visitors each weekend! With locations in both Manhattan and Williamsburg, Brooklyn, no matter where you are in NYC, you can indulge in something good to eat! For more information and to see featured vendors, check out their website or Instagram feed (prepare for food photos galore!).
- See New York City at Night
They say New York is the city that never sleeps, and there is just something about those bright lights at night that is worth experiencing in person. Summer in Manhattan is the perfect time to go out at night in the city. Whether you take a night bus tour, boat tour or visit a restaurant with views of the city lights, taking in the city’s nighttime scene is a must-try summer activity.
- Explore by Boat
Speaking of boat tours… One of Manhattan’s best summer activities is to get out and catch a breeze on the Hudson River. There are many different boat tours to consider, ranging from casual sightseeing tours and romantic dinner cruises to relaxing river rides and action-packed adventures.
- Go to the Beach
Summer in Manhattan is the perfect time to get out of the city and visit the beach! Coney Island beaches, like Brighton Beach, Long Beach and Jones Beach are all popular options for people looking for a day trip to the beach from Manhattan.
- Take in a Sporting Event (Baseball & US Open)
There is nothing quite like attending a sporting event in New York City. Catch a Mets game at Citi Field in Queens, watch the Yankees play at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, or later in the summer season, watch the annual US Open in Queens.
- Checkout Shakespeare in Central Park
For 61 years, free Shakespeare performances have taken place in Central Park every summer. This 2023 season will feature Hamlet, and the show runs from Thursday, June 8, through Sunday, August 6. Then, The Tempest will show from Sunday, August 27—Sunday, September 3. Learn more about Shakespeare in the Park at their website.
- Jazz it up at the Charlie Parker Jazz Festival
Every summer, The Charlie Parker Jazz Festival — NYC’s ode to Charlie Parker — takes place in the neighborhoods near where the famous musician worked and lived.
This year, it’s back for its 31st year, and the festival runs from Friday August 25— Sunday August 27, 2023. It will feature a lineup of notable artists like Orrin Evans and The Captain Black Big Band featuring Dianne Reeves, The Cookers, Endea Owens and the Cookout, Charles Mcpherson with Terell Staggord and more. Get more information on the festival here.
- Watch a Movie in Bryant Park
Paramount+ Movie Nights are on for their 30th year at Bryant Park. This year’s lineup includes Star Trek 3, Zoolander, Roman Holiday and more. Gather your friends and family and grab a spot on the lawn to enjoy a feature film on the big screen under the NYC lights!
- Visit Coney Island
Coney Island is one of America’s most famous beach fronts, and its boardwalk is home to the country’s first amusement park, which has kept locals and tourists visiting for over 150 years.
During the summer, visitors can enjoy the bustling boardwalk filled with amusement park rides and beautiful ocean views. There is also a beach gym, playground, skatepark, pier walk, plenty of vendors and even a concert venue. You can easily spend the entire day exploring Coney Island.
- See ALL the sights with an NYC tourist pass!
Save up to 50% on top attractions in the Big Apple with The New York Pass®. The pass offers discounted admission to popular sites like the Empire State Building, Edge, Top of the Rock, 9/11 Memorial & Museum, Statue of Liberty, One World Observatory, and more. For more information and to purchase a pass, visit The New York Pass® website.
Don’t want your summer of fun in Manhattan to end? It doesn’t have to! Consider a long-term rental or make a permanent move to the Big Apple. When you do, remember that Gotham Mini Storage, the leading self-storage and Manhattan mini storage provider in NYC, is here to help you make the most of your space – or offer some extra room.