Fun Things to Do in NYC This Summer
The Great Lawn at Central Park
Summer in NYC has plenty of fun activities for foodies and people looking to explore.
Go to Smorgasburg: For any true foodie, the Smorgasburg outdoor food market in Williamsburg is a must visit. I have been to the Smorgasburg market a couple of times now and each time has been such a great experience to share with either friends or family. It can be overwhelming to navigate all of the vendors offered, some of my favorite ones to recommend are:
Big Mozz
Bona Bona Ice Cream
Cake Jars
Destination Dumplings
Home Frite
Red Hook Lobster Pound
The Good Batch
Wood Fired Edibles
Vermont Maple Lemonade
Vaquero Elotes
But I can honestly say that not one Smorgasburg vendor will disappoint.
Dine at a Rooftop Restaurant & Bar: There is nothing better than dining at a rooftop over the summer. Some of the best and most beautiful Rooftop Restaurants include:
RH Rooftop (on top of Restoration Hardware)
Serra by Birreria (on top of Eataly Market)
The Greens at Pier 17
Refinery Rooftop
Westlight
Republica
Electric Lemon
STK Rooftop
Catch Steak
Mr. Purple
Loopy Doopy Rooftop Bar
Gallow Green
Cantina Rooftop
Visit Central Park: Central Park is the best in the summertime. Some of my favorite things to do in the park is walk the Reservoir, set up a picnic blanket on the Great Lawn or Sheep Meadow, rent a rowboat at the lake, bike the Park Drive Loop, and sight see some iconic spots like Belvedere Castle, The Mall, and the Boat Pond. There are also some great places to dine in the park including Tavern on the Green, Loeb Boathouse, Le Pain Quotidien, or any one of the many food vendors.
Spend the day in Chelsea: Chelsea is an idyllic neighborhood to visit over the summer. You can walk the Highline, visit art galleries, go to Chelsea Market, and brunch at some of the most delicious spots such as Cookshop, Citizens of Chelsea, Jack’s Wife Freda, The Grey Dog, Cafeteria, and more!
Browse Hudson Yards: Hudson Yards is a great newly opened New York location for shopping and fun attractions like the Vessel and the Edge. Hudson Yards has mostly high-end stores that are nonetheless fun to browse. Mercado Little Spain Food Market is also a perfect spot for any foodie. They also have some delicious restaurants including Estiatorio Milos, Hudson Yards Grill, queens yard, and more.
Go to a music or film festival: There are many music festivals happening over the summer including Governor’s Ball, Blue Notes Jazz Festival, Electric Zoo Music Festival. For movie festivals, be sure to check out the Bryant Park Film Festival, Brklyn Film Festival, and others.
Go to a baseball game: If you are a fan of sports, there is no better way to spend a summer day than at a baseball game. Both Yankees Stadium and Citi Field have many great food vendors. At Citi Field, there are many household favorites including Shake Shack, Emmy Squared, Arancini Bros, Big Mozz, and much more. At Yankees Stadium, similarly there are many great options like the Halal Guys, Benihana, King’s Hawaiian, Grand Slam Shakes.
Visit Little Island: Take in the beauty of New York’s “floating island”. This is a perfect and relaxing day trip to be in nature within the city.
Enjoy soft serve at the Mr. Softee Ice Cream Truck: There is nothing better or more nostalgic than a soft serve ice cream from Mr. Softee’s Truck. A perfect way to get a refreshing treat on a hot NYC summer day.
