Fall is an incredible time to visit New York City, whether you want to enjoy green space or delve into the food scene in the five boroughs. These are our 10 top picks for the best things to do right now in the Big Apple.
Visit Prospect Park
This expansive Brooklyn recreation area was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, the same landscape architects who brought us Central Park. You’ll find ice skating facilities, a dog park, hiking, softball fields and a zoo. You and your friends can also grab city bikes and ride the 3.35-mile Prospect Park loop.
Stroll the High Line
Since the High Line reopened in July, the park offers timed passes to help with social distancing. Book your spot in advance to take a stroll way above the West Side. Don’t miss Jill Mulleady’s stunning public art exhibit at the south end of the elevated rail trail.
Dine Al Fresco at Chelsea Market
The iconic food hall reopened as an outdoor market earlier this summer. Choose from 17 vendors for quick pick-up or table service with more than 100 place settings spanning a full block. Options include Miznon, Ayada and Los Tacos No. 1. As if that weren’t enough, 20 businesses inside the market have also reopened for takeout service.
Enjoy the Queens Botanical Garden
This Flushing attraction is currently featuring installations by six female artists of color who are based in Queens. In addition to these stunning mixed-media pieces, which will be on display until September 8, Queens Botanical Garden spans 39 acres with dedicated wedding, herb, bee and perennial gardens.
Stop By the Time Out Market
DUMBO’s Empire Stores host this pop-up, which features two full bars and seven separate restaurants. Dine on gourmet ice cream from Ice & Vice, Jacob’s Pickles fried chicken, fresh coastal Thai dishes from Fish Cheeks and countless other options, all while you enjoy a stunning skyline and East River view.
Get in the Autumn Spirit
As the days get shorter, plan a ferry trip to Decker Farm in Staten Island. When September rolls around, the farm features a pumpkin patch, hayrides and seasonal treats. You can also take out your frustrations by throwing rotten pumpkins with the carnival-style Pumpkin Chucker.
Go Wild at the Bronx Zoo
This 265-acre site has reopened with limited capacity so visitors can observe more than 6,000 animal species. Buy tickets in advance to experience World of Reptiles, Himalayan Highlands, Tiger Mountain and many other indoor and outdoor exhibits.
Head to the Top of the Rock
At this Midtown West attraction, you’ll experience unforgettable skyline views from the 360-degree observation deck on the 70th floor at the legendary 30 Rockefeller Plaza. If you wait until later in the fall, you can visit the Christmas tree or take a spin around the skating rink.
Bike Governors Island
If you’ve been shopping for the best city bikes for women, take your new wheels for a spin at Governors Island. Just take the ferry from lower Manhattan, then enjoy 7 miles of car-free recreation paths.
Experience Bryant Park
This Midtown enclave is just behind the main branch of the New York Public Library. You’ll find outdoor yoga classes, poetry readings, chess tables, gardens and a classic carousel.
Grab your friends, bring your womens bikes and save a copy of this list to have an unforgettable visit or staycation in New York City this fall.
These are some very nice suggestions, I would love to take a stroll in New York!
saving this for later reference!
NYC is a dream destination. Your post made me nostalgic about my last visit to NYC. I hope this pandemic ends soon and we can start traveling again!
Great suggestions! I have been trying to plan outdoor activities during this time and can’t wait to try a few of these places!
New York City is on my list of vacations I want to take very soon. From your post I especially want to visit the High Line Stroll. Thanks for these suggestions!
i would love to get to new york city one day. just to stroll through the city would be amazing. can’t wait until broadway reopens.
It’s great to see that there are still great outdoor activities you can enjoy in New York at the moment, while we are still concerned with COVID. Everyone obviously knows about the famous Central Park in New York City but it was so good to see you highlight Prospect Park and Queens Botanical Garden for all they offer. Those are two attractions that are definitely worth time to explore.
My son wanted to go to NYC this summer. Of course, we didn’t get to go. He’s the only one in the family who hasn’t been… we’ll get him there. 🙂
Great reminder that though we’re in a pandemic, there are several ways to keep active and enjoy the space we have around us!
I would be all about going to Decker Farm. But everything else on the list is perfect too! It would make a great checklist to go through. Thank you for putting this together.
New York is one of my favourite cities. I went there multiple times. Enjoyed full with my friends and the experiences are awesome. I liked your suggestions.
These are some great options if you get a chance to visit NYC during this time. I know a lot of places are close or not in operations like normal for tourism but these are still good ideas.
These are great suggestions. Now that I’m reading this I cannot believe I have never been to the Bronx Zoo. Defiantly pinning this for next summer.
I havent been in new york but i will definitely save this activities. I cant wait to visit new york on 2022.
Want to visit New York but the busy place overwhelms me, thanks for pointing out some activities to do. Hope they will still be valid after the pandemic.
You are making me wanna visit NY so much more now. Its a dream to visit that city.
I have still yet to visit, New York City. I am glad there are still things to do there during this hard time. I can’t wait to visit there someday.
Wow, that’s a lot of car-free recreation paths – would be good for me because I am always uncertain riding my bike 🙂