Summer in the City: What To Do in New York City This Summer

An aerial view of central park in new york city.

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When the temperatures rise as high as the city skyline, and the daylit hours extend late in the city that never sleeps, you know summer has arrived in New York City. Every season in the Big Apple is full of possibilities, but there’s something extra special about this sizzling season. From the lush greenery of Central Park to sun-soaked rooftops, the city buzzes with an electrifying energy as hot as the summer sun. Here’s our list of the best things to do in NYC in the summer.

A woman in a red dress and hat is walking across a bridge.

Classic New York City Summer


There are some things you have to do when you come to the city. There’s so much to see and do in New York that it’s impossible to do it all, so here are our top 3 “musts” for a classically New York City Summer.

Coney Island


No summer vacation to New York City is complete without a trip to Coney Island. The sandy beaches, the boardwalk, and of course the amusement parks are an iconic part of the experience. Whether you are riding rollercoasters at one of the two theme parks on the island (Luna Park and Deno’s Wonder Wheel Amusement Park) or enjoying the beach, you can’t miss this summertime city classic. 

Picture of Coney Island Farris Wheel
An aerial view of a baseball stadium at night.

Catch a Ball Game


Experience the thrill of America's favorite pastime by catching a ball game. Whether you're a fan of the Yankees or the Mets, attending a baseball game at Yankee Stadium or Citi Field is a quintessential summer activity. Enjoy the energetic atmosphere, ballpark snacks, and the excitement of the game. If you’re lucky, you may even catch a foul ball to take home as a souvenir!


Picnic in the Park


It’s true that you can picnic in any park in any city, but is there any park as iconic as Central Park? Perhaps only Washington Square Park, just a short distance away! Grabbing a bite to eat at one of the many street vendors at the park is a quintessentially “New York” thing to do. Whether you’re eating by the Washington Square fountain or on a bench in Central Park, you’ll feel like the main character of your own big-budget movie, guaranteed.


A picnic table is sitting in the middle of a grassy field.

Summertime Events


New York is well known for hosting large events that occupy entire city blocks. In a city so big and diverse, there’s always something to celebrate! Whether you are into big parties or more laid-back vibes, there’s an event for you. Here are some recurring ones we recommend checking out.

A group of people are sitting in a park with a city skyline in the background.

Summer Concerts


Music fills the air in New York City during the summer. From the SummerStage concerts in Central Park to Bryant Park Picnic Performances, there's a concert for every music lover. From rock and jazz, folk to pop, you can enjoy live performances in almost any genre under the city lights, all season long!


A crowd of people at a concert with their hands in the air.
A group of people are sitting on blankets in the grass watching a movie.

Movies on the Green


Watching movies outdoors is a delightful summer tradition. Many parks across the city host movie nights, where you can bring a blanket and snacks to enjoy a film under the night sky. Check out Washington Square Park’s Films on the Green or Hudson RiverFlicks for events specifically held around West Village.


Street Fairs, Festivals, and Markets


New York City's streets come alive with fairs, festivals, and markets during the summer. Watch the city swell with Pride in June with LGBTQ celebrations around Greenwich Village, or explore the eclectic offerings at Smorgasburg, a food market in Williamsburg. Whether you are an art expert, a foodie, or just enjoy the festive air, you will love New York’s festival season!


A man is walking down a street in front of a market.
A woman is eating an ice cream cone on a city street.

Beating the Heat


It’s no secret that Summer in New York is hot. With average temperatures in the city reaching a humid 84°F, you’ll be looking for a few ways to keep cool. Here are some of our favorite ways to beat the heat in NYC. 

Boat Tours


Take to the water to cool off and see the city from a new perspective. Boat tours, like those offered by Circle Line and NYC Ferry, provide stunning views of the skyline, the Statue of Liberty, and the Brooklyn Bridge. If you are aiming for a more romantic evening, book a sunset cruise for a particularly memorable experience.


A boat is going under a bridge in new york city
A crowded beach with umbrellas and tents on a sunny day.

Beach Day


Escape the city heat by heading to one of New York's nearby beaches. Rockaway Beach, a local favorite, is accessible by subway and offers a great surf scene and plenty of space to relax. For a more leisurely outing, visit the piers along the Hudson River, like Pier 25 and Pier 45, where you can sunbathe, play mini-golf, or simply enjoy the sea view. 

Ice Cream Shops


No summer day is complete without a sweet treat. Cool off at one of New York City's fantastic ice cream shops. Our favorite in the Village? Gentile Galateria! This delicious gelato is an authentic taste of Italy in the city. However, New York City is full of many amazing ice cream shops that are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. You may never be able to try them all, but you can certainly try!

A man is sitting at a table outside of a gelateria
A person is swimming in an infinity pool with a city skyline in the background.

Cool City Pools


Dive into one of the city's pools or take a dip in a chic rooftop pool to beat the heat. The Astoria Pool in Queens is one of the largest and most popular public pools, while the McCarren Park Pool in Brooklyn offers a great place to swim and relax. For a more luxurious experience, check out rooftop pools at lux hotels like The William Vale where even non-hotel guests can enjoy stunning views with a limited day pass. 


A brick building with a sign that says ' incentra village house ' on it.

Your Stay in The Village

If you want to stay close to all the excitement of NYC, stay with us at Incentra Village House. Our historic inn is in the heart of Chelsea, steps away from some of the best Summer events (and some of the best gelato) in the city! Experience vintage charm and modern comfort in our 12 private rooms. 


Have an authentic New York Experience this summer when you Book Now!

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