Having the luxury of living in the largest city in America, or a train ride away, can keep someone from ever getting bored. New York is called "the city that never sleeps" for a reason after all. But I think many of us locals, or even suburb travelers, definitely take for granted how much this city really does have to offer. With it's five boroughs (but does anyone really visit Staten Island), up and coming restaurants, performances from Kanye, to "that guy playing the piano at Port Authority," beautiful buildings and the endless cultural experiences New York is really an amazing city. So read this, and get inspired to explore one of the best cities in the world this summer because there is so much to do!
Places not in Manhattan (but, yes, it is still the City).
Though Manhattan is beautiful, cultural, and insane all in the best ways, there are also four heavily unexplored other boroughs. I think there is quite a few things to mention about just two of them!
Brooklyn
Obviously, the Brooklyn Bridge is a well known architectural marvel that is a must see, but the parks underneath it on the river are worth noting (Brooklyn Bridge Park and Brooklyn Heights Promenade). You get one of the best views of the Manhattan skyline without being in Jersey. Also, every Saturday in the summer, foodies are brought into Brooklyn to feast at Smorgasburg where many food vendors sell new and absolutely mouthwatering foods. So worth the subway ride! Lastly, Williamsburg is an amazing part of Brooklyn with innovative restaurants and adorable shops if you have time to spend adoring the streets.
Bronx
A Yankee game is a must see for any true New Yorker. The newly renovated stadium is huge and will leave you in awe. Keep an eye for the subway that may pass by near the jumbo tron! The Bronx Zoo is also a classic favorite to many New Yorkers and on Wednesdays general admission is free. Lastly, the City Island area is known for its unmissable seafood, it is a hidden gem from most tourists! There is always a ton of people out and going around in the summer but you can still find solace in the riverside parks.
Concerts, on concerts, on concerts
A more comprehensive list of concerts you can find here, but I would like to list some major performances coming New York's way! This city is incredibly popular spot for so many talented artists and bands, but good luck catching your favorite bands' tickets.
July 8: Demi Lovato and Nick Jonas
July 9: Vans Warped Tour
July 18 to July 19: Justin Bieber
July 22 to July 24: Panorama Music Festival (newsworthy line up)
July 23 to July 24: Guns N' Roses
Aug. 4 to Aug. 8: Drake
Aug. 13: Halsey
Aug. 17: Blink 182
Sept. 5 to Sept. 6: Kanye West
Sept. 7: Beyonce.
Best parks and views.
Sometimes, it is important to take a step back from doing things in the bustling city and instead just enjoying the awesome views that New York has to offer in the summer. There are so many places that are great to hang out just enjoying the summertime weather. These are a few specific ones I have really been digging.
Brooklyn Bridge Park -- already explained, but picture below proves my point.
Central Park.
A given, but with it's 843 acres of land, you can spend your whole summer there and still not explore the whole park. There is so much to do including a Zoo and paddle boats, you will never get bored.
The High Line.
An unusual urban twist to a park, the High Line is a renovated train track. When trains running along the west side of Manhattan stopped running, the platforms were never fully taken down. So now they have been renovated to become a beautiful scenic pathway with a mix of plants and concrete and definitely a must see
Flushing Meadows Corona Park.
Located in Queens, it contains not only the courts for the US Open, but also Citi Field, multiple museums and is especially known for the Unisphere
Events because there is actually always something to do!
Here is a list of NYC events, but you can also look up their calendar online to find something last minute to do! I thought this great variety would inspire you all to get out there and explore what this city has to offer! There is always many events in the city and most important events will be posted on online websites so keep an eye out! Bold events are ones that are especially popular in New York and I would personally highly suggest!
Rooftop Cinema Club: Multiple nights all summer!
ZEPHYR Saturday Night Dance Cruise: Every Saturday (3 hours)
Smorgasburg: Saturdays and Sundays at lunchtime
Bastille Day in NYC: July 14
Midsummer Night Swing: June 28 to July 9
Good Morning America, the Today Show, as well as many other morning talk shows: multiple days
Free summer movies: movies shown in NYC parks until Sept. 15
Yankees or Mets games: Multiple dates
NYCFC games: Multiple dates.
New York fireworks: July 4
Arab Festival: July 9
Zombie Convention: July 9 to July 10
Brooklyn Hip Hop Festival: July 13 to July 16
Lincoln Center Festival: July 13 to July 31
Jamaican Festival: July 17
NYC Restaurant Week: July 25 to August 19
I hope this inspires you to get out to New York City and experience all the rich events and neighborhoods it has to offer. It is such a diverse place with so much to offer, it is such a waste to not appreciate it in these summer days with amazing weather!
