Are you looking for some fun things to do in nyc this weekend? It does not matter whether you are looking for things to do in New York for first-timers or just generally crazy things to do in New York, the city has something or the other to offer you.
It is true that New York has a way of keeping you occupied at all times but we can understand that the sheer amount of things you can do here means that you can get easily overwhelmed into not doing anything at all. And who wants that when they have spent a tiring week at work and need to blow off some steam over the weekend, right?
So whether you are looking to spend quality time alone, reconnect with nature, spend time with family and the kids, or plan a romantic date for your partner, here is our selection of weekend plans that will make your New York experience worthwhile.
1. Explore Governors Island
Hop on a ferry and escape the hustle and bustle of the city at Governors Island. This island offers stunning views of the skyline, sprawling green spaces, art installations, historic forts, and even a hammock grove perfect for relaxing. Definitely one of the bucket list things to do in New York.
2. Visit The Cloisters
Transport yourself to medieval Europe at The Cloisters, a branch of the Metropolitan Museum of Art located in Fort Tryon Park. This enchanting museum features a vast collection of medieval art, architecture, and gardens, providing a serene retreat from the city.
3. Take a Graffiti & Street Art Walking Tour
Jump into NYC’s vibrant street art scene with a guided walking tour of neighborhoods like Bushwick and Williamsburg in Brooklyn. Discover colorful murals, graffiti tags, and hidden art pieces while learning about the artists and the cultural significance behind their work. Great recommendation for cheap things to do in NYC over the weekend.
4. Visit the Museum of Ice Cream
Having a museum for just ice cream is something that only the Big Apple can do. Jump into a world of whimsy and wonder at the Museum of Ice Cream. Explore interactive exhibits, indulge in sweet treats, snap Instagram-worthy photos, and don’t forget to treat yourself.
5. Attend a Live Comedy Show
Laugh your heart out at a live comedy show in one of NYC’s renowned comedy clubs. Catch performances by top stand-up comedians and improv troupes, and enjoy an evening of laughter and entertainment with your friends or loved ones.
6. Go for a Midnight Bike Ride
Experience the city that never sleeps in a whole new light with a midnight bike ride through the streets of NYC. Rent bikes or join a guided tour and pedal through iconic neighborhoods, parks, and landmarks under the glow of the city lights.
7. Visit Sleep No More
Step into the uncanny world of Sleep No More, an interactive theatrical experience inspired by Shakespeare’s Macbeth. Explore multiple floors of a sprawling, immersive set and follow performers as they move through scenes, creating a unique and unforgettable theater experience. Definitely one of our bucket list things to do in New York.
8. Attend a Rooftop Yoga Class
Our recommended fun activities in NYC for couples. Rise and shine with a rooftop yoga class overlooking the city skyline. Many rooftop bars and venues offer morning yoga sessions followed by healthy brunch options, providing the perfect start to your weekend.
9. Indulge in Dim Sum in Chinatown
Experience a unique culinary taste in Chinatown, where you can feast on amazing dim sum dishes like dumplings, buns, and noodles. Explore the never-sleeping streets, visit traditional bakeries and markets, and immerse yourself in the rich culture of one of NYC’s most active neighborhoods.
10. Take a Helicopter Tour
Looking for adventurous things to do in New York over the weekend? See NYC from a whole new perspective with a thrilling helicopter tour. Soar above iconic landmarks like the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, and Central Park, and capture unreal aerial views of the city that never sleeps.
11. Take a Smorgasburg Food Tour
Explore the largest open-air food market in America at Smorgasburg. Sample a diverse selection of gourmet eats, from artisanal ice cream sandwiches and gourmet doughnuts to international street food and inventive fusion dishes. If you have a family then this is one of the things to do in NYC with kids.
12. Attend a Drag Brunch
The Drag queens are here to save the day! Spice up your weekend with a fabulous drag brunch experience. Indulge in delicious brunch fare while enjoying live performances by drag queens and entertainers, adding a dash of glamour and excitement to your morning.
13. Go Vintage Shopping in Brooklyn
Discover retro finds at Brooklyn’s eclectic vintage shops. Explore neighborhoods like Williamsburg, Bushwick, and Greenpoint, where you’ll find a huge selection of vintage clothing boutiques, antique stores, and thrift shops to peruse.
14. Take a Craft Cocktail Workshop
This will definitely make you feel like Diona the bartender from Cat’s Tail, Genshin Impact. Channel your inner mixologist and learn how to make a cocktail in this hands-on workshop. Join a local bar or distillery for a guided class where you’ll learn to shake, stir, and garnish your way to creating delicious and Instagram-worthy cocktails.
15. Go on a Scavenger Hunt
Explore the city in a fun and interactive way with a scavenger hunt adventure. Join a guided tour or download a smartphone app to embark on a quest to uncover hidden clues, solve puzzles, and discover hidden destinations and quirks scattered throughout NYC’s streets and landmarks. If you’re looking for hidden things to do in New York then this is a great recommendation.
16. Take a Pizza Making Class
Learn the art of authentic Neapolitan pizza making from the experts at a local pizzeria. Roll up your sleeves, knead the dough, and top your pie with fresh ingredients before baking it in a wood-fired oven for a hands-on culinary experience unlike any other.
17. Attend an Immersive Theater Experience
Enjoy a theatrical adventure with an immersive theater production. Step into the world of the play and interact with characters, explore interactive sets, and become part of the story unfolding around you for a truly unforgettable theater experience. See how it all works from the inside.
18. Take a Chocolate Tasting Tour
Indulge your sweet tooth with a guided chocolate-tasting tour through the city’s best chocolatiers and dessert shops. Sample artisanal chocolates, truffles, and confections while learning about the history and craft of chocolate making.
19. Attend a Rooftop Silent Disco
Dance the night away under the stars at a rooftop silent disco party. Don a pair of wireless headphones and groove to the beats of multiple DJs spinning different genres of music, creating a one-of-a-kind dance party experience with stunning skyline views. It feels slightly surreal though when you walk in and hear no music playing whatsoever. But take our word: this experience is worth it once you get into it.
20. Visit the Morbid Anatomy Museum
If you’re looking for things to do in New York in the rain and are not in the mood to get soaked then this is a great recommendation. Visit the mysterious Morbid Anatomy Museum in Brooklyn. Explore exhibitions on topics ranging from taxidermy and medical oddities to the history of witchcraft and the occult, offering a fascinating glimpse into the darker side of human history and culture.
21. Explore The City Reliquary
Discover quirky artifacts and oddities at The City Reliquary, a small museum dedicated to celebrating the history and culture of New York City. From vintage subway tokens and street signs to quirky memorables and collectibles, this offbeat museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the city’s past.
22. Take a Haunted History Tour
Interested in the eerie side of NYC’s history? Take this guided haunted history tour. Explore haunted landmarks, spooky cemeteries, and notorious crime scenes while hearing chilling tales of ghosts, spirits, and supernatural occurrences that haunt the city after dark.
23. Attend a Puppet Show at The Puppet Kitchen
This is a unique recommendation if you are looking for things to do in New York with teens. Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of puppetry at The Puppet Kitchen, a puppet design studio and theater in NYC. Attend a live puppet show or workshop and witness the underrated craftsmanship and storytelling magic of these beloved characters.
24. Join a Secret Foodie Club
Experience the thrill of food exploration with a membership to a secret foodie club. Gain access to exclusive dining events, pop-up dinners, and underground supper clubs hosted by top chefs and food enthusiasts, offering a behind-the-scenes look at NYC’s vibrant food scene.
25. Take a Helicopter Yoga Class
Elevate your yoga practice to new heights with a helicopter yoga class. Soar above the city skyline in a helicopter while practicing yoga poses and meditation, enjoying breathtaking aerial views and a unique perspective on mindfulness and relaxation.
26. Attend a Secret Supper Club
Join a secret supper club for a unique dining experience in an undisclosed location. These underground dining events bring together foodies and adventurous eaters for multi-course meals prepared by talented chefs in unconventional settings. Great recommendation if you are looking for crazy things to do in New York over the weekend.
27. Visit The Evolution Store
Explore the wonders of natural history and science at The Evolution Store, a fascinating retail shop specializing in unique specimens, fossils, taxidermy, and scientific curiosities. Browse strange displays of preserved insects, animal skeletons, minerals, and more, perfect for curious minds and collectors alike.
28. Join a Trash Cleanup Expedition
Give back to the community and explore NYC’s waterways with a trash cleanup expedition. Join a local environmental organization or volunteer group to help clean up beaches, rivers, and parks while enjoying outdoor adventure and making a positive impact on the environment. You don’t always have to spend your weekend doing something crazy. Sometimes indulging in the simpler pleasures of life is just as worth it.
Conclusion:
If you think all of this is a lot then you should know that we have not even made a dent in what a weekend in New York City can get you. Remember though, some of the best things to do in New York are those that you discover on your own so make sure to explore and improvise. Happy Weekend!
Frequently Asked Questions
How to find cool events NYC?
Finding cool events in NYC is easier than you think! You can start by checking out event listing websites like Time Out New York, Eventbrite, and NYCgo.com. Additionally, follow local venues, museums, and event spaces on social media for updates on upcoming events and happenings. Don’t forget to explore neighborhood-specific guides and newsletters for unique and offbeat events in your area.
What attractions are close together in NYC?
New York City is known for its compact layout, making it easy to visit multiple attractions in one day. Some popular attractions that are close together include Times Square, Broadway theaters, Rockefeller Center, and St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Midtown Manhattan. In Lower Manhattan, you can explore the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, Wall Street, and the 9/11 Memorial & Museum all within walking distance.
What is the prettiest place in New York?
While beauty is subjective, one of the prettiest places in New York City is Central Park. With its lush greenery, tranquil ponds, scenic bridges, and iconic landmarks like Bethesda Terrace and Bow Bridge, Central Park offers a remarkable escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Other contenders for the title of prettiest place include the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, the High Line, and the views from the Brooklyn Heights Promenade.
