New York is the world’s epicenter for everything new and grand, so it’s always been one of the most attractive and important traveling destinations for many people. July is a time in New York gets the real taste of summer. But do not worry; there are still plenty of things to do if you plan a July trip. While you’re on a trip to New York in July, there are many indoor and outdoor activities waiting for you to indulge in before the temperature soars further in August and September. Let us look at 19 things to do in NYC in July.
Things To Do In NYC In July
We have curated a list of the best things you can do in NYC when on your trip in July. This is by no means an exhaustive list.
1. Celebrate 4th Of July
What’s the perfect way to kick off your vacations in New York than by celebrating the 4th of July there. It’s the Independence Day. You can be part of the celebrations, and it’s one of the free things to do in NYC. You can attend parades, go out with your friends to see the fireworks light up the night sky. “Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks” can be memorable event to attend. It’s home to professional fireworks performers. They fire over 25,000 missiles to celebrate the occasion.
2. Partake In A Hotdog Eating Contest
The eateries in New York serve one of the best local foods, leaving your tastebuds want for more. New York hosts many food-eating contests that can be a highlight of your trip to New York. Nathan’s Famous is a celebrated hotdog restaurant in Coney Island that holds a hotdog eating contest every 4th of July since 1972. This is one of the fun hidden things to do in New York.
3. Experience Summer Solstice in Manhattan
While in New York, you must visit the Big Apple on the day of the “Manhattanhenge”; it’s an unforgettable experience that you shouldn’t miss out on. The sunset view at Manhattan leaves you mesmerized with a breathtaking scenic view. Manhattan’s steel and glass structures are breathtakingly glistened by the sun. This amazing sight lights up the north and south, drawing your attention. You can capture the scene in your camera. This is one unique thing to do in NYC that you cannot do anywhere else.
4. Empire Strips Back! A Star War Burlesque Parody
It looks like it’s getting hot all across New York since the stormtroopers are compelled to strip and maybe tease. If you are confused, you must not be a fan of Star Wars. Star Wars Burlesque is a rated but super entertaining show that gives the series a whole new meaning. While it is incredibly sexy, it leaves you with non-stop laughter seeing each and every character—especially Chewbacca—attempt to seduce the audience. I would love to pay anything to see the romance between Darth Vader and Emperor Palpatine! It’s definitely a fun thing to do in New York for a birthday.
5. Creepy Broadway Thriller
While we have discussed the funny and outrageously sexy Star Wars burlesque, let me mention how you can experience chills in the hot month of July in New York. Shall I indulge you in a creepy Broadway Thriller which is making its comeback this year? Whether you like it or not, the show “Grey House” will make you feel both exhilarating and eerie. Actor Paul Sparks from House of Cards, Tatiana Maslany from Orphan Black, Laurie Metcalf from The Conners, and several others ready to make your day. One of the unusual things to do in New York is to book a Broadway thriller show.
6. Have A Beach Day
While in New York, do as New Yorkers do. If you want to have a relaxing day out, visiting the beach is a perfect way to spend your time. This is also among the fun things to do in NYC at the weekend. So put on some SPF and your bathing suit, get to the beach, and enjoy your day to the fullest. With a great waterfront, the Hamptons and the port, will leave you awestruck.
7. Mountain Creek
What is Mountain Creek? A huge water park where you can visit with your family. If you are on a vacation, this one should be on top of your list of things to do in NYC with kids in July. This park is about a 2-hour ride out of New York City, and offers everything that your kids love – adventure, playing area, food, and much more. Have a nice family day out.
8. Go To Titanic Exhibition
I know the recent events at Ocean Gate may have shaken you a little, but how about visiting an exhibition where you can satisfy your yearning to see the Titanic artefacts? For many Titanic enthusiasts, it would be a bucket list thing to do in New York. Discover personal relics from former travellers at this fascinating display that tell the whole story. Also, you can get a chance to look at replicas of the ill-fated ship, and it takes you back in time.
9. Camping at Governors Island
Looking for a close-to-nature experience? How about you go camping or glamping on the Governor’s Island? It is a beautiful and one of the most visited glamping sites that attracts families and solo travellers alike. If you want to give your children, the experience of a lifetime, this could be an amazing idea. It is easily the best and fun thing to do in NYC with teens.
10. Candlelit Concert
This is for those lovebirds looking for some romantic things to do in NYC. Fever’s popular candlelight concerts are coming back this summer with a bang! You can choose from a list on their website, and book a late-night date at the concert. It’s your time, have a lovely night.
11. Attend The Miniature Art Exhibition
You would think that miniature art isn’t a big thing in New York, but it is. The ‘Small Is Beautiful: Art Exhibition,’ taking place in July, is the first opportunity to witness the tiny art craze in New York City. More than 120 artworks depicting different themes – politics, comedy, and poetry – will be on display. For you, it must be a crazy thing to do in New York.
12. Eat A Ton ‘of Tacos At Floating Mexican Restaurant
As mentioned earlier, New York has the most vibrant culinary scene, there is a restaurant that adds value to your experience. La Barca Cantina is the first ever floating restaurant in NYC, and it floats over the Hudson River. What a unique thing to do in NYC?! You can have a look at the stunning surroundings as the sun sets over the city skyline, while sipping one of their numerous agave-based beverages.
13. Free Concerts In The Parks
New York hosts many public concerts in parks, cafes, Times Square, Open-air markets, and by the beach daily. You do not have to pay to enjoy the music, and New York is the only city in the world where the artists play to entertain you. Attending these concerts is among the things you can do in New York for free.
14. Lavender Farm In Full Bloom
A little away from the city, there is a family-owned farm known for its lavenders. People from all over the world visit this farm to experience the gorgeous lavender haze and the feel it gives. The flowers start blooming around May, and they are in full bloom in July, so you may still have a chance to catch them purple-handed! It is a fun activity in NYC for couples to take some romantic pictures on the site, and save their memorable moments.
15. Sunflower Picking
Sunflowers are the most gorgeous summer flowers, without a doubt. Happy Day Farm in New Jersey is inviting people to come pick fresh flowers on Saturday, July 9, as it opens its sunflower field for the season. To be honest, the view of a sunflower field is worth the trip, even if you choose not to purchase any. It could be a very fun thing to do in NYC with toddlers.
16. Art Exhibitions
Art exhibitions are all the rage in New York, and in summer, there is a lot of art exhibitions happening, depicting the themes of independence, the colours of summer and all the flavors of a holiday season. There is so much art to explore! It could be one of the free things to do in New York.
17. Sample Some Ice cream
It is hot! Why not get to taste some of the famous ice creams in New York? It is one of the cheapest things to do in New York. Eating a big, mouth-full scoop of ice cream is one of the best ways to beat the NYC heat! Mister Softee is a classic, of course, but here are some additional options:
- Mikey Likes It, Lower East Side & Harlem
- Whipped Urban Dessert Lab, Lower East Side
- Van Leeuwen’s, Multiple Locations
18. Outdoor Yoga Classes
If you are into yoga, then you must visit Bryant Park. It offers free yoga sessions for the enthusiasts like you. And they’re coming back to the Midtown green area for the first time in two years! These one-hour sessions concentrate on stress management and recovery. They will continue till August 24 2024, this summer. People from all over the world join these classes, and it is easily one of the things to do in New York for first-timers since it helps you connect with locals and other people from different regions.
19. Panorama Music Festival
New York hosts several music events in July that feature everything from techno to classical music. The Panorama Music Festival will commence at Randall’s Island Park during the latter weeks of July. If you are planning a trip in July, you have a good chance to attend this festival.
The festival presents a unique fusion of technology, music, and art. If you interested in music, you must attend it. It’ll be an enthralling experience that you will cherish for your life.
Conclusion
There are many things to do all year round in New York, and July is no exception. Things to do in NYC in July make you realize that New York is a vibrant city that offers numerous opportunities to travelers to engage, learn, and share their experiences with their loved ones.
Get yourself ready to have the time of your life when in NYC because you only get to live once. You don’t know if you would get another chance or not.
Is New York worth visiting in July?
While it is still arguable whether July is the perfect moth to visit New York or not, it is not a bad time to visit, given that all the major fairs, shows, and festivals take place in July in New York. The city offers plenty of things to do. The big advantage! You get to experience the fervor of July 4th the Independence Day. Among these parades, Macy’s Fourth of July parade is one of the most popular events that no one wants to miss.
What to do in NYC in July 2024?
July 2024 is one of the hottest months in New York. Several festivals, shows, and exhibitions take place in NYC. ‘Small Is Beautiful: tiny Art Exhibition,’ a miniature art exhibition, is happening for the first time in New York, as well as the Titanic exhibition, where the replicas and relics will be showcased. Apart from exhibitions, there are several interesting shows happening in July. Empire Strips Back is a burlesque parody of the legendary sci-fi movie The Start Wars, and it will be organized at Orpheum Theater in July. The famous Broadway thriller “Grey House” will come to theatres in July 2024. Other than that, there is a Panorama festival, among many other activities, happening in July 2024.
How should I dress in NYC in July?
Dress however you like. Just dress appropriately. Summer dresses, tank tops, and anything airy and breathable for the ladies. Gents can wear their shorts, casual shirts, or tank tops. Summer is all about wearing light, airy, and breathable clothes, and you should do just that. New York is known for its fashion trends, so you can go as wild as you like as long as it looks good. Just don’t forget sunscreen and a floppy hat if you are too sensitive to the sun.
