The summer season is an exciting time in New York City, with endless things to do and see. Have a picnic in Central Park, spend an evening relaxing on a rooftop bar, or dance the day away at one of the city’s many festivals or concerts.
When you travel to New York City this summer, take advantage of these travel tips to make sure your NYC adventure is one you’ll treasure for years to come.
1. Visit some of the city’s best public parks
Enjoy the summer sun in one of NYC’s finest urban parks. In addition to Central Park, Manhattan’s infamous 843-acres oasis, NYC boasts a bunch of free outdoor spaces to relax, have a picnic, read a book, or even rent a canoe! Visit Brooklyn Bridge Park – complete with waterfront esplanades, a famous old carousel, and sports fields or take a walk along The High Line, an elevated park on Manhattan’s West Side built on an abandoned train track.
2. Make transportation easier with JFK car service
Navigating through hordes of traffic and waiting on hot subway platforms can put a damper on an otherwise perfect trip…even before it starts! Get to and from the airport with ease by taking advantage of JFK car service. Get picked up in a modern and chic black car that’s waiting for you when you arrive. Your car will take you right to your destination, whether that’s a hotel, a museum, or one of those public parks. It’s an affordable and stress-free way to kick off your NYC trip.
3. Try to catch one of these free festivals or shows
There’s a lot to celebrate in NYC this summer. See if you can catch one of the many free, outdoor music and cultural festivals. Start with Coney Island’s one-of-a-kind Mermaid Parade, the nation’s largest art parade on June 17th. Or check out Bastille Day on July 14th in Brooklyn’s Boerum Hill to enjoy the flavors, sounds and spirit of France. There’s also a whole host of recurring shows happening all summer long, like Shakespeare in the Park, Outdoor Movie Night in Randall’s Island Park, or any of the Lincoln Center’s annual lineup, like Midsummer Night Swing and Lincoln Center Out of Doors.
4. Check out one of these rooftop bars
Spend a night out on the town and experience the city after dusk the New Yorker way – at one of the city’s many swanky rooftop bars and lounges. Hang out with the locals at St. Cloud Social atop the Knickerbocker Hotel. Watch the buzz below with a cocktail in hand from a serene spot tucked away in lush greenery. To get out of Manhattan and still snag the best views, try Westlight atop Williamsburg’s flashy William Vale hotel or Penthouse 808 in Long Island City.
5. Feast on NYC’s finest food
Despite the prevalence of glitzy restaurants and bars, NYC’s food scene is simple at heart. There are some NYC staples that you shouldn’t miss out on this summer – and they won’t break the bank. Try custard-based homemade ice cream from Ample Hills Creamery, make a breakfast of bagels and lox from Zabar’s on the Upper West Side (and pick up some black and white cookies while you’re there, too!), grab a slice from Joe’s Pizza on Bleeker Street, or discover have one of Nathan’s Famous hot dogs at the original location, complete with sauerkraut, red onions, cheese and chili.
Now you’re ready to make the most of your time in New York City this summer. Enjoy the public parks and outdoor shows, experience the luxe lounges and casual eats, and start your trip off the right way by booking your JFK car service in advance. The more you prepare before your trip, the less you’ll have to worry about when you’re exploring the Big Apple.