5 Ways to Have the Best NYC Summer Visit Ever

With the arrival of summer in New York, the city blossoms to life, positively bursting with things to do and see. You’ll never have a hard time finding things to do in NYC in the summer, though you might find yourself looking for more time to fit it all in.

Catch a Free SummerStage Concert

For some, the idea of having dozens of free concerts to choose from throughout the summer might seem strange, but not in New York. The SummerStage festival brings live music—ranging from jazz and hip-hop to pop and indie rock—to stages in 18 parks across the city. Expect the biggest acts to appear at the Main Stage in Central Park, but head to a show at one of the smaller parks if you want to beat the lines.

Hit the Rooftop Bars

There may be no better way to spend a warm summer night than sipping a cold drink out under the stars. This is the season when you can really take advantage of all the city’s rooftop bars. Chill with a tasty Prosecco and ice pop cocktail at Loopy Doopy with a great view of the Statue of Liberty, or try a mixologist-crafted specialty drink at Bar 54, a calm oasis 54 floors above the tumult of Times Square.

Head To Governor’s Island

Governor’s Island is just 800 yards and a short ferry ride away from Manhattan. Board the ferry at the Battery Maritime Building. The island is a 172-acre playground of sorts for New Yorkers looking to leave city life behind. No cars are allowed on the island, which means you can take a stroll, fly a kite, go for a bike ride, check out some art exhibits and enjoy great food at your own pace. Try to go on a weekday to beat the summertime crowds.

Eat Ice Cream at Ample Hills

Summer is ice cream season, but you don’t have to feel guilty about indulging. That’s especially true at Ample Hills Creamery, where the rotating selection of 24 flavors is made with organic cane sugar, cage-free eggs and Battenkill Valley Creamery milk. Plus, the Gansevoort Street location—one of several—is located just off the High Line, a long, linear park where you can walk off those calories in no time.

See Shakespeare in the Park

A free ticket program means that if you’re lucky, you won’t have to spend a dime to see incredible actors recreate some of the most legendary plays of all time with Shakespeare in the Park. This legendary program has been bringing different plays to New York every summer for decades. Catch the shows at the Delacorte Theater, a stunning 1,800-seat outdoor amphitheater in Central Park.

Ready to travel? Find hotels in New York City.