What To Do In A Weekend In New York City In The Summer
WHAT TO DO IN A WEEKEND IN NEW YORK CITY IN THE SUMMER
This year will mark 12 years living in New York City and perfecting the ideal weekend in New York City is a true passion of mine. As one of the most vibrant, diverse, and exciting cities in the world, there is a plethora of things to do in New York City so planning a weekend itinerary in the city can be a challenge. Whether you are visiting, hosting or playing tourist in your own city, today I am sharing a round-up of activities for the ideal summer weekend in New York City.
For more of my NYC guides, check out curated by Carly Hill over on Substack where I share my most up-to-date recommendation!
BEST NYC SUMMER WEEKEND ITINERARY
WHAT TO DO
The best part of being in NYC in the summer is everything is walkable. I love starting my morning in one neighborhood and then walking around with an iced coffee in hand and discovering new places along the way. There’s always so many fun things to do in New York City on a weekend but these are some are my absolute musts!
Take The Ferry
If you don’t feel like walking or taking the subway, taking the ferry is the best mode of transportation in the summer. I love taking it into Manhattan or exploring other parts of Brooklyn this way.
Have A Picnic In Central Park
Central Park anytime of year is gorgeous but there’s something special about summer in the park. Pack a picnic and head to Sheep’s Meadow for a relaxed afternoon laying in the grass.
Spend A Beach Day At Rockaway Beach
When days are HOT, head to the beach! My favorite is Rockaway Beach where you can expect great food along the boardwalk (and tacos! see below), as well as fun bars and signature beach drinks.
See An Outdoor Movie
Why watch a movie at home when you could watch one on a rooftop outside?! Rooftop Cinema Club plays classic movies at a few locations around the city and such a fun summer experience.
Get Tickets For A Baseball Game
Nothing feels more like a summer than a baseball game and New York knows how to do baseball. Whether you choose Yankees or Mets, it’s the perfect plan with a big group.
Walk The Brooklyn Bridge
If you’re looking for a scenic walk and exploring more of the city, I love a late afternoon walk over the Brooklyn Bridge into Dumbo and then grabbing a drink and dinner there with a ferry ride back.
Play Pickleball Or Tennis
When you need a break from drinking and eating (which is hard to do in NYC!), a little summer sports game is a fun Sunday activity. With so many parks around the city and courts, put on a cute tennis fit and grab your friends!
WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK
El Nico Rooftop, Williamsburg
It’s not a summer in New York without a rooftop drink so head to this colorful spot in Williamsburg. Not only are the drinks and food delicious (get the cucumber cocktail!), but the views are spectacular as well.
Taqueria Ramirez, Greenpoint
This tiny Mexico city-style spot in Greenpoint has a line around the corner almost everyday and for good reason, as it makes some of the city’s best tacos. The restaurant only fits about 10 people so come here to grab tacos to share to eat on the corner or by the waterfront.
The Commodore, Williamsburg & East Village
With now two locations in the city, this tiki style bar and restaurant is perfect on a summer weekend anytime of day. Come for their tiki drinks, incredible queso, fried chicken sandwich and surprisingly, the best kale caesar salad. One of my absolute favorites in Williamsburg.
Tacoway Beach, Rockaway Beach
It’s not summer in NYC without a taco and margarita from Tacoway Beach. This surfer shop turned bar and restaurant serves the perfect summer vibes before or after a day at the beach.
Bar Pisellino, West Village
Looking for aperitivo hour without leaving the city? Bar Pisellino feels like you’ve been transported straight to Italy with sidewalk cocktails and snacks.
El Pinguino, Greenpoint
Seafood is the main food group during NYC in the summer and this Spanish seafood bar is a must visit. Sit in the back garden with a dozen oysters, tinned fish and an extra strong martini to start off your weekend.
Grand Banks, Tribeca
A summer weekend favorite for New Yorkers, this floating oyster bar boat is pure summer. If you’re in Brooklyn, you can also visit their other stationary seafood boat and bar, Pilot, in Brooklyn Heights.
Cowgirl, West Village
I discovered the Cowgirl frozen margarita my first summer in NYC and it’s been a must every since then. If you’re craving Tex Mex and fun vibes, sit outside with a pitcher of frozen margaritas (and a corn dog!) on the streets of the West Village.
Greenpoint Fish & Lobster, Greenpoint
It’s not summer on the East Coast without a lobster roll and my favorite one can be found at this cute fish market/restaurant off of McCarren Park.
