Things To Do in New York in May
Best May New York City Activities
The best Things To Do in New York in May include boat & sailing tours, exploring NYC on bike, volleyball, tennis, cheering on the Mets and Yankees and basically anything else outdoors as May in NYC is a phenomenal weather month. Celebrate May with a cocktail and skyline view from a rooftop, take a free tour of Central Park, sail around the Statue of Liberty, save huge at Sample Sales and so much more.
Check the NYC Insider Guide May Events Calendar
Check out all the Best May Events in New York City. Eat and drink to your heart’s content at the Ninth Avenue Food Festival, Taste of Tribeca and Manhattan Cocktail Classic. Honor our Military during Fleet Week and Memorial Day Weekend. Buy Mom a "MOM-osa" on Mother’s Day. Up your culture game at the Met Museum Martini Roof and Garden Cafe or at Shakespeare in the Park. Peruse the hottest new artists at the Washington Square Outdoor Art Exhibit, watch the Five Boro Bike Tour and so much more
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Where to Stay during Spring in New York City
Spring is the perfect time to check into one of our hotels with free bicycles, an awesome roofdeck or right next to Central Park. Take advantage of the many free perks offered by NYC hotels to help you explore more of NYC, see amazing skyline views and dive into the nooks and crannies of New York City you can’t see any other way!
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NYC Designer Sample Sales May
May is one of the BEST Sample Sales months in NYC. Prior May sales include: Jimmy Choo, Manolo Blahnik, Christian Louboutin, James Jeans, Tory Burch, Bonobos, Plein Sud, Sandro, Lafayette 148, Jay Strongwater, Kids Sample Sale, The Big Designer Sale, Reed Krakoff, Hickey Freeman, Elizabeth and James, ICB, Sferra Luxury Linens, Rubin & Chapelle and more!
Stay up to date with this year’s sales at NYC Designer Sample Sales.
NYC Designer Sample Sales are some of our best hidden gems. Most sample sales are announced with only a few days notice, but often, they take place the same time every year.
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FREE Walking Tours of New York City
May has some of the year’s most perfect weather for a Walking Tour of NYC, so why not try the city’s BEST and FREE walking tours?
NYC Insider Guide May Pick: Central Park
Free tours are offered in Central Park, Lower Manhattan, Greenwich Village, Midtown and most every other area and neighborhood in NYC. Guides are all licensed, passionate about NYC and work just for tips! With about 2-4 tours around the City daily, what’s not to love about NYC by Foot? More New York City Walking Tours.
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NYC Boat Tours Cruises
NYC Boat tours cruises are one of my FAVORITE things to do in NYC. There are no better views of our skyline than from the water and year-round, you can cruise with brunch, champagne, general sightseeing, dinner, booze, jazz, sailboat, speedboat, holiday, romantic. With so many boat cruise choices, here are our top picks by category:
- Romantic: Sunset Sail aboard the Schooner Adirondack
- Family Dinner: New York Dinner Cruise
- General Sightseeing: Circle Line
- Brunch: Around Manhattan Brunch Cruise
- Most Fun: Holiday Yacht Cruise with Jazz, Cocoa & Carols (winter), Beast Speedboat (summer)
See all our Top Picks: NYC Boat Tours Cruises
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May is the Start of Rooftop Season!
May is a great month to visit one of our amazing rooftops, especially on a nice night. NYC Hotel Rooftops offer some of the best skyline views in the whole City. In the spring, a rooftop that has both indoor and outdoor space (as most do) is definitely the way to go! NYC Hotel Rooftops offer everything: cocktails and food, views, pools, cabanas, sundecks and retractable roofs.
- NYC Rooftop Lounge Tour – guaranteed access to exclusive nighttime hot spots as you sip cocktails under the sky
- Best New York City Hotel Rooftops – secure a private party built in to your NYC stay at a hotel with a rooftop, usually only open to guests
- Met Roof Martini Bar Schedule – Skyline Views, Art and Cocktails – what more could you want?
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Catch the End of New York City Ballet Season
The NYCB Season, which goes through the end of May, features 56 ballets, with 28 works by NYCB co-founder, George Balanchine, including the full-length Jewels and a Midsummer Night’s Dream, as well as the annual holiday season of The Nutcracker. See the May Ballet Schedule at Lincoln Center.
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Fun Things to do in New York in Spring
There are hundreds of fun things to do in New York in Spring. With the cherry blossoms, green foliage, sparkling rivers and warm weather as your backdrop, Spring is the time to take advantage of rooftops, biking, tennis, volleyball, walking tours and so much more.
- Things to Do in NY in Spring
- Volleyball in New York City
- Tennis in New York City
- Biking in New York City
- Insider Guide to Central Park
- Things to do in NYC in March
- Things to do in NYC in April
- Things to do in NY in May
- Mother’s Day in NYC
- Best NYC Hotel Rooftops
- Free Things to Do in NYC
- 100 FREE things to do in NYC in Summer
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New York Weather May
New York weather in May weather is delightful and the Central Park foliage is fully blooming, making one of their free tours an ideal thing to do. The weathermen will tell you the summer does not start until June 21st, but any New Yorker will tell you Memorial Day Weekend is officially the start of the summer. Expect New York City to clear out on the weekend prior to the fourth Monday in May.
As the daylight hours get longer, you will need lightweight sweaters and coats in May to prepare for large day to night temperature drops.
Historical May high/low temperatures are 68/53 (F) and 21/11 (C). It is best to pack lots of layers – sweaters over shirts, a jacket you can easily take off and stuff in a bag, bring umbrellas and be ready for heavier night clothes.
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Jones Beach Summer Concerts
May – September
Jones Beach Concerts feature Luke Bryan, Dave Matthews Band, Matchbox Twenty, Foreigner & Loverboy, Goo Goo Dolls & OAR, Big Time Rush, Rob Zombie and Alice Cooper and SO MUCH MORE!
The world’s top talent, outdoors, easy access from the City, a great audience, and overlooking the ocean…could you ask for more?
More: Jones Beach Summer Concerts
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Central Park SummerStage
May – September
All Over NYC
SummerStage, New York’s largest free performing arts festival, brings over 100 performances to eighteen parks throughout the five boroughs. Most of the concerts are free, though a few require advanced tickets.
More Info: Central Park SummerStage
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MetLife Stadium Summer Concerts
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The Rooftop @ Pier 17 Concerts
NYC’s newest open-air venue at The Seaport, The Rooftop at Pier 17 hosts its Summer Concert Series with iconic views of the Brooklyn Bridge & Manhattan skyline.
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TODAY Show Summer Concert Series
May – September, Fridays
49th Street and Rockefeller Plaza
More Info: TODAY Show Summer Concert Series
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Good Morning America Summer Concert Series
July – September, Fridays
Rumsey Playfield, Central Park & Times Square studio
The Good Morning America Summer Concert Series takes place most Fridays, July-September.
More Info: Good Morning America Summer Concert Series
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Save $$ on New York Concert Tickets
- StubHub – best selection and seats in the house!
- Ticketmaster Deals – lots of shows with 2 For 1, Me+3 and 4-Pack deals
- American Express Ticketmaster Deals – for cardholders
- Use Code NYCIG10 for 15% off ALL Tickets
Note: All of our ticket partners are legitimate, official, recommended ticket sellers and guaranteed to sell you official NYC Concert tickets.
Forest Hills Stadium Outdoor Summer Concerts
Forest Hills Stadium (outdoors) hosts performances by Mumford & Sons, Ed Sheeran, The Who, D’Angelo, Zac Brown Band and many more. Originally built in 1923 as the home of the US Open tennis tournament, Forest Hills Stadium has played host to the greats of tennis and music.
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Amphitheater at Coney Island Boardwalk Outdoor Summer Concerts
A fabulous new, 5,000-seat outdoor amphitheater in Coney Island, Brooklyn.
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More Things To Do in New York in May
Fun Things to do in New York in Spring
- Things to Do in New York in Spring
- Volleyball in New York City
- Tennis in New York City
- Biking in New York City
- Insider Guide to Central Park
- Things to do in NYC in March
- Things to do in NYC in April
- Things to do in NY in May
- Mother’s Day in NYC
- Best NYC Hotel Rooftops
- Free Things to Do in New York City
- 100 FREE things to do in NYC in Summer
More Things to do in New York City
Fun Things to do in New York in Winter
- Fun Things to do in New York in Winter
- Ice Skating in New York City
- Things to do in NYC in December
- Things to do in NYC in January
- Things to do in NYC in February
- Holiday Markets in NYC
- Christmas in New York City
- Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting
- Best New York City Hotel Rooftops
- New York City Museums
- NYC Helicopter Tours
- Free Things to Do in New York City
Newest NYC Experiences – Be The First!
Best New York City Hotel Rooftops
NYC Hotel Rooftops offer some of the best skyline views in the whole City, along with cocktails and food, views, pools, cabanas, sundecks and retractable roofs. Our top picks for the most surreal views and cocktails include:
- Ink48 Hotel – right next to the Intrepid Museum and my ALL time favorite rooftop!
- The Ready @ Moxy NYC East Village – all-season rooftop with an amazingly eclectic vibe and great skyline views. (photo)
- The Empire Hotel – year-round indoor/outdoor rooftop with seasonal pool and cabana rentals
See More: Best New York City Hotel Rooftops
Museums
Museums and attractions are open, some with reduced capacity, safety protocols, reservations and vaccination proof. Check out the new Museum of Ice Cream (SoHo), Guggenheim, MoMA, Whitney and so many more NYC Museums from which to choose.
Attractions & Sightseeing
NYC attractions are open, some with reservations required. Whether you want to sightsee from the sky or selfie with celebs @ Madame Tussauds, you can be safe and explore.
Go HIGH or Go Home
Top of the Rock, Empire State Building, One World Observatory, Edge or the new SUMMIT? Which is best and, if we have to choose, which should we visit? There is no easy answer, but here are some facts to help guide your choice.
- Empire State Building – (86 and 102 floors) Best for patient movie and history buffs who need to check it off their bucket list. Recently redone indoor 102nd Floor Observatory
- Top of the Rock – (67-70 floors) Best for sweeping 360° vista views, including of the Empire State Building and Central Park. Shorter lines and cheaper than the ESB.
- One World Observatory – (100-102 floors) Best for homage to the Twin Towers. Modern and high tech, with phenomenal views
- Edge – (100-101 floors) Highest outdoor observation deck, glass bottom floor, deck extends 80 feet away from building (photo)
- Summit One Vanderbilt – (91-93 floors) Opened Oct 2021, all glass elevator, indoor and outdoor decks and glass terraces off the side of the building. One of the hottest tickets in town
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Sightsee from the Sky
Top of the Rock, Empire State Building, One World Observatory, Edge or Summit? Which is best and, if we have to choose, which should we visit? There is no easy answer, but here are some facts to help guide your choice.
- Empire State Building – (86 and 102 floors) Best for patient movie and history buffs who need to check it off their bucket list. Recently redone indoor 102nd Floor Observatory
- Top of the Rock – (67-70 floors) Best for sweeping 360° vista views, including of the Empire State Building and Central Park. Shorter lines and cheaper than the ESB.
- One World Observatory – (100-102 floors) Best for homage to the Twin Towers. Modern and high tech, with phenomenal views
- Edge – (100-101 floors) Highest outdoor observation deck, glass bottom floor, deck extends 80 feet away from building (photo)
- Summit One Vanderbilt – (91-93 floors) All glass elevator, indoor and outdoor decks and glass terraces off the side of the building
See All: Top New York City Tourist Attractions
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New York City Night Cruises
See our beautiful Skyline from all angles – in any weather!
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Take in ALL the Tours, Landmarks and Attractions and SAVE
NY Sightseeing Pass, New York Pass, NY Explorer Pass, CityPASS Compared
- Sightseeing Pass – Unlimited Hop on Hop off Buses, One World Observatory, Edge
- New York Pass – 80+ tours and attractions, Choose 1-10 Days
- Explorer or Go Select – Choose from 55+ sights or Build your Your
- New York CityPASS – 6 top attractions, good for 9 days from first use
See All: New York City Pass Comparison Chart
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Things to do in New York with Kids
One of the best parts of NYC is that what is fun for kids is usually just as much fun for adults. If you are joining us in NYC for a family vacation, then please read all about our local kid’s favorites, along with special tips just for visitors.
- Things to Do in New York With Kids – best NYC activities, tours, attractions and Insider Tips for kids and families
- Broadway and Off Broadway Shows for Kids – choose a dream show, like Aladdin, Wicked or Lion King, see the latest Kids shows, or save BIG and entertain kids and little ones under 4 with an awesome Off Broadway Show
- Best NYC Hotels for Families – special perks, freebies, bunk beds, larger rooms, suites
See All: Visiting New York with Kids.
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FREE Things to do in New York City
There are tons of free things to do in New York all day, every day! Tours, attractions, museums, events, shows, sports, movie and more. Kids, adults, outdoors, indoors, active, lazy…you name it!
- NYC Museums Free Days and Times – weekly guide to free museum admissions
- Free New York City Walking Tours – guided or downloadable free NYC walking tours
- More Things to Do in New York City – kids, by month, by season, free, budget
See All: Free Things to Do in NYC – weekly calendar of all free walking tours, free museum admissions, free things to do by season and more
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New York City Shopping Guides
- New York City Shopping Guide
- Shopping in NYC Department Stores
- Discount Budget Shopping in NYC
- Resale and Consignment Shops
- Shopping Guides by Neighborhood
- NYC Designer Sample Sales
- New York Outlet Malls
- New York City Gift Shopping
- Holiday Markets in NYC
- New York City Shopping Tours
- Add YOUR NYC Shop,Tour, Sample Sale
New York City Nightlife
How do you make the most of your time in the city that never sleeps?? Some of the best ‘only in NYC’ nightlife experiences include skyline views, dinner cruises, Museums and attractions open late til 2am, rooftops, night tours, comedy clubs and more. Some of our top NYC Nightlife picks:
- NYC Rooftop Lounge Tour – guaranteed access to exclusive nighttime hot spots as you sip cocktails under the sky
- InviteOnly Party @ the Hottest NYC Clubs – VIP access to NYC Clubs with Bottle Service and dancing.
- New York Dinner Cruise – family-friendly and/or romantic cruise with excellent service, spectacular sights and delicious menu offerings.
- Broadway Comedy Club – laugh out loud all night long
- NYC Night Bus Tour – From Times Square to the Brooklyn Bridge, see our city wink and twinkle right at you.
See all our Top Picks: New York City Nightlife
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Save HUGE $$$$ in NYC
- New York City Coupons Guide
- Save on NYC Hotels
- Half Price NYC Tickets
- Ticketmaster Deals
- NYC Museums FREE Days
- Free NYC Printable Maps
- NYC Restaurants and Food Discounts
- New York Attractions Discount Passes
- Free New York City Walking Tours
- Free Things to Do in New York City
- NYC Designer Sample Sales
- Visiting New York on a Budget
Romantic Things to Do in NYC
There are tons of things to do on your romantic New York City vacation. Attractions open late with skyline views, Central Park Tours, VIP Experiences, a helicopter ride. Some of the most popular romantic ways to see NYC include:
See more romantic things to do at: Romantic New York City Vacation and Valentine’s Day in NYC
Explore and Indulge Like a Real NYC Foodie
There is no shortage of pizza, bagels, street vendors, cupcakes, craft beer and cocktails, rooftops and mini food parks to explore and so many more food choices in the five boroughs, along with wonderful guides who can’t wait to show you them all!!!!
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Spot Celebrities in NYC
Where to find celebrities in NYC or which celebrities are living in NYC today are common questions by all, but celebrity sightings in NYC are way easier than you may think and happen all the time. You will, of course, see them on the subway, in Central Park, at the gym, in restaurants, at all the current hotspots, at shows and more. But here are some unique ways to see celebrities all over the city.
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Get Out of Town for a Day
NYC is within 3 hours of so many other cities and areas you can visit for just one day. Easily head to Washington DC, Boston, Philadelphia, Niagara Falls, the Hamptons, Woodbury Common Shopping Outlets and more. Whether you live in NY or are visiting, and no matter how much you love NYC, escaping for a day is a treat for everyone. Top choices for 1-day Out of Town:
See All: Day Trips Out of New York City
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NYC Printable Guides & Itineraries
