The summer season “officially began in New York City with the Memorial Day holiday,” said Fred Dixon, president and CEO of New York City Tourism + Conventions.
“During the warmer months, the city’s streets, parks and beaches come alive with free and affordable festivals, concerts, outdoor dining and more. There is no better time to enjoy these offerings and experience the value of a visit to the five boroughs,” he added.
In 2023, New York will welcome 62.2 million visitors (50.6 million national visitors and 11.6 million international visitors).
For this year, these figures are expected to increase to 64.8 million. This would imply a 97% recovery from 2019 record levels.
For those who plan to travel to New York, the city’s official tourism promotion agency launched a selection of free activities and others with affordable prices to enjoy these hot months.
Furthermore, upon entering the official website of the destination (nyctourism.com), there is a segment called “NYC on a Budget”: a guide with outdoor activities, cheap gastronomy proposals, tips for getting free and discounted tickets and events to enjoy in season, among other things.
Ideas for summer in New York
• Museums. Ideal to escape the heat: visit one of the city’s museums. There is a guide to museums with free entry, or those that offer free entry on certain days or times. For example, BRIC arts museum has free admission; On Mondays from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., the 9/11 Memorial & Museum has free admission, while on Wednesdays from 3:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. it is the Aquarium’s turn, among other places. If you go with kids, on Thursdays from 2 to 5 p.m., it’s the turn of the Brooklyn Children’s Museum. And there are many other options.
• SummerStage. It is a proposal for concerts in parks in all districts (the epicenter is Rumsey Playfield in Central Park). Some are free and others require an entrance fee.
• Summer for the City. Events at Lincoln Center – many of them free; others “to the cap” – such as musical story meetings for children, film screenings, stand-up, workshops and more.
• Madison Square Park. It celebrates 20 years and under the motto “Public Art in Public Space” it offers different exhibitions. The exhibition “Seed” by New Mexico artist Rose B. Simpson will be on view until September 22.
• Paramount+ Movie Nights in Brooklyn. Film screening series to which are added weekly events in McCarren Park (Williamsburg), Long Meadow (Prospect Park), Coney Island Beach and Fort Greene Park. You have to reserve a place online and free popcorn is distributed (IG: @brooklynmagazine).
• Independence Day. On the Fourth of July, visitors can enjoy Macy’s free fireworks over the Hudson River. Official observation points will be announced shortly. As an option: go to Coney Island where the Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest, the boardwalk and attractions are.
• Harlem Week. An event that turns 50 this summer and from August 7 to 18, the neighborhood’s rich heritage is celebrated with live music, performances, food and more.
• America Cup. World soccer is present in the United States and New York is not left out. For those without tickets, they have already announced that the games will be broadcast on big screens in various locations around the city. Consider places like Football Factory at Legends, Soccer Republic at Bar 43 and many other bars.
• Gastronomy. From July 22 to August 18, NYC Restaurant Week takes place, weeks in which hundreds of restaurants throughout the city offer fixed-price menus. Starting July 6, the complete list of participating establishments and prices will be published.
• Grand Bazaar. Weekly retail market on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, featuring booths from local independent artists, artisans, antiques/vintage vendors, and more.