10 Fun Places To Explore On A Sunny Day In New York City

No matter the season, when it’s sunny, people want to go outside, soak up the sun, and take in the fresh air. New York City is alive with culture and sites just waiting to be explored. No matter what you’re in the mood for, there is something for everyone to do.

Ellis Island

Although technically a part of New Jersey, Ellis Island was considered to be ‘The Gateway to America’ and was once the last thing standing in the way of millions of immigrants and New York City. It has long since stopped holding that function, having closed down in 1954, but still attracts people from around the world. Take a tour of the museum, or walk around the island. Apart from the amazing view of the skyline, there is a wall that extends around the grounds with the names of immigrants who stopped here.

Battery Park Ferry at Castle Clinton National Monument, 1 Battery Place and State Street, New York, NY, USA +1 212 344 7220

1. The High Line

Park

The High Line has been a popular attraction since 2009 and it’s easy to see why. This former 1.45-mile rail track-turned-park is filled with wild plant life that is impressive throughout the seasons. Take a walk through miscellaneous art pieces or simply sit down and take in the ambiance. With plenty of benches to relax on, it’s easy to forget that this walkway is part of the nation’s busiest city. Grab a bite to eat at one of the many food stands, or sip on some coffee while watching an impromptu photo shoot.

Rockefeller Observatory

Many people associate Rockefeller Center with ice skating, Saturday Night Live, and NBC Studios, but the best part of the building isn’t located inside with shops and restaurants or at ground level. It’s located 850 feet up. Take the quick elevator ride up to the Rockefeller Observatory and get an eagle’s eye view of the city. See all of Central Park sprawled before you during the day and a breath-taking view of the Empire State Building at sunset.

Top of the Rock, 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY, USA +1 212 698 2000

Brooklyn Bridge

Travel across two boroughs via the Brooklyn Bridge. It offers great photo ops of downtown Manhattan and DUMBO. There are separate lanes for bikers and pedestrians, which clears up a bit of the congestion. This is an ideal place for a mid-day date or just a day out with some friends. For those who might be afraid to cross the bridge, the Brooklyn Bridge Park is located below the bridge on the Brooklyn side and offers the same breathtaking views of lower Manhattan.

Brooklyn Bridge, New York, NY, USA

9/11 Memorial

Those whose lives were lost in the tragic events of September 11th will never be forgotten. This memorial, completed in September 2011, pays homage to all those who lost their lives. Two beautiful pools, equipped with man-made waterfalls, sit where the two twin towers once stood. Try to locate the Survivor Tree, the memorial’s symbol of the past and present fused together. This tree, discovered after the attacks, was nursed back to health by the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation and returned to the site.

9/11 Memorial, 180 Greenwich Street and Cortlandt Street, New York, NY, USA +1 212 312 8800

2. Greenmarket Farmers' Market

Farmers' Market, Market, Fusion, Healthy

The only thing better than eating fresh produce is picking out the produce yourself. New York City is home to a plethora of different food markets, many stemming from Greenmarket, a network of farmers’ markets in the city. Their goal is to bring city residents a taste of freshness while giving business to local farmers. There are over 50 markets throughout the boroughs including one in Union Square and Williamsburg. The days vary by market, so check out their blog for information on events, and weather announcements.

3. Hell’s Kitchen Flea Market (HKFM)

Market

As vintage makes its comeback into modern society, flea markets are the place to go. HKFM, open year round Saturdays and Sundays, is a great place to find cool little gadgets, old records, fun clothing, quirky furniture, jewelry, and so much more. Go with friends or fly solo and explore everything this market has to offer. There are a good number of stands, allowing for maximum browsing. Maneuvering through the crowd can be a bit frustrating at times, but with a bit of patience (and luck), you can find a nice little treasure to take home.

4. Queens County Farm Museum

Museum, Park

For those who want to escape the crazy city life and take a quiet day off without actually leaving the five boroughs, Queens County Farm is a great spot. This farm, located in Glen Oaks, Queens, has been around since 1697, though the actual farmhouse was built in the mid-1700s. They have a lot of seasonal events, including apple and pumpkin picking in the fall, and wreath making in December. The farm offers many daily events as well, so make sure to check out their event calendar to see what is going on.

Central Park

Central Park is arguably one of the most iconic landmarks in the city. The park hosts a bunch of different events including a Jazz Festival in the fall, Shakespeare in the Park in the summer, and ice skating in the winter. If you’re not interested in organized events, walk around and see what’s going on. Listen to someone play the guitar on the grass, revisit childhood wonder in the Alice in Wonderland-themed park, or go retro and rollerblade down the hills. This park is so big, it’s hard to come here and not find something to do.

Central Park, New York, NY, USA +1 212 310 6600

Bryant Park

One of the many parks in the city, Bryant Park, is probably best known for its ice skating rink in the winter and concerts in the summer. This park is drastically smaller than Central Park, but that doesn’t mean it offers anything less. Bryant Park hosts daily events ranging from fitness classes to bird watching tours. The main website offers plenty of activities to keep you occupied. Apart from the events, the scenery itself is a sight to see with beautiful tulips in the spring and vibrant foliage in the fall.

Bryant Park, 6th Avenue between 40th and 42nd Street, New, New York, USA +1 212 768 4242

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

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