The 47 Best Things to Do in New York in September
The absolute best things to do in September
New York in September is a beautiful time of year to enjoy the last rays of sunshine and explore the city in the mild weather that follows the summer heat in August. The city doesn’t ever get boring and there many events to visit & things to do in September in NYC. It’s a perfect time to visit as the weather is still good enough to attend all of the outdoor events.
Table of Contents
47 Amazing Things To Do in September in NYC
One additional tip: September attracts millions of visitors every year (and for good reason!). To save on waiting time, take a look at NYC’s attraction passes – they’re a quick, easy way to save big bucks. Only until the end of September you can get up to 40% off with my code LNYOffer 🔥.
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SummerStage Festival: One of my favorite things to do in September in NYC
Other Events in Midtown ManhattanOur Highlight
At this event you can visit over 100 concerts & shows for free in many parks all over New York. It’s one of the most popular summer events in New York and a MUST DO for locals. If you’re in New York this summer, be sure to check out one of the shows!
My tip: these are all summer festivals in NYC this year.
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Have a good time on a Dinner Cruise
Cruise in Chelsea
We have already tested many dinner cruises in New York for you. One that we have liked the best of all so far is the Bateaux Dinner Cruise. With a glass roof, the ship heads towards the Brooklyn Bridge. Especially when the weather is nice in the summer month of September, the wine or prosecco tastes especially good on the outdoor area of the boat.
You can find more unique dinner cruises in NYC. fantastic brunch cruises, lunch cruises and jazz cruises in this overview.
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Enjoy the great weather and the views while sailing into the sunset
Cruise in ChelseaOur Highlight
The sailing cruises are back to the rivers of New York City. Sailing in New York City is one of my favorite things to do during September. There’s nothing better than watching the sunset and enjoying a glass of wine onboard. Here are some amazing options that are taking place right now, with safety measures of course:
My tip: these are the best cruises to enjoy the sunset in NYC.
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NYC Broadway Week 2022 (September 6 - 25 , 2022)
Other Events in Theatre DistrictOur Highlight
Broadway Week is a bi-annual theater celebration offering discounted Broadway tickets since 2011. For every ticket you purchase, you get another one for FREE! Even though it is called Broadway Week, it actually lasts much longer than 7 days.
Broadway Week is celebrated in New York twice a year: every winter and every summer. The next NYC Broadway Week will take place from September 6 – 25, 2022. Once the exact dates are published, we will be sure to let you know. Sometimes, Broadway Week takes place at the same time as Restaurant Week and is typically followed by Off-Broadway Week about one week later.
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The 31 Best Broadway Shows in September 2022 in New York
Broadway Show in Theatre District
The answer to whether you should or should not see a Broadway show when visiting New York in September is crystal clear: YES, it absolutely belongs on your bucket list! What is not always as clear, however, is which show to pick.
In order to help you out, we’ve created an overview of the absolute best Broadway shows in NYC in September!
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Labor Day in New York City (September 5, 2022)
Other Events in Crown Heights
Labor Day is a national holiday in New York that is celebrated on the first Monday in September and marks the unofficial end of the summer season. If the hustle and bustle of the city are too much for you, then a trip to Central Park is the perfect way to end the summer. Sports fans: Labor Day also marks the start of the football season.
The New York Giants and New York Jets are back in action. Due to it being a national holiday NYC can get quite busy so make sure to make plans ahead of time if you want to eat at a nice restaurant or see a show etc.
Here you can find our Best Things to Do in NYC on Labor Day.
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The Tributes In Light (September 11, 2022)
Building in Financial District
September 11th is a time for reflection and remembering those who passed away during the terrible terrorist attacks in 2001. Ground Zero is the place of mourning and commemoration for many of the victims’ relatives and a tribute service takes place at the scene of the attacks where the names of those who passed away will be read.
The places where the twin towers once stood are marked by “The Tributes In Light”, a light monument created by 88 lights that are beamed into the night sky. This light monument can be seen up to a distance of 100 kilometers. All in all, it is a sad day in an otherwise lively and vibrant city. Everything you need to know about the 9/11 National Memorial can be found in our 9/11 Memorial Guide.
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Visit Little Island at Pier 54
Other Attraction in Meatpacking District
Photo credit Michael GrimmNot far from the Meatpacking District and the High Line, Little Island is one of the newest attractions in New York and is something very special: a park on 280 beautiful tulip-shaped concrete stilts in the Hudson River!
Besides the view, you can visit the Storytelling Festival (September 7 – 18, 2022). Click here for the Little Island event calendar.
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Bryant Park Picnic Performances
Other Events in Midtown ManhattanOur Highlight
If you’re in New York this September, be sure to add the Bryant Park Picnic Performances to your itinerary! These free concerts bring together many of the things I love about New York: great surroundings, cool events, and you’ll be among locals.
The Bryant Park Picnic Performances are part of the free concert series that happens every summer in New York.
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Celebrate Dinner in White (Le Dîner en Blanc (September 19, 2022)
Other Events in The Battery
The famous Dinner in White (Le Dîner en Blanc) will finally take place again in New York after a two-year break. As always, the exact location will only be announced shortly before the start, but the date has already been set: the celebration will take place on September 19, 2022.
As the name already reveals, the color white plays the decisive role. White things are mandatory! What awaits you? An elegant picnic all in white in the green!
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Free Kayaking on the Hudson River & East River
Pier in Dumbo
This is a really cool event that can be booked several times a month: discover New York from the water – and even better: from a kayak! You can start at the Manhattan Community Boathouse (Pier 96 at the Hudson River) or at the Brooklyn Bridge Park between Pier 1 and Pier 2 (every Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday until the end of August).
Seats are limited, so be quick to secure your preferred date – here for the Manhattan Community Boathouse and here for the Brooklyn Bridge Park Boathouse.
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Pizza Wine Movie Nights at Rooftop Reds: a very romantic event in September in NYC
Other Attraction in DumboOur Highlight
On a roof of the Brooklyn Navy Yards you can sit in a real winery: Rooftop Reds grows wine here, which you can taste and enjoy at their Rooftop Red Tours & Tastings!
In September you can watch movies with a view of the skyline and a glass of wine in your hand. Tickets are available here.
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Free Event: Curtain Up Broadway Festival (September 30, 2022)
Other Events in Theatre District
Broadway fans take note: there’s a great and free event you won’t want to miss! From September 30 to October 2, you can experience the Curtain Up Broadway Festival at the Theatre District!
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The US Open
Sport Events in Flushing
Whether you’re a local New Yorker or visiting from out of town, the buzz around the US Open is one of the best parts of being in New York during the summer. The biggest stars in professional tennis compete at one of the most iconic tennis venues (and the largest tennis stadium in the world), Arthur Ashe Stadium.
The 2022 tournament starts August 29th through September 10th. Tickets are available here.
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Electric Zoo Music Festival (September 2 - 4, 2022)
Other Events in Upper West SideLabor Day Weekend hosts the annual Electric Zoo Music Festival in New York. The Electric Zoo Festival is a three-day music festival that takes place on Randall’s Island, which you can walk to if you’re in Astoria, Queens. Electric Zoo brings in some of the top performers in the house and dubstep genre. Some of the past performers include the late Avicii, Steve Aoki, Benny Benassi and much more. There are a bunch of ways to get to Randall’s Island: the closest subway station is “125 Station”. Your best bet is either by taking the NYC Ferry or an Uber. Also, if you’re in Astoria, you can walk across the RFK bridge. That bridge will lead you right into the island. Tickets are sold out quickly and should be ordered online in advance.
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The NFL kicks off!
Sport Events in Outside of New York City
Football is New York. Whether it’s a game of the New York Giants or the New York Jets, both American Football teams are definitely worth checking out (ok, I do prefer the Giants 😉 )
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Visit the Armory Show NYC (September 9 - 11, 2022)
Other Art & Culture in Chelsea
The Armory Show opened on Thursday, September 9, 2021 at the Javits Center in midtown Manhattan for the first time in a new location during a different time of year. Photograph by Casey KelbaughThe Armory Show in NYC is a prestigious annual art show that showcases contemporary and modern art. Founded in 1913, the event has been held at various locations over the years but now takes place annually at The Jarvis Center. The exhibition features more than 270 galleries from all over the world and presents an impressive variety of painting styles.
While the origins of The Armory Show can be traced back to 1913, the current show wasn’t established until 1994. At this time, there were four art dealers in New York City who wanted to grab the world’s attention and support their artists with a new art fair. The result of their hard work was a beautiful moment that captured the world and put New York City on the map for its fantastic art. While there has been a ton of changes over the year, the one thing that remains the same is The Armory Show’s mission to provide an art fair where collectors, curators, and museum directors can come together with galleries from all over the world.
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Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month (from September 15, 2022)
Other Events in Harlem & Washington Heights
As the U.S. city with the largest Hispanic population, there may be no better place than New York City to celebrate and honor Hispanic Heritage Month. This annual celebration of Hispanic and Latino heritage takes place in September and October, and New Yorkers make sure to fill up the whole month with parades, events, film festivals, and more.
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New York Fashion Week (September 9 - 14, 2022)
Other Events in East Village
This is probably one of the most interesting Things to Do in February in New York. Whole streets are closed off and intersections become catwalks. It’s one of the biggest fashion events of the year. For a week, twice a year, influencers, celebrities, editors, photographers and fashionistas from all over the world will make their pilgrimage to New York City to see the new collections from their favorite designers and brands.
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JAZZ in TIMES SQUARE
Other Attraction in Theatre DistrictOur Highlight
Every Thursday, Times Square Plaza will introduce you to young jazz bands from New York City. At the concert you can enjoy wonderful jazz sounds in the spectacular surroundings of Times Square with its typical New York sounds. The whole event is presented by Jazz at Lincoln Center – an institution for artists in NYC.
- September 1: Tatiana Eva Marie: Djangology
- September 8: Liany Mateo Quintet
- September 15: Zwelakhe Duma Bell-Pere Quartet
- September 22: Jonathan Michel Quintet
- September 29: Fernando Saci: T.E.N.S (Black Sound From Brasil)
On the official website you can find the line-up.
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The Whitney Biennial 2022 (Through September 5, 2022)
Museum in Meatpacking District
In addition to regularly changing exhibitions, there is one Whitney Museum of Art event that tops them all: the Whitney Biennial. It’s been around since 1932, making it the longest-running exhibition of American art and the museum’s signature event.t
To get tickets check the website here.
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The Feast of San Gennaro in Little Italy (September 15 - 25, 2022)
Other Events in Little Italy
The annual Feast of San Gennaro attracts both New Yorkers and visitors to Little Italy in September. Why? The 11-day long festival will spoil you with Italian specialties, parades, eating contests, and free concerts.
The festival celebrates the life of San Gennaro of Naples, who was once the Bishop of Benevento in Italy. He died a martyr’s death in A.D. 305. The next Feast of San Gennaro in 2022 will mark its 96th anniversary in Little Italy. Besides a church service, there is a parade in honor of the patron saint, a meatball eating competition, a zeppole eating competition, and the festival’s highlight: the cannoli eating contest.
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Washington Square Outdoor Art Exhibit (Labor Day Weekend September 3 - 5 and September 10 - 12, 2022)
Other Events in Stuyvesant TownIf you’re in the East Village area, make sure to check out the Outdoor Art Exhibit. Here, all of the small streets and sidewalks will turn into an art exhibit.
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Picnicking in Central Park
Other Events in Upper West Side
Picnicking in Central Park is always a must-do activity during the summer. There are countless large and small lawns that invite you to relax, making for quite a few spots that are suitable for picnicking in the park, not just the popular Sheep Meadow.
The largest lawn in Central Park is the Great Lawn, where the popular Central Park Concerts are held. The Great Lawn is a large, green space and is a wonderful spot to relax and have a picnic in the park after a long walk. For the athletes among you, there are even some baseball fields on the green, oval area. You’ll find the Great Lawn in the middle of the park at the 79th to 86th street level.
Another picnic option is East Green. Here you can sit on a blanket between the trees and enjoy your meal. The East Green is located on 5th Avenue between 69th and 72nd Street.
The most romantic picnic spot in Central Park is definitely Cherry Hill by the Bow Bridge. It has been the backdrop for many Hollywood movies, such as You’ve got Mail. You can make yourself comfortable on a small slope and enjoy the beautiful view of the lake and the bridge. The bridge is located in the middle of the park around 72nd Street.
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Spend your evening at one of the rooftops of New York
Rooftop Bar in Lower East SideOur Highlight
For me, the cloudM Rooftop Bar is one of the most beautiful rooftop bars not only in the Lower East Side, but in all of New York. It is located on the roof of the citizenM New York Bowery Hotel and offers everything that makes a good rooftop bar: a great view, beautiful design and relaxed atmosphere.
My tip: these are the best rooftop bars in NYC.
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Discover New York from an observation deck
Building in Midtown ManhattanOur Highlight
You know what’s really unique about New York? The view of the (most likely) snow-covered Central Park from one of the observation decks! With the Top of the Rock, The Edge Hudson Yards and the SUMMIT One Vanderbilt you have three to choose from! And then there’s the One World Observatory and the Empire State Building. You will love it!
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Annual German-American Steuben Parade (September 17, 2022)
Other Events in Upper East Side
For many years, Germanic heritage and culture have proudly been on display in New York City. The Steuben Parade is one of a kind and has grown into the largest German events in the United States. Enjoy colorful traditional costumes or Trachten, singers, dancers and marching bands. The Steuben Parade is known for its great entertainment, so you shouldn’t miss it if you’re in the area.
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The Hamptons, Sag Harbor & Outlet Shopping Day Trip from NYC
Day Trip in Long Island City
September in New York can still get really hot and humid. Want to escape the heat of the city? There are many destinations near New York City that you can reach perfectly with a day trip from New York in the summer. What do the perfect weekend getaways look like for me this summer? Being by the water, enjoying nature and taking advantage of the good weather to explore major cities like Boston and Philadelphia.
Here you find the Best Summer Weekend Getaways from NYC
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Enjoy the Sunset in Williamsburg
Park in Williamsburg
This beautiful park opened up in Williamsburg in 2018. It’s called Domino park because the former Domino Sugar factory was located at that very spot. Now, it’s filled with greenery, food vendors and a playground for kids. It is located directly on the East River and you have a great view of the city from here. The park invites you to play volleyball or have a picnic.
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Smithsonian Museum Day (September 17, 2022)
Other Events in Hell's Kitchen
New York City has an incredible number of great museums, ranking among the best cities in the world to visit to take in history, art, culture, and more. So what could be even better as a visitor to NYC than access to all of these world-class museums?
On Smithsonian Museum Day in NYC, that’s exactly what happens. Today, we’re sharing all the must-know information about this yearly event so you can make the most of your time in New York.
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Experience New York like a local: Willy Wall!
Cruise in Lower ManhattanOur Highlight
The Honorable William Wall, affectionately called “Willy Wall”, is the floating clubhouse of the Manhattan Yacht Club. The clubhouse is anchored in New York Harbor north of Ellis Island from May to October. What is so special about it? It’s definitely an insider’s spot, which not only gives you a great view of Ellis Island and of course the Statue of Liberty – you can also enjoy the sunset from here.
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BEAST Speedboat Ride
Cruise in Midtown Manhattan
Probably the most popular boat tour in New York in the summer is the fast ride on the speedboat “The Beast”. It is an extremely thrilling experience that you should not miss out on. This custom-built, 70-foot speedboat speeds in the direction of the Statue of Liberty at 45 mph! Make sure you are ready to get splashed with water because this is not an easy ride! Definitely a must for all of the adrenaline junkies out there!
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Smorgasburg
Food Market in Midtown Manhattan
Smorgasburg Food Market is one of the hottest open air food markets in New York City. People come here to meet, eat, drink and enjoy the view of the Manhattan skyline on the East River Waterfront during the warmer months. Smorgasburg means “a mixture of food” and offers a huge selection of small stalls. It takes place in Central Park during all of the Summer Stage Events from May to September.
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Shakespeare in the Park
Other Art & Culture in Upper West Side
A really great summer tradition is Shakespeare in the Park. The free event features classic plays by William Shakespeare every summer at the Delacorte Theater in Central Park. Outdoors, the play is really a great experience. The Delacorte Theater is located pretty much in the middle of Central Park next to Turtle Pond.
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Visit Governors Island
Other Attraction in Outside of New York City
When the weather is beautiful in New York City and you want to escape for a moment from the noise, the hustle and bustle, then a trip to Governors Island is something to consider. The Governors Island Ferry will take you across the East River for $2 with the Governors Island Ferry until the end of September.
Since 2021 Governors Island is open all year round!
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Every Friday once a month: Free Admission at The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum (September 30, 2022)
Museum in Hell's Kitchen
One Friday per month, The Intrepid Sea, Air, and Space Museum will open its doors to the public for free. Free Fridays will take place on:
- September 30, 2022
For more information on these special nights, please click the link here.
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Walk the High Line
Park in Meatpacking DistrictOur Highlight
The green terrace in the middle of Manhattan is a great experience in fine weather. The decommissioned freight rail track was once overgrown completely as it fell out of use. Based on the plants that grew there, a park was built in homage to the interesting plants that flourish in the city.
Walk from the Meatpacking District (Gansevoort Street) on the High Line towards Uptown and enjoy the beautiful spring weather. Since 2014, Manhattan has been enjoying this highlight and attracts countless visitors every day. There are many lovely cafés, galleries and great bars – and with Gallow Green one of my favorite rooftop bars in the city.
My tip: these are the best spots along the High Line for me.
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Spend some time in Little Italy, SoHo and Chinatown
Walking Tour in Hudson SquareOur Highlight
Now known for their many excellent restaurants, shops and tourism, Manhattan‘s SoHo, Little Italy and Chinatown neighborhoods offer the most varied stories of New York City. Take a 2-hour tour with a local guide and discover hidden gems and 19th century buildings.
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Spend the day at the pool
Hotels & Accommodations in Williamsburg
This is amazing: Lying by the pool in the summer and looking at the New York skyline! The best hotels with a pool in New York will take you to Brooklyn, Soho, the Meatpacking District and Central Park. It’s hard to believe there are so few.
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Enjoy really cool waterfront restaurants
Sea Food Restaurant in TribecaOur Highlight
Visit this celebrated oyster bar aboard the historic wooden schooner, Sherman Zwicker right on the Hudson River. Hudson River Park was able to set up a pretty sweet deal for the Grand Banks, which now has a row of tables for two running along the south side of the pier. By doing so, they are now able to serve drinks within that space.
This is my favorite spot in New York City!
My tip: these are the best waterfront restaurants in NYC right now!
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Spend the day in one of the best museums of NYC
Museum in Upper West Side
The season is perfect for a museum visit to New York, and the Big Apple really doesn’t lack choices. After the theatrical release of “The Night of Museum” series, (The first movie took place in the New York Museum of Natural History) you really feel like going to the place of the event? In the footsteps of dinosaurs, aborigines and many other historical creatures, the Natural History Museum on Central Park West is always a good idea for a museum outing.
My tip: These are the 36 Best Museums in NYC
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Enjoy a summer night in one of the amazing bars and clubs on Bleecker Street
Other Attraction in Greenwich Village
Bleecker Street is a pleasant change from the turbulent Herald Square or 5th Avenue. It is considered one of the best shopping streets in the world. Why? There are many small and hip designer stores, record stores and second hand stores and lesser known retail brands.
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Fotografiska NYC: Visit one of the best art exhibitions in town
Museum in Gramercy
Fotografiska New York is a wonderful museum in NYC for all art and especially photo art enthusiasts. Originally founded in Stockholm in 2010, the museum also exists in Tallinn (Estonia) and since 2019 in New York. It is located in a beautiful building from 1892 and extends over 6 floors. In addition to changing exhibitions, there is a restaurant and cocktail bar to round out your visit.
My tip: These are the best art exhibitions in NYC. and here you find my complete (!) guide to Contemporary Art in New York.
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Spend a Day at the Beach
Other Attraction in Coney Island & Brighton Beach
Escape the hustle and bustle of city life and spend a relaxing day on Brighton Beach in Coney Island. If you don’t want to be in Coney Island, you can also check out some of our favorite beaches in New York here.
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Summer on the Hudson
Other Events in Upper West Side
Summer on the Hudson is Riverside Park & West Harlem Piers Park’s annual outdoor arts and culture festival. Between 59th and 153rd Streets on the Hudson River, you can experience live DJs, exhibits, special shows for kids, and of course, the outdoor movies. And the best part? All the events are free!
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Cool off on a jet ski
Other Tours in Outside of New York City
New York in September can still be hot! So why not cool off by jet skiing on the Hudson and East River? If you take a jet ski tour you will be guided along many of New York’s famous landmarks. A guide is always there and brings you to the locations where you’ll have the best views. The jet skis pick up speed, which can go up to 55 mph. At that speed, you’ll fly over the water. Fun and action are guaranteed, just make sure you’re safe! There are several providers of these tours. Take a look at Jetty Jumpers or Rockaway Jetski!
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Superhero Festival
Other Events in Williamsburg
Not officially announced, yet!
The Superhero Festival is organized by the organization “New York State of Mind” (NYSoM) now for the 4th time and is a great free event in autumn (not only) for kids. Here they can create their own superheroes, participate in races (“The Flash vs. Sonic the Hedgehog”) and a scavenger hunt.
Here you will find everything you need to know about the Superhero Festival NYC.
The 50 Absolute Best Things to Do in New York (90+ pages)
We’ve chosen the 50 best spots, events and activities to showcase the full diversity of New York City. Even after more than 20 visits, the city never gets boring for us. And with our recommendations, you’ll have a really good time in New York, too, and you’ll have plenty left for your next visit. If you’re not planning a trip yet, you’re sure to get wanderlust after perusing this list!
Budget tip
If you want to visit several observations deck, attraction and tours in New York, check out the New York sightseeing passes. You can save up to 60% on the ticket price!
To find out which New York Pass is the best for you, check out my New York Pass Comparison.
New York for First Time Visitors: Everything You Need to Know for Your Trip (70+ pages)
Here you’ll find everything you need for your New York trip: the most important checklists, travel and visa questions, everything you need to know about the boroughs, airport transfers and our money-saving tips. It’ll help you save $100 right away on tickets!
The Weather in New York City in September
Monthly Avg DAY | Monthly Avg NIGHT | Rainfall days | Sun |
|---|---|---|---|
77°F / 25°C | 63°F / 17°C | 8 days | 9 hours daily |
Top Tours in September in New York
My favorite cruise
Bateaux Dinner Cruise | Just amazing
Helicopter Tour New York |
SUMMIT One Vanderbilt |
Edge Observation Deck |
Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island |
Empire State Building |
2-Day Trip to Niagara Falls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
165 reviews | 1,261 reviews | 208 reviews | 466 reviews | 1,607 reviews | 5,924 reviews | 362 reviews |
from $104 | $194 | $42 | $43 | $30 | $47 | from $340 |
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