The 30 Best Things To Do in New York in March 2023
What is there to do in March in New York?
There are a bunch of things to do in New York in March. It’s the tail end of winter in the Big Apple but it can still be bitterly cold. Here are some of the best attractions and events. Check out all the things NYC has to offer!
Usually, spring officially begins on March 21, but NYC in March is still pretty cold. Even so, the city still provides plenty of activities and one big advantage is that there are fewer tourists than during the high season. In this article, we provide you some of the best things you can do here in March so you will have an exciting time. New York in March is full of amazing events.
My TOP 30 Things to Do in March in NYC
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01
Visit Famous Bryant Park Winter Village (until March 5, 2023)
Christmas Market in Midtown ManhattanOur Highlight
Winter Village in Bryant Park is the biggest and most popular winter market in New York (not only for me!). You should definitely go here and if it snows again in March, the Winter Wonderland is perfect. It is really nice in the evening, when you can even see the illuminated top of the Empire State Building!
Please note that the Holiday Shops are already closed for the season but you can still have fun on the rink!
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02
Celebrate St. Patrick's Day in NYC (March 17, 2023)
Other Events in Midtown Manhattan
New York City turns green on this day, because March 17 is the national holiday of the Irish, or the patronal feast of St. Patrick.
The famous Saint Patrick’s Day Parade, which is one of the oldest, attracts around 1,000,000 people annually who want to be part of the spectacle. The parade takes place either directly on March 17th or – if it is a weekday – on the following weekend. Destination of the parade is the St. Patrick Cathedral. At 11 a.m. on the dot, the parade starts moving north at 44th Street/corner of 5th Avenue.
We made a list with some other things to do to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in New York (because theres so much more to do!).
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03
Affordable Art Fair (March 22 - 26, 2023)
Other Events in Chelsea
Spring isn’t just an excellent time to get outside and enjoy nature; it’s also a great time to do a bit of spring cleaning. After you finish, if your walls seem bare, head on over to the Affordable Art Fair and snag some high-quality art at low-end prices.
This annual event returns to NYC each year at the Metropolitan Pavilion in Chelsea, where you can view contemporary works that range in price from $100 up to $10,000.
My tip: Here you find the Best Art Exhibitions in New York City.
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04
Outsider Art Fait (March 2-5, 2023)
Other Art & Culture in Chelsea
We Are Birds will be this year’s annual Curated Space exhibition at the Outsider Art Fair. It is curated by Randall Poster and Andrew Edlin in support of the National Audubon Society and it features several works of different self-taught and contemporary artists whose works are inspired by birdlife.
Moreover the OAF presents The Life and Death of Elvis Presley: A Suite by American artist and architect Paul Laffoley (1935-2015). This exhibition shows eight paintings that were completed in 1995 and represent Laffoley’s interpretation of the different phases in Elvis Presley’s life.
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05
The Best Broadway Shows in March 2023 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 March 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 March!
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06
Visit The Orchid Show at the New York Botanical Garden (February 18 - April 23, 2023)
Other Attraction in Bronx
The New York Botanical Garden supports over one million living plants in its extensive collection. It is truly a beautiful experience to explore the plant life in over 50 different gardens, giving you something to explore throughout each season. From exhibitions to the gift shop and hands-on experiences for kids this oasis of plants is a great day out for families!
The Botanical Garden has constantly changing exhibitions and displays various plants. Among the most important of them is the “Orchid Show”, which takes place every year in spring. This year, in an impressive greenhouse, you can admire the 20th Orchid Show from February 18 until April.
This year the motto of the exhibition is “Natural Heritage”. Guest designer is artist Lily Kwong, who used art objects and her Chinese roots to inspire visitors to reflect on their own life stories for this exhibition.
On selected Saturdays in March and April, there will be “Orchid Evenings” from 7pm to 10pm, where guests can enjoy the exhibition with music, food & drinks.
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07
Macy's Flower Show (March 26 - April 9, 2023)
Other Events in Garment District
Florals are a natural part of spring but are groundbreaking when they’re presented by an iconic department store like Macy’s. Macy’s marquee stores in NYC present a two-week show that presents nearly one million trees, plants, and flowers to celebrate spring for both nature and fashion.
People from near and far flock to this exhibition each year, and it’s one of the best places to see awe-inspiring floral arrangements that are decorated according to a given theme. For example, the theme was outer space a few years ago, so arrangements had nods to stars, comets, planets, and more.
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08
Enjoy breath-taking views from one of the amazing observation decks
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 which both offer amazing views over the city.
My tip: if you are cold, you can go inside and enjoy the view from the inside. Because each of the observation decks (except for the Empire State Building) has additional floors with floor-to-ceiling windows.
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09
March Madness
Sport Events in Midtown Manhattan
Each March, college basketball fans go a bit nuts. And this is for a good reason! This is the time of the year when 68 universities compete in a tournament that spans the country and determines which two teams will square off in the National Championship in April. If you are one of many looking to cheer on their favorite team among other fellow fans, you’re in luck because there are many New York City bars and restaurants to catch the madness.
This year March Madness takes place from March 14 – April 3.
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10
Go Ice Skating in NYC
Other Attraction in Midtown Manhattan
Ice skating is one of the things you can still do in New York through March! For example, the rink at Rockefeller Center offers an unforgettable experience in a great setting. Expect a bit of a wait, as it is one of the most popular rinks in New York.
My tip: The Best Ice Rinks in NYC
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11
See Verdi’s La Traviata at the Metropolitan Opera
Building in Upper West Side
If you’re a fan of operas you should definitely visit the Metropolitan Opera. There are different shows throughout March, for example Giuseppe Verdi’s La Traviata or Vincenzo Bellini’s Norma. Enjoy one of these wonderful musical performances.
Reserve your tickets for the Metropolitan Opera now!
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12
It's National Meatball Day (March 9, 2023)
Other Events in Little Italy
Stroll through the touristy area of Little Italy and enjoy some of the best meatballs you can possibly find in the city (except at the Meatball Shop of course).
On March 9 we celebrate National Meatball Day. Check out the best restaurants in Little Italy NYC to have your best Meatball experience that day!
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13
Visit Governors Island
Other Attraction in Outside of New York City
Though Governors Island is no longer a secret spot, it hasn’t lost its charm and remains one of our favorite places in New York. Usually Governors Island closes at the end of October, in 2023 you can check it out even during March! A ferry ride to the island typically costs $4 but if you decide to come on a Saturday or Sunday before noon, it’ll be free!
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14
NBA Games in March 2023
Sports Tickets in Midtown ManhattanOur Highlight
Basketball fans, this month is for you! Check out either the New York Knicks or the Brooklyn Nets at either the Madison Square Garden or Barclays Center, respectively.
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15
WWE: Road to Wrestlemania on March 12, 2023
Sport Events in ChelseaNothing for the faint of heart: Fans of action-packed sports will get their money’s worth again this month. The WWE: Road to Wrestlemania event will take place in Madison Square Garden. Here, various stars of the wrestling scene will fight against each other in order to emerge from the ring as the winner in the end.
So if you’re looking for a different kind of sports experience, get your tickets now!
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16
Escape Virtuality
Other Events in ChelseaBreak the chains of reality! New York City is an insanely exciting city. But if that’s not enough, you can now experience adventure and action in a virtual world. Escape Virtuality offers exciting VR experiences as well as Escape Rooms on a whole new level. In realistic VR games, you have to prove that you are capable of saving the world even under pressure.
Especially in the winter months, the weather can get crazy, so an indoor activity like this is the perfect choice.
Whether you’re a couple or a group, there are a variety of Escape Rooms and games to choose from. Best of all, Escape Virtuality is already included in some of the New York Passes!
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17
Spend the day in one of the best museums of NYC
Museum in Upper West Side
The wintry 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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18
Free Fridays at MoMA
Museum in Midtown Manhattan
The Museum of Modern Art in NYC, commonly known as the MoMA, is one of the largest and most influential modern and contemporary art museums in the world. Since it houses an extensive collection of over 150,000 works of art, ranging from painting and sculpture to photography, design, and film, the MoMA is a popular destination for art enthusiasts and offers a unique experience for those who want to explore the world of modern and contemporary art.
Every day from 4:00 PM to close there is a “Pay-what-you-wish” admission which means that visitors can pay what they can afford for admission to the museum.
However, that’s not all! In addition to the Pay-what-you-wish policy the MoMA is free for all visitors on Fridays from 4 pm to 8 pm.
Please note that the Free Fridays & Pay-what-you-wish policy only apply to New York State residents!
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19
On of my favorites things to do in March in NYC: The High Line Winter & Spring Tour (free)
Walking Tour in West Village
The High Line Park takes you along the old tracks of the elevated railway to the Meatpacking District. Thanks to the initiative “Friends of the High Line” the park exists at all, because originally the construction was supposed to be torn down. And the best thing? They offer free tours!
- When? Wednesdays at 10am & Saturdays at 12pm (November – April)
- Where? At the Gansevoort Street entrance
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20
Experience New York in March quite relaxed with a dinner cruise
Cruise in Chelsea
I am quite a big fan of the boat tours with dinner in New York. It’s warm inside, jazzy music plays and there’s delicious food (and drinks). And during the whole cruise you see the wintry New York with its impressive skyline.
Here are our recommendations for dinner cruises, brunch cruises, lunch cruises and jazz cruises in NYC during wintertime.
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21
Visit a Rooftop Bar in March (really!)
Rooftop Bar in Meatpacking District
No kidding, even in March you can visit some of the best rooftop bars in the city! With radiant heaters, free blankets and warm rooftop lounges you can make yourself comfortable there even in icy temperatures. The great view will warm your heart.
At 230 Fifth near the Flatiron building, you can even sit in a heated igloo while enjoying a breathtaking view of the skyline – how cool is that!
For more tips, check out our article on the best fall & winter rooftop bars in New York.
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22
See the New York Rangers in the Madison Square Garden
Sport Events in Midtown ManhattanOur Highlight
The atmosphere at a Rangers game is unparalleled and home games are played in the heart of Manhattan, at the most prestigious arena, Madison Square Garden. Ice hockey has some of the most loyal fans of all the sports categories, and you will notice that right away at a Rangers game. It’s intense and it’s a spectacle that is not to be missed!
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23
Enjoy the view of the East River from the Brooklyn Bridge
Building in DumboOur Highlight
The Brooklyn Bridge is an official landmark of the city, which you should not miss even in winter. Make sure to walk across the impressive bridge and enjoy the unique view across the East River to Brooklyn in the clear winter air. And while you’re on the bridge, take a stroll to Brooklyn Bridge Park.
GET A WARMING COFFEE AND ENJOY THE SPECTACULAR VIEWS!
Due to the cold wind, it can get really icy on the Brooklyn Bridge in winter. The best time to try your luck on some warming sunshine is around noon on the bridge.
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24
Take a Walk in the Wintry Central Park
Park in Midtown ManhattanOur Highlight
Central Park should not be missing from any Things to Do in New York in March list! The green lung of the city is a true winter wonderland during the cold season. It is therefore also a popular destination for New Yorkers. Stroll through the park under snow-covered trees and let yourself be enchanted by the play of lights on the frozen water surfaces in the evening.
Walking through Central Park in the cold is magical! If there’s snow, it’s even more amazing.
If you want to be more adventurous, start in Harlem and walk down Central Park towards Midtown. Too often we catch ourselves starting on Fifth Avenue at the Plaza Hotel in Central Park. There is so much more to explore than just that part of Central Park.
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25
Women's History Month
Other Events in Harlem & Washington HeightsIf spring puts you in a social mood, check out one of the many events in NYC related to Women’s History Month. This annual time is perfect for paying homage to one of many locally-owned businesses either owned by or catering to women.
You’ll find panels, parties, and movie screenings, among other events. There’s been Art + Feminism, Wikipedia Edit-a-Thon, A Day Without a Woman, a Hidden History: Women in Central Park-Tour, and vast discounts at local businesses in years past.
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26
Spend some time in Soho, Little Italy 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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27
Hop on a cruise during the Winter Season in New York City
Cruise in ChelseaOur Highlight
Exploring the city on a boat is an amazing experience. Even though it can become a little chilly we highly recommend taking the New York City Water Taxi or hop on a Classic Harbor Line Cruise. They all have an indoor seating space where you can protect yourself from the cold in case you need to.
My tip: these are the 12 best cruises that you should do right now!
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28
Celebrate the National Oreo Day in the former cookie-factory Chelsea Market
Food Market in Meatpacking DistrictOur Highlight
Yes, you read that right. On March 6, 2023, there’s an Oreo Day that celebrates the yummy cookie. There’s no better place to go in New York City than Chelsea Market the birthplace of the sweet sandwich cookie which is made up of two chocolate disks containing a sweet cream filling and is loved by millions.
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29
Go shopping at Woodbury Common Outlet
Day Trip in Outside of New York City
Shopping addicts will have their money’s worth in March too. You can either stroll the city’s wintry streets or take a trip to the Woodbury Common Outlet Center. You will not only find many famous brands at lower prices, but also a large food hall with a wide selection of different sweet and savory dishes.
You can already save money on your way to the outlet, because the bus ride is included in some of the passes, for example the New York Pass. -
30
Marvel at the digital art at Times Square
Other Art & Culture in Theatre DistrictTimes Square Arts is a public art program of the Times Square Alliance and it’s the biggest public platform for contemporary and visual arts. All forms of art are supported, design and performance as well as new media. Times Square is one of the most iconic urban places in the world and the Times Square Arts program wants artists and creators to help people see this place in a new way.
Midnight Moment is a public digital art program that showcases the work of contemporary artists every night from 11:57 PM to 12 AM on the huge electronic billboards of Times Square.
- From March 1-31, 2023, you can see “Magic Move 4” by Katherine Frazer.
Budget tip
If you want to visit several observations decks, attractions 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.
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This is our COMPLETE GUIDE that includes 25+ neighborhood guides for every part of the city with New York’s newest attractions like SUMMIT One Vanderbilt, Edge Hudson Yards & Little Island, our best-of lists, budget tips and the best things to do and see!
The weather in NYC in March
Wondering what the weather is like in New York in March?
Monthly Avg DAY | Monthly Avg NIGHT | Rainfall days | Sun |
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48°F / 9°C | 30°F / -1°C | 12 days | 7 hours daily |
Top Tours in March in New York
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Celebrate the anniversary of The Edge | Save up to 50% on attractions and tours EASILY! | New York's highest observation deck | My favorite cruise in march! | The iconic skyscraper of NYC | Never forget! |
from $41 | from $74 | from $41 | $78 | from $45 | from $28 |
FAQ
These are the questions we are asked the most around:
Does it snow in New York in March?
Especially in early March, the chances are high that it will snow. From the middle of the month (or late March), instead of snow, it’s more likely that you have rainy days like in fall because the temperatures are above zero.
Should I visit New York in March?
A visit to New York is worthwhile even in March! March is not yet a peak travel season, you will have the city more to yourself. Another advantage: the queues at the major New York attractions are shorter!
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