The Best Things To Do In NYC This Week

Alright, folks of the Big Apple, buckle up! You might think you know what’s going on in this concrete jungle, but let’s be honest: in a city where squirrels engage in theatrical standoffs and the subway musicians could easily win ‘Britain’s Got Talent’, there’s always another layer to peel. Dive headfirst into our hilariously insightful guide on “Things to do in NYC this week“. From the intriguingly odd to the fantastically sublime, NYC’s weekly offerings are a roller coaster you didn’t know you needed.
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And if you’re expecting a calm, straightforward list…. well, you clearly haven’t looked at my article with its own personal twist! This week you can celebrate one of the most important holidays in the United States: Thanksgiving! My tip: No plans for the weekend, yet? Check out my list of the best things to do in NYC this weekend!
Table of Contents
ToggleNYC Events This Week
Dive into my curated listicle of free, fun, cheap, and family-friendly events that transform NYC into an exhilarating playground for everyone!
Things To Do In NYC This Week
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01
Celebrate Thanksgiving Day on Nov.28!
Parade in Upper West SideAdd to myNY addedThe Thanksgiving Day Parade is probably the most famous parade in the world and looks back on a long tradition: It has been around since 1924 and every year more than 3.5 million people come to see it.
The route begins west of Central Park at 77th Street and passes Columbus Circle, where you have a great view of the parade. When the parade turns onto 6th Avenue, the best view is from 59th to 38th Street.
My tip: Enjoy a delicious Thanksgiving Dinner in NYC!
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02
Go on a Thanksgiving Cruise
Cruise in ChelseaOur HighlightAdd to myNY addedLooking for a very special location for your Thanksgiving dinner? How about a 3-course menu on board the glass-enclosed Bateaux? Here you can not only enjoy delicious food with live music but also experience unforgettable views of the city from the water!
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03
Go Bargain Hunting on Black Friday!
Other Events in Midtown ManhattanAdd to myNY addedBlack Friday is not only the biggest shopping day of the year in the U.S., it’s also one of the best shopping days in NYC. The Big Apple is already a great shopping destination with highlights like 5th Avenue, One Greenwich Village, and SoHo.
Find the best malls in NYC for your Black Friday Shopping Adventure!
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04
Macy's Holiday Windows are finally unveiled
Other Attraction in Garment DistrictMacy's Christmas DecorationsAdd to myNY addedMacy’s has a lot to offer at Christmas time: besides the wonderful Holiday Windows, the entire facade is decorated with many lights. Inside it is also decorated for Christmas and on the 8th floor you will find the famous Santaland!
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05
The Holiday Train Show at New York Botanical Garden is back
Other Events in BronxAdd to myNY addedIf you like to build railroad and train models, this show is for you. The Holiday Train show is definitely worth its money and will be held at the enchanting New York Botanical Garden. The exhibit will showcase 175 New York landmarks.
All works of art are built on a 0,5 mile-long track and the railways pass the skyscrapers of Midtown. We have already visited two special exhibitions in the NYBG and are always enjoyable. Therefore, we highly recommend this unique exhibition!
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06
Santa's Winter Wonderland is open again!
Other Events in Financial DistrictAdd to myNY addedDisney’s The Santa Clauses’ Winter Wonderland is transforming The Rooftop at Pier 17 into a magical North Pole experience inspired by Disney’s The Santa Clause movie.
Visitors can enjoy activities such as rooftop ice skating, exploring Santa’s sleigh, a mini slide, private cabin dinners, and indulging in seasonal treats and hot cocoa. There’s also a cozy Santa’s living room for memorable photos by the fireplace.
It’s a unique holiday experience right in the heart of Manhattan with stunning city skyline views.
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07
Go Ice Skating
Ice Rink in Upper West SideAdd to myNY addedWollman Rink in Central Park is also one of the well-known ice rinks in New York. Everyone who comes to New York in winter will most likely end up here if they are in Central Park, even if it is only for a photo. It is open from the end of October to April.
The best way to find the Wollman Rink is to use the Central Park South entrance on 59th street. You will be there in 2 minutes! Wollman Rink is the best place to go ice skating in NYC if you are looking for a large rink.
My tip: Check out the best ice skating rinks in NYC!
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08
The Vessel is finally open again!
Building in Hudson YardsSafety nets at the VesselAdd to myNY addedThe Vessel is an attraction in the Hudson Yards – and it’s finally open again! Designed by British Thomas Heatherwick (designer of the “Rolling Bridge and UK Pavilion at Expo 2010), “The Vessel” offers around 2,500 steps to climb up and down.
The symmetrical steel structure, connected by 154 interwoven stair segments, attracts tourists from all over the world to climb the vertical distance of about one mile!
This time you need to book tickets in advance!
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09
Enjoy the skyline views from Squibb Park Bridge
Other Attraction in Brooklyn HeightsAdd to myNY addedSquibb Park Bridge serves as a remarkable and essential gateway to the park, providing visitors with a convenient and breathtaking route to Brooklyn Bridge Park. As you stroll across this iconic bridge, you’ll be treated to unparalleled views of Lower Manhattan. With its unique design and engineering, the Squibb Bridge offers a captivating journey, meandering from Squibb Park in Brooklyn Heights to the Greenway in Brooklyn Bridge Park at Pier 1.
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10
Take a helicopter ride!
Helicopter Tour in Financial DistrictOur HighlightAdd to myNY addedThe Manhattan Scenic Helicopter Tour takes you on an aerial tour over Manhattan and its many attractions. You wont forget the view of NYC from above or the feeling of flying high above the skyscrapers any time soon. Especially for those of you who like taking photos, this is a guaranteed way to secure some amazing shots of the NYC skyline.
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11
Get yourself a nice hot coffee
Café in West VillageAdd to myNY addedBluestone Lane Coffee now has several locations in New York. The coffee is roasted by hand, is fairly traded and there are only 100% natural ingredients in the bagels and sandwiches. What you will immediately notice: the locations are nicely decorated – very cozy and unique!
Start your day with a delicious hot coffee!
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12
Watch the Sunset at Domino Park
Park in WilliamsburgAdd to myNY addedThis 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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13
Find some Bargains at the Artists & Fleas in Chelsea
Second Hand Store in ChelseaAdd to myNY addedThe Artists & Fleas at Chelsea Market is located directly under the High Line, so you can easily reach the market’s many vendors & restaurants via the disused elevated line. Or you can combine a walk along the High Line with a visit to the Artists & Fleas Market in the heart of the Meatpacking District.
- When? daily
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14
Come to Loreley Beer Garden for a wintry drink!
Bar in Lower East SideAdd to myNY addedHere the Rhine metropolis Cologne meets New York. The owner, Michael Momm, a real “Kölscher Jung”, opened this piece of Germany in the middle of New York in 2003. Here you will find a large selection of German beers (including Kölsch, of course) and good German wines at fair prices, as well as a delicious selection of German dishes.
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15
Enjoy delicious food at the Uptown Night Market every Thursday
Food Market in Harlem & Washington HeightsAdd to myNY addedNew York City’s largest festival of cuisine, culture, and community is back for the third time! This year, the Uptown Night Market will take place every Thursday of each month in West Harlem from April through October. Celebrating diverse cultures from around the world, the festival will feature a variety of performances and activities for the whole family.
Unique and tasty foods from around the globe are offered by numerous food vendors. This festival is a MUST for all food lovers!
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16
Bryant Park Winter Village is finally open!
Christmas Market in Midtown ManhattanOur HighlightAdd to myNY addedStarting in October (and running through March), it is time once again for the best winter market in New York City to open its doors. The Winter Village in Bryant Park is not only the largest Christmas market in the city but also by far the nicest on account of its adjacent ice rink and places to shop and eat. This along with its amazing location among all the skyscrapers makes for an amazing Christmas experience.
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17
Visit a Rooftop Bar (yes, even in Fall/Winter!)
Rooftop Bar in Midtown ManhattanAdd to myNY added230 Fifth is arguably the most famous rooftop bar in New York City. It is well known for its stunning views of the Empire State Building great cocktails and large outside seating area. Whether in summer or winter, the 230 Fifth is always a good idea.
My tip: check out the best Rooftop Bars in NYC in Winter!
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18
Check out some of Banksy's art works
Museum in Lower ManhattanAdd to myNY addedStep into the captivating world of Banksy at The Banksy Museum in New York City! This expansive 15,000-square-foot exhibition invites visitors to explore the enigmatic street artist’s most unique pieces of work in an immersive environment. Marvel at stunning projections of his artwork, delve into life-size recreations of iconic murals from around the globe and gain insight into Banksy’s elusive persona. Suitable for all ages, this unforgettable experience offers a comprehensive look at the genius behind some of the most thought-provoking art of our time.
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19
Watch the Great Gatsby on Broadway!
Broadway Show in Theatre DistrictAdd to myNY addedStep into the lavish world of the 1920s as F. Scott Fitzgerald’s iconic American novel comes to life on the grandest American stage. Featuring Jeremy Jordan (known for Newsies) as the enigmatic millionaire Jay Gatsby and Eva Noblezada (renowned from Hadestown) as the enigmatic Daisy Buchanan, The Great Gatsby makes its Broadway debut following a record-breaking, sold-out run at the Paper Mill Playhouse.
Helmed by director Marc Bruni (of Beautiful: The Carole King Musical fame), this tale of opulence and desire boasts choreography by Dominique Kelley (of So You Think You Can Dance), a script by Kait Kerrigan (from The Mad Ones), and an original score infused with jazz and pop sensibilities by Jason Howland (known for Little Women) and Nathan Tysen (of Paradise Square).
Don’t miss out on the extravaganza—secure your tickets now for the musical that The New York Times hails as „sumptuous, enchanting, and stunning!“
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20
Smorgasburg is back!
Food Market in Financial DistrictAdd to myNY addedThe Smorgasburg Food Market is one of the most popular open-air food markets in New York City. After the great success of the Smorgasburg concept in Brooklyn, they now can be found at various locations in the city.
So also in the Financial District directly at the Oculus. Every Friday from 11 am – 7 pm you can expect small treats at the corner of Fulton and Church Street, which are super-creative.
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21
Enjoy delicious dishes at Hortus NYC
American Restaurant in Midtown ManhattanAdd to myNY addedAs you step inside Hortus NYC, you’ll be immediately struck by the romantic ambiance. The restaurant’s sleek design and dim lighting create a cozy and intimate atmosphere, perfect for a romantic dinner for two.
You’ll be treated to a menu filled with tasty options as you take your seat. From seafood and steak to vegetarian dishes, there’s something for everyone at Hortus NYC. And with a well-curated wine list, it’s easy to find the perfect pairing for your meal.
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22
Check out the new Skylift at Top of the Rock!
Building in Midtown ManhattanThe Skylift at NightAdd to myNY addedThe observation deck on top of the Rockefeller Center (Top of the Rock) is one of the most popular attractions in NYC. With amazing views of Manhattan in both directions, it is one of the most iconic spots to take pictures of NYC from.
This is the perfect place in NYC to watch a sunset! With amazing views of both the Empire State Building standing tall among Midtown Manhattan and Central Park in the other direction, this is our favorite observation deck and view in NYC!
NEW: The Skylift lifts you even higher for a 360-degree view of Manhattan!
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23
Visit the Color Factory in SoHo
Museum in SoHoAdd to myNY addedThe Color Factory New York is a museum where all ages can embark on an interactive journey through 14 colorful art exhibits. From the bright yellow of New York’s famous cabs to the creamy brown of a delicious street pretzel, the Color Factory celebrates the city’s vibrant colors.
There’s a little surprise for visitors each time they visit, and you can take great photos in the diverse exhibits. All of this was developed by local and international artists and collaborators.
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24
Visit the New York Hall of Science
Museum in FlushingAdd to myNY addedThe New York Hall of Science (NYSCI) is located in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park in Queens. It’s the perfect place for families with kids to visit! There are many interactive multimedia displays and the museum offers many ways to teach kids about biology, chemistry, and physics.
The Museum was founded during the 1964-1965 World’s Fair and now serves more than half a million teachers, students, and families each year. NYSCI provides the community with a hands-on learning experience through products and services.
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25
Go watch a movie!!
Other Art & Culture in Midtown ManhattanAdd to myNY addedAMC theaters in New York City offer an exceptional cinematic experience in the heart of the Big Apple. With multiple locations across the city, AMC theaters boast state-of-the-art technology, comfortable seating, and a wide range of film options, from blockbusters to independent releases. Whether you’re catching the latest Hollywood hit or immersing yourself in a cinematic masterpiece, AMC theaters in NYC provide moviegoers with a top-notch setting to enjoy the magic of the silver screen.
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26
Visit the new Mercer Labs at Museum of Arts and Technology
Museum in Financial DistrictAdd to myNY addedMercer Labs presents a groundbreaking transformation of the museum experience through its innovative exhibition. Spanning fifteen experimental spaces, this exhibition is designed to bridge the gap between art and technology in captivating ways. Interactive encounters, immersive installations, and unique listening experiences redefine the viewer’s connection to art.
Within this exhibition, Roy Nachum embarks on a journey of deconstruction and reconstruction, fundamentally reshaping the relationship between art and technology. ‘Limitless’ serves as a physical embodiment of the artist’s dreams, delving into his psyche, childhood memories, and vision of nature. Viewers are invited to step inside his work, traversing the boundary between narrative and abstraction. By leveraging digital tools and machine intelligence, he challenges human perception and explores the intricate spatial framework of source imagery and technical direction.
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27
Visit the SPYSCAPE Spy Museum
Museum in Midtown ManhattanAdd to myNY addedFor a few years now, the SPYSCAPE Spy Museum has been one of the most popular attractions in Midtown Manhattan. Not for nothing is it the first interactive spy museum in the Big Apple. Get ready for some 5,600 square meters of pure excitement, all designed by the former director of training for the British Secret Service.
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28
Try some delicious Thai food in NYC
Asian Restaurant in Garment DistrictAdd to myNY addedAt Zoob Zib Thai Authentic Noodle Bar you can get really good Thai food! With their dishes, they want you to explore the cultural diversity of the different parts of Thailand. The restaurant is located near Penn Station and Hudson Yards.
Their Pad Thai comes with different options to choose from, for example, grilled chicken, mixed seafood, or crispy duck. Also, the drunken noodles and the red curry are very popular. Guests love this Thai restaurant for its authentic flavors.
My tip: These are the Best Thai Restaurants in NYC!
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29
Enjoy Skyline Views on a Sunset Yacht Cruise
Cruise in ChelseaAdd to myNY addedAboard the Manhattan 2, built in the style of a 1920s yacht, this wonderful boat tour takes you from Chelsea Piers south down the Hudson River to the Statue of Liberty and New York Harbor. I love the atmosphere here because it feels much more intimate and personal compared to the larger tourist boats. You can sit both inside and outside, enjoying a drink included in the price and of course the sunset. Fantastic!
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30
Visit the World of AI-magination at Artechhouse
Other Art & Culture in ChelseaAdd to myNY added“World of AI·magination” is ARTECHOUSE Studio’s latest creation, a remarkable digital artwork born from the fusion of generative AI and human creativity. This immersive experience pays tribute to the enduring power of imagination, reminding us that no matter our age or role in life, our sense of wonder and exploration never fades.
By seamlessly blending generative algorithms and human ingenuity, it transports us into a vast universe concealed within each pixel, igniting our curiosity and nurturing our creative spirit.
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31
Empire State Building
Building in Midtown ManhattanAdd to myNY addedThe Empire State Building is the most famous attraction in New York City. When most people think of NYC, this landmark is usually the first thing that pops into their head. It’s an iconic skyscraper and has been arguably the face of the city. It should definitely be a part of every trip to the city since it features two observation decks! Here’s a fun fact: The Empire State Building even has its own zip code! (NY 10118)
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32
Walk the Brooklyn Bridge
Building in DumboOur HighlightAdd to myNY addedThe Brooklyn Bridge is used by over 120,000 vehicles across its 6 lanes, 4000 pedestrians, and 3000 bikes, per day. The views of NYC from the Brooklyn Bridge are spectacular and it is an absolute necessity that you walk across the bridge during your trip to NYC. Especially at sunrise and sunset this is one of NYC’s most photogenic spots. Just be prepared to be surrounded by a bunch of people.
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33
Watch The Notebook on Broadway
Broadway Show in Theatre DistrictAdd to myNY addedAllie and Noah, hailing from disparate backgrounds, defy the odds to nurture a profound love that withstands the relentless challenges seeking to drive them apart. Based on a bestselling novel with a global readership of millions and a cinematic masterpiece that ranks among the highest-grossing romantic dramas ever, the Broadway rendition of Nicholas Sparks’s The Notebook graces the stage. Following its resounding success during a world premiere run at Chicago Shakespeare Theater in the autumn of 2022, this musical adaptation promises to captivate audiences with its poignant narrative and heartfelt performances.
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34
Enjoy a delicious steak in NYC!
Steak Restaurant in Theatre DistrictAdd to myNY addedBacall’s Family Steakhouse is one of the most highly regarded restaurants in NYC, known for its delicious steaks and romantic ambiance. Located in the heart of Manhattan, Bacall’s is the perfect spot for a special dinner with your loved one or a friend.
The restaurant offers a wide selection of succulent steaks, including filet mignon, ribeye, and New York strip, all cooked to perfection and served with your choice of sides. In addition to the steaks, Bacall’s also has a selection of seafood dishes, including lobster tail and pan-seared salmon, as well as vegetarian options.
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Steffen
I'm a true New York fan! Not only have I visited the city over 25 times but also have I spent several months here at a time. On my blog I show you the best and most beautiful spots of the city, so that you have a really good time! You can also find lots of insider tips in our New York travel guide. Also check out my hotel finder for New York!
