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.
And if you’re expecting a calm, straightforward list…. well, you clearly haven’t looked at my article with its own personal twist! On Wednesday you should visit the 9/11 Memorial to remember the victims of the attacks. Also, this week several Oktoberfests will start all over the city. My tip: No plans for the weekend, yet? Check out my list of the best things to do in NYC this weekend!
NYC 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
Never forget 9/11
Building in Financial District
Ground Zero has become a place for quiet reflection. With two huge pools to commemorate the lives lost during 9/11, the beautiful memorial attracts people from far and wide. NYC will never forget 9/11 and the memorial is the perfect embodiment of this spirit.
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02
NY Fashion Week runs through September 12!
Other Events in East Village
This is probably one of the most interesting Things to Do 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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03
NYC Broadway Week is still running
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 3-15, 2024. 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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04
Watch a game of the NY Yankees
Sport Events in Concourse
If you want to see baseball in New York, you have to go to the New York Yankees! There is hardly anything more American than to join tens of thousands of other sports enthusiasts in the excitement of the NY Yankees.
When?
- September 9-11: Kansas City Royals vs. NY Yankees @Yankee Stadium
- September 12: Boston Red Sox vs. NY Yankees @Yankee Stadium
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05
The Feast of San Gennaro starts on Sept. 12
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 2024 will mark its 98th 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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06
Watch the Sunset at Domino Park
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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07
Bryant Park Picnic Performances
Other Events in Midtown ManhattanOur Highlight
If you’re in New York this summer, 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.
- SEPTEMBER 12, 2024 – 7:00 PM | Harlem Stage: Eddie Palmieri
- SEPTEMBER 13, 2024 – 7:00 PM | The Town Hall and Belongó: The Man with the Golden Horn
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08
Find some Bargains at the Artists & Fleas in Chelsea
Second Hand Store in Chelsea
The 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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09
Watch a movie at Rooftop Reds
Other Attraction in DumboOur Highlight
Located in Brooklyn, Rooftop Reds is actually the world’s first commercially viable urban rooftop vineyard. That means in addition to getting a wide-open view of the NYC skyline, you’re also supporting one of the most innovative wine projects in NYC.
And what would a glass of wine be without a great pairing? Rooftop Reds has this covered with a wide selection of gourmet cheeses to start the meal, then a partnership with nearby pizzeria Il Porto. If you’ve got a bold wine, pair it with Al Diavolo Pizza for a spice-forward blend.
- When? September 12th: The 40-year-old Virgin
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10
Come to Loreley Beer Garden for Oktoberfest
Bar in Lower East Side
Here 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.
Starting September 12, Loreley Beer Garden will offer special Oktoberfest items including Oktoberfest beer and soft baked German pretzels! Admission is free!
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11
Rooftop Cinema Club Midtown is back!
Other Art & Culture in Midtown ManhattanOur Highlight
The Rooftop Film Club on top of the Skylawn Embassy Suites shows films in lofty heights on several days during the summer. For the full list of all the movies & dates as well as tickets, you should check the Rooftop Cinema Club’s website.
These are the movies this week:
- Sept 9: Love & Basketball | Superbad
- Sept 10: The Great Gatsby | Challengers
- Sept 11: Back To The Future | The Proposal | Pulp Fiction
- Sept 12: Ace Ventura: Pet Detective | Pretty Woman | Set It Off
- Sept 13: The Devil Wears Prada | Poetic Justice | Friday The 13th (1980)
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12
Enjoy delicious food at the Uptown Night Market every Thursday
Food Market in Harlem & Washington Heights
New 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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13
Enjoy Accordions Around The World in Bryant Park
Park in Midtown Manhattan
Bryant Park is located right in central Manhattan and is a quiet oasis between 40th and 42nd Street. Bryant Park is right in the center of Midtown Manhattan between 40th and 42nd Street, yet it still lends you the peace you need to get away for a few moments from the bustling city. With many small cafés dotted throughout the park this is the perfect place to unwind or relax when the weather is nice.
With fall approaching, it’s time for Accordions Around the World! On four nights in September, you can celebrate this versatile instrument with a global mix of musical styles.
It kicks off on Thursday, September 5, 7 pm-10 pm, with a Picnic Performance featuring Grammy nominee Dwayne Dopsie, Lakou Mizik, and Afro Dominicano. Then, enjoy three more Mondays of intimate accordion music from September 9, 5:30 pm-7:30 pm.
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14
Visit Grand Banks
Sea Food Restaurant in TribecaOur Highlight
Water, a great view of Manhattan and a great atmosphere – the location is simply the best. You are sitting on a historic ship called F/V Sherman Zwicker on the Hudson River and can enjoy New York from the water when the weather is fine. The place also serves great drinks and seafood.
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15
Check out some of Banksy's art works
Museum in Lower Manhattan
Step 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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16
Watch the Great Gatsby on Broadway!
Broadway Show in Theatre DistrictStep 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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17
Smorgasburg is back!
Food Market in Financial District
The 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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18
Enjoy delicious dishes at Hortus NYC
American Restaurant in Midtown Manhattan
As 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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19
Take an iconic picture at The Beam
Building in Midtown Manhattan
The 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!
You probably know the famous 1932 photo showing 11 ironworkers on a beam of steel above the city. You can now recreate this photo and enjoy a sensational view over Central Park with The Beam!
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20
Visit the Color Factory in SoHo
Museum in SoHo
The 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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21
Visit the New York Hall of Science for The Big Bubble Experiment
Museum in Flushing
The 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.
The Big Bubble Experiment fosters curiosity and exploration through interactive bubble play. With ten exhibits, visitors can engage in blowing, stretching, popping, and observing bubbles, delving into the science behind them. While prompts are available to kickstart the experience, all activities encourage open-ended exploration, inviting participants to share insights, collaborate, and pursue their own imaginative bubble adventures.
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22
Go watch a movie!!
Other Art & Culture in Midtown Manhattan
AMC 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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23
Visit the new Mercer Labs at Museum of Arts and Technology
Museum in Financial District
Mercer 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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24
Visit the SPYSCAPE Spy Museum
Museum in Midtown Manhattan
For 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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25
Try some delicious Thai food in NYC
Asian Restaurant in Garment District
At 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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26
Enjoy Skyline Views on a Sunset Yacht Cruise
Cruise in Chelsea
Aboard 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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27
Visit an art exhibition
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.
This week you can elevate your experience with this: Engage in a Human / Nature-inspired performance by Brooklyn Ballet in their Loft, and rejuvenate with a guided meditation session led by Urban Yoga Foundation.
Check out the best art exhibitions in NYC right now!
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28
Visit the World of AI-magination at Artechhouse
Other Art & Culture in Chelsea
“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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29
Empire State Building
Building in Midtown Manhattan
The 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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30
Walk the Brooklyn Bridge
Building in DumboOur Highlight
The 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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31
Watch The Notebook on Broadway
Broadway Show in Theatre DistrictAllie 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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32
Enjoy a delicious steak in NYC!
Steak Restaurant in Theatre District
Bacall’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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