The Best Things to do in NYC this Weekend
What To Do In NYC This Weekend?
Alright, New York aficionados and habitual brunch queue standers! Before you commit to that same old café or try to find solace in your fifth rewatch of a rom-com, consider this: NYC is always up to something. Peel back the curtain (or subway ad) with our sardonic guide on “Things to do in NYC this weekend.”
In true ‘Loving New York’ fashion, expect a blend of the hilariously unexpected and the bafflingly brilliant. There are great things to do in NYC this weekend! This weekend, you can enjoy a nice Jazz Brunch, and it’s your last chance to see the circus-style Cabaret Show AirOtic Soirée!
My tip: Here you’ll find lots of inspiration for what to do in New York City today.
NYC events this weekend
Wondering what events are happening in NYC this weekend? These are the best events this Friday, Saturday, and Sunday – enjoy!
Things to do in NYC this weekend
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01
Enjoy a nice Jazz Brunch
Other Events in Midtown Manhattan
Experience the charm of an exclusive jazz series and treat yourself to a delicious brunch in an upscale American restaurant – however, brunch is not included in the price and must be purchased on site. Venues vary depending on the day of the week, either at The Parlour Room or Gotham 40.
Michael Arenella has been hosting NYC events since 2000, including the Jazz Age Lawn Party. Enjoy the timeless tunes of Michael Arenella amidst New York City’s finest brunch destinations. Get your tickets now for Michael Arenella & His Dreamland Orchestra’s Jazz Age Brunch in NYC!
- Saturday, April 27 at The Parlour Room | 11:30 AM & 1:30 PM
- Sunday, April 28 at Gotham 40 | 11:30 AM & 1:30 PM
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02
Your last chance to see the Cabaret Dinner Show AirOtic Soirée
Other Art & Culture in Hell's KitchenAttention cabaret fans: there’s a new show in the city! You can now see a group of highly talented acrobats in the heart of Manhattan. AirOtic Soirée combines modern burlesque and high-level cirque acrobatics with a menu created by Chef Saul who has already been featured on Good Morning America. After the show, you can enjoy a nice cocktail and meet the cast.
Every Friday and Saturday through the end of April you have the opportunity to experience this brand new sensual show in Hell’s Kitchen.
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03
Spend the day at 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 $5.
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04
Smorgasburg is back!
Food Market in Prospect Heights
Smorgasburg is a popular food festival in New York City. You can find many different dishes from local vendors. The food festival, also known as the „Woodstock of Eating,“ is held every Sunday from April to October in Prospect Park in Brooklyn. Also, Smorgasburg in Williamsburg takes place on Saturdays!
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05
Enjoy delicious pretzels at Loreley Beer Garden
Bar in Lower East Side
Loreley Beer Garden in the Lower East Side is hosting a weeklong Pretzel and Craft Beer Festival from April 18-28 to celebrate National Pretzel Day (April 26). Their outdoor garden will be adorned with spring decor, offering a variety of pretzels in different shapes and sizes alongside craft beers, including their own Loreley Kölsch. From classic Soft Baked German Pretzels to Cheddar Jalapeño Pretzel Balls, there’s something for every pretzel lover to enjoy, making it the perfect spot to soak up the springtime atmosphere with friends.
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06
Visit the bitforms gallery
Gallery in Lower East Side
The bitforms gallery is a contemporary art gallery that features mid-career artists utilizing the latest technologies in New York City. The Bitforms gallery was founded in 2001 with the idea that A world-renowned contemporary visual art gallery, bitforms is home to established artists and those on the rise.
bitforms is a cutting-edge gallery that represents established and emerging artists with new technologies in their work. It’s no surprise that technology is recognized as an important niche in the market at large. Nowadays we are used to seeing images projected onto tablets during live performances but not that long ago this was unheard of.
Current exhibition: Auriea Harvey – The Unanswered Question (Apr 4–May 25, 2024)
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07
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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08
RiseNY
Other Tours in Theatre District
Get ready to journey through New York City’s history in a mesmerizing and engaging manner. Begin with a compelling film from esteemed documentarian Ric Burns that transports you to the past and shows you the cultural and industrial factors that contributed to the formation of the city that never sleeps. Next, step into the museum-like galleries that guide you through the city’s vast evolution in pop culture. These galleries exhibit significant pieces from television, Broadway, music, and fashion.
Lastly, embark on an exhilarating simulated flight above the city’s iconic skyline. Hover 30 feet in the air and prepare to rekindle your love for New York. Experience the sensation of wind coursing through your hair as you soar above the world’s most remarkable architecture, look down on the colorful foliage of Central Park in fall, breathe in the crisp pine aromas of NYC’s quintessential Holiday season, and feel the rush of excitement as you become a part of the Times Square Ball Drop on New Year’s Eve.
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09
Harry Potter: The Exhibition
Other Art & Culture in Midtown Manhattan
The Harry Potter: The Exhibition is an immersive experience consisting of several themed galleries. The From Page to Screen Gallery showcases a first edition of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone within a Gringotts-inspired vault, surrounded by inspirational videos and literary quotes. In the Hogwarts Castle Gallery, visitors encounter multimedia elements like the Whomping Willow, Dementors, and the interactive Marauder’s Map. The Great Hall Gallery provides a space for celebrating magical moments within its iconic architecture, and the Hogwarts Houses Gallery lets visitors connect with their chosen house, offering a celebratory hall with the Sorting Hat and house crests on stained glass windows.
The exhibition also features the Hogwarts Classrooms Galleries, where guests engage in interactive lessons and games through digital touchscreens, exploring behind-the-scenes secrets of iconic classroom moments. Hagrid’s Hut and The Forbidden Forest offer an immersive Patronus charm experience and the chance to discover iconic creatures. Lastly, an exclusive merchandise collection is available in the onsite retail shop, offering fans a range of themed products, including apparel, jewelry, and edible treats, as well as unique merchandise not found elsewhere in the Wizarding World.
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10
Open til August 11, 2024: Whitney Biennial
Other Events in Chelsea
The eighty-first edition of the Whitney Biennial, the longest-running survey of contemporary art in the United States, features seventy-one artists and collectives grappling with today’s most pressing issues. Described as a „dissonant chorus“ by participating artist Ligia Lewis, the Biennial offers a provocative yet intimate exploration of distinct and disparate voices probing the cracks and fissures of the unfolding moment.
Titled „Even Better Than the Real Thing,“ the exhibition acknowledges the complexities of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its impact on our perception of reality. It also addresses how rhetoric surrounding gender and authenticity perpetuates discrimination. Through amplifying the voices of marginalized artists and providing a space for engaging difficult ideas, the Biennial confronts these legacies and fosters dialogue.
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11
Marvel at the beautiful Cherry Blossoms at Brooklyn Botanic Garden...
Park in Park Slope
The Brooklyn Botanic Garden is the natural wonder of New York City and is especially popular during the cherry blossom season. Many people come to the botanic garden in Brooklyn just to see this natural spectacle. This place always has a special aura to it, as there is something wonderful blossoming here in any season. It’s located right inside Prospect Park in Park Slope, Brooklyn.
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12
...or see the first cherry blossoms in Central Park
Park in Midtown ManhattanOur Highlight
Even though it is still very cold sometimes, the cherry blossoms are slowly starting to bloom. There are various places throughout the city where you can see the beautiful pink blossoms. Central Park is just one of them.
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13
The RIDE
Bus Tour in Theatre District
The Ride offers tours in midtown Manhattan and now downtown as well. The Downtown Experience is much more historical than The Ride in Midtown. If you are looking to learn more about how New York came to be, this is for you! Enjoy the state-of-the-art tour bus with theater stadium seating and your experience is also enhanced through virtual reality visualizations.
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14
Visit the Field of Light at Freedom Plaza (open Thu - Sat)
Other Attraction in Murray Hill
Covering more than six acres on the east side of Manhattan, between 38th and 41st streets east of First Avenue, the Field of Light is presented at Freedom Plaza. This installation features 17,000 light fixtures that gradually change color. Visitors can immerse themselves in the installation by walking along a winding path through this landscape surrounded by New York’s iconic skyline and the East River waterfront. The Field of Light at Freedom Plaza is brought to you by the Soloviev Foundation and is free to the public.
When?
- Thursday – Saturday | 5:00 – 9:00 pm
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15
Marvel at beautiful flowers at The Orchid Show
Other Events in Bronx
The New York Botanical Garden show is constantly changing exhibitions and displaying different plants. In the spring, the New York Botanical Garden presents the Orchid’s Show. In an impressive greenhouse, botanical garden visitors can admire the Orchid’s Show from the end of February through April. This year, the motto of the exhibition is „Florals in Fashion“.
- When? February 17 – April 21, 2024
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16
Go shopping at the American Dream Mall
Outlet in Outside of New York City
Attention shoppers: the Greater New York City area is now home to one of the largest malls in the nation – the American Dream mall. After many years of waiting and constant delays, the massive shopping and entertainment complex are already open.
The American Dream complex is much more than just a mall. Besides hundreds of shops, you will also find an unbelievable number of entertainment facilities here. As a matter of fact, the complex is almost split evenly amongst shopping and entertainment.
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17
Try delicious Omakase
Asian Restaurant in SoHo
Situated in Soho, the trendy Kintsugi Omakase is an intimate sushi atelier designed for 10 patrons, offering three distinct tiers of premium omakase dining experiences. These include the top-tier Kintsugi Omakase, a comprehensive 20-course tasting menu priced at $195; the mid-range Soho Experience, which encompasses 17 courses and costs $155; and the budget-friendly Grand Street Classic, featuring 14 courses for $95.
Every omakase journey encompasses seasonal appetizers, sushi creations, a sushi chef’s choice of handroll, gourmet miso soup, tamago, and a dessert that aligns with the season. The beverage selection at Kintsugi Omakase spotlights rare Japanese whisky, gin, and sake, enhancing the overall dining experience.
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18
Visit the Bronx Zoo
Other Attraction in Bronx
Do you want to experience the largest metropolitan zoo in the US? Then go check out the Bronx Zoo. It’s perfect for families especially kids. At the Bronx Zoo you can experience your wild side and explore a national treasure in the Bronx. The Bronx Zoo is know as one of the best in the country and offer many different species from all over the world. The Bronx Zoo is one of my absolute highlights in the area and something you shouldn’t miss.
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19
Join a free High Line Walking Tour on Saturday
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?
- Saturdays at 12:00 PM
Where?
- At the Gansevoort Street entrance
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20
Visit one of the Rooftop Bars
Rooftop Bar in DumboOur Highlight
Be sure to check out the 1 Hotel Rooftop and Garden Bar, even if you don’t decide to stay there. You can enjoy a fantastic view of the Manhattan skyline and the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridge. The bar serves great drinks and finger food.
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21
Try some delicious Craft Beers
Walking Tour in Downtown Brooklyn
An equally exceptional and wonderful activity for January is this guided tour of not one but three breweries in New York. New York is known for its many small breweries that exist in every borough – on this tour, you’ll start at Circa Brewing at 141 Lawrence St in Brooklyn. As you make your way through some of the city’s hottest neighborhoods, you’ll visit 3 world-class breweries. Led by your expert beer guide, you’ll gain VIP access and learn more about the unique brewing process while sampling their delicious craft beer.
Drinks are also accompanied by a complimentary beer snack as you indulge your taste buds on an unforgettable 3.5-hour beer tour.
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22
Do a Cupcake Tour in the beautiful Greenwich Village
Walking Tour in Greenwich Village
If you’re into sweets and desserts you should try the famous Cupcake Tour. Sample colorful cupcakes at boutique bake shops, and build your own custom cupcake during this 2-hour tour in Greenwich Village. New York clearly has the best cupcakes and this will be the chance to try the best of them.
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23
Marvel at the Manhattan Skyline from a boat
Cruise in ChelseaOur Highlight
The architecture boat tour takes you around Manhattan in 2.5 hours. On a 30 meter long wooden ship in the style of the 1920s you can relax and learn a lot of interesting facts about the many small and large buildings of the city. The tour is super-relaxing and the price includes a drink (vino, soft drinks) and small snacks.
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24
Go shopping at Macy's
Other Shopping in Midtown Manhattan
Macy’s at Herald Square is the flagship of Macy’s department stores and it shows! With more than 2100ft² this is the biggest department store in the USA! The 10 floors of shopping space have developed into a NYC icon for shopping over the past 150 years and as soon as you set foot through its doors, you will see why.
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25
Visit Madame Tussauds
Museum in Midtown Manhattan
One of NYC’s most popular attractions is the Madame Tussauds Wax Museum right by Times Square. Great for kids and adults alike you will see countless celebrities recreated with amazing details as wax figurines. If you have always been hoping for a perfect selfie with one of your favorite celebrities then this is just the spot for you!
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26
Enjoy a delicious Brunch at Ophelia Lounge
Bar in Midtown Manhattan
Ophelia Lounge NYCEvery Sunday you can get the ultimate “Top of the Tower” cocktail brunch at Ophelia. In addition to carefully selected cocktails like Ophelia’s Mimosa or a Watermelon Refresher, you’ll get a great à la carte menu with delicious crab, Belgian waffles and more. You’ll also find a selection of 3-tiered brunch towers on the menu, giving you everything your heart desires. How about smoked salmon or a savory quiche with caviar, for example?
My tip: These are the best brunch spots in NYC right now!
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27
Enjoy skyline view from The Summit
Building in Midtown ManhattanOur Highlight
The New York City skyline is one of the most famous and recognizable skylines in the world. It’s a city filled with skyscrapers and tall buildings. In most recent years, it has been expanding which made way for new observation decks. The newest observation deck is located at the top of the One Vanderbilt Building and is called The Summit. This deck is the second-highest outdoor deck in NYC which follows the Edge and has been open since October 2021.
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28
Visit an art exhibition
Gallery in Lower East Side
Alexandre Gallery has two locations. The 25 E 73rd Street location has been around for 20 years, and will stay open for private viewings, and American Modernists from the Stieglitz Circle. It will be appointment only. The late 19th early 20th century is a special focus for Alexandre Gallery. Famous artists such as John Marin, Georgia O’Keeffe, and Joseph Stella have paintings on display at the 73rd Street location.
Alexandre Gallery opened its new location at 291 Grand Street in the Lower East Side of Manhattan on September 9, 2021 with Lois Dodd doing a one-person exhibition. The gallery has 2,000 square feet, and was previously used by James Cohan.
My tip: These are the best art exhibitions in NYC right now!
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29
Immerse yourself in the world of illusions
Museum in West Village
The Museum of Illusions is one of the most fun museums in NYC for kids and adults right now. It’s an interactive museum that will make you question your sense of reality with optical illusions. The museum guarantees a great time, lots of laughter, and the funniest photos. The exhibits will stimulate your cognitive abilities in a way that it will be hard for you to believe your eyes.
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30
Go see a Broadway Show
Broadway Show in Theatre District
If you are on vacation in New York, you should see one of the many great musicals. One of them is Wicked. For 10 years this famous musical has been on Broadway. It tells the so-far mysterious story of the Witches of Oz around the green-skinned witch Elphaba and her special friendship with the witch Glinda.
For more shows and musicals check out my article about the best Broadway shows in NYC here.
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31
Rent a bike in Central Park
Bike Tour in Midtown Manhattan
There are numerous ways to go sightseeing in NYC. One great way is by biking. You can familiarize yourself with many districts and streets that you might not discover on foot or on a bus tour. If you just want to discover New York by bike for a few hours, the classic bike rental is the cheapest option.
Central Park in winter is so beautiful, but don’t forget your gloves when it gets cold!
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32
The House of Cannabis
Museum in SoHo
There’s a new museum in New York City: The House of Cannabis (THC NYC)! Spread over three floors, there are a total of ten different immersive exhibits that guide visitors through the many dimensions of cannabis. On this multi-sensory journey, you’ll learn about cannabis’ influence on music, fashion, and art, as well as the history of cannabis culture.
The ground floor features a store and cafe, as well as a meet-up space for social events. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
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33
Explore the Brooklyn Public Library
Building in Prospect Heights
The Brooklyn Public Library at Grand Army Plaza was designed in the 1930s by architects Alfred Morton Githens and Francis Keally. The main facade of the building is made of limestone and features a relief of the writer Walt Whitman, whose works are kept in the library. Another feature of the Brooklyn Public Library is the entrance, which is flanked by two 30-foot-high columns made of granite. Inside the library, many details have been preserved, such as the original light fixtures and furniture.
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34
Take a great picture of 42nd Street and the Chrysler Building
Other Attraction in Murray Hill
The Tudor City Bridge is a small bridge over 42nd Street and it is just a short walk away from Grand Central Terminal. The bridge itself is not that exciting, but the view over 42nd Street to the west including the Chrysler Building is even more beautiful. Definitely a great photo opportunity – and completely free.
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35
Dive into the history of Broadway
Museum in The Battery
The Museum of Broadway in New York City will be the first and only museum that is fully dedicated to the importance and history of Broadway. Here you will learn everything about the beginnings of Broadway and the Theatre District and their development to the present day, including information about the most famous musicals.
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36
Enjoy delicious sushi
Japanese Restaurant in Hudson Yards
Suram Sushi & Ramen is a Japanese restaurant located near Hudson Yards. On the menu there are various sushi creations as well as ramen. The restaurant is quite small, but has a modern interior and the service was perfect during our visit! The staff was attentive and very friendly, the sushi was freshly prepared and was incredibly good!
My personal recommendation: Salmon Crispy Rice! The rice is deep fried, which gives the sushi a really nice crunchy texture. The salmon on top is just sensationally delicious!
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37
Watch a movie at an AMC Theatre
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.
My tip: You can save money if you book your tickets right here!
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