The Ultimate Guide to Fall in NYC

No other city comes alive during fall than NYC. Manhattan is full of festivities, cultural events and scenic orange and gold beauty! If you are looking for an autumnal stroll in Central Park or a cosy Broadway show, Manhattan has it all. Here's a roundup of the top things to do.

1. Stroll Through the foliage in a famous NYC Park

There’s no better way to experience fall in Manhattan than a walk through some of it’s famous parks. As the foliage changes to wonderful shades of gold and orange it offers a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of the city!

• Central Park – One of the best spots to see the leaves change without leaving Manhattan. Take a stroll along the Mall, visit the Ramble, or head to the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir for a picture-perfect fall scene.
• The High Line – This elevated park offers unique views of fall foliage amidst the city’s architecture. With its curated plantings and urban surroundings, it's perfect for those looking to enjoy nature without leaving the city
• Foliage Cruise - You could even go that extra mile and experience a fall foliage cruise along the Hudson River. Classic Harbor Line offers cruises departing from Chelsea Piers which sail along the Hudson River, you can enjoy a mulled wine to really get into the spirit.

2. Halloween in NYC

As you are probably aware, Halloween in NYC is a city-wide celebration, with events and activities for all ages.

• The legendary Greenwich Village Halloween Parade is one of NYC’s most famous fall events. Thousands of participants take to the streets for a festive march through the heart of the Village. This iconic event will take place on October 31st— you can either dress up and join in or watch the unfoldings on Sixth Avenue!
• Head to Hudson Yards for a pumpkin-filled spectacle. The Pumpkin Arch is well worth the photoshoot spectacle. Be sure to check out seasonal markets nearby! 
• Stroll around Manhattan on any of the days surrounding Halloween and you are sure to find a spectacle of costumes and kids out trick or treating who you can watch and enjoy the fun they are having.

3. Broadway Shows

Fall is a fantastic time to catch a Broadway show, especially as the weather cools down and the evenings turn dark. Cosy up to an unforgettable performance in one of the top Theatre districts in the world! 

• Broadway favourites like Hamilton, The Lion King, and Hadestown will likely be showing. Make sure to check out any new fall debuts and book your tickets in advance to avoid disappointment!

4. Museum Exhibits for Chilly Days

Of course we can’t predict the weather so if it is getting chilly or even rainy, the museums below never disappoint!

• American Museum of Natural History - This one is great for families and offers an exciting and educational experience, discovering dinosaurs, elephants, a turtle odyssey and immersive experiences!
• The Metropolitan Museum of Art (Met): The Met, being the most famous museum in NYC, is always a safe option where you can discover ancient civilisations and modern masterpieces!
• The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA): Another must-visit is MoMA. See Van Gogh’s Starry Night along with favourites by Monet, Warhol, Rothko, and more. The overall collection will be sure to keep you engaged for hours. Special fall exhibitions often draw big crowds, so check ahead for tickets.

5. New York City Marathon

The famous New York City Marathon takes place in early November and it is quite the event to spectate, especially if you have never witnessed one before. The energy and emotions will be high on the day.

• When: Sunday, November 3rd, 2024
• Where to Watch: Some of the best spots to cheer on the runners are along First Avenue between 59th and 96th Streets or near the finish line in Central Park. Join the enthusiastic crowd as the marathon runners push through the final leg of their journey and cheer them on across the finish line!

6. Bryant Park Fall Market and Ice Skating

Each fall, the ever seasonal Bryant Park brings a wonderful market with various vendors offering artisanal goods, seasonal foods, and holiday gifts. This will be running from late October and is the perfect place to shop for gifts for yourself or friends! In addition to this, the park’s iconic ice-skating rink opens in late October, so you can lace up your skates and enjoy a few spins! Admission to the rink is free although skate rentals are available for a fee!

There’s no shortage of ways to enjoy fall in Manhattan. If you are feeling particularly halloweeny you could take a trip to Masker Orchards (Warwick, NY) or Harvest Moon Farm & Orchard (North Salem, NY) for some Apple Picking along with many more seasonable activities. This Fall there really is something for everyone in Manhattan, the heart of NYC. Embrace the season and make the most of the crisp air and vibrant foliage!