Category: THE CITY

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!

Planning a trip to New York City and need help organising your stay? We’ve got you covered! Explore our 6-day itinerary for the perfect NYC experience.

Day 1

Arrive at your chosen Fitzpatricks hotel, check in and freshen up. Start your New York adventure by visiting the iconic Times Square where you can explore the billboards, street performers including the Naked Cowboy, shops and famous red stairs! If you have the energy, you can catch a show on Broadway. Be sure to purchase your tickets in advance to guarantee a viewing and good seats! If you’re feeling tired after a day of travel, unwind with a meal at our very own Wheeltapper (Grand Central) or The Fitz (Manhattan).

Day 2

Start your day by taking a leisurely stroll or bike ride through Central Park. Grab a coffee or a hot dog along the way and get into the true New York spirit. Make sure you visit the Bethesda Terrace, Bow Bridge and Strawberry fields as you explore! After grabbing a bite to eat, spend a few hours exploring one of the world’s finest art museums, The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met). Here you can check out some of their key exhibits like the Costume Institute, European Paintings and The Egyptian art. If time allows, you could also check out Museum Mile. In the evening, try a meal in a classic New York steakhouse like Capital Grill or Smith & Wollensky.

Day 3

Time for some shopping! Explore the array of luxury shops along 5th Avenue and check out some of the landmark destinations such as Tiffany & Co, The Apple Store and LuLuLemon. You can check out our full shopping blog here. In the afternoon, head for the Rockefeller centre, where you can spend some time touring this iconic cultural landmark, home to NBC Studios. Make sure you visit Top of the Rock and indulge in panoramic views of New York City! Enjoy dinner in a local restaurant on the Upper East side like Quality Italian or Piccola Cucina Uptown.

Day 4

Get the day started with a guided walking tour of the iconic Grand Central where you can learn about its history, architecture and secrets! You can even reminisce on Serena Van Der Woodsen’s Gossip Girl debut! In the afternoon, take the short walk to Bryant Park that is bustling with activities and entertainment. Take a look at their calendar to see what’s on when you visit. The stunning New York Public Library is just off Bryant Park where you can take in the Rose Main Reading Room and observe the historic architecture. In the evening, head to the Empire State Building’s observation deck for stunning views of the city. Be sure to book your tickets in advance.

Day 5

Take an early ferry to visit the Statue of Liberty. You can learn about the immigrant experience at the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration. When you return to the mainland, head for Wall Street. Check out the Financial District, Stock Exchange and famous Charging Bull. You can also then visit the 9/11 Memorial Museum and pay your respects. In the evening dine in Lower Manhattan, perhaps at Fraunces Tavern (George Washington bid his officers of the continental army farewell in 1783) or Delmonico’s (Oldest restaurant in nyc established in 1837).

Day 6

On your final day in New York City, visit the Chelsea Market for some last minute shopping and a bite to eat. Walk the High Line and take in the views of the city and the Hudson River. If you have time in the afternoon, head to Soho to check out it’s fun atmosphere and trendy shops.

Transport: Use the subway and buses to get around efficiently!.

CityPass: A CityPass will save on admission fees to major attractions.

Reservations: Make reservations in advance for popular restaurants and attractions.

We hope that this guide proves useful to you on your upcoming trip to New York. If you have any questions on the above, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.