Summer is here at last, so break out the sunscreen and get ready to take on New York City!
1. Summer on Broadway
Missed out on the buzzy new shows this spring? Don’t fret, and dive into some of the 2023–2024 theater season favorites this summer. Take advantage of this exciting new slate of shows or revisit a favorite, all inside air-conditioned buildings perfect for a hot summer day.
What’s better for the summer than glamour, mystery, and the pursuit of lost love? Stop by the Broadway Theatre to immerse yourself in the Roaring Twenties with a new jazz-and-pop musical retelling of the classic story The Great Gatsby.
Be prepared to laugh, cry, and marvel at a story of truly timeless love. Catch the new musical adaptation of the fan-favorite book and movie The Notebook at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre.
2. Summer Exhibits
There are other ways to take in art while staying out of the heat, with many exhibits and museums throughout the city.
We’ll always recommend the Museum of Broadway, and this summer is a great time to stop by due to the museum’s brand-new exhibit, Moulin Rouge! The Musical: Spectacular, Spectacular! Created exclusively for the Museum of Broadway, this exhibit celebrates the shows fifth anniversary on the Great White Way, focusing on the show’s glamour and grandeur to immerse guests in belle époque Paris. Guests can get a closer look at the start-to-finish creation of Tony Award–winning costumes and set pieces, and even sit on Satine’s luxe chaise longue. Moulin Rouge! The Musical: Spectacular, Spectacular! will be open to the public through September 8.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Did you seek out all the best looks at this year’s Met Gala in May, where stars galore wearing the most glam fashions walk up the iconic steps to the museum? Well, you can go there yourself this summer! If you’ve been meaning to cross the Met off your bucket list, there’s not time like the present! Plus, there are plenty of exhibits opening over the course of this season to make the trip extra special.
3. Summer Outdoor Events
If you’re ready to bask in that summer air, here are some events you can take in with the city buzzing all around you.
Broadway in Bryant Park
A summer tradition is Broadway in Bryant Park, which occurs weekly starting in July. Broadway’s best will entertain parkgoers, whether it’s professionals stopping by during lunch or excited tourists catching all the Broadway they can. Expect star-studded performances each Thursday. For a full schedule, head here.
Lincoln Center’s Summer in the City
If you’re looking for more outdoor entertainment, Lincoln Center has you covered. This summer, Lincoln Center invites New Yorkers to come together for more than 200 free or choose-what-you-pay events embracing the theme “Life, Liberty, and Happiness.” Dance the night away at silent discos, sing along at concerts, or relax with The Art of Wellbeing events as you participate in the work of thousands of artists celebrating the cultural communities of NYC. Now in the program’s third year, events will take place through August 10. To find out more, visit the official Lincoln Center website here.
4. Summer Drinks
The Ultimate Broadway Drinks Guide
Finding the perfect spot for drinks is just as important as finding the perfect restaurant.…
Sometimes you just need to stop and get a drink in the heat of the summer. Here are some of our favorite finds in midtown, from Tony winner Alex Newell’s personal favorite Glass House Tavern to Hurley’s Saloon. Find these and more in our ultimate drinks guide here.
5. Summer Exploration
If you’re coming to New York City and want to take advantage of the summer weather, not having to trudge through snow or storms to get to iconic landmarks, there are plenty of tour options around the city.
Boat Tours
One of the best ways to experience the NYC skyline is on a boat. There are many options out there, including the Circle Line and City Experiences tours. The NYC Ferry, operated by the city, costs just $4 per ride.
Walking Tours
From food tours to ghost tours, there are a slew of ways to see the city on foot. For the theater fans out there, Broadway Up Close offers walking tours of Broadway. There are even themed tours for everything from Sex and the City to The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.
Bus Tours
Bus tours are great for large groups and tourists who may not be up for boating or walking. You can get tickets for bus tours at any major tourist area in the city, including Times Square. Many of these tours will allow you to hop on and off the bus as you move through the city.