Autumn in NYC – The 19 Best Activities For Fall

Who doesn’t love Autumn in NYC?

One of my favorite moments in a favorite rom com is when Tom Hanks emails Meg Ryan to say, “Don’t you love New York in the fall? It makes me want to buy school supplies. I would send you a bouquet of newly sharpened pencils if I knew your name and address.” It’s the perfect sentiment for the shift in the weather and energy that comes with the onset of Autumn in NYC – New beginnings and excitement of what’s to come.

Autumn in New York City is pretty much as good as it gets. Some of my absolute best memories are strolling the upper west side on a Sunday afternoon in the fall, stopping at an outdoor cafe on Columbus Avenue for a Bloody Mary with friends, and watching the people and the day roll by. You just need a sweater and sunglasses, and maybe a scarf. If it rains, then pop inside to a museum or coffee shop!

Why is NYC great in Autumn?

1. The weather is ideal. Generally September and October temps range in the high 60’s and 70’s fahrenheit. November drops to the 50’s and there are only about 7 days with rain each month.
2. The summer tourists and families have left and fewer people are out and about simply because school is back in session.
3. The colors are still green with some oranges and reds trickling in underneath the blue skies and warm sun. Those gray days that come with winter are still a bit in the future.

Here are the Top 19 Things to do in Autumn in NYC

Use this guide to plan your itinerary for your autumn in NYC visit. I’ve created itineraries for 1 day in NYC, 2 days in NYC, 3 days in NYC, 4 days in NYC, and 5 days in NYC so you can pick and choose a highlight for each day during your autumn visit!

Pro Tips:

• Wear the most comfortable shoes you have when visiting NYC.
• Make sure your phone wallet is loaded with your credit card for easy subway entrance.
• Have your Uber or Lyft app ready to access on your phone.
• Keep your portable charger with you because you’ll be taking a lot of pics and videos during your visit.
• Decide which Broadway show, comedy gig, or Lincoln Center performance you want to see and get tix in advance.  Download Today Tix app on your phone to book your seats in advance. 
• Make Dinner Reservations!!!

Get ready for my top 19 fun things to do in New York City in the fall.

And, if you’re short on time, here’s a quick look at my Top 5 Picks:

• Rent a Row Boat in Central Park
• Walk on the High Line
• Cruise to the Statue of Liberty
• Walk Across the Brooklyn Bridge
• See Sunset at the Empire State Building

#1 A Fall Walk In Central Park

Walking in Central Park on a crisp and sunny autumn day is like walking through a colorful painting. It’s lush and green, and begins to shift into yellows, oranges, and reds as the season continues. A walk in this park is always a good idea, regardless of the season, but the fall months are particularly spectacular. Take a leisurely stroll on the winding paths of The Ramble and be sure to stop by the Bethesda Fountain to soak up the sun.

Join a Top Rated Walking Tour of Central Park Here!

#2 Row a Boat at Loeb’s Boathouse

I recommend everyone rent a row boat at the iconic Loeb’s Boathouse in Central Park. It’s a quintessential fall activity because the surrounding trees are so gorgeous against the calm water of the lake. It’s easy to forget that you’re in the midst of the busy city while rowing under the bridges and past the little islands. I have to say, we laughed a lot because if you’re not an avid rower, its a little harder than you think to steer that boat! This is also the spot where Carrie Bradshaw and Big fall into the water in a famous Sex In The City moment.

#3 Walk On The High Line

The High Line, the brilliant elevated park built on a former railway above the streets of Chelsea, offers stunning views of the Hudson River and the city skyline. I try to walk the High Line on each visit to NYC because it changes with all the seasons. I think I like fall the best because of the cooler temps, the fewer crowds and the bright autumn colors. As you walk along its length, you’ll find unique art installations, seasonal plants, and some of the best vantage points of the city. I read that a massive sculpture of a pigeon is set to be installed this October along the High Line. Let me know if you see it!

#4 Walk Across The Brooklyn Bridge

A walk across the Brooklyn Bridge in the fall is an iconic New York experience. I have done this in the winter and the summer, but the fall walk was the best! Windy, for sure, but the panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline, without the summer heat and crowds or the winter cold and rain, make it a perfect fall activity. Walk from Manhattan to Brooklyn and be sure to stop to read all about the bridge’s incredible history.

#5 Explore DUMBO In Brooklyn

Extend your Brooklyn Bridge day to include DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass). This trendy Brooklyn neighborhood offers cobblestone streets, chic boutiques, and stunning views of the Manhattan skyline perfect for blue sky photo shoots. The Brooklyn Bridge Park, on the waterfront will give you some great views and colorful trees.

#6 Visit Bryant Park

Bryant Park is a lovely park in the heart of Midtown Manhattan at 42nd Street and 5th Avenue. We love it, not just because it has the best public bathrooms in the city, but because there’s almost always a special event going on, or just plenty of spots for a picnic and some people watching. You’ll find juggling classes, children’s magic shows, concerts, movies, and more throughout the fall. Whether you’re sipping on hot cocoa from nearby Angelina’s, or simply enjoying the crisp air, Bryant Park offers a perfect slice of fall in NYC.

#7 Tour the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building –
New York City Public Library

We can’t be at Bryant Park without a visit into the New York City Public Library that is adjacent to the park and the Bryant Park Cafe. I suggest you take a tour of the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building of the New York City Public Library for a full experience of both the building’s architectural beauty and it’s literary history. Step inside this Beaux-Arts landmark, to see the grand staircases, ornate chandeliers, and stunning reading rooms.

#8 See Sunset at the Empire State Building

Hands down, the best time to experience the iconic Empire State Building, at 34th Street, is at sunset, and the fall is best because of the earlier times. You can get up to the 86th Floor a little earlier, have some champagne, and watch the stellar display of the sun setting over the Manhattan skyline. It’s nothing less than magical! And the weather might still be mild enough so you won’t be too chilly up there!

Get Your Tix for the Iconic Empire State Building Here!

#9 Visit The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island

Visiting the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island offers a sweet blend of history and natural beauty. This ‘must-do” activity is a great choice in autumn or spring because you’re likely to have to wait in line for the boat and don’t want to be too chilly or get caught in the rain. The boat ride itself is lovely on a crisp fall day and exploring the statue and the Ellis Island Museum are both fascinating and inspiring. You also get a lot of fresh air time away from the city streets.

#10 Take The Roosevelt Island Tram

Taking the Roosevelt Island Tram might be one of the most hidden gems and underrated cool things to do in NYC! Catch the tram at 59th Street and 2nd Avenue. Be sure to look up to find the platform! Take this adventure in the fall for the great views of the city as you glide across the river, but also for the fall colors on Roosevelt Island. Its a very short ride, literally  about 5 minutes, but then you can walk around and explore the historic Roosevelt Island before you want to tram back!

#11 Ice Skating at Wollman Rink and Rockefeller Center

I know you don’t usually go ice skating in the fall, but think about it – It’s not as cold or as crowded as the winter holiday time. The famous ice skating rinks in Manhattan are at Wollman Rink in Central Park and Rockefeller Center. They both open in October and stay open until April. Perfect for your fall visit.  Think about skating like a champ, or like a beginner, on the ice, surrounded by the brilliant autumn foliage of Central Park or the festive atmosphere at Rockefeller Center. 

Get Your Tix for the Wollman Skating Rink Here!

#12 Visit the New York Botanical Garden

2900 Southern Blvd, Bronx

The New York Botanical Garden is the premiere 250 acre plant museum in the Bronx designed to educate New Yorkers since 1891 with millions of species of plants on view. The fall colors around the gardens are spectacular. NYBG also hosts a Fall-O-Ween event each year with pumpkins and gourds and fall festivities. Check their website for the dates and info.

#13 Celebrate The Feast of San Gennaro in Little Italy

Mulberry Street
Sept 12 – Sept 22

Little Italy is everyone’s happy place! Who doesn’t love to wander and eat in NYC’s famed Italian quarter? It’s always a great idea to hang out in Little Italy on a sunny afternoon and stay into the evening. But the fall brings with it a very special celebration here- The Feast of San Gennaro. Held each September in honor of the patron saint of Naples, the festival runs for 11 days and is the largest and longest running festival of its kind. Mulberry Street is alive with parades, music, and food, food, food! Also a busy scene, but one I recommend if you’re in town during the season.

#14 Pumpkin Carving at the Bronx Zoo

2300 Southern Boulevard, Bronx

The Bronx Zoo is within Bronx Park in the Bronx Borough. Known to be one of the largest metropolitan zoos in the U.S., this zoo has 265 acres of land for its animals’ habitats. It’s a perfect outdoor fall activity for the whole family and any zoo lovers. The zoo is also famous for hosting a pumpkin carving extravaganza with apparently over 5000 animal themed carved pumpkins. I have not seen this myself, but if you are an animal fan of any kind, it might be worth the trip to the Bronx Zoo. Pumpkin Nights are Thursdays – Sundays September 26 – October 27. Get your tix on their website.

#15 March in the Village Halloween Parade

Oct 31 Canal Street & 6th Avenue to 15th Street & 6th Avenue

Greenwich Village does the fall season right! Just wandering around, I saw some of the best spooky and extravagant decorations I’ve ever seen! Known for its hip and fun culture, the Village really does Halloween! The Village Halloween Parade is so big that it’s even televised on TV! You can even buy expensive tickets if you want to have priority access! Anyone in a costume is encouraged to join and everyone can push through the crowds to watch. It’s a pretty crazy time, but if you’ve got the perfect costume and the Halloween energy, you’ll want to try it!

#16 Party Time at the Stone Street Oktoberfest

I’m a big fan of the South Street Seaport District and Stone Street. This very historic part of Manhattan has the cobblestone street charm mixed with the chic financial district vibe. South Street hosts an annual Pumpkin Festival and Stone Street puts on an awesome party each autumn in celebration of Oktoberfest. New York City has many Oktoberfest parties around town, but Stone Street’s is probably the most popular. In celebration of the traditional Bavarian culture, Oktoberfest is where you’ll find German beers and bratwurst along with music on the cobblestone streets close to the East River. Get ready for pretzels and sausages! Be aware that this can get pretty crowded and rowdy.

#17 Honor the Moon in Chinatown

In Chinese culture, the Mid Autumn Moon is a time to celebrate the harvest with a Mooncake Festival. NYC’s Chinatown, adjacent to Little Italy, is one of Manhattan’s most lively neighborhoods. Filled with colorful restaurants, shops, and a lot of fascinating history, a visit to Chinatown should be part of your fall trip. The Chinatown neighborhood typically celebrates the Autumn Moon on the 15th day of the 8th month of the Chinese Lunar Calendar. This full moon celebration is usually mid September – early October. The Chinese Mid-Autumn Moon Festival celebrates the harvest moon with music, lion dances, lanterns, and traditional foods. Keep your eye out for events along Mott Street.

#18 Join the German-American Steuben Parade Oktoberfest

Central Park – Rumsey Field at East 71st Street – September 16 1PM

This NYC event is in honor of the traditional Oktoberfest which began in Bavaria about 200 years ago to celebrate the marriage of the crowned prince Ludwig and his bride Teresa of Saxony. As you know, this 16 day event is now celebrated all over the world with giant beer festivals. Central Park’s Rumsey Field hosts an Oktoberfest sponsored by the Steuben Parade Organization with a parade, music, food, and festivities in Rumsey Field. Ticket prices and information are on their website.

#19 See a Broadway Show for Half Price!

I have to mention Broadway Week in case you are visiting NYC the first week of September. Broadway Week happens twice yearly and encourages theater goers by offering a two for one deal or 50% off on each ticket when you purchase two. You have to take advantage of this! It’s really quite the steal! I can recommend every show I’ve seen in recent years. You can’t go wrong! For instance, I’ve loved each of these Broadway shows, and more! Message me if you want recs:

• & Juliet
• Book of Mormon
• Chicago
• Hamilton
• Lion King
• Moulin Rouge
• Phantom of the Opera
• Six
• Wicked

Best Fall Season Restaurants

Serra by Birreria
200 Fifth Avenue on the Rooftop of Eataly – An upscale Italian restaurant on a beautiful rooftop deck that is always perfectly decorated for the season. It’s a great spot to stop for a late afternoon snack and beverage.

Commerce Inn
50 Commerce Street – A traditional American restaurant in the West Village specializing in “heritage recipes.”

Waverly Inn
16 Bank Street – This is a cozy spot, one of my favorites, ideal for American comfort food. Sit by the fireplace on a chilly fall afternoon or evening.

The Rooftop at Pier 57
Pier 57 – At the Chelsea Piers you’ll find this amazing food court where you can grab all your favorite treats and head to the roof for a picnic overlooking the Hudson on a crisp, sunny, fall day! Picture it!

Where to Stay In NYC in Autumn

Finding you the safest and best places to stay is my jam! So, here are a few spots from my more comprehensive list. I’ve chosen one uptown, one midtown, and one downtown choice.

The Lucerne Hotel
201 W 79th Street – The Lucerne Hotel is perfect for the fall because it is a grand hotel with a cozy vibe and affordable prices. It’s located on the Upper West Side, near the park, in a treasured landmark building built in 1904. The amenities include a lovely French Mediterranean restaurant, Nice Matin.

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The Empire Hotel
44 West 63rd Street – The Empire Hotel is perfect for fall because it’s private and tucked into a great spot across from Lincoln Center, just steps away from Central Park. It’s considered the “crown jewel” of Midtown hotels.  It’s got a very special rooftop bar and a swimming pool if its not too chilly for a dip in the fall.

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The Washington Square Hotel
103 Waverly Place – The Washington Square Hotel is great for fall because it’s an historic hotel, built in 1902, and is  directly across from the iconic Washington Square Park in the heart of Greenwich Village. Countless famous writers, poets, and musicians have stayed in the hotel which adds to its special charm. There’s a rooftop garden serving fresh vegetables for the hotel’s restaurants. 

Getting Around New York City

NYC can feel overwhelming to navigate, but it’s actually really easy to get around. Here are my pro tips for the best way to maneuver around the Big Apple.

Walking Around NYC

Walking is my favorite way and the best way to see NYC. It’s fun, safe, and gives you a real feel for the city.

NYC By Subway

Subways are definitely the most convenient way to get around. Many of the trains have been updated, which makes it a bit cleaner, but don’t be surprised to see some unsavory conditions!

Here are some tips for traveling the city:

Pro Tip:  Get the official MY MTA App (Metropolitan Transit Authority) on your phone for maps and schedules for all the subways, bus, and rail systems.

Pro Tip: On your Maps/GPS App on your phone, use the “transit” view to find the closest subway station and which train will take you to your destination.

Pro Tip: Have your credit card loaded on your phone in your “wallet.” Then simply TAP your wallet pay on the OMNY screen at the turnstile of the subway stop and it charges you. It’s like magic!

• Each ride costs $2.90. The easiest thing is to TAP TO PAY with your smartphone, credit card, or OMNY (One Metro New York) card.
• If you tap with the same device within 7 days, you’ll be capped at $34 and ride free the rest of the 7 days! If you spend less than $34, you’re only charged for the rides you take.
• You can tap in up to 4 people on your same device or card.
• Note: if it’s your first time tapping, it takes a few minutes for your bank to approve a new user, so you might not be able to tap in others on your first time.
• Subways and bus fares are $1.45 for 65 or older and those with disabilities – if you have applied for the reduced fare program. More info here.

NYC By Uber, Lyft, Revel, or Taxi

Ride share apps are a huge help in getting around NYC. More expensive by yourself, but with a group of people it’s often more cost effective than paying for separate subway fares.

NYC By Ferry

The NYC Ferries travel from Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island along the East River and Hudson River. Take the ferry for visiting The Statue of Liberty or when taking a sunset cruise. These are great activities in the fall because the boat rides are so crisp and clear. 

Pro Tip: Download the NYC Ferry App by Hornblower onto your phone. You can buy ferry tix on your phone and access a QR code for boarding the boat.

Here’s to a great trip, see you next fall!
Enjoy your Autumn in NYC!

In a nutshell…

Fall in NYC is pure magic, with so many fun things to do and see. Whether you’re taking in the colorful leaves in Central Park, enjoying a cozy boat ride at Loeb Boathouse, or getting into the Halloween spirit at the Village Parade, there’s something for everyone. The city feels alive with festivals, outdoor adventures, and cool spots to explore. So grab a warm drink, throw on your favorite sweater, and dive into everything that autumn in New York has to offer—you’re in for a treat!

xx,
Carrie