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8 Things to do this Summer in NYC

Published: May 16th, 2019

New York City is one of the greatest cities in the world, no matter what season! This Summer, make New York City your playground for fun and adventure.

From museums, to parks, to ice cream and more, make your time in the Big Apple one of your Summer 2019 highlights. There’s plenty of ways to have summer fun in New York City Fun! Here’s 8 things our concierge teams recommend to have on your agenda! If you haven’t’ booked you NYC Getaway with Library Hotel Collection, take a look at each hotels special summer offers! Looking for a bit of city and beach? The Hotel Elysee’s City & Sand offer includes round trip train tickets, a beach bag, and more! If you’re a book lover who loves to be surrounded by some of the greatest literature, check out Library Hotel’s Summer Nights at the Library which includes a bottle of rose and special savings! Cool off with Hotel Giraffe’s Summer in the City offer and enjoy a Gift Card to NoMad’s Tipsy Scoop Barlour! Looking to be in the heart of Times Square? Check out Casablanca Hotel’s Summer in the City which includes a classic New York style pizza!

1. Visit the home of Mr. Henry Clay Frick

Second to the iconic Metropolitan Museum of Art, the newly expanded Frick Collection is a new Manhattan gem. Henry Clay Frick’s art collection includes some of the greatest art sculptures, paintings and 18th century French furniture, offering a beautiful showcase for the public to enjoy. The gallery now includes a new level too which was formally the home of Mr. Frick. If you plan on staying at Hotel Elysée, be sure to check out their special offer that includes 2 passes to The Frick Collection. Reserve this offer here! 

 

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2. Climb the Vessel at Hudson Yards

One of Manhattan’s newest attractions that opened earlier this year and has already attracted thousands and became an Instagram destination. The vessel at Hudson Yards is composed of 154 interconnecting stairs with almost 2,500 individual steps and 80 landings. Experience a nearly one mile vertical hike with remarkable views of the city, river, and surroundings along the way. Our closest hotels to Hudson Yards include the Casablanca Hotel and the Library Hotel. Each is just about a half hour walk!

 

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3. Over the traffic? Go Kayaking for the least amount of traffic you’ll experience in NYC

Another way to have fun and appreciate the city from a different point of view, one from the water. At Pier 26 in Tribeca you can kayak for free on the Hudson every weekend from 9am – 4:30pm. You can even enjoy a sunset paddle Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings from 5:30 pm – 7 pm (select weeks in the summer).

 

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4. Yoga in the Park

Join a Tuesday Morning or Thursday Evening yoga class at Bryant Park, just steps from the Casablanca Hotel and the Library Hotel . Remove yourself from the city’s hustle and bustle and find your zen at during this free, outdoor experience in the heart of Manhattan. Gaiam provides a selection of colorful mats, so be one of the first to secure your own. Click here for more info!

 

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5. Amazing Race: Central Park Edition

Looking for 2-3 hours filled with fun and games? Plan one of Central Park’s scavenger hunt adventures. Chose from 2 options including a Lower Central Park Hunt and a Mid Central Park Hunt,  solve clues and complete challenges all while learning local history and discovering the overlooked treasures of Central Park. Save 20% when you use Promo Code: CENTRALPARK20 and sign up! On your mark, get set, GO! The beautiful Hotel Elyséeis just steps from Central Park, should you need a rest and refreshment during all the adventure, just stop back in the Club room for some snacks, water and coffee!

 

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6. Don’t let the rain strip the color of your day!

The Color Factory is a perfect rainy day activity as it is said to be one of the most vibrant and enjoyable moments you will encounter in NYC. Explore 16 rooms covering a spectrum of hues and showcasing artwork from local writers, poets and musicians. With plenty of Instagram opportunities, including the baby blue ball pit or the ombre floating balloons with wishes for the world from the students of NYC, colorful treats, and more, you’re bound to have a blast! You can get your tickets here!

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7. What’s summer without ice cream?!

Yep! That’s a fish shaped ice cream cone. Head to Taiyaki. This ice cream shop in Little Italy has become one of the cities must-try treats! Enjoy various soft-swirl flavors in an open-mouth, fish shaped waffle cone.

 

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Vegan? There’s ice cream for you too! What started as a food truck, now has several locations throughout the city. Van Leeuwen Ice Cream offers decadent classic and vegan ices cream flavors all made from scratch in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. See all locations here!

 

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8. Add a beach day to your plans

While Manhattan is an island, we do lack sand, but because Manhattan is Manhattan we have plenty of ways to get you to plenty of beaches in a short time span!

Take a Ferry– Head Downtown and jump on the Rockaway Ferry, in less than an hour you’ll arrive to one of Queen’s beaches. Enjoy walks along the boardwalk, pop into a surf shops, dine at a beachy taco joints, have a drink at an outdoor bar & more.

Take a Subway- Experience the iconic Coney Island! Just a subway right away experience the place that’s known as the city’s playground. Lounge on the beach, enjoy the rides in Luna Park, grab a bite on the boardwalk at Tom’s Diner or have a hot dog at the orignal Nathan’s, enjoy a cold, or refreshing brew at the Coney Island Brewery. On top of beach activities, you can enjoy a good ol’ ball game at MCU Park, home of the Brooklyn Cyclone’s or go under the sea at the New York Aquarium. The D, F, N, & Q will all take you directly to the fun!

Take a Train– Looking to head out east? Hop on the LIRR and enjoy some of the beautiful beaches New York has to offer, from Long Beach to Montauk and everything in between. If you plan on staying at Hotel Elysée, be sure to check out their special offer that includes 2 Round Trip tickets from Long Beach as part of their City & Sand offer. Reserve City & Sand Here!

 

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We’re here to help and we would love to assist you in planning this fun activities. Should you need any assistance getting tickets, planning transportation, or need more recommendations, don’t hesitate to ask our concierge teams at Hotel ElyséeCasablanca HotelLibrary Hotel, or Hotel Giraffe for assistance! If you’re looking for some more activities in NYC for your summer getaway, check out some more of our recommendations here, or if you’re looking for summer fun in Toronto, click here for some recommendations to have fun in the 6 !

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