From A-Z: 26 Things To See And Do In NYC This Spring

Written by Bianca Bahamondes and Brianna Perry

Sure, sometimes it seems uncertain that the warmth will ever stick around long enough to properly enjoy it, but considering it’s officially spring and the sun has been shining quite a lot, it’s safe to say winter is totally behind us.

Which is to say, it’s time to do some exploring! If you’re looking for plans during this magical time of year, here’s an alphabetical list of 26 things to see and do in NYC this spring!

A– Art

New York is known for its vibrant art culture and spring is one of the best times to head outdoors and see all the street art there is to find around the city! From subways to walls to sidewalks, anything in New York is a canvas. Find some of our favorite street art spots here.

B– Bottomless Brunch

Who doesn’t love a good excuse to spend your weekend going to brunch? Brunch is amazing during any season, and there are so many spots around NYC to brunch it up. Here are some of our recommendations.

C– Cherry Blossoms

You can spend a beautiful day at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden walking through the trees and taking totally instagramable pictures with the pink and white blooms. Here are 11 other places you can see the cherry blossoms in NYC.

D– Daiso

Japanese retail store Daiso opened its first NYC (& east coast) location back in 2019 in Queens and their new Brooklyn location opened February 26 of this year. This popular store sells everything from beauty supplies, home goods, stationary, Japanese snacks, and more at incredibly low costs. Learn more here.

E– Eataly

The Flatiron eatery is a destination year-round, but their rooftop that’s basically a blooming greenhouse is one of the most gorgeous places to spend time at during the nice weather. Head over for a spritz, burrata, and sunshine.

F– Flipper’s Roller Boogie Palace at Rockefeller Center

Rockefeller Center’s iconic ice rink will open as a roller skating haven for the spring & summer, turning into the famous “Flipper’s Roller Boogie Palace” from 1970s L.A.! The rink will be officially open April 15 to October 31 and there will also be themed nights and special performances. Learn more here.

G– Governor’s Island

Governor’s Island is back with a lovely glamping experience for a fifth year! Camp under the stars and enjoy morning meditation, culinary classes, and campfire s’mores as you stare out at the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline. This memorable getaway starts May 1st.

H– High Line

Take a stroll on the 1.45 mile long elevated park and check out the beautiful gardens, view art, catch a performance, chow down on delicious food, or connect with friends while taking in New York City from a unique perspective.

I– Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit

Immerse yourself into Van Gogh’s work as it takes over the walls and transforms your surroundings. With the help of dozens of projectors and ultra-realistic VR headsets, the post-impressionist artist’s creations come to life in a 360-degree spectacle. It closes in NYC on April 10, so be sure to get there before then! Get tickets before it’s too late here.

J– Jazz Age Lawn Party on Governors Island

Head to to the Jazz Age Lawn Party to enjoy live jazz, photo booths, vintage clothing vendors, a pop-up beer garden and more. Grab tickets to return to the ’20s here!

K– Karaoke

Almost anyone can have a great time belting out “I Want It That Way” or “No Scrubs” at the top of their lungs, and singing karaoke is the best way to forget about your problems and have a good belly laugh. These are some of our favorite spots.

L– Live Music

Whether you like to boogie down to country music or sip on fancy wine while jazz plays in the background, there’s no shortage of amazing bars and restaurants in NYC that offer great live music. Catch some outdoor music in Long Island City at Culture Lab, or check out our full list of bars and restaurants that have live music here.

M– Macy’s Iconic Flower Show

Making its return once again, Macy’s Iconic Flower Show is set to bloom again this spring beginning March 27 through April 10 at Macy’s flagship store at Herald Square. This year, the colorful showcase will highlight “designs that focus on impact, energy, and bold modernism.” Learn more here.

N– NYC Beaches

All NYC beaches (Orchard Beach in the Bronx; Coney Island and Manhattan Beach in Brooklyn; Rockaway Beach in Queens; and Midland Beach, South Beach, Cedar Grove Beach, and Wolfe’s Pond Park Beach on Staten Island) will open Memorial Day Weekend on Saturday, May 28.

O– Outdoor dining

For a while it was the only way we could dine at all (and restaurants could keep their businesses afloat), as owners expanded onto the sidewalks and streets thanks to the now-annual Open Streets program. Now, almost every restaurant in the city is offering outdoor seating in some way, providing ample opportunity to take in the sun and fresh air in the busy city. Check out our extensive list of recommendations!

P– Picnics

On sunny spring days there’s nothing better than a good picnic in the park. A little bit of wine (or a lot, we’re not judging), some cheese, crackers, maybe a sandwich, all under the sun. Sounds like a lovely day to us, and we put together a list of our favorite spots to head!

Q– QC NY

Governors Island’s Lavish New Waterfront Spa QC NY is providing New Yorkers with the ultimate relaxation destination. It has created over a dozen rooms and amenities to suit all sorts of personal wellness such as a Jukebox Club relaxation room, themed saunas and steam rooms, and outdoor thermal pools. Learn more here.

R– Rooftop Bars

Rooftop bars and warm, sunny days go hand in hand. Check out this list of some of our recommendations that’ll keep you busy until next winter.

S– Shop at Bryant Park’s Spring Market

“Makers Market,” an exciting warm-weather version of Bryant Park’s iconic Winter Village, will open at Bryant Park this spring. The seasonal market will focus on one-of-a-kind handmade items, featuring 85 local vendors, and will take over Bryant Park for three weekends in May. Learn more here.

T– Tribeca Film Festival

This festival gives movie lovers the chance to chase movies all over Manhattan in theaters from Tribeca up to Chelsea and goes on from June 8th-19th this year. Find out more on their website here.

U– Union Square Greenmarket

Although the Union Square Greenmarket takes place all year long, but what better time to take a walk through and get some fresh produce or artisan breads and cheeses than spring?

V– Vanderbilt Avenue

Vanderbilt Avenue is going car free on weekends from Atlantic Avenue to Park Place starting April 1, thanks to the popular Open Streets Program. Residents can enjoy the space to gather, eat, drink, and play, and weekend programming will resume with tons of exciting events. Learn more here.

W– Waterfront Parks

There are tons of public parks situated along the waterfront allowing for stunning views and refreshing breezes! Whether it be on the Hudson or East River, uptown or down, there are plenty of options the next time you want to cool down or just enjoy the gorgeous weather in one of NYC’s waterfront oases. Our list of recommendations can be found here.

X– XXX Check out the Museum of Sex

This radical museum is a informative and fun way to spend your weekend. Experience four floors of erotic amusements including a 4-D immersive “Tunnel of Love.”

Y– Yankee Game

Spring marks the official start of baseball season, and Yankee games are way too fun to miss out on — opening day is officially set for April 7. Make sure you add one to your calendar! Find the schedule and tickets on their website here.

Z– Zoo

The Bronx Zoo is the largest urban zoo in the country. With over 265 acres of land and 4,000 animals, taking a stroll through this beautiful park is a great way to spend the day. Reserve your tickets here.

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Also published on Medium.