As colorful blooms brighten every corner of NYC, there are so many amazing things to put on your to-do list. Have a look below at a selection of our top activities for April, to fully embrace spring in NYC:
1. Secure your invitation to ‘The Queen’s Ball: A Bridgerton Experience’ in NYC
The exquisite Bridgerton experience is coming to NYC this April, complete with elegant décor, set recreations, passionate performances, delicious themed cocktails, and so much more! This exclusive soirée has it all—from delicious themed cocktails and countless photo ops to dramatic theatrical dance performance and accurate set recreations from the famed Bridgerton series. Tickets are selling fast, so be sure to make haste and secure your invitation here.
2. Experience the best of both coasts at this mouthwatering tasting event
The Los Angeles Times Coast to Coast event, presented by City National Bank, is bringing together notorious city rivals, NYC and L.A., with their epic bicoastal tasting event happening on May 9. Top chefs from the L.A. Times 101 Best Restaurants list will showcase their talents in NYC, alongside NYC-based top chefs for one night only at a foodie paradise that can’t be missed. Learn more & make your reservation here!
3. Reach New Levels This Easter With Family and Friends at SUMMIT One Vanderbilt
Calling all adventure seekers! SUMMIT One Vanderbilt takes guests over 1,100 feet into the sky! This multisensorial immersive experience lives atop the tallest building in midtown Manhattan. While guests see spectacular 360-degree views of the city, it offers so much more. SUMMIT is a blend of art, technology, architecture, and thrills. Reflect off 30,375 square feet or mirrored space and, if you dare, step onto the glass-bottomed skyboxes that dangle above Madison Avenue. It’s a unique way to celebrate Easter that everyone in the family will love! Located in the heart of the city with the entrance right near Grand Central.
4. Explore Pier 57’s 80,000-square-foot rooftop park
The largest outdoor rooftop park officially opened in NYC last April, and you can find it at Pier 57 right next to Little Island! The pier has been under reconstruction for nearly a decade and more exciting features are still on their way. The park also features 80,000 sq ft of expansive greenery and sweeping views. See more here.
5. …or check out Pier 57’s brand new 16,000-square-foot food hall
The renowned culinary nonprofit the James Beard Foundation is opening its first-ever food hall at the site of Google’s forthcoming Manhattan campus, and it opens early this month! 15 women- and BIPOC-owned food concepts will be showcased alongside a modern showcase kitchen operated by the James Beard Foundation and series of community educational spaces. The food hall opens early this April, and you can read more about it here.
6. Head to NYC’s unique tiny art experience
The Small Is Beautiful experience features over 30 artists from all across the globe and over 130 pieces of art, showcasing artists from the UK, Belgium, France to Asia to the Middle East to all across the U.S. and many more! There’s even a shop near the experience where you can buy limited edition pieces of art from artists at the space! Grab your tickets here.
7. Get groovy at the giant retro roller rink coming to Rockefeller Center
Swap your blades for wheels because Rockefeller’s iconic ice rink is turning into “Flipper’s Roller Boogie Palace,” a famous L.A. roller rink from the 70s. The rink will officially open on April 15th! Once called “Studio 54 on wheels,” NYC will get to experience this high-energy, nostalgic skate spot all summer long. Find out more details here.
8. Head to NYC’s compelling Titanic Exhibit
“Titanic. The Exhibition” remembers a very human side to the story of the ship’s sinking through the display of a variety of objects from passengers. You’ll be able to tour different rooms during this emotional exhibition, featuring life-size replicas of some of the ship’s areas as well as listen to the testimony of survivors on a dynamic audio guide. Grab your tickets here.
9-12. Unwind at a glamorous concert by candlelight
The wildly popular Fever Originals Candlelight series is the perfect way to unwind on a spring evening! Whether you’re looking for a beautifully unique classical music performance or a romantic candlelit experience, there’s a concert for everyone. Connect with our musicians for an evening gently illuminated by candlelight, and prepare to be taken into the clouds with history’s most treasured masterpieces!
12. Be captivated by this Sleeping Beauty ballet
Ajkun Ballet Presents: Sleeping Beauty gives the story of Sleeping Beauty a mesmerizing twist with ballerinas and enchanting fairies. This version of the story is a ballet backed by Tchaikovsky’s entrancing symphonies and choreographed by Dr. Chiara Ajkun, one of the most notable ballet professionals, so you know it’s a show you won’t want to miss. Learn more and grab your tickets here.
13-15. Eat your way through NYC’s many mouthwatering outdoor food markets
There’s not much New Yorkers get more excited about than food, and lucky for us, there are tons of open-air food markets returning to the city this April. See below for some of our favorites:
16. Check out NYC’s Museum Of Failure, filled with flops & fun
Ever wondered what happened to fat free Pringles, Coke II…or beef lasagna Colgate? Yeah, we don’t either. Bit if you are curious you can find product flops similar to those and others at the Museum of Failure. The purpose of this exhibit is to inspire and stimulate discussions and ideas while showcasing some of the biggest brand’s biggest failures. Grab your tickets here.
17. See your favorite Star Wars characters strut their stuff at this spaced-out burlesque
Set in the Star Wars universe, The Empire Strips Back puts a sensual spin on everyone’s favorite characters from the galaxy far, far away. Throughout the show’s 2-hour runtime, you’ll see everything from Tusken Raiders twerking to droids revealing what’s underneath their plating. Grab your tickets here.
18. See Macy’s Flower Show in full bloom
The Macy’s Flower Show is the department stores iconic, annual ode to springtime and it has finally sprung again in Herald Square. Head over now to see thousands of gorgeous blooms brightening the interior and exterior of Macy’s with jaw-dropping window displays and enormous indoor installations. After exploring the floral festivities, head upstairs to Stella 34 Trattoria and dine from their themed menu in honor of the show. It will run through Monday, April 10, and you can find out more here.
19. Enjoy all your favorite rides, along with some new ones, at Coney Island’s amusement parks
Coney Island’s Luna Park is officially open for the season, and with a new year comes new attractions. Joining the lineup of iconic attractions like the Coney Island Cyclone and the Thunderbolt, Luna Park is welcoming guests back for a season of unforgettable thrills and memories with brand new attractions like the Tony’s Express roller coaster and Leti’s Treasure log flume. Read more about what thrills you can seek out this season here.
20. Travel to the center of the universe at this out-of-this-world immersive exhibit
Hall des Lumières, Manhattan’s first permanent immersive art center, is partnering with NASA to launch the limited-time exhibition Destination Cosmos: The Immersive Space Experience. From starry skies filled with constellations to an inside look at the 1960s American Apollo missions, stunning images from NASA paired with an otherworldly soundtrack make for a unique voyage into space and time without actually having to leave Earth. Read all about it here.
21. See some interesting art at NYC’s first all digital museum
This museum puts artists of the future at the forefront and showcases unique digital installations while making guests part of the installations! Some elements of the museum work with your movement and reflection which is sure to make for some fun and memorable moments. Learn more and snag tickets here.
22-24. Spend your weekends at brunch…duh!
When the weekend calls, so does (bottomless) mimosas. NYC is famous for its brunch culture, and it makes sense—who wouldn’t want to spend their Saturdays and Sundays catching up with friends while scarfing down Eggs Benedict and champagne? Here are some of our favorite brunch plans across the city:
24. Explore this music and wellness experience every Sunday in Brooklyn
Sonic Sanctuary Sundays is a wellness experience where music and other healing techniques merge to help you on your personal journey. This serene event includes meditation and breath work, but also a very special sonic experience salt cave. Learn all about it and grab tickets here.
25. …or step out of your comfort zone and dine while blindfolded
Why would anyone choose to eat a meal in the dark? Psychologists have said this is an ‘amplified’ way to enjoy food, and you can try it out right in Brooklyn! Choose from a meat, seafood, or vegan menu and let your tastebuds fully guide you through your meal. This experience is definitely one you won’t want to miss, and you can get your tickets here.
26. Enjoy Vanderbilt Avenue car free on weekends
Forget about traffic jams because Open Streets is returning to Vanderbilt Avenue starting April 21st. The street will be shutdown from Atlantic Avenue to Park Place to make room for residents to gather, eat, drink, and play. Weekend programming will return, along with signage improvements for pedestrians and cyclists. Learn more here.
27. Take an immersive culinary trip around the world
The new dining experience “Journey” takes guests on a theatrical culinary experience like they’ve never seen before. Four unique experiences–Journey 360, Journey Odyssey, Journey Lounge, and Journey À La Carte–combine fine dining with immersive digital entertainment and bring the diners’ tabletops to life, taking guests through a whirlwind of 360-degree projections, live performances, augmented reality, and more. This truly one-of-a-kind experience can’t be missed, and you can learn more and book your experience here.
28. -29. Celebrate the start of rooftop season at these amazing spots
Though March is the official start of springtime, we all know the weather wasn’t the greatest. Yet come April, NYC tends to experience fairly consistent days of warm temperatures and sunshine, which means one thing—rooftop season is in full swing! From cocktails in the clouds to enormous elevated patios, we created the ultimate springtime rooftop list for you and all of your friends. Our full list can be viewed here, but see below for some standouts.
30. Put yourself inside the iconic FRIENDS™ series at this NYC experience
NYC’s interactive experience features realistic replicas of your favorite scenes and moments. Grab a fellow FRIENDS™ fan, and dive into two floors of sentimental set recreations — from the iconic fountain to Monica’s kitchen and the chapel where Ross & Rachel got married. Read more about it and grab your tickets here.
31-33. Visit jaw dropping spots you won’t believe exist in NYC
As springtime rolls around, a sense of wanderlust seems to strike after a long winter of hibernation. Lucky for us, there are plenty of magical places to explore around the city that don’t even feel like NYC. From Italian villas to striking waterfalls, see our entire list here.
- This Lovely NYC Neighborhood Was Modeled After An English Village
- This Hidden Part Of Central Park Is Full Of Enchanting Waterfalls
- The Met Cloisters
34. Dine al fresco on a sunny day
When the weather turns warm, there’s no better way to enjoy a meal than out in the fresh air. This NYC springtime staple got even more popular since the beginning of the pandemic, and tons of restaurants across the city have turned their outdoor spaces into a gorgeous oasis. See here for a list of our favorites.
35. Read a book under the sun at Brooklyn Library’s outdoor reading rooms
Three years ago, they created “BPL Outdoors” — which basically mimics the function of their indoor space, “offering places for people to sit and talk, read, use our WiFi, or just relax” — and tried it out at their Red Hook and Flatbush branches with great success. They have since worked on expanding the program to20 branches across Brooklyn. Some locations even have book carts outside for browsing! Learn more here.
36. Relax by the waterfront at NYC parks
It’s easy to forget that NYC is surrounded by so many beautiful parks on the waterfront. Check out all of the spots along the Hudson or East River, uptown or downtown, and take advantage of their killer views on a gorgeous spring day. See our list here.
37. Take part in NYC’s largest egg hunt
The Trust for Governors Island and the Friends of Governors Island announced that the island will be hosting the city’s largest egg hunt this year, taking place on Saturday, April 8th. 10,000 painted, wooden eggs will be scattered around the island, waiting to be discovered for potential island-themed prizes and giveaways. Read all about it here.
38. Go cherry blossom hunting
Cherry blossoms have officially arrived in NYC! Once you see the first signs of blooming you can head over to any of the places around NYC listed here to enjoy the spectacular cherry blossoms in person. But don’t take too long! The trees only stay in bloom for about a week.
39. Or, discover all the other blooms around Central Park
One of the best spots to find some of spring’s most beautiful flowers are of course in Central Park! Central Park Conservancy has even created a map to help New Yorkers enjoy all the season has to offer across the 843 acres of the park. See more here!
40-42. Admire waterfront views at these beautiful bars and restaurants
From eating on historic boats with insane views of the sunset to checking out secluded seafood hotspots on NYC’s smaller surrounding islands, these are some of our favorite spots for a breezy cocktail and bites. Not all may be open yet, but see some standouts below. Check out the entire list here.
43. Head to the (drive-in) movies
Skyline Drive-In NYC opened summer 2021 in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, at 1 Oak Street during the rise of drive-in theater options in NYC. The prime spot, with stunning views of the Manhattan skyline, is also a popular photo and filming location for commercials and TV shows (so you know it’s gorgeous!). They’re also adding walk-in seating and bicycle racks as the weather gets warmer so you don’t even need a car to enjoy. Find out more at their website.
44. Take a quick trip to Holland to see gorgeous tulip fields
Holland Ridge Farms, located about an hour and ten minutes from NYC in Cream Ridge, New Jersey, brings Holland’s tulip magic to the tri-state area. Every year, visitors can take in beautiful, vibrant fields filled with millions of tulips, and it opens for the season on Friday, April 7th! Learn more about this must-visit spot here.
45. Or to Paris for wine and croissants!
Sure, we all know about Little Italy and Chinatown, but did you know about Little Paris tucked away on Centre Street in Nolita/SoHo between Broome & Grand St.? This little row of French businesses are your quick trip to Paris right here in NYC. Shop the French boutiques, stop for a glass of wine and be sure to fill up on pastries all along the way. Learn more here.
46. Partake in a massive pillow fight at Washington Square Park
The annual Washington Square pillow fight is returning once again! Bring your pillow (and pajamas if you so please) to this hilarious event that’s taking place on Saturday, April 15. Find out more details here.
47-50. Admire the many outdoor art installations
This year New York City has been adding so many wonderful outdoor public exhibitions for visitors to explore…and now you can too. Offering an alternative to museums, art galleries, and art exhibitions, these open-air installations are all free to check out and reside in the great outdoors of our city, including:
51. Enjoy these captivating events at The Rose Room speakeasy
This intriguing speakeasy offers up exquisite cocktails and an unforgettable good time! Incredible talent will be on display such as acrobats, DJs, amazing singers, and mesmerizing magicians across several events, creating a blend of a circus lounge mixed with old school New York vaudeville. Learn more and purchase tickets here.
52. Go hiking with llamas & alpacas
Only 2 hours from NYC, wander through bucolic pastures with adorable llamas and alpacas. This cute adventure is a unique take on your average hike, and is sure to be unforgettable. Find out more here.
53. Pack a picnic with friends
When the sun is shining down on NYC, there’s nothing better than packing a picnic and spending your day surrounded by one NYC’s gorgeous parks and gardens. Read a nice book and stretch your limbs while you lay under the blooming magnolias and cherry trees. See some of the most underrated picnic spots around NYC here.
54. Stroll through some of the best museums for FREE
Spending money in NYC is as easy as breathing, but there are tons of ways you can still enjoy all the city has to offer, without breaking the bank. Many museums across the five boroughs offer free admissions, be it once-a-month specials or specific dedicated days, and they’re a great way to affordably appreciate NYC’s rich art scene. See the full list of museums here.
55. Zipline at night at this glow-in-the-dark park only an hour outside NYC
Strap in and whoosh through the trees at Long Island’s Glow in the Park. What makes this particular zipline experience so epic? You can do it at night beneath twinkling lights! See how you can soar through the sky here.
56. Check out NYC’s live music scene
Home to some of the most iconic music venues in the world, NYC is the perfect place to be in when you want to hear live music. Pro tip: we recommend you ditch the lines and catch some incredibly talented musicians across different bars and restaurants. See where you can here.
57. Throw some back at a beautiful beer garden
Nothing quite pairs like a nice day and a cold pint! NYC has tons of energetic beer gardens that serve as an awesome spot to meet up with friends or for a date. Look through our full list here.
58. …or enjoy a more low-key drink & meal in a hidden garden or patio
If you want to avoid the crowds and have a secluded dining experience in peace while still enjoying the great outdoors, we know just where to go. Some aren’t secret-staircase level hidden (though some are!), but rather have backyard patios or gardens you wouldn’t necessarily know about just walking by. Find all our go-to spots here.
59. Sing your heart out at karaoke
Get your gang together and head to one of NYC’s many karaoke bars for a night of fun, laughter, and off-tune renditions of your favorite songs. Call on your inner rock star and sing to your heart’s content, either in a private room or with an audience of strangers. Check out some great places to do karaoke here.
60-61. Take a scenic train ride from for a quick getaway
Looking for a spring getaway but not sure where to go? There are tons of trains you can hop on in NYC that will take you to some gorgeous spots. Two of our favorites are:
- Amtrak’s Adirondack line with service from NYC to Montreal
- Ride a 1940s train from NYC with breathtaking views of the Hudson River
62. Eat your way through all of NYC’s delicious food trucks
New York City is no stranger to awesome street food, and you can find virtually any type of cuisine you could imagine being cooked up right on the streets! And as the warm weather comes back and you’re out on the go, you may want to stop by one to give it a try! Find some of our favorite food trucks here.
63. See gorgeous florals at Brooklyn Botanic Garden’s ‘Weekends in Bloom’
Brooklyn Botanic Garden’s ‘Sakura Matsuri’ cherry blossom festival won’t be returning this year, but they’re still giving NYers the best chance to view some gorgeous florals! Instead, they’ll be showcasing a series of events in April and early May to celebrate cherry blossom season called Weekends in Bloom, and it’s free with Garden admission. Learn more here.
64. …or dine amongst gorgeous florals
What better way to enjoy the warm weather than dining under floral canopies that will whisk you away to paradise? And, thankfully, NYC has no shortage of restaurants with gorgeous floral displays. Find some of our favorites here.
65. Take a break from the city with a romantic lakeside escape
With spring in the air, it’s hard to ignore the travel bug biting at our ankles to ditch the city for a little getaway. Lucky for you, we know just the escape! Mirror Lake Inn, in Lake Placid, NY (just five hours from the city) is the perfect romantic weekend away, and it offers beautiful grounds and gardens, award-winning dining options, a relaxing spa, a 60-foot indoor lap pool, a private beach, yoga classes, and more! Learn more here.
Written by Justine Golata & Brianna Perry