Fall in New York City: Take a Tour

By Go City Expert
Published: May 16, 2024
  • When does fall start? Fall officially starts September 23rd, 2019.
  • There are exactly 12 hours of dark and 12 hours of light on this day.
  • The word "fall" gradually overtook use of the word "autumn" in the U.S. in the 1600s, influenced by poetry and literature describing the "fall of the leaves".
  • When does fall end? December 22, 2019, when the U.S. enters the winter solstice.

The seasons may have changed, but that won't stop New York from being one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. And with the crowds thinning out and weather cooling, this could be the best time see this iconic city. This list of New York City fall tours will make sure you see the best sights in town.

When visiting NYC in the fall, wrap up in a light knit and jacket and a scarf; pack an umbrella in case the skies open. Then grab a steaming coffee and kick through the leaves on an outdoor walking tour.

Fall Walking Tours

Central Park Sightseeing Walking Tour

Take an adventure through the United States' 1st major landscaped park and discover 843 acres of beautiful scenery. The orange leaves falling from the trees make for a memorable 2-hour tour in Central Park.

Greenwich Village Walking Tour

Explore the bohemian capital of New York City, Greenwich Village. You'll get a chance to stroll through Washington Square Park and pass some of the city's most interesting dining options. Why not find out what seasonal options they have on the menu?

High Line-Chelsea-Meatpacking Tour

Get a new view of New York City as you walk on the High Line, which is an elevated park/walkway stretching throughout Manhattan's Midtown section. This walking tour also takes you to key areas in Chelsea, showcasing the history of the Meatpacking district.

Fashion Windows Walking Tour

Tour the city in style as you venture to some of New York's most famous and iconic storefronts. You'll get a first-hand look at high-class fashion on 5th Avenue in the "Fashion Mecca of the Eastern Hemisphere".

Perhaps you are interested in a bicycle tour. There are many bike tours as well as bicycle rentals that can give you a front-row seat to New York's gorgeous fall scenery.

Fall Biking Tours

Central Park Sightseeing Bike Tours & Rentals

Similar to the walking tour, Central Park Sightseeing Bike Tour is a 2-hour excursion in New York City's Central Park. This tour allows you to enjoy the outdoors and explore an iconic landmark. If you're looking for the perfect spot to get a picture or two, head over to the area known as Pond at Central Park South between 5th & 6th Avenues. Gapstow Bridge there lights up with colors making it a favorite fall spot for photographers.

Hudson River Sightseeing Bike Rentals

Take your time enjoying the sights of New York City in the fall with a 24-hour bicycle rental. Experience picture-perfect autumnal landscapes and stunning undisturbed views across to Manhattan - the perfect photo taking opportunity. Experience Chinese dining and decorations in Chinatown at its best. And visit Time Square: one of the brightest and most popular areas in the world.

Blazing Saddles Bike Rentals & Tours

Choose between a full-day bicycle rental and a 2-hour guided tour of Brooklyn Bridge with Blazing Saddles Bike Rentals & Tours. Indulge in the scenery of the city while riding to the Statue of Liberty, set against the gorgeous skylines of Brooklyn and Manhattan.

As you can see, there are many great opportunities for sightseeing in New York City during the Fall Season. Whether you prefer to tour the city by bike or on foot, the New York Pass makes it easy for you to visit your favorite destinations and plan out your itinerary. For more ideas on attractions and tours in New York City, click here and view a full list of tours offered on The New York Pass.

Go City Expert
New York Travel Expert

Build your unique New York itinerary with our trip planner

Who's going?
Adult
1
Child (3-12)
0
How many days?
What do you want to see?

Continue reading

New York City Helicopter Tour
Blog

Win a New York Helicopter Tour this Black Friday

Our Black Friday Giveaway has now ended. WIN two seats on a New York helicopter tour by HeliNY Take to the skies for a unique bird's-eye view of magical Manhattan. Tick off New York's top sights on this unforgettable New Yorker Tour. No trip to the Big Apple is complete without a visit to the Statue of Liberty and on your flight you'll get an up-close view. Soar through the skies past the Brooklyn Bridge, South Street Seaport, Governors Island and Ellis Island. You'll then head up the Hudson River and enjoy views over midtown Manhattan like the Chrysler and Empire State Buildings, Chelsea Piers, Jacob Javits Convention Center, the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum and Central Park. You'll see all this and more as you fly as far north as 72nd St before turning back towards the south and getting a breathtaking view of the One World Trade Center. If you're looking for top sightseeing, this tour has got you covered. How to enter For a chance to win this incredible prize, all you have to do is purchase any New York Pass® between 9AM Tuesday 22 November 2022 and 11:59PM Tuesday 29 November 2022. Once you’ve purchased, you’ll be automatically entered into the giveaway. Easy! If you’re the lucky winner, we’ll contact you by email by December 15, 2022, so look out for us in your inbox. Can't wait that long? Book your tour on the HeliNY website. Click here to view giveaway terms and conditions.
Alice Padfield
Alice Padfield
woman taking a selfie on a bridge in nyc
Blog

April in the Big Apple: Spring Surprises You’ll Love

Spring has officially sprung in New York City, and April is when the city sheds its winter layers and struts its stuff. Think pink cherry blossoms floating through the parks, open-air markets humming with energy, and secret rooftop gardens coming back to life. Whether you're visiting for the blooming flowers, world-class events, or just to snack through the city one taco at a time, this guide is here to help you unpack a trip full of unique NYC experiences. Ready for unforgettable views, classic sights, and some spring-only surprises? Let’s dive in.  Our top things to do in NYC this April include:  Central Park  New York Botanical Garden  Edge  Brooklyn Botanic Garden  Luna Park  Whitney Museum of American Art  Best of NYC Cruise by Circle Line  American Museum of Natural History  Harlem Gospel Tour by Inside Out Tours  Picnicking in Prospect Park  New York Botanical Garden: Blossom Bonanza  There’s no better place to get your floral fix than the New York Botanical Garden in The Bronx. April is prime time for their famed Orchid Show and, if you’re lucky, cherry blossom season! The air smells like a perfumer’s dream, and every corner bursts with color—from fields of daffodils to the swirling displays in the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory. You’ll wander winding paths through vibrant tulips, find zen in the Japanese Rock Garden, and maybe even catch a gardening workshop. The vibe? Refreshing, peaceful, and delightfully fragrant. You can plan your day to include a family picnic on the grassy lawns or explore historic buildings like the Stone Mill. Even if you’re just a casual plant fan, being here in April guarantees a total mood boost.  Edge: Sky-High April Views  Why not take in all of springtime NYC from the clouds? The Edge observation deck at Hudson Yards juts right out from the 100th floor, offering views that make everyone pause. The glass floors and angled walls give you thrilling perspectives—snap a pic with the city sprawling beneath your feet. In April, visibility is usually top-notch, so you’ll see the rooftops in bloom, the Hudson sparkling, and the city buzzing with life. The vibe up here? Electric and exhilarating. It’s perfect for sunset (trust us, you’ll want those golden hour photos) and easy to pair with a stroll along the nearby High Line for bonus skyline scouting.  Brooklyn Botanic Garden: Petal Power  Hop the subway to Brooklyn and celebrate Hanami—Japan’s tradition of cherry blossom viewing—right in New York. The Cherry Esplanade at Brooklyn Botanic Garden is legendary, and April is peak petal season. People gather to picnic under the pink clouds, take in the Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden, and stroll through magnolia groves. The atmosphere is dreamy and festive; you’ll catch spontaneous photo sessions, gentle music, and the satisfied silence of people who’ve finally shrugged off winter. Don’t forget to peek inside the Steinhardt Conservatory for a rainforest fix or lounge on the lawns with a fresh-baked treat from the café.  Whitney Museum of American Art: Spring Art Refresh  April calls for fresh perspectives, and the Whitney delivers with modern American works that spark conversation. Its home in the Meatpacking District is a stunner, with light-flooded galleries and multiple outdoor terraces for skyline photos. We love dropping in to see what contemporary and experimental shows are up—there’s always something new and provocative. In spring, the terrace blooms with sculpture and color, making the museum itself part of the art. If you’re craving a coffee break, the café’s views can’t be beaten. For art lovers, this is a can’t-miss April spot.  Best of NYC Cruise by Circle Line: Waterway Wonders  April is the sweet spot for boarding a Circle Line cruise—temperatures are warm enough for the open deck, but summer crowds are still distant. The Best of NYC Cruise loops you around Manhattan, letting you marvel at famous bridges, historic skyscrapers, and the very best Statue of Liberty angles. The narration is fun and peppered with plenty of juicy NYC trivia. We especially love heading out at golden hour for jazzy light and sparkling views. There’s a relaxed, vacation-y energy onboard—perfect for families and first-timers who want to check off the city’s greatest hits without pounding the pavement all day.  American Museum of Natural History: Rainy Day Wonderworld  April can bring the occasional shower, but you’ll hardly notice once you step inside the mind-boggling American Museum of Natural History. Massive dinosaur skeletons, dazzling gems, and the Hall of Ocean Life wow adults and kids alike. There’s something deeply satisfying about wandering through civilizations, ecosystems, and outer space—all before lunch. IMAX shows and interactive exhibits mean there’s never a dull moment, so go ahead and spend a whole afternoon exploring. The air buzzes with curiosity and discovery, making the museum a go-to April stop when you need a break from chasing cherry blossoms.  Harlem Gospel Tour by Inside Out Tours: Uplift Your Morning  April Sundays in Harlem? Yes, please! The Gospel Tour with Inside Out Tours lets you step right into a Harlem church and experience the soulful sounds that have shaped the neighborhood for generations. You’ll stroll historic streets, learn stories of the Harlem Renaissance, then settle in for a service filled with music that’s heartfelt and absolutely contagious. The community vibe is welcoming and the atmosphere inside the church feels exhilarating—whether you’re religious or not, everyone leaves with spirits lifted. Finish with a hearty brunch at Melba’s: order the chicken and waffles (trust us), and savor Harlem’s blend of old-school hospitality with a dash of cool.  Picnicking in Prospect Park: Brooklyn’s Green Escape  Spring Saturdays were made for Prospect Park, Brooklyn’s vast, leafy playground. The lawns roll out greenery as far as the eye can see, and there’s always a place to spread your blanket under a flowering tree. April means birdwatchers scanning for warblers, families renting pedal boats on the lake, and foodies picking up sandwiches from the legendary Court Street Grocers nearby (don’t miss their pastrami reuben). The park’s relaxed, community-driven vibe makes you feel like you’ve discovered a local secret. If you want to keep the adventure going, check the calendar for food festivals or pop over to Brooklyn Museum next door for art with your sunshine.    Ready for an April trip to remember? NYC in the springtime packs every day with new energy, color, and chances to see the city in a fresh light. Let these experiences make your trip unforgettable!    Enjoyed this? Check out our comprehensive deep dive into Central Park, and hop on a ferry to the world-renowned Statue of Liberty.  Step up your sightseeing with The New York Pass®    We make it easy to explore the best a city has to offer. We’re talking top attractions, hidden gems and local tours, all for one low price. Plus, you'll enjoy guaranteed savings, compared to buying individual attraction tickets.   See more, do more, and experience more with The New York Pass® – just choose a pass to get started! 
rain nyc
Blog

Things to do in New York When it Rains

Rain; the burden of humanity. For millennia we've built roofs to keep it out, and created devices to keep it from touching our delicate skin. While you may be tempted to stay in when the heavens open, why let an entire weekend go to waste? Get out there and see what things there are to do in New York when it rains. Don't worry about the research; we did all that for you. Simply scroll down and learn all about the best things to do in New York when it rains! Including: American Museum of Natural History Madame Tussauds New York & MARVEL Universe 4D New York's amazing art museums Escape Virtuality Area 53 and more! Get historical, naturally What better way to dodge mother nature's shower than dipping into a museum? New York's full of the beauties, but we'd recommend the American Museum of Natural History. Why? Well, because it has freaking dinosaurs. What else do you need? The site of the famous Night at the Museum movies, inside you'll find one of the biggest collections of dinosaur bones on the planet. But of course, there's much more than just that. How does a 94-foot whale model sound? Equal parts awe-inspiring and terrifying? Absolutely. How about a giant, 2000-year-old sequoia tree? Brilliant. Why not top things off with a 563-carat sapphire named the 'Star of India'? Yes. All that and much more awaits you in one of the world's premier museums. So why wait? Easily one of the best things to do in New York when it rains.   Rub waxy shoulders with the stars Hollywood has become somewhat synonymous with plastic surgery. The ever-evolving need to reach perfection has resulted in generations of body augmentation. But if you think Hollywood is plastic, wait till you get a glimpse of the static stars at Madame Tussauds! Everyone's favorite fame celebration is here, letting you snap photos with all the stars. And best of all, there won't be a streak of blur in sight! Throw gang signs with Donald Trump, hop on E.T.'s bike without his permission, and mingle with other people who do acting! And, for you superhero fans out there, you can also attend Marvel Universe 4D, an immersive cinema experience that brings your favorite spandex-wearing heroes to life. And best of all, it's all inside! If it wasn't, would the famous people melt? Who knows? Get some much needed culture in you Speaking of ducking the rain, why not fill your mind while doing it? We're talking art, ladies and gentlemen, and New York's got more art museums than you can shake a brush at. Let's start with the Museum of Modern Art — or 'MoMA', because you've got to love an acronym in this day and age. It's one of the most influential modern art museums in the world, with a fantastic collection of contemporary pieces housed within its delightful walls. See the likes of van Gogh's 'Starry Night', and Warhol's 'Soup Cans' up close. And take photos aplenty, of course. Or, go check out the famous Guggenheim, another brilliant collection of works from artists around the world. With big hitters like Picasso, Manet, Cézanne, Gauguin, and Renoir on show, you're bound to find something inspirational within its beautifully-designed walls. Or, for more modern art from more alive artists, go hide in the Whitney Museum of American Art. Focusing on active artists from the US, it helps ensure the American art scene survives and thrives throughout the years. And who knows, maybe you'll discover the next big thing there, or find your new favorite artist? Whichever you decide to go to, having your mind blown at one of New York's art museums is definitely one of the best things to do when it rains in the city. Reality, but virtually better What better way to avoid the reality of a rainy day in New York than to escape our reality completely? Discover new, exciting realities via a funky headset at Escape Virtuality - NYC's biggest and best virtual reality fun house! Challenge a friend, or a stranger, to a myriad of sports, activities, and other immersive experiences. Glide down a mountain on skis, or run from monsters in a haunted house. Climb a sheer cliff, jump out of a plane, or hop behind the wheel of a souped-up racecar. Let your imagination come to life, thanks to the movement replication of Escape Virtuality's ergonomic setup. Feel every hill, every fall, and every turn. It really has to be seen to be believed, so go and get your mind blown on the next rainy day!   Area 51-adjacent Sometimes, the thrill of outdoor adventure is too good to pass up. We all have to get extreme sometimes, right? But if you're averse to a little downpour, you needn't throw cold water over the idea. Instead, head to Area 53 - New York's funner, safer alternative to Nevada's secret UFO base. Whether you're with friends, family, or planning a date, Area 53 has a wealth of fun activities on offer. Take your chances on the ninja course, try and escape the laser maze, bomb it down slides, or go head-to-head in the Battle Beam arena (think laser tag meets foam party). All that and much more awaits you at Area 53. Oh, and if you're looking for some kid-free fun, they also host over 21s nights with no rascals and sight, and a packed bar to boot. Secret drinks Let's round off our list of the best things to do in New York when it rains with a more refreshing downpour. We're talking bars, but not just any bars. Nope, today let's talk about secret speakeasies. Like many big cities these days, New York has seen the recent craze of faux-speakeasy slash cocktail bars hit its shores. So why not duck out of the rain and dive into a drink or three? La Noxe is one such place, and you'll find it tucked inside the 28th street subway station. Along with its rather diverse and affordable cocktail menu, you'll find a delightfully low-key ambiance, tapas bites, and smooth tunes in the background. Or, head to The Little Shop in Lower Manhattan. On first glance, it looks like your average convenience store, with snacks, household items, and other necessities on offer. However, head to the back, and you'll make your way into a secret speakeasy with a brilliant drinks menu. Your discovery will be the talk of the water cooler come Monday. And finally, pop into Attaboy, snuggled secretly into an often-overlooked part of Eldridge Street. This little speakeasy even has merch if you want to represent, and a patio - when the weather clears up. And that's our list of the best things to do in New York when it rains! With so many New York attractions to check out when the heavens open, why not see them all without breaking the bank? Grab a New York Pass and you can do just that.   
Dom Bewley

Get your free guidebook!

Plan your perfect trip with our insider guide – top attractions, itineraries and local tips straight to your inbox.