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.

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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? 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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. 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Dom Bewley

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