New York Skyline

Things to do in New York on Labor Day Weekend

By Adam Fraiel

Labor Day, the first Monday of September, the end of summer, and a national holiday celebrating America’s workers. With the festivities spread across the entire weekend, how will you celebrate yours?

Luckily, there’s no shortage of things to do in The Big Apple on Labor Day weekend. Whether you’re a history buff looking for culture, a wild child looking to party the nights away, or just want a weekend getaway for a special family event, NYC is the place to be.

Join the Parade

If you’re playing Word Association, the next word that comes after Labor Day is... Parade!

Cheer on the workers and union members as they parade down Fifth Avenue, or add a dash of spice as you soak in the party atmosphere watching the West Indian Day Parade in Crown Heights, Brooklyn.

Catch some live sports

There are plenty of sporting events happening over the Labor Day weekend, with 2 of the biggest on your very doorstep.

The US Open is a highlight of the Tennis calendar, where superstars from around the world compete in the world-class Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.

New York and baseball are the perfect Labor Day combo. See what all the hype’s about by catching a Yankees or Mets home game. A baseball game can last anywhere from 1 to 8 hours, with an average of around 3, so block out at least half a day when making plans.

If you’re there outside of game time, consider getting a behind-the-scenes look with a Yankee Stadium Guided Tour.

If you can’t get to a live game, NYC is jam-packed with sports bars where you can watch many sports with a lively NY atmosphere. Check out Timeout’s list of the 16 best sports bars in NYC.

Tick off an iconic museum or two

There are so many incredible museums in New York City (approximately 100) that it can be a little overwhelming to choose where to go. Fear not, as we’ve listed some of the very best below.

The American Museum of Natural History

Made up of 26 interconnected buildings, and housing an expansive collection of over 34 million specimens of plants, fossils, and meteorites, this is the closest you’ll ever come to a time machine.

Museum of Modern Art (MOMA)

Named one of the most influential modern art museums in the world, lay eyes on some of the most iconic pieces by artists such as Andy Warhol, Jackson Pollock, Salvador Dali, and Monet.

The 9/11 Memorial and Museum

Detailing the tragic events of September 11, 2001, this moving tribute ensures we never forget the lives lost, nor the resilience and indelible spirit of New York to endure, rebuild and flourish once again.

Intrepid Sea, Air, and Space Museum

With 30 restored aircraft, a submarine, and a British Airways Concorde Jet alongside the USS Intrepid, history truly comes to life. From high-tech simulators to the torpedo rooms, a trip to the USS Intrepid will ensure it’s a Labor Day you’ll never forget.

Enjoy NYC’s natural beauty

If you don’t want to be stuck indoors this Labor Day, how about stretching your legs and exploring the more beautiful corners of the city?

NYC has 14 miles of beaches, but some are prettier than others.

Coney Island

The most iconic would probably be Coney Island in Brooklyn, with the amusement park providing the perfect backdrop. Enjoy the adrenaline rush of the rides or just chill on the white sands. Both are great options.

Manhattan Beach

Also in Brooklyn, Manhattan Beach is perfect if you get bored just lying around. With basketball, tennis, volleyball, and handball courts, it’s fun for all the family.

Main Beach

Head to East Hampton for a little slice of heaven. Enjoy the last days of summer in style, lazing on the white sands in perfect harmony. There are no fairgrounds or sports nuts here... just beautiful tranquility.

Other outdoor attractions

If you’re no fan of sand, there are plenty of other options to get your nature fix.

Central Park

A trip to NYC wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the iconic Central Park. Only the fifth-largest park in the city, yet the most visited urban park in the whole United States. Take a two-hour guided bike tour before finding the perfect picnic spot to relax away your Labor Day.

Governor’s Island

Formerly a top-secret US Army base, Governor’s Island is now the perfect day-trip destination. Catching the ferry before noon ensures a free ride, and then spend the day cycling around, exploring the special events, and taking incredible shots of the iconic New York skyline.

Kayak on the Hudson River

Cycling too pedestrian for you? How about spending your Labor Day on the water, kayaking up the Hudson River? If you want an adventure holiday weekend, add some standup paddle boarding or sailing to complete the perfect trip.

Finish your day with fireworks

The fireworks show is a superb end to the Labor Day weekend, but New York can get crowded. You need to know the best spots to get a magnificent view of the light show.

A rooftop bar near the Hudson River or Brooklyn Bridge would be our first choice. Elevated for a panoramic view, a great party atmosphere, and you continue your celebrations without changing seats. Before you travel, do a quick search for ‘labor day rooftop party’ to find the hottest locations.

Coney Island gets another mention on this list, but this time as a prime location for viewing the show. On a clear night, you’ll get breathtaking views of the fireworks over the NY skyline.

However you choose to spend your Labor Day weekend, New York is the dream location.

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New York at night
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The Best Things to do at Night in New York

The best things to do at night in New York by Mia Russell When the sun goes down, the Big Apple comes alive. Neon lights begin to flicker, restaurants buzz and theaters roll out their red carpets. From outdoor movies in pretty parks to bustling night markets and Broadway shows, when it comes to nightlife, New York has something for everyone! Let's check out what's on the cards when the sun sets in the 'City that Never Sleeps.' Soak up the city lights from an Observation Deck There is no better way to toast the sunset over New York than from one of the many observation decks dotted about the city. Watch the city lights begin to twinkle as twilight turns to night and see the city like never before. Several Manhattan buildings have observation decks open in the evening where you can take in the city for all its glory. Top of the Rock at the Rockefeller Center The Top of the Rock takes up the last three floors of Rockefeller Center. It features three levels of indoor and outdoor observation decks that offer spectacular, unobstructed views of the city skyline. The 68th and 69th floors have terraces with glass railings that provide beautiful panoramic views of the whole city. The 70th floor boasts an open-air rooftop deck with no metal or glass enclosures, providing perfect photo opportunities! Enjoy several unique experiences on the way up to the Top of the Rock ranging from the magnificent Joie chandelier and an exhibit of interactive artworks to a sound and light hallway and a time capsule over Manhattan. Use your pass to gain free admission to the Top of the Rock to soak up the incredible 360 ̊ panoramic views. Empire State Building Head up the world-renowned Empire State Building to the main deck observatory on the 86th floor to take in those famous New York City views. Use your pass to enjoy complimentary access to the Empire State Building and whizz up to the open-air observation deck that wraps around the building's spire. Marvel at the endless views, which on a clear evening, can stretch all way across six states! The Edge Cast your eyes over the city from one of the highest outdoor sky decks in the world. Located at 30 Hudson Yards, the Edge is a state-of-the-art platform with a glass floor that extends out into mid-air 100 floors above the ground. Feel like you are floating above the city as you sip a glass of bubbles from the Champagne bar to toast the sunset and take in unrivaled panoramic city views. This one is not for the faint-hearted! Remember to use your pass to gain free access to the Edge. One World Observatory Take in the sunset from the highest point in the city – the top of the One World Observatory. Zip up to the 102nd floor in just 47 seconds in the astonishingly fast SkyPodTM Elevators while you watch a multimedia display of New York City transforming from unsettled lands into a forest of skyscrapers. Look over the city below through the glass floor of the Sky Portal and enjoy several thrilling audiovisual experiences while you are at the top of the world. Use your pass to enjoy complimentary access to the One World Observatory, as well as an exclusive discount off a signature cocktail from One World Observatory's premier restaurant and bar, One Dine. Cheers! Hit Times Square Times Square is one of New York's top attractions and offers second to none nightlife! It's packed with a wealth of entertainment from bars, restaurants, and nightclubs to theaters and TV recording studios and really comes alive at night. Learn about the famous district on a Broadway & Times Square Walking Tour. Use your pass to enjoy this tour where an experienced actor and director tour guide will take you to all the hot spots. Have a laugh at the LoL Times Square Comedy Club or head to the Bowlmor Times Square arcade for bowling, state-of-the-art video games, and old-school pinball. Use your pass to visit Madame Tussauds and gain free access to the MARVEL Universe 4D cinema experience. Sip cocktails at the Haven Rooftop bar and watch the action on Time Square below. Catch a Broadway show A quintessential evening activity in New York is catching a Broadway show. While they are expensive, the experience is an unforgettable one and really shouldn't be missed! With over 40 official Broadway theaters in New York, you're bound to find something that piques your interest. Top tip: The best way to get discounted show tickets is to head to TDF's TKTS Booth in Duffy Square (47th Street and Broadway) and wait in line on the day of the show. You can get some fantastic discounts on tickets for most shows. Catch a different kind of show If you prefer something more energetic, use your pass to enjoy the Shake, Rattle & Roll Dueling Pianos Show Hosted at the historic Cutting Room on East 32nd Street, this three-hour rock 'n' roll extravaganza features an all-request evening of live music from dueling pianos, fantastic food, and plenty of drinks. If jazz is your thing, head to Harlem, the birthplace of the music genre, to enjoy a classic jazz performance. Use your pass to get tickets to the Harlem Jazz Series, a one-hour performance of classic jazz hits some of the industry's best musicians. Enjoy a sunset movie at Bryant Park If the weather is good, why not watch an outdoor movie at Bryant Park? Tucked behind the New York Public Library, Bryant Park is the beating cultural heart of Midtown Manhattan and is famous for its iconic movie nights under the stars. Grab a delicious picnic pack from Perfect Picnic with your pass and find a spot on the lawn for a romantic evening out. Top tip: These movie nights are extremely popular, so get there when the lawns open at 5 pm to get a good spot. Take in the city lights from the ferry Soak up the magical after-dark glow of the Big Apple on a romantic harbor cruise. Use your pass to hop on a Harbor Lights Cruise with Circle Line and enjoy a cruise through the city. There is indoor and outdoor seating, a full bar on board, and an outdoor viewing deck for those Insta-worthy photographs. The narrated cruise offers interesting facts about famous New York landmarks like the Brooklyn Bridge and the Statue of Liberty as you glide past. Catch a Yankees game One of the most exciting things to do in New York at night is to watch a Yankees game under the lights. Head to the game a little earlier and use your pass to enjoy a Classic Tour of the Yankee Stadium Get a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the legendary stadium as you visit areas not usually open to the public, like the dugout and the press box. Watch out for the ghost of Babe Ruth, who apparently wanders around the stadium! Stargaze at the High Line As the sun begins to set , head to the unique High Line Park to take in some spectacular city views. The once-disused railroad track was converted into a verdant floating garden and now passes through some of New York City's most historic neighborhoods. Wander along the elevated park on a High Line, Chelsea & Meatpacking District Walking Tour with your pass. Take in the art installations and admire some of New York's most famous buildings, including the Empire State Building and Frank Gehry's IAC Building. You can also enjoy free stargazing evenings at the High Line every Tuesday from dusk until 9:45 pm. Telescopes are provided and spaced throughout the park by the Amateur Astronomers Association, who are also on hand to help and answer any questions.
Go City Expert
Aerial view of New York, Central Park
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Discover the Best Parks in New York City

The best parks in New York – what not to miss! by Mia Russell New York, New York! The city that never sleeps may conjure images of a concrete jungle full of skyscrapers, but it’s also home to some beautiful parks and green urban spaces. Nestled along the Hudson River and tucked between towering buildings, the city’s parks offer a tranquil refuge from the continuous hustle and bustle of the city. There are over 1,700 parks spread around the five boroughs, each with its own character and charm. From the exquisitely landscaped, sprawling beauty of Central Park to the neat High Line on the Lower West Side, New York’s parks are cherished gems that provide a quiet oasis in the heart of the city. Whether you are looking for a place to walk your dog, do some exercise, enjoy a picnic, or simply take in the fresh air, these parks offer all that and much more. Head outdoors with this list of the best parks in New York City. Central Park, Manhattan One of New York’s most recognized attributes, Central Park is the lush green heart of Manhattan. Designed by the award-winning landscape architect team, Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, the park spans 843 acres and is home to everything from a lake to an ice-skating rink. You could spend days in the park without seeing everything. Hike the winding trails amidst rocky streams in the 38-acre wilderness area known as the Ramble. Rent a rowboat from the picturesque Loeb Boathouse and spend a few hours paddling on the lake. If you prefer someone else to do the work, enjoy a gondola tour followed by lunch at the boathouse. Rent a bike and explore Central Park on two wheels! Use your pass to rent a bike from Central Park Full Day Bike Rental, along with a helmet, a bike basket/bag, a bike lock, and a map of the park. Spread a blanket at Sheep's Meadow and enjoy a picnic while watching the world go by and wander through Strawberry Fields in search of community theater troupes rehearsing Shakespeare. Explore the historic Belvedere Castle, visit the world-renowned Metropolitan Museum of Art, and go wild at the Central Park Zoo. The park also hosts major events like the New York City Marathon, Shakespeare in the Park, and outdoor SummerStage concerts where you can dance the night away under the New York sky. Riverside Park, Upper West Side For spectacular sweeping views down the Hudson River, Riverside Park in the Upper West Side is the park to be. Stretching for four miles along the Hudson River from 72nd to 158th Streets, this scenic waterfront park is home to stately trees and sloping lawns, and unrivaled views of the city skyline and the river. Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, of Central Park fame, Riverside Park has loads to do from meandering bicycle paths on the Manhattan Waterfront Greenway to tennis courts and a skate park. Children’s playgrounds are peppered throughout the park, as well as some of New York’s finest monuments like the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument and Grant’s Tomb. Grab a delicious picnic pack from Perfect Picnic with your pass and spend a few hours relaxing in Riverside Park, eating great food and soaking up the beautiful river views. Prospect Park, Brooklyn Another Olmsted and Vaux marvel, Prospect Park is the crown jewel of Brooklyn. Sprawling across 585 acres in Brooklyn, the park is flanked by some of Brooklyn's most historic neighborhoods with beautiful old brownstone houses that have been standing for over a century. A tranquil oasis in the heart of Brooklyn, the park is home to a 60-acre lake and beautiful landscapes with stately trees like the Nethermead and Long Meadow. Iconic landmarks such as the 1857 Litchfield Villa, the Grand Army Plaza, the Picnic House, and the magnificent Boathouse on the Lullwater. You’ll need a few hours to explore and enjoy all that the park has to offer. Take a pedal boat ride on the lake and wander around the Prospect Park Zoo. Stroll through the Brooklyn Botanical Garden. Use your pass to get free entry into the gardens! Go roller skating or ice skating at Lakeside and catch a summertime show at the Prospect Park Bandshell. If you haven’t had your fill of spectacular greenery, pop into the nearby New York Botanical Garden to see some incredible fauna and flora. Wander around the old-growth Thain Family Forest and admire the stunning designs of the herbaceous and mixed borders in the Jane Watson Irwin Perennial Garden. Get lost in the Arthur and Janet Ross Conifer Arboretum and smell the roses in the Peggy Rockefeller Rose Garden. Don’t forget to use your pass to get free entry into the New York Botanical Garden. Bryant Park, Midtown West Tucked behind the New York Public Library, Bryant Park is the beating cultural heart of Midtown Manhattan. Located on 42nd Street and surrounded by buildings, this 9.6-acre park is a well-cultivated retreat where New Yorkers gather at any time of day. Lovely lawns and tall, shady trees make this the perfect spot for escaping the office or taking a break from sightseeing for a breath of fresh air. Bryant Park is a mecca for arts and culture and hosts a dizzying array of engaging activities and events throughout the year. Join a free yoga, tai-chi, and dance class in the park, or enjoy a game of boules or Kubb (Scandinavian lawn bowling). Relax over a board game and take in a movie at the outdoor classic film festival on Monday nights in summer. Enjoy free wireless access around the park. Winter brings wonderful offerings to the park like the pop-up Bank of America Winter Village and an ice-skating rink. Don’t miss having a photo at the mythical Bryant Park Fountain with its curiously shaped icicles. Washington Square Park, Greenwich Village Washington Square Park is the symbolic heart of Greenwich Village. Marking the park’s north side entrance is the iconic white Washington Arch, honoring George Washington, and making the park one of New York city’s most recognizable public spaces. The park has long been a hotbed for counterculture and creativity from a gathering place for the Beatnik movement and the hippies, and today, avant-garde artists and students from NYU. There’s always something happening in the park from diehard chess enthusiasts battling it out in the corner to a dance group performing in front of the arch. Lounge on the grass and listen to musicians play their tunes; eat lunch on the steps of the fountain and watch street artists perform. Why not use your pass to visit Washington Square Park and explore the surrounding neighborhood on a Greenwich Village Walking Tour ? Enjoy a two-hour guided tour of the ‘birthplace of American Counter-Culture’ where you’ll visit Washington Square Park, discover film locations (Friends and Mozart in the Jungle), and learn about the area's famous residents like Edgar Allan Poe and John Wilkes Booth. The High Line, Chelsea From a disused railroad track to one of the top attractions in the city, the High Line in Chelsea is a much-loved treasure. Stretching from the Meatpacking District to the Hudson Rail Yards, the 1.5–mile long public park was built on an abandoned elevated railroad high above the streets below. This verdant floating garden passes through some of New York City's most historic neighborhoods in the Lower West Side of Manhattan. Enjoy a High Line, Chelsea & Meatpacking District Walking Tour with your pass! Begin at the trendy Chelsea Market where you can sample some of New York’s gourmet goodies. Head up to the High Line and meander along the pedestrian walkway, passing tranquil pools and modern sculptures. Take in the art installations and admire some of New York's most famous buildings, including the Empire State Building and Frank Gehry’s IAC Building. Explore the regentrified Meatpacking District, an industrial area that was transformed into one of New York’s most affluent neighborhoods. Learn about the legends of Death Avenue and the tales of the West Side Cowboys. If you have the time, use your pass to pop into the world-renowned Whitney Museum of American Art to see some amazing artworks. Brooklyn Bridge Park, Brooklyn Nestled beneath New York City's oldest suspension bridge, Brooklyn Bridge Park is an idyllic spot for escaping the crowds and soaking up some beautiful views over lower Manhattan. With the iconic New York skyline as a background, the park is a popular spot for enjoying outdoor activities like basketball, football, and volleyball. Use your pass to rent a bike from Brooklyn Bridge Bike Rental and explore the park and the beautiful bridge. Enjoy a leisurely ride along the scenic, waterfront greenway, and admire innovative artworks woven into the natural landscape of the park. Expansive green lawns are perfect for picnicking, and a water play area offers cool respite from the city heat in summer. Ride the beautifully restored 1920s Jane’s Carousel or rent a kayak and hit the Hudson. Hop on the seasonal ferry at Pier 4 to visit nearby Governors Island, which has its own share of green space to explore. The Hills at Governors Island, Governors Island Escape from the non-stop hum of New York with a short trip to the green oasis of Governors Island. A quick ferry ride from Brooklyn takes you to the shores of this peaceful isle where you’ll find lush green hills offering breathtaking city views. The once abandoned military base in New York Harbor was transformed into a magnificent park where city dwellers can escape to enjoy outdoor recreation. Designed to pay homage to the lush, hilly landscapes of pre-colonial Manhattan, the island features four man-made grassy knolls boasting panoramic views of the harbor. Use your pass to rent a bike from Surrey Bike Rental and explore the island. Pedal around the 172-acre isle and take in the spectacular sights. Check out the art installations dotted around the island including Day is Done, the Cabin sculpture, and Yankee Hangar. Delve into the island’s military past at Fort Jay and Castle Williams and get your hands dirty at the Island’s Urban Farm. Take in the breathtaking views of the New York Harbor, the Statue of Liberty, the Brooklyn Bridge, and the Lower Manhattan skyline. When you’re done, head to Hammock Grove or Picnic Point for a laid-back picnic.
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Edge in New York.
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Best Time to Visit The Edge

You know you want to visit The Edge in NYC, but will you go at the crack of dawn, watch the sunrise, gaze out at the sunset or take in the glittering late night lights?
Stuart Bak

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