Things to do in New York for your Birthday

By Dom Bewley
Published: May 16, 2024
bday nyc

Psst. Hey, you. Yes, you. Are you looking for fun things to do in New York for your, or someone else's birthday? Wondering what shenanigans you can get up to, but the thought of actually doing your own research sounds super dull? You've come to the right place. We have placed the burden of boring research on our own shoulders, so sit back, put on your best monocle or other reading utensils, and read on as we blow your freaking mind with our recommendations for the best things to do for your birthday in New York!

Including:

  • Game of 1000 Boxes
  • Catacombs by Candelight
  • Escape Virtuality
  • Drinks, drinks, drinks
  • and more!

Gameshow Shenanigans

What's a little friendly competition among birthday celebrators? If the bow on your big day involves you beating your fellow partygoers on a faux-gameshow, then check out Game of 1000 Boxes.

This immersive, sensory overload of fun pits teams of four against one another. Through a series of escalating challenges, you must score points and beat out the other teams. Exercising your teamwork, puzzle-solving, and trivia muscles, you'll work your way towards the ultimate prize - a mystery box. Oooh. What could lie within? Who knows. The only way you'll find out is by heading there and seeing for yourself!

 

A Creepy Birthday Crypt Crawl

Fancy adding a sprinkling of spookiness to your celebrations? Why not venture into the crypt beneath St. Patrick's Old Cathedral for a spooktacular time courtesy of Catacombs by Candlelight?

Throughout 90 minutes, your guide will steer you along the underground tunnels beneath the streets, reeling off ghoulish stories of the ghastly goings-on under New York. You'll even come face to face with the final resting place of historical figures from the city's past. Perhaps the ghost of Lincoln's friend Thomas Eckert will appear to talk battlefield tactics? Who knows. Are ghosts even real? To answer that, you'll have to descend into the belly of the city and see, won't you?

 

Enter another reality

If reality is a bit too humdrum for birthday fun, why not enter another world at Escape Virtuality, New York's best VR experience!

Explore four unique virtual reality experiences that throw you into the heart of the action. You and a friend can hook yourselves up to the state-of-the-art Xtrematic system and run away monsters, zombies, and other creepy critters, or race down a ski slope as you battle to beat your opponent! Xtrematic moves with the game, so you'll feel every turn, every hill, and every near-miss!

Or, hop behind the wheel and race around a virtual track, or board a rollercoaster and go for a ride you'll never forget with the Speed Simulator.

You could even try your hand at rock climbing, or jumping out of a plane! A world of wonder awaits you at Escape Virtuality, making it easily one of the best things to do in New York for your birthday!

 

Go on a delicious food tour

Is all that excitement getting you feeling a bit hungry? Why settle for one restaurant when you can try a bunch on a Food On Foot Tour?

This award-winning tour will take you to a number of authentic New York eateries, letting you sample New York-style pizza, chow down on some delicious street food, and much more!

Covering a number of international cuisines, you can pick and choose what to have, and how much to have, at each stop. You'll also have the chance to meet both local and visiting foodies to exchange notes, and maybe numbers should the food gods dictate it. And best of all, the whole thing's on foot, so you'll have the chance to burn some of the many calories you'll be consuming!

Drinks that hit different

And finally, no birthday bonanza would be complete without a tipple or twelve. You could go the usual route. You know, standard bars with standard drinks and nothing much else. But why not add a little birthday excitement to your session with some of our leftfield suggestions?

At Elsewhere, you can pair your beer or cocktail with some live music, a DJ set, or even a performance! This trendy Brooklyn hangout spot is making quite the name for itself in the party scene, so why not check it out? You can even book a party package if you want to guarantee a spot for you and your troupe of celebrating chums.

Or, unleash your inner Viking at Kick Axe. 'What does that mean?', we hear you cry and wail in the night. Well, it means you can down beers and throw freaking axes while you do it! Axes. Like, real axes. Yes, Kick Axe takes your drinking experience to another level, thanks to its brilliant drinks menu coupled with cathartic ax-throwing.

Or, combine your food and drinks needs for the evening, and marry it with some sun, fun, and a spot of dancing at Nowadays. This outdoor foodcourt slash bbq slash party bar has it all, and surrounds you with a taste of nature while it does it.

With its world class sights, thrilling attractions and unique experiences like hot air balloon rides, skydiving and private yacht cruises, New York City offers you plenty of options to make your birthday the best day ever. Whether you want to relax and take in the views from one of Manhattan’s many iconic skyscrapers, or get adventurous with zip-lining over Brooklyn or kayaking on the East River, there’s something for everyone here. Plan an intimate party at Madame Tussauds Wax Museum or just enjoy a delicious meal with friends — whatever you choose to do in New York City will make your special day an unforgettable one!

And those are our recommendations for the best things to in New York for your birthday! With so many New York attractions to choose from, why not see them all with a New York Pass? We promise you won't break the bank.

 

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Take Over New York: Tuesday’s Top Experiences Await

Tuesdays in New York don’t get enough love, but we can’t think of a better day to dive into the city’s incredible museums, wander its leafy parks, and soak up the buzz without the weekend crowds. Whether you’re trying to fill a whole day or squeeze in a few unmissable sights, we’ve got your Tuesday all mapped out—from panoramic city views and world-class art to mouthwatering bagels and hidden gardens you’ll brag about later. If you want to experience NYC like a pro, follow our guide to a Tuesday that’s part classic, part offbeat, and absolutely unforgettable.  Every Tuesday in the Big Apple, these are our favorite ways to play:  Empire State Building  American Museum of Natural History  High Line  Madison Square Garden Tour  Top of the Rock  Central Park Bike Tour by Unlimited Biking  MoMA  Grand Central Terminal  Chelsea Market  Bryant Park  And now, let’s break down why these experiences make Tuesday in NYC one to remember...  Empire State Building  Step into the beating heart of New York at the Empire State Building, where the art deco lobby alone is worth the visit. Riding to the 86th floor, excitement builds by the second—few sights compare to watching the world unfurl below, from glimmering rivers to the Central Park treeline. Hit it early on a Tuesday and you’ll dodge the biggest crowds, giving you a moment that feels personal and spectacular. The open-air deck offers nothing short of a goosebump-inducing panorama, best enjoyed with just a breeze and your camera. Stick around inside for historic exhibits and old-school charm—or toast your morning at the 102nd-floor bar if you're visiting later in the day. On Tuesdays, the energy is electric, but the pace is juuust right.  American Museum of Natural History  Dinosaurs, dioramas, and a 94-foot blue whale—need we say more? The American Museum of Natural History dazzles with its labyrinth of halls, mammoth displays, and hands-on fun that’s equal parts fascinating and fun. Tuesdays are one of the best days to explore, as families and school groups are fewer and the quieter galleries give you space to stare back at a T-rex in total awe or ponder the mysteries of the universe in the Hayden Planetarium. Youngsters (and the young at heart) will scramble for the legendary dinosaur floor, while the incredible gemstone exhibit always brings a little sparkle to your day.  Madison Square Garden Tour  Ever wonder what it takes to rock the stage or dominate the court at the World’s Most Famous Arena? A behind-the-scenes Madison Square Garden Tour puts you right in the shoes of stars, athletes, and music legends for an hour of jaw-dropping stories, memorabilia, and peeks backstage. The guides here are pure New York—knowledgeable, chatty, and eager to share quirky anecdotes. And, since Tuesday usually means fewer events, it’s a smooth, crowd-free way to see every hidden corner and take those bucket-list selfies.  Top of the Rock  There’s no feeling like stepping into the glassy sky decks of Top of the Rock. On a Tuesday afternoon, the pace is relaxed; you can linger at every angle, peering north over Central Park’s green sea or south towards the labyrinth of Midtown. It’s always a thrill to spot the Empire State Building front and center—yes, you were just there! Every visit comes with a kismet of people-watching, a dabble of 1930s glamour, and a memory card full of spectacular snaps. Pop down into the Rockefeller Center concourse for murals and mosaics that add another layer to your cultural fix.  MoMA  The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) turns Tuesday into an art-lover’s paradise. With ever-refreshing exhibits, you’ll see classics like Monet’s Water Lilies or Van Gogh’s Starry Night up close—there’s something magical about having a less-crowded gallery to yourself on a weekday. The airy, sunlit spaces draw both seasoned culture hunters and creative newcomers; give yourself time to discover the design store for souvenirs that won’t gather dust. And, if you need a refresh, grab a bite at the chic café with views of the sculpture garden—perfect for recharging before tackling the next gallery.  Grand Central Terminal  Grand Central never fails to impress, but it’s Tuesday travelers who get the best of both worlds: a lively atmosphere without the shoulder-to-shoulder rush. Take a moment to stare up at the celestial ceiling mural, then test out the Whispering Gallery for a hidden-in-plain-sight audio trick. Food-lovers find heaven here—the Grand Central Market offers everything from oysters to gourmet baked goods. Snag a classic black-and-white cookie for your walk, or just wander through the polished corridors and people-watch like only New York allows.  Chelsea Market  Take your tastebuds on a tour at Chelsea Market, the city’s famous warehouse-turned-food-hall. The Tuesday lunchtime shuffle is spirited, but never overwhelming—which means you have ample elbow room for food stand hopping. Try a pillowy lobster roll at Lobster Place, dig into tacos from Los Tacos No. 1, or go global with Japanese-style crepes. Grab a table by the windows for people watching, and don’t forget to peek into Artists & Fleas for indie crafts and quirky keepsakes. Just steps away from the High Line, it’s an ideal spot for a midday feast or snack attack.  Bryant Park  Best known for its year-round energy, Bryant Park is a pocket of calm and activity right in Midtown. Tuesdays are when locals spread out for lunchtime yoga or chess beneath the plane trees, while travelers snag a carousel ride or sip coffee at outdoor tables rimmed with flowers. If you’re visiting in summer, free movie nights and pop-up performances abound; in winter, a skating rink and holiday market transform the whole scene. The New York Public Library—right next door—invites you to browse its ornate reading rooms or snap a photo with the famous marble lions before heading out for your Tuesday adventures.    Ready to turn an average Tuesday into a story you’ll remember long after you leave New York? Start with these picks and see where the city’s energy takes you next!    Enjoyed this? Check out our guide to city views from the waves, and our comprehensive guide to the Museum of Broadway.  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! 
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Best Breakfasts in New York

Looking for the best breakfasts in New York? Of course you are. Whether it's the classic eggs, toast and bacon, or perhaps something with avocado, breakfast – as mom knows – is still the most important meal of the day. And with our recommendations for the best breakfasts in New York, it can also be the best. Sadelle’s Sadelle’s bagel tower will give you reason to live – or at least, to get through your day. It’s the ultimate you-can-take-your-grandma-but-you-can-also-take-your cool-cousin place to go for brunch or breakfast. You must order that bagel tower—the bagels are reasonably sized, not giant, so you won’t feel guilty if you eat, say, six. You’ll also want whitefish salad, or perhaps some smoked salmon. Get several sticky buns to start—yes, it’s that kind of place. It has just the right vibe of homey and trendy, so get those cameras ready – this will be all over your feed before you’ve had coffee. Definitely one of the ten best breakfasts in New York! Sadelle’s bagel tower is now a New York must-be-tried classic Barney Greengrass If you’re looking for one of the best breakfasts in New York, walk into Barney Greengrass. When you enter Barney Greengrass, the famous New York institution that’s been around since 1908, you’ll be greeted by scratched tables, piles of boxes, and narrow pathways. Anywhere else, that might be a sign to leave. Here, it’s a sign that you’re in the right place. The “sturgeon king” is the place to go for lox, eggs, and onions, bagels and cream cheese, potato pancakes, and classic matzoh ball soup (preferably all in one meal.) You’ll feel stuffed and comforted when you leave, but you should probably get half a pound of rugelach (crescent-shaped pastries) to take with you, just in case you want a nosh later. Boqueria One of the best-kept secrets at the buzzy Boqueria is their stellar breakfast. You can go with the prix-fixe option or put together your own spread. You’ll find the traditional (eggs, potatoes, toast) but why not try specialties like house-made chorizo, a tortilla Espanola, or Arroz Negro—black rice, avocado, poached eggs, spinach and fresh herbs? And definitely save room for the churros with chocolate. Whether on a sandwich or in your eggs, avocados are everywhere at breakfast CIinton St. Baking Company There are pancakes...and then there are the pancakes at Clinton St. Baking. Order the blueberry or chocolate chip – they’re so indescribably good, you’ll wonder what you’ve been eating all these years. Slather on plenty of the warm maple butter because... warm maple butter, duh. The fried chicken and waffles is also a solid choice, as is the Brioche French toast. But those pancakes...One caveat: Be prepared to wait. And wait. No matter when you go, there’s a line. It’s worth it. These are pretty much the best pancakes you will ever have, and by far one of the best breakfasts in New York. Impossible-to-resist fluffy pancakes are worth seeking out Westway Diner Sometimes you just want diner food. When that urge strikes at breakfast, head to the Westway Diner. This is the place to go when everyone wants something different. You and your BFF can get scrambled eggs and hash browns, Aunt Mary can have a waffle, and your sister can have the cheese blintzes with sour cream. The menu is extensive, the food is good, and the prices are bearable (it’s still New York, remember.) And just in case you feel like a walk on the wild side, friend shrimp and stuffed grape leaves are also available in the morning hours. Sarabeth’s Another of New York’s best breakfasts is at New York institution Sarabeth’s, which is beloved both for its inviting-yet-homey interior as well as the done-right comfort foods. At breakfast, the oatmeal is stellar, the fat and fluffy French Toast (their words) is, yep, fat and fluffy, and the omelets are delicious. Though the restaurant gives off a faint ladies-who-lunch vibe, just dive in and order the Four Flowers Juice (orange, pineapple, banana and pomegranate) and start your day off right. One of New York’s 10 best breakfasts includes oatmeal with a variety of mix-ins! Buvette The lovely Buvette is the place to go when you’re in the mood for Parisian vibes – or just avoiding your actual life by spending a long time sipping espresso and gazing into space. You can sample the dreamily named “Les Oeufs vapeur" (steamed eggs); “Oeufs Americaine" (is there is a hint of reproach in there?), or just be chic and nibble on an almond croissant. Don’t forget to sigh heavily and make lots of comments about your screenplay. Try an egg – or three – in one of New York’s stellar breakfasts Marlow & Sons When it’s time to feel impossibly hip, head to Marlow & Sons in Brooklyn. Of course it’s in Brooklyn. You can try the egg sandwich (cheddar, pickled chili mayo, and sautéed greens or salad). Or perhaps the egg and rice bowl? It’s filled with kimchi, greens, and furikake (a dry Japanese seasoning typically made with dried fish, seaweed, and sesame seeds.) You can also get a croissant or a muffin – but just know that your coolness factor will go down exponentially if you do. Head to Brooklyn to find one of the city’s best breakfasts Community Food & Juice When you think of the word “breakfast,” you probably think of the kind of food that’s served at Community Food & Juice. Try the biscuit sandwich with egg, cheese and sausage (you’ll never have a fast-food version again); the Eggs Benedict, or the oatmeal, although it’s hard to go wrong. It’s all served in a big, airy space that invites lingering--and linger you will. Definitely one of our picks for one of the best breakfasts in New York! Start your day right with a great breakfast before heading out exploring the city with The New York Pass®. You'll make great savings on attraction admission vs. paying at the gate.
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