Things to do in New York in the Morning

New York’s architectural race to the heavens is writ large across its skyline, with each new skyscraper built inching higher than the last. Presumably the architects are all men. Anyway, as reliably as night follows day this proliferation of very tall buildings has given rise to several very high observation platforms, each with its own unique quirks and benefits. We’re talking stalwarts like the mighty Empire State Building, the Chrysler and Top of the Rock, as well as relative newbies the One World Observatory, SUMMIT One and Edge NYC.

It’s no surprise, given the extraordinary panoramic views promised by these Manhattan goliaths, that they’re among the most popular New York attractions. And, as with all popular NYC hotspots, the best time to beat the lines and dodge the tourist hordes is in the morning. We recommend the OG Empire State for some of the very best Manhattan views, but pick Top of the Rock if it’s views of the Empire State Building itself that you covet. Hit up SUMMIT One for a futuristic immersive experience, or try Edge for perhaps the most hair-raising experience of them all. Most of the major Big Apple attractions open from around 9AM, and the observation platforms are no exception, so grab a coffee and a donut and hotfoot it to some of our faves in time for the doors opening. 

Other top New York attractions best visited in the morning include Times Square. No, really. Most people wait until dusk, but the lights here burn brightly all hours of the day, and morning is the quietest time to get down there and secure all those essential #humblebrag selfies. Likewise, morning is the best time to make a date with Lady Liberty. Cruise past at sunrise on the free Staten Island Ferry, or book one of the first morning tours, like the one that’s included with the New York Pass. There are over 100 top NYC attractions, tours and activities included with the pass. Hit the buttons below to find out how you could save up to 50% on admission to the Empire State Building, One World Observatory, 9/11 Memorial Museum, MoMA, the Guggenheim and many more...

Eggs over easy, French toast, waffles, and pancakes drowned in maple syrup: the all-American brunch is a heart-stopping treat that everyone should try at least once. In the heart of the Big Apple’s Meatpacking District, Chelsea Market is a bustling hub for early birds, welcoming shoppers in with the intoxicating waft of freshly baked bread, roasting coffee and farm-fresh cheeses. And if all that has made you feel hungry (as it has us), you’re in luck: the market also has several fab brunch spots. Try stalwart Friedmans for steak and eggs, fried chicken and cheddar waffles, and some of the best French toast in town. Or fortify yourself with a grab’n’go giant breakfast burrito from El Donkey: nosebag of kings.

It’s all about the eggs, crispy latkes, plump pierogies and challah French toast at the kosher B&H Dairy over in the East Village. This lot have been feeding New Yorkers for nearly 100 years, so it’s a fair bet when you ask for your eggs sunny side up, that’s exactly how you’ll get ‘em. Or try nearby Clinton St. Baking Company for your morning fix of pancakes smothered in warm maple butter and blueberries.

Wherever you happen to be staying in NYC, there’s bound to be an excellent American diner, brunch spot, bagel joint or sandwich shop nearby. Ask your concierge for the hottest local tips or do it the old-fashioned way and simply follow your nose...

One of the best things you can do in New York in the morning is to get up early – really early – and enjoy the relative tranquility of the golden hour; that magical time just after sunrise when the light is at its most mesmerizing and the city hasn’t yet revved itself into life. There are several places you can enjoy New York’s golden hour at its finest, but the Brooklyn Bridge, with its iconic neo-Gothic arches and far-reaching views, is tough to beat. Fortify with a pastry and double espresso from one of the many early-opening bakeries in Manhattan’s Financial District before making your way across the bridge’s pedestrian walkway, pausing to take in views of the Manhattan skyline and Statue of Liberty, as well as nabbing those all-important sunrise selfies. Seek out brunch in Brooklyn’s hip DUMBO neighborhood when you get to the other side: Bread & Spread or waterfront faves The Osprey and the River Café for the win. Top tip: don’t miss the classic Washington Street photo opp of our old pal the Empire State Building, perfectly framed beneath the arches of Manhattan Bridge.

Central Park is an equally tranquil location for golden hour strolls. Join the early-morning dog walkers, joggers and yoga enthusiasts and make for pretty spots including Bethesda Terrace and the Bow Bridge for souvenir snapshots bathed in the sun’s rosy morning glow. It’s also a lovely time to take a ramble through The Ramble, the sweeping 36-acre woodland at the heart of Central Park, where morning mist lingers over lush meadows and the morning birdsong will make you feel a million miles from Manhattan’s usual hustle and bustle. Check out our full guide to things to do in Central Park here.

Last but certainly by no means least in our list of the best things to do in New York in the morning is the magnificent High Line. This elevated green space built along a former railway line is one of the city’s coolest parks and is frankly ideal if you were planning to head to Chelsea for breakfast anyway. Expect lush walkways, landscaped gardens, Hudson River views, and plenty of public art to ogle. Pair with a trip to the wonderful Whitney Museum at the park’s southern entrance, admission to which is of course included on The New York Pass.

Find more fun things to do in NYC in the morning, and save big with The New York Pass. Click here for more info and to bag yours!