New York City Things to Do In July

Time for the mass exit of the city as New Yorkers seek water, shade and vacation. Save yourself the overcrowded bus and traffic to the Hamptons and stay local. With fewer people, it’s a different experience.

Fireworks galore and not just on the 4th. New York City does not lack in bringing the fireworks for Independence Day and being in Manhattan you get 360 views of all of the shows from New Jersey, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Macy’s Fireworks over the Hudson. No time to plan for the 4th of July, but for an epic experience, book a ticket on the Willy Wall, a floating bar with pano-views, to catch fireworks all month long. Sadly, Seamless doesn’t deliver across waters. BUT, Willy Wall allows BYO food/snacks for a sunset picnic to go along with your boat drinks. 

Midtown, the center of the city, is marked with the Broadway lights and Time Square shops, costumed characters and lots of foot traffic. It’s a must see as a tourist but avoided by locals when you’re just trying to get from point A to B. Four words: Times Square at midnight. The temperature drops, fewer people are walking around and the dazzle of lights and oversized signs are still going. There’s just something magical about those lights that will remind you why NYC is the perfect city.

A quieter city means increasing your odds of grabbing a ressie to that “hard to get in” restaurant you’ve been dying to try. Go old school and call the restaurant to see if they have last minute cancellations or availability. Some restaurants purposely hold seats for walk-ins only, as well. Restaurants like Via Carota that don’t take reservations, force you to stand in line to put your name down when they open. Now there’s less people to contend with. No guarantees but if you score a table it feels like winning the lottery.

Take a walk. So simple, but when Monday through Friday is all about the hustle, a leisurely walk around the city sipping an iced beverage is the perfect mind escape on the weekend. While others are rushing to the beach, bumper to bumper with the masses, you’re living stress free with the sun on your face (and SPF of course). Reminding you why it’s a good time to be in New York City.