Last updated on July 6th, 2023
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Looking for fun fall activities in New York City? Here are the best things to do in NYC this fall!
New York City is one of the most fun places to visit in the US, especially during the fall. There aren’t as many crowds, it’s not as hot out, but it’s still warm enough to enjoy the outdoors.
It’s genuinely one of the best fall destinations in the States. And as someone who loves New York, I’m giving you the best fall activities in New York City.
You’ll learn about all the best things to do in fall in New York, from free activities to outdoor events and more.
After reading this post, you’ll know exactly how to spend your fall vacation in NYC.
This post is all about fall activities in New York City.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Please read the full disclosure for more information.
Fall Activities in New York City
Attend the annual New York Film Festival
Calling all film lovers! If you enjoy a good film, you must catch a flick at the annual New York Film Festival. It’s considered one of the top film festivals in the States.
This year, the festival is from September 29 – October 15, 2023. Tickets can be purchased on the festival’s website.
Get in some chuckles at a comedy show.
I love to laugh; seriously, it’s my favorite thing to do. And New York has some of the most talented comics; you might even have a famous comedian pop up at a show. So, you can’t visit without seeing a comedy show.
The best comedy clubs in New York include:
Dress Up & Attend the New York Comic Con
The New York Comic Con will be held October 12-15, 2023, and it is one of the best places to geek out & meet your favorite characters from your favorite comics, shows, and movies. You can even attend a panel where these epic guests discuss various topics relating to the show or movie they’re in.
And on top of all that, you can even dress up as your favorite character! Halloween is the only other acceptable time to do this, so take advantage while you can.
You can purchase tickets on the New York Comic Con website.
Go kayaking on the East River.
Did you know that you can go kayaking in New York for free? Yes, I said free.
Several companies in New York allow you to kayak for free during certain days of the week. So, if you’re balling on a budget, this is a fun fall activity in NYC.
Here are some of the complimentary kayaking organizations:
Get yummy fall treats at an NYC Farmer’s Market.
With the fall in full swing, all the delicious fall treats come out, like apple cider donuts and pumpkin spice (I could totally go for a pumpkin cream cheese muffin😋🤤).
And the best place to get some of these fall flavors is at a local NYC farmer’s market.
Here are the best farmer’s markets in NYC:
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- Union Square Farmers Market
- Chelsea Down to Earth Farmers Market
- Grand Army Plaza Greenmarket
- Tompkins Square Park Greenmarket
- Abingdon Square Greenmarket
Explore the Beautiful New York Botanical Gardens
The New York Botanical Gardens is a living masterpiece you must explore while in the city. The Gardens in the Bronx is the world’s oldest & largest botanical garden.
It’s a great place to get lost in, so if you’re into flowers & plants, I highly recommend visiting.
Bonus tip: Entry into the Gardens is FREE on Wednesdays from 10 am – 11 am, so if you’re looking for a free activity in New York, this is one of the best things to do.
Go apple picking outside the city.
If you really want to get into the fall mood, head outside the city for some apple picking. This is great fun for the whole family, or you can make it a romantic evening with your partner.
Either way, you’re in for a great day.
Popular Locations for Apple Picking:
Go on a Hudson River Cruise
One of the best fall activities in New York City is riding on a Hudson River Cruise. Sailing on the Hudson River offers a unique view of the city & on many of these cruises, you learn a lot about the city. You can also have lunch or dinner on some.
These are my favorite cruise experiences on the Hudson River:
Rent a bike & ride through Central Park
Another great way to enjoy the city is to rent a bike & go riding through Central Park. Not only will you get some exercise in, but you’ll also get to see the legendary Central Park.
This is a super inexpensive way to have fun with friends & family.
Buy Some Books at the Brooklyn Book Festival
If you’re a reader, the Brooklyn Book Festival is another fantastic thing to do in NYC – and it’s FREE. This year, it will be held from September 24 – October 2, 2023.
With authors from all over the world attending, you’ll enjoy workshops, live performances, book signings, and more.
Check out the Brooklyn Book Festival website for which authors are attending.
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Take Gorgeous Photos on the Brooklyn Bridge
Speaking of Brooklyn, you MUST get some photos on the Brooklyn Bridge. You can get some of the best shots here.
And besides the fabulous photos you can take, you get the best view of NYC, the Statue of Liberty, and more.
Even if you just visit to admire the stunning architecture, you need to add the bridge to your itinerary.
Go See a Broadway Show
You can’t visit NYC & not see a Broadway show, even if you aren’t really into them. It’s an experience everyone should try at least once in their lifetime. And what better place to do that than in New York?!
The top theatres to catch a Broadway show include:
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- Lyric Theatre
- New Amsterdam Theatre
- Gershwin Theatre
- Winter Garden Theatre
- Majestic Theatre
Did you know?? NYC is such a massive spot for Broadway that it has its own Broadway District!
Attend the Macy’s Day Thanksgiving Parade
What says you’re in New York during the holidays, like attending the Macy’s Day Thanksgiving Parade?! Ever since I can remember, the Macy’s Day Parade has been a part of the holiday season.
The stunning floats, HUGE floating balloons, the marching bands, and famous singers. Imagine you could be a part of all that fun if you visit during November.
Grab a coffee & walk through the High Line.
High Line, NYC’s elevated park, has certainly become one of the city’s most popular attractions. With a little over a 1-mile trek, High Line is a great spot to go on a nice outdoor walk. So, grab your coffee, your walking shoes, and your favorite podcast & enjoy the view!
Go Ice-Skating in NYC
You can catch the ice rink if you’re visiting NYC towards the end of the fall. From October to late winter, the ice rinks are open for people to get their figure skating on.
The most popular spots to go ice skating in New York is the Rockafeller Center & Central Park. But if those are too crowded, there are several more ice rinks.
Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience
Calling all Harry Potter fanatics! The Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience is one of the best fall activities outside NYC.
Just an hour or so outside of NYC, you can step into the enchanting Forbidden Forest. The exhibit is so well done; it’s almost as if you’ve stepped into the movie yourself.
Plus, this is something the whole family can enjoy.
Taste Some of New York’s Finest Foods
One of my favorite things about New York City is its cuisine. The city has something from just about every culture: Asian, Caribbean, American, Chinese, and more. So, you have to eat at as many local spots as possible while in the city.
Be sure to visit Smorgasborg: the largest open-air food market in the States. You are bound to find some tasty food there.
Oh! And you MUST get a New York bagel!!
Catch the Latest Fashion at New York Fashion Week
Ever wanted to live at your Project Runway dreams & visit an actual fashion show? Then you MUST attend at least one show at New York Fashion Week.
Now you may wonder, ‘Is New York Fashion Week open to the general public?’ YES!
While many fashion shows for famous brands like Ralph Lauren are invitation only, there are several shows & events that the general public can attend.
New York Fashion Week is from September 7 – 13 this year, so get a ticket before they’re all gone.
FAQs about Visiting New York City in Fall
Is New York City nice in fall?
YES, absolutely. The fall brings in cooler weather, beautiful foliage, and much smaller crowds. Naturally, with fewer tourists around, lodging & transportation rates are lower too.
So, not only are there fewer people, but you can also save some money.
When should I go to NYC in the fall?
September is ideal because it hasn’t gotten too cold yet, but you can feel the fall season in the air. However, October is also an excellent month to visit.
Either way, you can’t go wrong with either month, mainly because many festivals happen during these two months.
What is the cheapest month to go to NYC?
The cheapest time to visit NYC is during the winter months, January through March. This is mainly because the weather is usually quite rough during these months.
However, even in the crummy weather, you can still enjoy New York. So, if you’re traveling on a budget, these are the months to go.
How should I dress for fall in NY?
I suggest wearing long-sleeved shirts, pants, and closed-toed shoes as temperatures get colder during fall. Make sure to bring a couple hoodies or jackets also because it can get chilly, especially during early mornings or at night.
This post is all about fall activities in New York City.
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