New York City Events, Broadway & Things to Do 2025
Iconic stages, skyline views for days, museums you could live in, and neighborhoods with their own heartbeat. Use this guide to compare tickets, book must-do tours, and stitch together an NYC trip you’ll actually brag about.
Top Deals in New York City
Jump to: Broadway & Shows · Concerts & Venues · Sports · Observatories & Landmarks · Museums & Culture · Neighborhood Tours & Cruises · Nightlife & Rooftops · Festivals & Big Weekends · By Month · FAQ
Broadway & Shows
From long-running phenomena to buzzy new openings, Broadway and Off-Broadway light up the calendar nightly. Weekends and holidays sell fast—midweek seats can be easier.
Classic Houses
- Richard Rodgers, Gershwin, Majestic & Shubert Theatres
- New Amsterdam (Disney), Lyric, Al Hirschfeld
- Radio City Music Hall (seasonal spectaculars & concerts)
Concerts & Venues
Arena headliners, intimate theaters, borough festivals—NYC’s live-music scene never clocks out. Compare dates and marketplaces for best pricing.
Major Venues
- Madison Square Garden (Manhattan)
- Barclays Center (Brooklyn)
- UBS Arena (Queens / Long Island)
- Radio City Music Hall · Beacon Theatre
- Forest Hills Stadium · The Theater at MSG
Sports
Baseball in the Bronx or Queens, hoops at the Garden, hockey under bright lights, and derby days in New Jersey—rivalry games go first.
Home Teams & Venues
- New York Yankees — Yankee Stadium
- New York Mets — Citi Field
- New York Knicks / Rangers — Madison Square Garden
- Brooklyn Nets / Islanders — Barclays Center / UBS Arena
- NYCFC — Yankee Stadium / Citi Field · NY Red Bulls — Red Bull Arena
- Football & special events — MetLife Stadium (NJ)
Observatories & Landmarks
Pick your view: Art Deco classics, harbor panoramas, mirrored sky-rooms, or outdoor decks with a rush. Book timed entries to skip lines.
Top Picks
- Empire State Building
- Top of the Rock (Rockefeller Center)
- One World Observatory (Downtown)
- Edge at Hudson Yards (outdoor deck)
- SUMMIT One Vanderbilt (immersive mirrors)
- Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island (ferry + pedestal/crown)
Museums & Culture
Iconic collections and blockbuster exhibits—reserve timed tickets for popular shows and weekends.
Don’t Miss
- The Met · The Met Cloisters
- Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
- American Museum of Natural History
- Guggenheim · Whitney Museum of American Art
- 9/11 Memorial & Museum
Neighborhood Tours & Cruises
Walk SoHo to Greenwich Village, cross the Brooklyn Bridge at sunset, graze through a pizza or dumpling crawl, or loop the skyline on a harbor cruise.
Easy Wins
- Circle Line or skyline night cruise
- Harlem gospel & history tour (select days)
- Brooklyn Bridge & DUMBO walking tour
- Central Park bike tour or rental
- SoHo–Little Italy–Chinatown food tour
Nightlife & Rooftops
Rooftop views, late-night comedy, and jazz basements that define the word “vibe.” Check door policies and consider skip-the-line options.
Fan Favorites
- Comedy Cellar (Greenwich Village)
- Blue Note · Village Vanguard (jazz)
- 230 Fifth · PHD · Harriet’s (Rooftops)
Festivals & Big Weekends
City-wide celebrations and tent-pole events fill the calendar—book lodging early.
- Times Square New Year’s Eve & holiday season
- Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
- NYC Pride (June)
- US Open Tennis (Aug–Sep)
- Tribeca Film Festival · NY Fashion Week
- St. Patrick’s Day Parade · Fourth of July Fireworks
New York City by Month
Seasonal shifts affect crowds and pricing—lock top attractions and shows early for weekends & holidays.
- Jan–Mar: Winter deals; Broadway & museums shine.
- Apr–Jun: Spring bloom; concerts & outdoor events ramp up.
- Jul–Sep: Summer rooftops, harbor cruises, US Open.
- Oct–Dec: Fall foliage, marathon & holidays, NYE countdown.
New York City FAQ
What’s the best time to visit?
Spring and fall for weather; holidays for lights and shows; winter weekdays offer great value.
Do I need to book Broadway in advance?
Yes—popular titles sell out early. Midweek shows are easier; same-day tickets exist but aren’t guaranteed on peak dates.
Which observatory should I choose?
Empire State for classic; Top of the Rock for Central Park views; One World for harbor scenes; Edge for open-air thrills; SUMMIT for mirrored immersion.
Do I need a car in NYC?
No—walking, subway, and tour transport cover everything.
Where should I stay?
Midtown for shows & landmarks; Downtown for waterfront vibes; Brooklyn for arts and skyline views.