West Indian Parade, Yankees, US Open, Museums
Monday, September 6, 2021 – Labor Day, the first Monday in September, marks the end of summer in NYC, even though the weather is still quite warm. Some of the best things to do Labor Day Weekend in New York City include The West Indian Parade, U.S. Tennis Open, Yankees, Metropolitan Opera, Outdoor and Indoor Concerts, Free Museum Admission for military families and much more.
1. Labor Day NYC Parade and West Indian Parade
The West Indian Parade takes place on Labor Day, Monday, September 6th in Brooklyn and is a celebration of Caribbean culture, arts, history and traditions. This parade is also known as The New York Caribbean Carnival Parade and sometimes, the Labor Day Parade, as it is always held on Labor Day as the closing event of New York Caribbean Carnival Week. More Info: West Indian Parade
The actual NYC Labor Day Parade takes place the weekend after Labor Day in NYC – 2021 Date TBD. The parade steps off from 44th Street & Fifth Avenue at 10am. More Info: NYC Labor Day Parade
2. Labor Day Weekend Cruises
NYC Sightseeing Cruises - NYC Insider Guide Favorites!
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3. U.S. Tennis Open
August 30 – September 12, 2021
The US Tennis Open is packed on Labor Day Weekend, making it the most popular sporting event in New York City, and for good reason. The Billie Jean King National Tennis Center is spectacular, and the crowd is always amazing. During Labor Day Weekend you can catch Men’s and Women’s Round 3 and Round of 16.
Read the complete NYC Insider Guides to the US Tennis Open with discount tickets, hotel packages, schedule, seating chart and more!
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4. Yankees & Mets Home Games
What could possibly more American than a baseball game????
- Watch the Yankees take on the Baltimore Orioles (Sept 3, 4 & 5) and the Toronto Blue Jays (Sept 6-9)
- The Mets are away Labor Day Weekend 2021, but return for the Subway Series @ Citi Field Sept 10-12, 2021.
More Info: New York Yankees Tickets and New York Mets Tickets, Schedule and Directions.
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5. Free NYC Museum Admission for Military Families
Memorial Day through Labor Day
Catch the last weekend of Free NYC Museum Admission for Military Families at more than 40 New York City Museums and gardens. The program, sponsored by Blue Star, allows all active duty, National Guard and Reserve military personnel and their families access to 1,600 art exhibits, science centers, and amazing museums all over the nation.
More Info: Free NYC Museum Admission for Military Families Summer
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Discount NYC Hotels for Military Families
With rooms from $25 per night, one of the best discount NYC Hotels is reserved for Military Personnel and their eligible dependents and spouses. If you fall into one of their categories, such as Military, Police, Fire from the US or any of our allies, these Discount NYC Hotels are a steal and in a great location.
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New York City Hotels with Pools
While a few of our hotels with pools are family-friendly, most are adult party zones with skyline views, cocktails, private cabanas and summer long pool parties. We highlight more than 10 family-friendly and adults-only hotel pools, many with day-pass availability for NYC locals.
- Gansevoort Meatpacking - rooftop pool, retractable roof for year-round (photo)
- The Watson Hotel - family-friendly, excellent value, 2 blocks from Central Park, swim up bar
- Margaritaville Resort Times Square - new in 2021, home to Times Square's ONLY outdoor (heated) pool
Since most are indoor/outoor and heated, anytime of year is a great time to check into one of our New York City Hotels with Pools.
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6. Washington Square Outdoor Art Exhibit – FREE
2021 Fall Show: Labor Day Weekend Sept 4-6 & 11-12
Walk around Greenwich Village browsing tons of artwork displayed by original artists. Paintings, sculpture, eco-friendly art and lots of other unique pieces to see or purchase, at far less than gallery prices.
More Info: Washington Square Outdoor Art Exhibit
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Which is the BEST New York City Discount Pass?
Get savings coupons and find the best New York City Pass Discounts for your NYC vacation. Unbiased reviews of the New York City Sightseeing Passes. Which is the BEST – New York City Explorer Pass, New York Pass or New York City Pass?
Save with a New York City Attractions Pass
Want to find the BEST NYC Attractions Pass for your trip? Compare All NYC Passes - Download our FREE side by side Comparison Chart.
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7. Labor Day Weekend Concerts
- Electric Zoo Festival – September 3-5, 2021
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8. Metropolitan Opera – Summer HD Festival FREE
TBD 2021
The popular Summer HD Festival returns for their 11th year, presenting ten performances from the company’s acclaimed Live in HD series of movie-theater transmissions on Lincoln Center Plaza. No tickets are required for the festival in NYC. More than 2,800 seats are available each night, plus space for overflow crowds on the plaza.
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More Things to do in New York City
100 Safe Things to do in NYC
Viator - from Wed 11/24 through Wed 12/1, use code "BLACKFRIDAY10" to save 10% on almost anything in NYC - tours, shows, holiday tours, holiday lights, etc. ($30 max discount per order). Use code "BLACKFRIDAY10" on most of the tours listed below.
Hot Sellers Right Now
Viator - from Wed 11/24 through Wed 12/1, use code "BLACKFRIDAY10" to save 10% on almost anything in NYC - tours, shows, holiday tours, holiday lights, etc. ($30 max discount per order). Use code "BLACKFRIDAY10" on most of the tours listed below.
Explore and Indulge Like a Real NYC Foodie
There is no shortage of pizza, bagels, street vendors, cupcakes, craft beer and cocktails, rooftops and mini food parks to explore and so many more food choices in the five boroughs, along with wonderful guides who can't wait to show you them all!!!!
Best New York City Hotel Rooftops
NYC Hotel Rooftops offer some of the best skyline views in the whole City, along with cocktails and food, views, pools, cabanas, sundecks and retractable roofs. Our top picks for the most surreal views and cocktails include:
- Ink48 Hotel - right next to the Intrepid Museum and my ALL time favorite rooftop!
- Sky Room @ Fairfield Inn Times Square - 'the city's highest rooftop lounge' on 34th floor (photo)
- The Empire Hotel - year-round indoor/outdoor rooftop with seasonal pool and cabana rentals
See More: Best New York City Hotel Rooftops
Museums
Most every museum and attraction is open with reduced capacity, safety protocols, reservations and vaccination proof. Check out the new Museum of Ice Cream (SoHo), Guggenheim, MoMA, Whitney and so many more museums from which to choose.
Attractions & Sightseeing
Most every NYC attraction is open with reduced capacity, safety protocols and reservations required. Whether you want to sightsee from the sky or selfie with celebs @ Madame Tussauds, you can be safe and explore.
Go HIGH or Go Home
Top of the Rock, Empire State Building, One World Observatory, Edge or the new SUMMIT which opens Oct 2021? Which is best and, if we have to choose, which should we visit? There is no easy answer, but here are some facts to help guide your choice.
- Empire State Building - (86 and 102 floors) Best for patient movie and history buffs who need to check it off their bucket list. Recently redone indoor 102nd Floor Observatory
- Top of the Rock - (67-70 floors) Best for sweeping 360° vista views, including of the Empire State Building and Central Park. Shorter lines and cheaper than the ESB.
- One World Observatory - (100-102 floors) Best for homage to the Twin Towers. Modern and high tech, with phenomenal views
- Edge - (100-101 floors) Highest outdoor observation deck, glass bottom floor, deck extends 80 feet away from building (photo)
- Summit One Vanderbilt - (91-93 floors) Opens Oct 2021, all glass elevator, indoor and outdoor decks and glass terraces off the side of the building
Secret NYC Insider Tours
Explore our subways secrets with a local guide, go behind-the-scenes at the Basilica of St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral, uncover surprising gems and historical tales of Grand Central Station, cocktail your way through Manhattan’s best and most secretive speakeasies and much more!
Fun Things to Do in NYC
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Sightsee from the Sky
Top of the Rock, Empire State Building, One World Observatory, Edge or Summit? Which is best and, if we have to choose, which should we visit? There is no easy answer, but here are some facts to help guide your choice.
- Empire State Building - (86 and 102 floors) Best for patient movie and history buffs who need to check it off their bucket list. Recently redone indoor 102nd Floor Observatory
- Top of the Rock - (67-70 floors) Best for sweeping 360° vista views, including of the Empire State Building and Central Park. Shorter lines and cheaper than the ESB.
- One World Observatory - (100-102 floors) Best for homage to the Twin Towers. Modern and high tech, with phenomenal views
- Edge - (100-101 floors) Highest outdoor observation deck, glass bottom floor, deck extends 80 feet away from building (photo)
- Summit One Vanderbilt - (91-93 floors) Opens Oct 2021, all glass elevator, indoor and outdoor decks and glass terraces off the side of the building
See All: Top New York City Tourist Attractions
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New York City Night Cruises
See our beautiful Skyline from all angles - in any weather!
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Take in ALL the Tours, Landmarks and Attractions and SAVE
NY Sightseeing Pass, New York Pass, NY Explorer Pass, CityPASS Compared
- Sightseeing Pass - Unlimited Hop on Hop off Buses, One World Observatory, Edge
- New York Pass - 80+ tours and attractions, Choose 1-10 Days
- Explorer or Go Select - Choose from 55+ sights or Build your Your
- New York CityPASS - 6 top attractions, good for 9 days from first use
See All: New York City Pass Comparison Chart
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Secret NYC Insider Tours
Explore our subways secrets with a local guide, go behind-the-scenes at the Basilica of St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral, uncover surprising gems and historical tales of Grand Central Station, cocktail your way through Manhattan’s best and most secretive speakeasies and much more!
Things to do in New York with Kids
One of the best parts of NYC is that what is fun for kids is usually just as much fun for adults. If you are joining us in NYC for a family vacation, then please read all about our local kid's favorites, along with special tips just for visitors.
- Things to Do in New York With Kids - best NYC activities, tours, attractions and Insider Tips for kids and families
- Broadway and Off Broadway Shows for Kids - choose a dream show, like Aladdin, Wicked or Lion King, see the latest Kids shows, or save BIG and entertain kids and little ones under 4 with an awesome Off Broadway Show
- Best Family and Kids hotels in NYC - special perks, freebies, larger rooms, kid-focused concierges
See All: Visiting New York with Kids.
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FREE Things to do in New York City
There are tons of free things to do in New York all day, every day! Tours, attractions, museums, events, shows, sports, movie and more. Kids, adults, outdoors, indoors, active, lazy...you name it!
- NYC Museums Free Days and Times - weekly guide to free museum admissions
- Free New York City Walking Tours - guided or downloadable free NYC walking tours
- More Things to Do in New York City - kids, by month, by season, free, budget
See All: Free Things to Do in NYC - weekly calendar of all free walking tours, free museum admissions, free things to do by season and more
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New York City Shopping Guides
- New York City Shopping Guide
- Shopping in NYC Department Stores
- Discount Budget Shopping in NYC
- Resale and Consignment Shops
- Shopping Guides by Neighborhood
- NYC Designer Sample Sales
- New York Outlet Malls
- New York City Gift Shopping
- Holiday Markets in NYC
- New York City Shopping Tours
- Add YOUR NYC Shop,Tour, Sample Sale
New York City Nightlife
How do you make the most of your time in the city that never sleeps?? Some of the best 'only in NYC' nightlife experiences include skyline views, dinner cruises, Museums and attractions open late til 2am, rooftops, night tours, comedy clubs and more. Some of our top NYC Nightlife picks:
- NYC Rooftop Lounge Tour - guaranteed access to exclusive nighttime hot spots as you sip cocktails under the sky
- InviteOnly Party @ the Hottest NYC Clubs - VIP access to NYC Clubs with Bottle Service and dancing.
- New York Dinner Cruise - family-friendly and/or romantic cruise with excellent service, spectacular sights and delicious menu offerings.
- Broadway Comedy Club - laugh out loud all night long
See all our Top Picks: New York City Nightlife
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Save HUGE $$$$ in NYC
- New York City Coupons Guide
- Save on NYC Hotels
- Half Price NYC Tickets
- Ticketmaster Deals
- NYC Museums FREE Days
- Free NYC Printable Maps
- NYC Restaurants and Food Discounts
- New York Attractions Discount Passes
- Free New York City Walking Tours
- Free Things to Do in New York City
- NYC Designer Sample Sales
- Visiting New York on a Budget
Romantic Things to Do in NYC
There are tons of things to do on your romantic New York City vacation. Attractions open late with skyline views, Central Park Tours, VIP Experiences, a helicopter ride. Some of the most popular romantic ways to see NYC include:
See more romantic things to do at: Romantic New York City Vacation and Valentine's Day in NYC
Explore and Indulge Like a Real NYC Foodie
There is no shortage of pizza, bagels, street vendors, cupcakes, craft beer and cocktails, rooftops and mini food parks to explore and so many more food choices in the five boroughs, along with wonderful guides who can't wait to show you them all!!!!
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Spot Celebrities in NYC
Where to find celebrities in NYC or which celebrities are living in NYC today are common questions by all, but celebrity sightings in NYC are way easier than you may think and happen all the time. You will, of course, see them on the subway, in Central Park, at the gym, in restaurants, at all the current hotspots, at shows and more. But here are some unique ways to see celebrities all over the city.
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Get Out of Town for a Day
NYC is within 3 hours of so many other cities and areas you can visit for just one day. Easily head to Washington DC, Boston, Philadelphia, Niagara Falls, the Hamptons, Woodbury Common Shopping Outlets and more.
Whether you live in NY or are visiting, and no matter how much you love NYC, escaping for a day is a treat for everyone. Top choices for 1-day Out of Town:
See All: Day Trips Out of New York City
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