HomeNYC EventsNYC MayThings To Do in New York in May

Things To Do in New York in May

Best May New York City Activities

The best Things To Do in New York in May include boat & sailing tours, exploring NYC on bike, volleyball, tennis, cheering on the Mets and Yankees and basically anything else outdoors as May in NYC is a phenomenal weather month. Celebrate May with a cocktail and skyline view from a rooftop, take a free tour of Central Park, sail around the Statue of Liberty, save huge at Sample Sales and so much more.


Check the NYC Insider Guide May Events Calendar

Check out all the Best May Events in New York City. Eat and drink to your heart’s content at the Ninth Avenue Food Festival, Taste of Tribeca and Manhattan Cocktail Classic. Honor our Military during Fleet Week and Memorial Day Weekend. Buy Mom a "MOM-osa" on Mother’s Day. Up your culture game at the Met Museum Martini Roof and Garden Cafe or at Shakespeare in the Park. Peruse the hottest new artists at the Washington Square Outdoor Art Exhibit, watch the Five Boro Bike Tour and so much more

NYC Insider Guide May Events Calendar

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Where to Stay during Spring in New York City

Spring is the perfect time to check into one of our hotels with free bicycles, an awesome roofdeck or right next to Central Park. Take advantage of the many free perks offered by NYC hotels to help you explore more of NYC, see amazing skyline views and dive into the nooks and crannies of New York City you can't see any other way!

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NYC Designer Sample Sales May

New York City Shopping Designer Sample Sales

May is one of the BEST Sample Sales months in NYC. Prior May sales include: Jimmy Choo, Manolo Blahnik, Christian Louboutin, James Jeans, Tory Burch, Bonobos, Plein Sud, Sandro, Lafayette 148, Jay Strongwater, Kids Sample Sale, The Big Designer Sale, Reed Krakoff, Hickey Freeman, Elizabeth and James, ICB, Sferra Luxury Linens, Rubin & Chapelle and more!

Stay up to date with this year’s sales at NYC Designer Sample Sales.

NYC Designer Sample Sales are some of our best hidden gems. Most sample sales are announced with only a few days notice, but often, they take place the same time every year.

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FREE Walking Tours of New York City

New York City Walking Tours NYC by Foot

May has some of the year’s most perfect weather for a Walking Tour of NYC, so why not try the city’s BEST and FREE walking tours?

NYC Insider Guide May Pick: Central Park

Free tours are offered in Central Park, Lower Manhattan, Greenwich Village, Midtown and most every other area and neighborhood in NYC. Guides are all licensed, passionate about NYC and work just for tips! With about 2-4 tours around the City daily, what’s not to love about NYC by Foot? More New York City Walking Tours.

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NYC Boat Tours Cruises

NYC Boat tours cruises are one of my FAVORITE things to do in NYC. There are no better views of our skyline than from the water and year-round, you can cruise with brunch, champagne, general sightseeing, dinner, booze, jazz, sailboat, speedboat, holiday, romantic. With so many boat cruise choices, here are our top picks by category:

See all our Top Picks: NYC Boat Tours Cruises

NYC Boat Tours Cruises

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May is the Start of Rooftop Season!

May is a great month to visit one of our amazing rooftops, especially on a nice night. NYC Hotel Rooftops offer some of the best skyline views in the whole City. In the spring, a rooftop that has both indoor and outdoor space (as most do) is definitely the way to go! NYC Hotel Rooftops offer everything: cocktails and food, views, pools, cabanas, sundecks and retractable roofs.

Best New York City Hotels with Rooftops

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Catch the End of New York City Ballet Season

New York City Ballet

The NYCB Season, which goes through the end of May, features 56 ballets, with 28 works by NYCB co-founder, George Balanchine, including the full-length Jewels and a Midsummer Night’s Dream, as well as the annual holiday season of The Nutcracker. See the May Ballet Schedule at Lincoln Center.

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Fun Things to do in New York in Spring

There are hundreds of fun things to do in New York in Spring. With the cherry blossoms, green foliage, sparkling rivers and warm weather as your backdrop, Spring is the time to take advantage of rooftops, biking, tennis, volleyball, walking tours and so much more.

Things to do in New York in Spring

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New York Weather May

New York weather in May weather is delightful and the Central Park foliage is fully blooming, making one of their free tours an ideal thing to do. The weathermen will tell you the summer does not start until June 21st, but any New Yorker will tell you Memorial Day Weekend is officially the start of the summer. Expect New York City to clear out on the weekend prior to the fourth Monday in May.

As the daylight hours get longer, you will need lightweight sweaters and coats in May to prepare for large day to night temperature drops.

Historical May high/low temperatures are 68/53 (F) and 21/11 (C). It is best to pack lots of layers – sweaters over shirts, a jacket you can easily take off and stuff in a bag, bring umbrellas and be ready for heavier night clothes.

New York Weather May

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Jones Beach Summer Concerts

Jones Beach Summer Concert Schedule

May - September
Jones Beach Concerts 2023 feature Luke Bryan, Dave Matthews Band, Matchbox Twenty, Foreigner & Loverboy, Goo Goo Dolls & OAR, Big Time Rush, Rob Zombie and Alice Cooper and SO MUCH MORE!

The world's top talent, outdoors, easy access from the City, a great audience, and overlooking the ocean...could you ask for more?

More: Jones Beach Summer Concerts

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Central Park SummerStage

Central Park SummerStage

May - September
All Over NYC

SummerStage, New York’s largest free performing arts festival, brings over 100 performances to eighteen parks throughout the five boroughs. Most of the concerts are free, though a few require advanced tickets.

More Info: Central Park SummerStage

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MetLife Stadium Summer Concerts

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The Rooftop @ Pier 17 Concerts

NYC's newest open-air venue at The Seaport, The Rooftop at Pier 17 hosts its Summer Concert Series with iconic views of the Brooklyn Bridge & Manhattan skyline.

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TODAY Show Summer Concert Series

TODAY Show Toyota Summer Concert Series

May - September, Fridays
49th Street and Rockefeller Plaza

The 2023 lineup includes Kelly Clarkson, The Jonas Brothers, Chance the Rapper, Niall Horan, Big Time Rush, TWICE, Dan + Shay and more! 

More Info: TODAY Show Summer Concert Series

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Good Morning America Summer Concert Series

Good Morning America Summer Concert Series

July - September, Fridays
Rumsey Playfield, Central Park & Times Square studio

The Good Morning America Summer Concert Series takes place most Fridays, July-September. The 2023 lineup kicks of on on July 14th with Jung Kook of BTS , followed by Carly Rae Jepsen, Hozier, Tim McGraw and more.

More Info: Good Morning America Summer Concert Series

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Save $$ on New York Concert Tickets

Note: All of our ticket partners are legitimate, official, recommended ticket sellers and guaranteed to sell you official NYC Concert tickets.

Forest Hills Stadium Outdoor Summer Concerts

Forest Hills Stadium (outdoors) hosts performances by Mumford & Sons, Ed Sheeran, The Who, D’Angelo, Zac Brown Band and many more. Originally built in 1923 as the home of the US Open tennis tournament, Forest Hills Stadium has played host to the greats of tennis and music.

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Amphitheater at Coney Island Boardwalk Outdoor Summer Concerts

A fabulous new, 5,000-seat outdoor amphitheater in Coney Island, Brooklyn.

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More Things To Do in New York in May

Fun Things to do in New York in Spring

Fun Things to do in New York in Spring





More Things to do in New York City

Fun Things to do in New York in Winter

Fun Things to do in New York in Winter




Newest NYC Experiences - Be The First!


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:

New York City Hotel Rooftops

See More: Best New York City Hotel Rooftops


Museums

Museums and attractions are open, some 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 NYC Museums from which to choose.


New York City Museums


Attractions & Sightseeing

NYC attractions are open, some with 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 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.

Edge NYC Observation Deck

  • 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) Opened Oct 2021, all glass elevator, indoor and outdoor decks and glass terraces off the side of the building. One of the hottest tickets in town


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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.

Edge NYC Observation Deck

  • 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!

Sunset Sail aboard the Schooner Adirondack

NYC Insider Pick
Price starting at US$72
View details

NYC Premiere Dinner & Skyline Cruise

Bestseller
Price starting at US$145
View details

Champagne City Lights Cruise on Yacht Manhattan

Price starting at US$56
View details

Circle Line Harbor Lights Cruise

Bestseller
Price starting at US$33
View details

New York City Lights Dinner Cruise

Likely to sell out
Price starting at US$161
View details

Around Manhattan Architecture

Price starting at US$74
View details

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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

New York City Passes Compared

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

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!

Free Things to Do in New York City

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


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:

New York City Nightlife

See all our Top Picks: New York City Nightlife

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Save HUGE $$$$ in NYC

New York City Coupons


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:

Romantic NYC Hotel Deals

NYC Insider Pick
Price starting at US$120
View details

Romantic NYC Champagne & Skyline Cruises

Bestseller
Price starting at US$60
View details

Private Central Park Walking Tour with a Personal Photographer

Price starting at US$147
View details

New York City Private Helicopter Tour

Bestseller
Price starting at US$1,800
View details

Romantic Broadway Show Picks

Price starting at US$120
View details

Valentines Dinner Cruise with the NYC Skyline

Bestseller
Price starting at US$145
View details

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

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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NYC Insider Guide
NYC Insider Guidehttps://www.nycinsiderguide.com
Welcome! I'm Melissa, a fourth generation New Yorker, who has been lucky enough to live in New York for over 30 years. I love just about everything in New York City, the very reason I started this web site, and I look forward to sharing it all with you. Please explore the New York City Insider Guide at your own pace. I hope it helps you plan your New York City Vacation, so you not only go home as a NYC Insider, but plan to visit us again soon.

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