Spring in New York is simply a wonderful time. The days are bright, the evenings mild, and the city is covered in bloom. The weather is warm, with temperatures hovering around a pleasant 10-20–degrees between March and May. It’s the best time to explore the city’s botanical gardens, enjoy outdoor activities and to get involved in the kick off of the sporting calendar. And of course, what better time is there to hop aboard an open-top bus tour.
If you plan to be in New York in spring, we’ve rounded up our top picks of things to do:
Botanical in the Bronx
As winter becomes a distant memory, and spring in New York starts to bloom, wake up your senses with a trip to The Orchid Show at New York Botanical Garden. Thousands of orchids transform the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, displayed in geometric, illuminated sculptural presentations. Wile away the hours wondering the garden taking the colour and beauty of it in. Then, on special evenings, events are laid on with dancing, music and cocktails among this oasis in the city. The show is open until the end of April. You’ll really feel like spring in New York has finally sprung.
Find the nearest Big Bus Stop to Botanical in the Bronx
Root for your favourite team
Spring in New York is when the sporting calendar kicks off, so if you’re a fan this is the perfect time to visit. The atmosphere in the city is alive. Get tickets to see the Yankees, the Mets and many more, all playing home games at the Yankee Stadium and Citi Field. Cheer on your favourite team and join in the camaraderie with diehard fans. And when it’s time to refuel, there are high-end food stalls that might just surprise you with tasty snacks to keep you going. Go New York in spring!
Find the nearest Big Bus Stop to the Yankee Stadium
Row your boat
A sunny day in New York is a beautiful time to head out onto Central Park Lake for a boat ride. Row your way around 22-acres of water and explore the scenery and wildlife as you go. At this time of year, hundreds of birds migrate to the area, so see how many you can spot. A rather romantic activity, when you’re done bobbing around the lake, you can settle for a bite at The Loeb Boathouse, where the dining experience feels alfresco whether inside the dining room or out on the terrace. We highly recommend the crab cakes. For more details on this restaurant, and others in the city, see our Romantic Restaurants in New York guide.
Find the nearest Big Bus Stop to the Central Park Lake
Free alfresco movies
While the name of this event is Free Summer Movies, screenings actually kick off in May, making it one of the perks of visiting New York in spring. Hosted by the New York City Department & Recreation, movie nights are hosted throughout the city – Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx - with films covering genres from Hollywood classics to current comedies. Screenings tend to start at dusk so grab a blanket, take some snacks and enjoy an evening of entertainment al fresco. And while you’re there, don’t forget to take in the New York City backdrop also.
So there you have our must-do activities during spring in New York. A time when winter starts to shed its coat and the city celebrates the outdoors. And on a sunny day, you can grab a top-deck seat on a Big Bus tour, and we’ll take you to see the best sights and attractions New York is famous for. For more inspiration on how to fill the rest of your time in the City That Never Sleeps, check out our guide to the Top 10 Things to do in New York.
