Discover New York in May | Top attractions, events, and more

NYC in May: Popular things to do

Broadway

A classic New York experience is catching a Broadway matinee show. From classics like Wicked, The Great Gatsby, Hamilton, and Aladdin to Stranger Things: The First Shadow, & Juliet, and more, there’s a great experience lined up for all audiences.

Special events: George Clooney’s Good Night and Good Luck, Othello, Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club, and Antony and Cleopatra.

Recommended experiences:

Antony and Cleopatra
Hamilton
The Lion King
Stranger Things: The First Shadow

Insider tip: Book your tickets in advance for popular shows, especially if you plan on visiting during the weekend.

Find all Broadway shows in May here

SUMMIT One Vanderbilt

From immersive exhibits, installations, and incredible modern architecture to great views of the city, SUMMIT One Vanderbilt has a number of experiences you can enjoy on your visit.

Special events: AIR by Kenzo, Cloud by Yayoi Kusama, Affinity

Recommended experiences:

SUMMIT One Vanderbilt Tickets

Insider tip: Arrive a few hours before sunset so you have enough time to explore the attractions within and enjoy the panoramic sunset views from their outdoor terrace.

Find all SUMMIT One Vanderbilt tickets here

Edge Observation Deck, New York City skyline view with Hudson River and skyscrapers.

Edge NYC

Visit the largest outdoor observation deck in the Western Hemisphere and take in the Manhattan skyline views from Hudson Yards. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also scale the building with the City Climb Skyscraping experience.

Recommended experiences:

Edge Express Pass: Skip-the-Line & Flexible Entry
Edge Observation Deck Tickets: Timed Entry
City Climb Skyscraping Experience with Edge Observation Deck Tickets

Insider tip: Spend the day at Hudson Yards and visit The High Line, the restaurants, and enjoy some time at the park before you visit Edge.

All Edge NYC tickets

The Museum of Modern Art

MoMA New York is one of the best and leading contemporary art museums in the world, and a must-visit for art lovers. You can catch film screenings, shows, and rotating exhibits by artists from around the world, to timeless collections by revolutionary artists.

Special events: Rosa Barba's The Ocean of One’s Pause, Pirouette: Turning Points in Design, Otobong Nkanga's Cadence, Video After Video The Critical Media of CAMP, and Jack Whitten's The Messenger.

Recommended experiences:

The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) Tickets

Insider tip: Listen to the audio guide available for a more enhanced experience.

All MoMA tickets

New York Aquarium

The New York Aquarium is one of the oldest aquariums in the country that’s still operational, and they have a number of wildlife encounters and exhibits for you to engage with on your visit. The perfect way to spend a day out, especially if you are in Brooklyn.

Special events: 4D Theater shows

Recommended experiences:

New York Aquarium Tickets with 4D Theater Show

Insider tip: Make sure you check the aquarium’s exhibits, such as the Aquatheater and the Ocean Wonders: Sharks! exhibit for a close-up encounter with fascinating marine animals.

Find tickets to the New York Aquarium

Statue of Liberty viewed from a cruise, New York City tour, Empire State Building access included.

Statue of Liberty cruises

Spend your morning on a ferry and make a trip to visit Ellis Island and Lady Liberty. Learn about the rich history of New York and explore the exhibits at the National Immigration Museum.

Special events: Visit the National Immigration Museum for their immersive exhibits.

Recommended experiences:

Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Tickets with Ferry Transfers
Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Guided Tour with Ferry Transfers
Circle Line: Statue of Liberty Cruises

Insider tip: Opt for the guided tour to get more insight into the history and foundation of New York City.

All Statue of Liberty and sightseeing cruises

9/11 Memorial & Museum Tickets

$36

4.6 | 3773 Reviews

One World Observatory Standard Ticket: Skip-the-Box-Office

$30.49

4.4 | 1022 Reviews

New York CityPASS®: Choose 5 Attractions

$154

4.5 | 68 Reviews

Edge Observation Deck Tickets: Timed Entry

$39.20

4.5 | 5715 Reviews

Rockefeller Center Guided Tour

$29.40

4.4 | 8 Reviews

Statue of Liberty & NYC Landmarks 1.5-Hour Sightseeing Cruise

$34.99

4.7 | 118 Reviews

Central Park Zoo Tickets

$19.95

4.5 | 52 Reviews

Good Night, and Good Luck

5 | 2 Reviews

May highlights: Must-do experiences for solo travelers, families, art and culture enthusiasts, and more

US Navy Destroyer docked in New York Harbor during Fleet Week with city skyline in background.

Solo travelers or friend groups

Must-experience:

Fleet Week NYC: A week-long celebration filled with live performances, fleets of ships, and parades, a great way to engage with the crowd and soak in New York’s culture.
Ninth Avenue Food Festival: Pop-ups and events with local and international cuisine, the food festival is one of the oldest and largest food festivals in the city.
NYC Memorial Day parades: A day honoring those who have served in the US Armed Forces, the parade is filled with festivities, and marks the unofficial beginning of the summer season.
Parks and picnics: Perfect for self-exploration, spending time outdoors, enjoying picnics, and strolls in the scenic parks across the city, blooming with spring flowers.

Better in May:

May has cooler temperatures and fewer crowds, making the festivities and experiences a lot more local and intimate.

Cherry blossoms in full bloom along a pathway in Central Park, New York, USA.

Families with kids

Must-experience:

Central Park: The Park is filled with spring blossoms, perfect for families and children to enjoy a sunny day out.
Bronx Zoo: The Zoo is home to multiple wildlife species in different exhibits, offering various engaging experiences, a great way to spend time with nature and learn about various animals and their habitats.
New York Aquarium: Home to many marine ecosystems and habitats, the New York Aquarium offers a great viewing and interactive experience for families and children who are curious about marine life.
NYC Memorial Day parades: Join in on the festivities and celebrate the US Armed Forces with a day filled with events, floats, and cheer.

Better in May:

Spring is on in full swing, and with summer just around the corner, May is a great time to explore the outdoors and enjoy activities without the rush.

Art and culture enthusiasts

Must-experience:

NYC Ballet Spring 2025: The end of the NYC Ballet Spring season 2025 comes with exhilarating performances from some of the city’s finest.
Dance Parade and Festival: Live performances, music, festivities, and dance showcases make this a fun and interactive way of engaging with the city’s performing arts culture.

Better in May:

The seasonal attractions and events in the performing arts sector are exclusive and make for an enriching experience for those who want to soak in the culture that New York has to offer.

Holiday Train Show model trains and miniature landmarks at New York Botanical Gardens.

Nature lovers

Must-experience:

Central Park: Central Park is filled with activities, installations, and flora for nature lovers to enjoy, and spring is the perfect time to experience it in full bloom.
New York Botanical Garden: May pays homage to Van Gogh’s Flowers with various botanical displays, large-scale art, and themed events celebrating the artist and his works.
The High Line at Hudson Yards: An elevated park built on top of a railyard, The High Line has a diverse range of flora, coupled with multiple installations and performances for all visitors to enjoy.

Better in May:

With flowers in full bloom, mild temperatures, and fewer crowds, visiting parks and spending time with nature in New York in May is sure to be relaxing, reinvigorating, and a great escape from the city’s bustle.

NYC in May: Your 3-day itinerary

Day 1: Classic NYC highlights

Breakfast: Balthazar
Start your day with a classic New York breakfast at Balthazar in SoHo with freshly baked croissants, eggs, and coffee.

Morning: SoHo and Washington Square Park
After breakfast, take a stroll through SoHo and enjoy its charming cobblestone streets and unique art galleries. Head to Washington Square Park to soak in the lively atmosphere and watch street performances.

Lunch: Joe’s Pizza
For lunch, head to Joe’s Pizza in Greenwich Village for an iconic New York slice of pizza. It's casual, delicious, and a must-try when in the city.

Afternoon: High Line and Edge NYC
Spend time walking across the High Line, an elevated park built on a former railway track, offering beautiful views of the city and the Hudson River. Watch the sunset at Edge New York, the highest outdoor observation deck in the country, for a fun, scenic evening.

Dinner: The Spotted Pig
Enjoy dinner at The Spotted Pig, a gastropub in the West Village known for its hearty, delicious dishes. Try their famous burger and crispy shoestring fries.

Evening spot: The Dead Rabbit
End your night with a drink at The Dead Rabbit, an award-winning bar in the Financial District.

Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York in April

Day 2: Arts & culture

Breakfast: Sarabeth’s
Visit Sarabeth’s on Central Park South for a hearty breakfast. Their famous baked goods and omelets are perfect for a day of culture and sightseeing.

Morning: The Met
Head over to The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met), just a short walk from Sarabeth’s. Spend the morning exploring world-class art collections spanning centuries and cultures.

Lunch: Café Sabarsky
For lunch, walk to Café Sabarsky in the Neue Galerie, a Viennese-style café serving classic pastries and sandwiches for a light, refreshing meal.

Afternoon: Central Park
After lunch, take a short stroll to Central Park and enjoy a leisurely walk through the park’s stunning scenery. You can even rent a bike or take a rowboat out on the lake.

Dinner: Red Farm
Dine at Red Farm, a Chinese restaurant on the Upper West Side known for its creative takes on traditional dishes. Their dumplings are a crowd favorite.

Evening spot: Lincoln Center
For a relaxed evening, head to Lincoln Center for a performance or concert. Whether it’s opera, ballet, or a symphony, this cultural landmark offers world-class shows in an iconic setting.

Chinatown New York street with red lanterns and busy market stalls.

Day 3: History and neighborhood gems

Breakfast: Russ & Daughters Café
Enjoy a wholesome breakfast at Russ & Daughters Café on the Lower East Side, famous for its bagels, lox, and cream cheese.

Morning: Explore the Lower East Side
After breakfast, walk around the Lower East Side and check out its boutique shops and art galleries.

Lunch: Katz’s Delicatessen
Stop by Katz’s Delicatessen for lunch, one of the oldest delis in New York. Famous for its pastrami sandwiches, it’s a classic NYC experience.

Afternoon: Chinatown
Walk to Chinatown and spend time exploring the bustling streets, shops, and markets.

Dinner: Lupa Osteria Romana
Enjoy dinner at Lupa Osteria Romana, an Italian trattoria in Greenwich Village. Their fresh pasta and traditional Roman dishes are perfect for a cozy evening meal.

Evening spot: Please Don't Tell
Finish your NYC trip with a drink at Please Don't Tell (PDT), a hidden bar located inside a hot dog joint called Crif Dogs in the East Village. It’s an intimate spot known for its craft cocktails, with a speakeasy vibe.

Pro tips for exploring NYC in May

Pack for varying weather: May in New York can be unpredictable, so pack layers and make sure you bring an umbrella with you for your visit.
Take advantage of outdoor activities: With the weather warming up, New York’s outdoor events come alive. From Fleet Week to The Ninth Avenue Food Festival, plan ahead and check event schedules so you don’t miss the city’s seasonal celebrations.
Rooftop bars are a must-visit: NYC rooftops are some of the best spots to sip on a drink with a view, and they’re open for the season for you to enjoy.
Don’t forget outdoor dining: May is the perfect time to dine al fresco. Many restaurants across the city offer outdoor seating, with patios and scenic overlooks.
Book tickets for popular attractions in advance: NYC’s most popular attractions like the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, and Broadway shows can get crowded, especially in May. Book your tickets in advance to skip long lines and save time.
Walk around the city: NYC is a walking city, and May’s pleasant weather makes exploring on foot a joy. Take a leisurely stroll through neighborhoods like SoHo, Chelsea, and Greenwich Village to discover hidden gems and local spots.
Soak in Central Park’s spring beauty: May is one of the best times to visit Central Park. Enjoy the lush greenery, blooming flowers, and peaceful lakes. Rent a bike or row a boat for a fun, active way to explore this iconic park.
Take a boat tour: Boat tours, especially sunset sightseeing cruises, provide a unique perspective of the city and its skyline, perfect for a sunny May day.
Pack comfortable shoes: Exploring NYC involves a lot of walking, so wear comfortable, supportive shoes. If you plan to explore neighborhoods or walk through museums, sturdy shoes will make a huge difference.
Use the Subway app for easy navigation: The NYC subway system is vast, but apps like CityMapper or Google Maps can help you navigate the city’s public transit. Download one of these apps to get real-time directions and train schedules.
Don’t overpack your schedule: NYC has so much to offer, but trying to squeeze too many activities into one day can be overwhelming. Leave some time to just sit in a café or stroll through a neighborhood without a strict agenda and immerse yourself in the surroundings.

Frequently asked questions about visiting NYC in May

What’s the weather like in New York during May?

In May, New York’s weather is usually pleasant with temperatures ranging from 13°C (55°F) in the mornings to 23°C (73°F) in the afternoons. While it's generally sunny, expect occasional light rain.

When is the best time to visit popular attractions in New York in May?

To avoid crowds, visit popular attractions early in the morning or later in the afternoon. This will give you a chance to enjoy the sites without the midday rush.

Can I visit New York’s outdoor attractions in May?

Absolutely! May is ideal for visiting New York’s outdoor gems like Central Park, The High Line, and the Brooklyn Bridge. The weather is perfect for enjoying the outdoors without it being too hot or crowded.

What should I do if it rains while I’m in New York?

Even if it rains, there’s still plenty to do indoors! You can visit art museums like the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), explore the indoor exhibits at the New York Aquarium, or enjoy a cozy afternoon at one of the city’s famous cafes.

How crowded is New York in May?

While May is a busy time, especially with festivals and outdoor events, the crowds aren’t as overwhelming as in the summer months. It’s a great time to visit if you prefer a lively atmosphere without the summer rush.

What are some family-friendly activities in New York during May?

Families will love exploring Central Park, visiting the Bronx Zoo, and spending time at the New York Aquarium. May’s warm weather makes it perfect for outdoor activities like picnics, bike rides, and enjoying street performances.

What’s the best way to get around New York in May?

The subway is the fastest way to get around the city, but walking is also a great option when the weather is nice. You can also use taxis or rideshares for convenience, or rent a bike to explore the city's many bike paths.

What are the must-see parks in New York during May?

Central Park is a must-visit in May, as it’s filled with blooming flowers and greenery. The New York Botanical Garden also has beautiful spring exhibits, and the High Line offers a scenic walk through gardens and installations.

What events or shows are popular in New York for art and culture lovers in May?

Art lovers can enjoy performances like the NYC Ballet’s Spring season, visit museums like MoMA and The Met, or check out the Dance Parade and Festival. These events offer a great mix of performances and cultural experiences.

How do I avoid crowds at popular tourist spots in New York during May?

To beat the crowds, consider visiting popular tourist spots early in the day or late in the afternoon. Weekdays are generally quieter than weekends, and booking tickets in advance for major attractions like the Statue of Liberty or museums can help you skip the lines.