151 BEST Things To Do In New York City Memorial Day Weekend

Are you looking for the best things to do in New York City this Memorial Day weekend?

Look no further!

I've compiled a list of 151 exciting activities and events to make your holiday extra special.

From outdoor concerts and barbecues, to cultural experiences and unique attractions, there's something for everyone.

Whether you're traveling solo or with friends and family, I guarantee that you'll find an activity that suits your interests.

So don't let another Memorial Day pass without experiencing all that NYC has to offer - check out our comprehensive guide today and start planning an unforgettable weekend getaway!

1. Attend the Fleet Week Parade of Ships

Watch dozens of Navy ships sail up the Hudson River to kick off Fleet Week festivities.

2. Visit the 9/11 Memorial and Museum

Pay tribute to the lives lost during the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.

3. Take a stroll through Central Park

Enjoy the beautiful scenery and people watching in one of New York’s most famous parks.

4. Go shopping in SoHo

Check out the trendy boutiques and high-end shops in this fashionable neighborhood.

5. Attend a Broadway show

Experience the magic of live theater with one of New York’s many award-winning productions.

6. Visit the Empire State Building

Take in stunning views of the city from the observation deck of this iconic skyscraper.

7. Go on a food tour

Explore the culinary delights of the city as you sample different cuisines and dishes.

8. Visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art

See some of the world’s most famous artworks in this renowned museum.

9. Take a helicopter tour

Get a bird’s eye view of the city from above on a thrilling helicopter ride.

10. Go to a rooftop bar

Sip cocktails and enjoy stunning views of the city skyline from a rooftop bar.

11. Attend a Yankees game

Cheer on the home team at Yankee Stadium as they take on their rivals.

12. Go to a comedy club

Laugh out loud at one of the city’s many top-rated comedy clubs.

13. Visit the Statue of Liberty

Take a ferry ride to Liberty Island to see one of America’s most iconic landmarks.

14. Go on a bike tour

Explore the city on two wheels and see the sights at your own pace.

15. Visit the American Museum of Natural History

Learn about the history and wonders of the natural world in this fascinating museum.

16. Take a sunset cruise

Watch the sun set over the city as you cruise around the harbor.

17. Attend the Governors Ball Music Festival

Listen to top bands and musicians perform at this annual music festival.

18. Go to a jazz club

Enjoy live jazz music at one of the city’s famous jazz clubs.

19. Visit the High Line

Walk along this elevated park that runs through the city’s Meatpacking District.

20. Take a walking tour of Lower Manhattan

Learn about the history of New York City’s downtown area on a guided walking tour.

21. Visit Times Square

Experience the bright lights and energy of this famous square in the heart of the city.

22. Attend the Brooklyn Flea Market

Browse through vintage and handmade goods at this popular market in Brooklyn.

23. Take a ferry to Governors Island

Explore this scenic island just a short ferry ride away from Manhattan.

24. Visit Coney Island

Ride the roller coasters and enjoy the nostalgic fun at this famous seaside amusement park.

25. Go to a karaoke bar

Sing your heart out with friends at one of the city’s many karaoke bars.

26. Visit the Lower East Side Tenement Museum

Learn about the lives of immigrants who settled in New York City in the late 1800s and early 1900s.

27. Take a pizza tour

Sample some of the city’s best pizza on a guided tour of different pizzerias.

28. Attend the Washington Square Outdoor Art Exhibit

See works of art by hundreds of artists on display in this outdoor exhibit.

29. Visit the Brooklyn Bridge

Walk across this iconic bridge and take in stunning views of the city skyline.

30. Go to a street fair

Check out one of the many street fairs that take place throughout the city during Memorial Day weekend, featuring food, music, and vendors selling unique items.

31. Take a food and drink tour of Brooklyn

Explore the unique culinary scene of Brooklyn on a guided food and drink tour.

32. Visit the New York Botanical Garden

See stunning gardens, exhibitions, and collections at this famous botanical garden in the Bronx.

33. Attend the Harlem EatUp! Festival

Celebrate Harlem’s food, music, and culture with top chefs and musicians.

34. Take a ferry to Staten Island

Enjoy a scenic ferry ride to Staten Island and explore the borough’s attractions, including the Staten Island Zoo and Historic Richmond Town.

35. Go to a rooftop film screening

Watch a movie under the stars at one of the city’s many rooftop film screenings.

36. Visit the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum

See historic aircrafts, military vessels, and space equipment at this fascinating museum on the Hudson River.

37. Attend a street fair

Experience the vibrant energy of a New York City street fair, featuring food, music, and vendors selling all kinds of goods.

38. Walk the Brooklyn Heights Promenade

Enjoy breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline while strolling along this iconic promenade in Brooklyn.

39. Take a graffiti and street art tour

Learn about the history and culture of graffiti and street art on a guided tour of different neighborhoods.

40. Visit the New York Transit Museum

Discover the history of transportation in New York City with vintage subway cars and exhibits.

41. Go to a Yankees or Mets game

Support your favorite New York baseball team and enjoy the excitement of a live game.

42. Attend the Dance Parade and Festival

Watch dance performances from around the world and join in the celebration of dance in the city.

43. Visit the Brooklyn Museum

See an impressive collection of art and artifacts at this renowned museum in Brooklyn.

44. Take a day trip to the Hamptons

Escape the city for a day and enjoy the seaside charm of the Hamptons, just a short train ride away.

45. Attend the Queens Night Market

Try different foods from around the world at this popular night market in Queens.

46. Visit the New York Aquarium

See marine life from around the world at this aquarium in Coney Island.

47. Go to a drag show

Enjoy a night of fabulous entertainment at one of the city’s top-rated drag shows.

48. Attend the Museum Mile Festival

Explore some of the city’s best museums for free during this annual festival on Fifth Avenue.

49. Visit the Whitney Museum of American Art

See modern and contemporary American art in this renowned museum in the Meatpacking District.

50. Take a guided tour of Grand Central Terminal

Learn about the history and architecture of this iconic transportation hub on a guided tour.

51. Attend the Red Hook Crit

Watch elite cyclists race through the streets of Brooklyn in this thrilling event.

52. Visit the Queens Botanical Garden

See beautiful gardens and learn about sustainable gardening practices in this peaceful oasis in Queens.

53. Go on a graffiti workshop

Create your own street art with a graffiti workshop led by a local artist.

54. Visit the Brooklyn Historical Society

Learn about the history of Brooklyn through exhibits and artifacts at this fascinating museum.

55. Take a kayak tour

Explore the city from a different perspective on a guided kayak tour of the Hudson River.

56. Attend the Memorial Day Parade

Honor those who have served in the military by watching the annual Memorial Day Parade in Manhattan.

57. Visit the Museum of Sex

Learn about the history and culture of human sexuality in this unique museum in the Flatiron District.

58. Go on a scavenger hunt

Explore the city and solve clues on a fun-filled scavenger hunt adventure.

59. Attend the FIGMENT Art Festival

See interactive and participatory art installations at this free, outdoor festival on Governors Island.

60. Visit the Tenement Museum

Learn about the lives of immigrants who lived in a tenement building on the Lower East Side in the 19th and 20th centuries.

61. Take a sunset helicopter tour

Enjoy stunning aerial views of the city as you watch the sunset on a private helicopter ride.

62. Attend the NYC Vegetarian Food Festival

Indulge in meat-free dishes and learn about plant-based living at this annual festival.

63. Visit the Cloisters

Explore medieval art and architecture in this museum located in Fort Tryon Park in Upper Manhattan.

64. Go on a street art bike tour

Ride through different neighborhoods and see some of the city’s best street art on a guided bike tour.

65. Attend the Lower East Side Film Festival

Watch indie films from around the world at this annual festival in the Lower East Side.

66. Visit the New York Hall of Science

Learn about science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) in this interactive museum in Queens.

67. Go to a live music venue

Hear live music from local and touring artists at one of the city’s many popular music venues.

68. Take a trip to the Bronx Zoo

See animals from around the world in this famous zoo in the Bronx.

69. Visit the Museum of the Moving Image

Learn about the history of film and television in this museum in Astoria, Queens.

70. Go on a photo walk

Join a guided photo walk through different neighborhoods and improve your photography skills.

71. Attend the Big Apple BBQ Block Party

Sample barbecue dishes from top pitmasters at this annual event in Madison Square Park.

72. Visit the Brooklyn Bridge Park

Enjoy stunning views of the Manhattan skyline and the Brooklyn Bridge in this scenic park in DUMBO.

73. Go on a literary pub crawl

Visit different bars and literary landmarks while learning about the city’s rich literary history.

74. Attend the Egg Rolls, Egg Creams, and Empanadas Festival

Try traditional foods from Jewish, Chinese, and Puerto Rican cultures at this annual festival in the Lower East Side.

75. Visit the Museum of Chinese in America

Learn about the history and culture of Chinese Americans in this museum in Chinatown.

76. Take a tour of the United Nations Headquarters

Learn about the history and work of the UN on a guided tour of their headquarters in Midtown.

77. Attend a film screening in Bryant Park

Watch classic movies under the stars in this iconic park in Midtown.

78. Visit the Jacques Marchais Museum of Tibetan Art

See Tibetan art and artifacts in this peaceful museum located on Staten Island.

79. Go on a brewery tour

Visit different breweries and taste different beers on a guided brewery tour of the city.

80. Attend the New York City Poetry Festival

Listen to readings and performances by poets from around the world at this free, outdoor festival on Governors Island.

81. Visit the National Museum of the American Indian

Learn about the indigenous cultures of the Americas in this museum in Lower Manhattan.

82. Go on a night photography tour

Capture stunning nighttime shots of the city on a guided photography tour.

83. Attend the DanceAfrica Festival

Celebrate African dance and culture with performances, workshops, and vendors at this annual festival in Brooklyn.

84. Visit the Museum of Food and Drink

Learn about the history and science of food in this interactive museum in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.

85. Go on a chocolate tour

Sample different chocolates and learn about the history and production of chocolate in a guided tour of local chocolatiers.

86. Attend the New York City Tattoo Convention

See tattoo artists from around the world showcase their work and participate in contests at this annual convention.

87. Visit the Museum of the City of New York

Learn about the history and culture of New York City in this museum located near Central Park.

88. Go on a haunted walking tour

Explore the city’s haunted history on a guided walking tour of different neighborhoods.

89. Attend the Hester Street Fair

Shop for artisanal goods and try different foods at this weekly outdoor market in the Lower East Side.

90. Take a hot air balloon ride

Watch the city from above on a private hot air balloon ride over the Hudson River.

91. Visit the New Museum

See contemporary art and exhibitions in this museum located in the Bowery neighborhood of Manhattan.

92. Go on a walking tour of the Lower East Side

Learn about the history and culture of one of the city’s most iconic neighborhoods on a guided walking tour.

93. Attend the Jazz Age Lawn Party

Step back in time and dance to jazz music from the 1920s at this annual event on Governors Island.

94. Visit the New York Public Library

See rare books and manuscripts in this historic library located near Bryant Park.

95. Take a horse carriage ride through Central Park

Enjoy a romantic ride through one of New York’s most beautiful parks on a horse-drawn carriage.

96. Attend the Pride Parade

Celebrate LGBTQ+ rights and culture at this colorful parade and festival in Manhattan.

97. Visit the Museum of Jewish Heritage

Learn about the history and culture of Jews in America and around the world in this museum located in Battery Park City.

98. Go on a brewery crawl

Explore different breweries and tasting rooms on a self-guided brewery crawl through different neighborhoods.

99. Attend the Mermaid Parade

Watch colorful floats and mermaids parade through the streets of Coney Island in this annual tradition.

100. Visit the New York Transit Museum Gallery Annex & Store

See vintage subway cars and artifacts in this museum located in Grand Central Terminal.

101. Go on a boat tour of the Hudson River

See the city from the water on a guided boat tour of the Hudson River.

102. Visit the Rubin Museum of Art

See Himalayan art and artifacts and learn about the cultures of the Himalayas in this museum located in Chelsea.

103. Attend a spoken word event

Listen to poets and performers share their work in an intimate setting at one of the city’s many spoken word events.

104. Visit the The Frick Collection

See European paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts in this museum located in a historic mansion on the Upper East Side.

105. Take a cooking class

Learn how to cook different cuisines and dishes from professional chefs in a fun and interactive cooking class.

106. Attend the Brooklyn Book Festival

Meet authors, attend readings and panel discussions, and browse through books at this annual festival in Downtown Brooklyn.

107. Visit the New York Historical Society Museum & Library

Learn about the history of New York City and America through exhibitions and collections of art and artifacts.

108. Go on a guided meditation walk

Connect with nature and find inner peace on a guided meditation walk through Central Park or another city park.

109. Attend the New York Renaissance Faire

Step back in time and experience life in a medieval village with jousting, music, and entertainment.

110. Visit the Museum of the Moving Image

See exhibits and screenings related to film, television, and digital media in this museum located in Astoria, Queens.

111. Go on a sunset sail

Enjoy a romantic sunset sail around the harbor and see the city from a different perspective.

112. Attend the International African Arts Festival

Celebrate African arts and culture with music, dance, food, and more at this annual festival in Brooklyn.

113. Visit the Museum at Eldridge Street

Learn about the history and culture of Jewish immigrants in America in this museum located in a historic synagogue on the Lower East Side.

114. Go on a street photography tour

Learn how to capture everyday life in the city through street photography on a guided tour.

115. Attend a Broadway Under the Stars concert

Listen to top Broadway performers sing show tunes under the stars in a beautiful outdoor venue.

116. Visit the Wyckoff Farmhouse Museum

Learn about the history of agriculture and farming in America in this museum located in a historic farmhouse in Brooklyn.

117. Go on a food crawl

Try different dishes and cuisines in different neighborhoods on a self-guided food crawl.

118. Go on a food tour in Greenwich Village

Explore the culinary delights of this charming neighborhood by taking a food tour. Taste everything from pizza to cannoli and learn about the history of the area as you go.

119. Visit the 9/11 Memorial and Museum

Pay tribute to the victims of the September 11th attacks by visiting the Memorial and Museum. It's a moving and powerful experience that is not to be missed.

120. Take a ferry to the Statue of Liberty

Get up close and personal with one of America's most iconic landmarks by taking a ferry to the Statue of Liberty. You can even climb to the top of the statue for stunning views of the city.

121. Explore the High Line

Walk along this elevated park that runs through the Meatpacking District and Chelsea. It's a great way to see the city from a different perspective.

122. Catch a Broadway show

New York City is home to some of the best theater in the world, so catch a Broadway show while you're in town. From musicals to dramas, there's something for everyone.

123. Take a stroll through Central Park

Escape the hustle and bustle of the city by taking a leisurely stroll through Central Park. With over 800 acres to explore, there's plenty to see and do.

124. Visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art

Explore one of the largest and most comprehensive art museums in the world. The Met has everything from ancient artifacts to contemporary art, so there's something for everyone.

125. Go on a bike ride through Brooklyn

Rent a bike and explore the trendy neighborhoods of Brooklyn. Stop for a slice of pizza or a craft beer along the way.

126. Take a helicopter tour of the city

Get a bird's-eye view of the city by taking a helicopter tour. It's an unforgettable experience that will give you a whole new perspective on the city.

127. Visit the Bronx Zoo

Spend a day at the Bronx Zoo and see over 4,000 animals from all over the world. It's a great way to get in touch with nature while still staying in the city.

128. Explore Chinatown

Wander through the colorful streets of Chinatown and discover hidden gems like tea shops and dumpling houses. It's a vibrant and exciting neighborhood that is not to be missed.

129. Take a sunset cruise around Manhattan

See the city sparkle as the sun sets by taking a sunset cruise around Manhattan. It's a romantic and picturesque way to end your day.

130. Visit the Empire State Building

No trip to NYC is complete without a visit to the iconic Empire State Building. Take the elevator to the top for stunning views of the city.

131. Check out the street art in Bushwick

Explore the vibrant street art scene in Bushwick by taking a walking tour. You'll see everything from massive murals to tiny stickers.

132. Go on a shopping spree in SoHo

Shop 'til you drop in the trendy neighborhood of SoHo. From designer boutiques to vintage thrift stores, there's something for everyone.

133. Eat your way through the Lower East Side

Take a food tour of the Lower East Side and sample everything from bagels to bialys. It's a delicious way to explore this historic neighborhood.

134. Visit the Brooklyn Museum

Discover the art and culture of Brooklyn at this world-class museum. From ancient Egyptian artifacts to contemporary art, there's something for everyone.

135. Take a photo at the Flatiron Building

Snap a photo in front of one of NYC's most iconic buildings, the Flatiron. Its unique shape makes for a great Instagram post.

136. Visit the Natural History Museum

Take a trip back in time at the Natural History Museum. See dinosaur skeletons, dioramas of wildlife, and even a planetarium show.

137. Explore the West Village

Wander through the charming streets of the West Village and discover hidden gems like historic brownstones and tiny bookshops.

138. Take a hot air balloon ride

For a truly unique experience, take a hot air balloon ride over the Hudson Valley. It's a breathtaking way to see the city and surrounding countryside.

139. Visit the Whitney Museum of American Art

Discover the best of American art at this world-renowned museum. From Warhol to Basquiat, there's something for every art lover.

140. Watch a movie in Bryant Park

Catch a classic movie under the stars in Bryant Park. Bring a picnic blanket and some snacks for a cozy evening under the open sky.

141. Take a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge

Cross one of NYC's most iconic landmarks by taking a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge. It offers stunning views of the city and is a great way to get some exercise.

142. Visit the New York Public Library

Explore the stunning architecture of the New York Public Library, and see the original Winnie the Pooh stuffed animals. It's a great place for book lovers to spend an afternoon.

143. Attend a baseball game at Yankee Stadium

Cheer on the Yankees at their home field in the Bronx. It's a classic American activity that is perfect for sports fans.

144. Explore the Upper East Side

Wander through the elegant streets of the Upper East Side and see the luxury shops, restaurants, and museums. It's a great place to people-watch and admire the beautiful architecture.

145. Take a food tour in Queens

Explore the diverse cuisines of Queens by taking a food tour. From Indian to Colombian to Chinese, you'll discover new flavors and cultures.

146. Visit the Guggenheim Museum

See the modern and contemporary art collections at this iconic museum designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Don't miss the spiral ramp that runs through the center of the building.

147. Take a dance class

Get your body moving by taking a dance class in the city. There are plenty of studios that offer everything from salsa to hip-hop.

148. Visit the Cloisters

Take a trip to medieval Europe without leaving NYC by visiting the Cloisters. This museum has an impressive collection of European art and architecture from the Middle Ages.

149. Go on a cocktail crawl

Try some of the best cocktails in the city by going on a cocktail crawl. Visit multiple bars and try different drinks along the way.

150. Attend the Memorial Day Parade

Pay tribute to the brave men and women who have served our country by attending the Memorial Day Parade. It's a patriotic and moving event that takes place in various locations throughout the city.

151. Take a graffiti workshop

Learn how to create your own street art by taking a graffiti workshop. You'll learn about the history of graffiti and get to make your own piece to take home.

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