Summertime in the City

There’s something magical about summertime in New York when the long, languid days pass into warm humid nights while the restless city still buzzes with activity despite the heat. The windows are open and life spills out into the city streets.
Check out our shortlist of quintessential summertime activities to enjoy in New York this June and beyond.

The ageless stories of Shakespeare live on in 2022, smack dab in the middle of Central Park. Shakespeare in the Park is a renowned, annual event, which started in 1957 as part of the Public Theater/New York Shakespeare Festival; its annual productions draw thousands to the park where Shakespearean works are performed outdoors each summer. The splendor of the green grass with the Belvedere Castle in the background make for a perfect setting. This summer the theater will create the epic stories of Richard III and As You Like It. Tickets can be tricky to come by, so reserve your free tickets in advance. Performances take place at the Delacorte Theater

The Delacorte Theater in Central Park is accessible by entering at 81st Street and Central Park West or at 79th Street and Fifth Avenue.

Governors Island is a fun destination within an arm’s reach of the city, and a ‘must’ to explore this summer. With the addition of ziplining, it’s got extra pull. The Flywire Zip Line offers beautiful views while you fly through air, suspended above the park. The island also offers plenty of activities for those who prefer to stay more grounded such as bike rentals, a maze and mini golf. You can now also opt to stay the night on the island in one of the glamping tents.

NB: Governors Island is accessible by ferry only. Ferry departure times and tickets can be found here. Ferries depart daily from Lower Manhattan and there are departures from Brooklyn as well.

The relatively small Bryant Park does an amazing job of maximizing its space and bringing New Yorkers together through cultural events. This summer, the park is home to a long line up of live music and performance taking place under the summer skies. The park is hosting 26 live (and free) performances. Throughout the summer, New Yorkers and visitors alike will be treated to shows ranging from opertetic performances to contemporary dance and jazz concerts, and more. You can check out the full lineup right here.

Bryant Park

Fifth Avenue and Avenue of the Americas and between 40th and 42nd Streets

New York, NY

When it comes to flea markets there’s not much better than the Brooklyn Flea. Brooklyn Flea has one of the city’s best selections of clothing, records and other vintage items. More than 40 vendors sell their wares in Pearl Plaza beneath the Manhattan Bridge, where the market amps up the charm with its cobblestone streets. To see what’s going on week to week, check out @bkflea ‘s instagram. If you can’t make it out to Brooklyn, visit sister flea market, Chelsea Flea in Manhattan.

The Brooklyn market begins in April and runs through December. The Chelsea market, however, runs year round.

Brooklyn Flea Market

80 Pearl Street

Brooklyn, NY

10am- 5pm

Weekends

Chelsea Flea Market

29 West 25th Street

New York, N Y

8am – 5pm

Sundays

This summer check out Pier 17’s inaugural concert series in the Seaport District. The area has long been an important hub for New York commerce, and is seeing a rebirth with new restaurants and entertainment, including the Pier 17 Rooftop, which is designed to host events. Seaport’s summer concert series under the stars is a unique venue that boasts bird’s eye views of the Brooklyn Bridge and Lower Manhattan skyline.

The summer evening concerts will feature more than 60 shows from musicians including Elvis Costello & The Imposters, Blondie, DEVO, Deftones, Franz Ferdinand, Jason Isbell and more. See the Pier 17 website for more details on tickets and a complete list of concerts.

Pier 17

89 South Street

New York, NY

The Lombardy Hotel’s timeless elegance is iconic to Midtown Manhattan. Our rooms are spacious, comfortable and thoughtfully designed to make you feel at home. We look forward to hosting you on your next visit to New York City.

*Due to Covid-19 our restaurant, cafe and gym will remain closed for a time.