Top Things to Do This Autumn in NYC

Autumn in New York City is a magical place to be. The air is crisp, leaves are golden and there is an undeniable energy in the city that makes it the perfect season for exploring. We have put together a guide for making the most out of your fall visit to New York City, all from the comfort of your luxury stay at Fitzpatrick Hotels.

1. Stroll Through Central Park

Your first rite of passage is to take a stroll through Central Park, fall in Central Park is a sea of red, orange and gold. Take a leisurely walk (or a jog!), enjoy a bike ride or a horse drawn carriage and make sure to capture a photo of Bow Bridge or Bethesda Terrace. Fall foliage in NYC is something to behold!

2. Visit the High Line

The High Line, which is an elevated linear greenway park, offers you sweeping view of the city. There are also art installations and season gardens to enjoy. The colours of Autumn make the highline an ideal spot for a scenic stroll. A perfect afternoon activity!

3. Explore the Neighbourhoods

Fall is perfect for wandering through the city’s charming neighbourhoods:

• Greenwich Village: Quaint streets and cozy cafés.
• West Village: Boutique shopping and historic architecture.
• Upper West Side: Perfect for combining culture and strolls along Riverside Park.

4. Experience Seasonal Festivals

• Halloween Parade in Greenwich Village – Every year on 31st October at 7pm the nation’s largest Halloween parade occurs in Greenwich Village, with over 50,000 participants expected.
• Harvest Festivals in local parks and markets – enjoy seasonal treats like pumpkin spice everything!
• The Nightmare Before Christmas Light Trail at NYBG – From September 25 to November 30, 2025, the New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx hosts an immersive experience inspired by Tim Burton’s classic film.

5. Take in the Skyline

Cool fall evenings are perfect for rooftop bars and observation decks. Consider visiting:

• Top of the Rock (just a few minutes’ walk from our Grand Central Location) or Empire State Building are perfect for panoramic views.
• Rooftop lounges for cocktails with a skyline backdrop. Try Le Jardin Rooftop, a fab option.

6. Warm Up with Food & Drink

Autumn is the season for cozy cafés, artisanal bakeries, and hearty seasonal menus. Don’t miss:

• Pumpkin-spiced treats at local coffee shops.
• Seasonal menus at upmarket restaurants in our neighbourhood like Jean-Georges, Mr Chow and Avra Madison.

7. Cultural Experiences

New York’s museums and theatres shine in the fall. For interesting museums in NYC, consider:

• The Met for art exhibitions, perfect post your stroll in Central Park!
• Broadway shows — fall launches often include exciting new productions, this fall some of the classics showing are Wicked, The Lion King, Moulin Rouge!, Romeo & Juliet, and the limited-run musical Beetlejuice!
• Lincoln Center — has music, opera, and dance performances to suit every taste.
• New York 9/11 Memorial Museum – will give you an insight into what happened and those affected through compelling stories and artefacts.
• The Museum at FIT NY New York – or the most fashionable museum in NYC, for the fashion lovers, not to be missed!

Stay with Fitzpatrick Hotels New York

After a day exploring the city, retreat to the comfort of Fitzpatrick Hotels New York. Our warm, welcoming atmosphere and central locations make it easy to immerse yourself in the city while enjoying a cosy, relaxing stay.