Fun Activities In NYC For Adults Anytime Of The Year

The beauty of New York City? There's always something happening.

Whether you've just moved here, want to spice up date night, or are planning a fun day out with family and friends, this city never runs out of ways to keep you entertained.

Can't decide what to do first? Don't worry - Hot and Social is here to help! Get some inspiration from our ultimate year-round guide to the 10 best things for adults to do in NYC, from seeing iconic landmarks to discovering unexpected hidden gems.

10 Fun Things To Do in New York City

From Hot and Social's lavish events to spooky escapes, The Big Apple never sleeps, and neither should your social calendar.

1. Go to social events

Looking to meet new people and expand your circle? New York delivers just that:

• Attend social meet-up groups: Hot and Social throws numerous events across NYC designed for people who show up solo and leave with new friends. Think movie screenings, seasonal parties, pickleball events, and everything in between.

• Camp Social: Go on a 3-day women's-only sleepaway in the Poconos with women from all over the world. It's fun, relaxing, and filled with adventure - need we say more?

• Explore speakeasy bars: Hunt down NYC's hidden gems behind unmarked doors and disguised entrances. Places like Bathtub Gin in Chelsea (a totally fake coffee bar front!) and Nothing Really Matters in Midtown Manhattan are just two you can try.

• Sing karaoke in K-Town: Round up your crew and head to Korea Town (a.k.a. K-Town) in Midtown Manhattan, the vibrant stretch between Madison Avenue, Sixth Avenue, and Broadway. Belt out your favorite hits, channel your inner American Idol, and keep the party going until the early hours.

Read more:

• Why You Should Explore Social Events in New York City

• [How To Choose The Right Meet Up Group For You]

2. Go clubbing

Dancing the night away in New York City? Yes, please! NYC's club scene has something for every music preference, from Latin vibes to themed events.

• Somewhere Nowhere NYC: A lounge, nightclub, and rooftop pool all in one. The perfect spot for those nights when you want to go all out. Happy Hour is every Wednesday to Friday between 5 PM and 7 PM.

• Copacabana Nightclub: Get ready to move at this legendary NYC hotspot, where two dance floors pulse with house, hip-hop, and Latin beats. Located at 625 W 51st Street, the Copacabana brings the heat with high-energy vibes and dazzling lights.

• House of Yes: Just a quick 5-minute cab ride from the Flushing stop on the J/M/Z line, this Brooklyn hotspot turns a former ice warehouse into a world of creativity and chaos (the good kind, of course). Expect a wild mix of dance, circus, theater, and cabaret, all served with a side order of glitter and freedom.

• 230 Fifth Rooftop Bar: Just steps away from the Empire State Building, this iconic spot is New York's largest rooftop bar. With epic skyline views, multiple indoor and outdoor bars, live DJs, themed events, and plenty of space to mingle, it's the perfect place to sip, dance, and take in the big city lights.

3. Watch a show

New York City is one of the entertainment capitals of the world, and catching a live show is practically a rite of passage:

• Times Square: Beyond the neon lights and giant billboards, this iconic landmark is your getaway to Broadway magic. Catch timeless classics like Wicked or enjoy modern hits like Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. No matter what you choose, there's nothing quite as exciting as the thrill of Broadway in the heart of NYC!

• Madison Square Garden: "The World’s Most Famous Arena" hosts everything from Knicks games to sold-out concerts. It's where legends perform and memories are made.

• Lincoln Center: Enjoy ballet, opera, and orchestral performances at one of NYC’s most prestigious cultural institutions, located in the Upper West Side.

• Radio City Music Hall: Part of the Rockefeller Center complex in Midtown Manhattan and the largest indoor arena in the world, this venue is an absolute must-see. From ballet and comedy shows to concerts and the iconic Radio City Rockettes, every performance is a true work of art!

4. Visit Times Square

Big City life: neon lights, yellow cabs, and non-stop energy that hits you like a tidal wave. Times Square is the beating heart of Manhattan, where LED billboards light up the night sky and street performers compete for your attention.

Whether you're a first-timer or a lifelong New Yorker, there's something magnetic about the "Crossroads of the World". Grab a seat on the iconic red steps in Father Duffy Square and people-watch to your heart's content.

Best time to visit? Between 7 AM and 9 AM for fewer crowds or each night for the "Midnight Moment" (from 11:57 to midnight), where over 90 billboards sync up for a digital-art display!

5. See the sites

Play tourist for the day and hit up New York City's most legendary landmarks:

• The Brooklyn Bridge

• Empire State Building

• Grand Central Station

• Statue of Liberty

• Bow Bridge

• One World Observatory

Pro tip: Helicopter or walking tours in New York allow you to see multiple sites in one go, perfect for capitalizing your sightseeing time.

6. Wine and dine in NY

NYC's food scene is something else! Here are a few spots where you can eat, drink, and be merry:

• Michelin restaurants: Check out NYC's Michelin guide for a taste sensation.

• Ayza Wine & Chocolate Bar: A top-class dining destination in Midtown Manhattan, perfect for special events, cocktails, dinners, and desserts.

• Carlo's Bakery: Visit TV sensation Buddy Valastro's bakery, famous for its variety of cookies, cannoli, and elaborate cakes.

• Beer tasting: Hop on a guided beer tasting tour where you'll discover hidden gems, try fresh pours, and check behind the scenes of some of the city's best breweries.

7. See the Manhattan skyline from the water

Viewing The Big Apple from the water just hits differently:

• Staten Island Ferry: This ferry doubles as the city's best-kept secret for skyline views, and it won't cost you a dime! The 25-minute ride delivers epic views of Lower Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty.

• Hudson River cruise: See New York from a whole new perspective as you sail along the Hudson River. Sail past landmarks like the George Washington Bridge, Ellis Island, and the soaring Palisades Cliffs, with the Manhattan skyline as your backdrop.

• Statue Cruise ferry: Depart from Battery Park to Liberty Island and get up close and personal with Lady Liberty in 15-20 minutes.

8. Go to the park

New York City and beautiful parks go hand in hand; the perfect place to hit pause, breathe the fresh air, and recharge.

• Central Park: An 843-acre urban oasis in the heart of Manhattan between the Upper West and Upper East Sides. Rent bikes, go ice skating in November, or simply sprawl on the grass with a good book.

• Bryant Park: One of the world's busiest public spaces in the world! Take part in free Tai Chi or ribbon dancing classes, or visit during winter for the magical Winter Village with its skating rink and holiday market.

• The High Line: Catch live performances, attend free events, or take part in creative programs that bring New Yorkers of all ages together.

9. Check out The Met

The Metropolitan Museum of Art (a.k.a. The Met) isn't just a museum; it's a full-on journey through 5,000 years of art history from around the globe. You could spend days wandering through ancient Egyptian tombs, European paintings, and modern art installations, all under one roof!

You can also catch live performances, explore rotating exhibitions, join "Date Night at The Met", or get involved in creative workshops and kids' classes, which make every visit feel fresh and inspiring.

10. Go on a ghost hunt

If you're into the supernatural (or just love a spooky tale), NYC and its surrounding areas have plenty of haunted hangouts. Here are just two spine-tingling spots to explore:

1. Sleepy Hollow Cemetery: Located in Westchester County, this is the final resting place of Washington Irving and is rumored to be haunted by the Headless Horseman himself. Book a walking tour or explore the eerie graveyard on your own terms...

2. Amityville Horror House: Over on Long Island, this infamous house inspired one of the most terrifying horror stories in American history. Drive along Ocean Avenue - if you dare.

Final Musings

So, there it is: 10 fun activities for adults to do in New York City. From Hot and Social's meet-up events and hitting the clubbing scene to laid-back Hudson River cruises and spooky ghost hunting adventures, there's plenty to do in the city that never sleeps.

Which one will you try first?

FAQs

What can I do in New York City?

There are so many unique things to see and do in NYC:

• Visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art (MoMA)

• Explore Chinatown

• Take in panoramic views from SUMMIT One Vanderbilt

• Wander Chelsea Market

• Ride the Roosevelt Island Tram

Where can I find adult events in NYC?

Right here at Hot and Social, that's where! We host a wide range of social meet-ups in the Big Apple, including brunches, movie screenings, dating events, pickleball parties, and more!