5 Fun Ways to Explore NYC this Summer

New York City is back and we’re here for it (literally). With mask restrictions mostly lifted and COVID-19 infection rates low, it’s time again to explore the five boroughs. There’s a lot to catch up on, so let’s hop on the No. 1 subway at 242nd Street and do this, Jaspers!

For students on campus this summer or visiting on the weekend, we’re recommending five ways to reacquaint yourself with the city we call home.

  • 1. Visit a Museum

    woman viewing painting in museum

    The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), Metropolitan Museum of Art, Rubin Museum of Art and many other museums have reopened to visitors with must-see exhibitions, such as the Immersive Van Gogh exhibit featured in the Netflix TV show Emily in Paris (plus, they have air conditioning!) Can’t decide where to go? Check out the best 37 museums in NYC, according to Time Out New York.

  • 2. Root for the Home Team

    baseball player jogging on field in crowded stadium
    Play ball! The New York Yankees and Mets have welcomed baseball fans back to their team stadiums for the 2021 season. If soccer is more your thing, reserve tickets today for a New York City Football Club or Red Bulls match.

  • 3. Go to the Beach

    crowded beach on sunny day

    Grab your beach chair and sunscreen — New York City’s beaches are open from Memorial Day weekend through September 12, 2021. In the Bronx, you’ll find Orchard Beach, but venture further to visit Rockaway Beach, Coney Island and others. New York City Parks has the full list of beaches. 

  • 4. Eat Outside

    men and women eating at restaurant outdoors in new york city
    For Jaspers, summer nights are for grabbing a bite outdoors at Bronx Ale House or Tin Marin, and for dessert, heaps of frozen yogurt from the Menchie’s on Johnson Avenue. For a healthy breakfast or lunch, visit Moss Cafe. Walk down Riverdale and Johnson Avenues for more tasty restaurants to check out.

  • 5. Enjoy a Show

    male performer singing on stage to excited audience
    Central Park Summerstage is back with performances through July and August. In Queens, Forest Hills Stadium has its own jam-packed lineup. In the mood for an outdoor movie? New York City parks are showing free movies all summer across the city. See the schedule here.
By Christine Loughran