Fall in NYC: 14 Best Things to Do in the Big Apple

A guide to the best things to do in the fall in NYC, from fall foliage to tasty bakeries and Halloween decorations, these are top spots to visit!

As a lover of everything Dark Academia, it makes sense that New York City in the fall fascinates me, and as the energy shifts and the crisp leaves turn the city into an orange wonderland, you can do many things there that are specifically fall-themed.

Beyond admiring the fall foliage in Central Park or Fort Tryon Park, you will find that New York City bakeries, cafes and restaurants follow the theme to a T, with fall garlands, rich pastries, and other pumpkin spice everything.

Fall in NYC: 14 Best Things to Do in the Big Apple

The fall is my favorite season; that during which all kinds of Bath & Body Works candles and other fall-scented Yankee Candles are lit up at home, and that during which all I want to do is write, spend time in cute cafes, and admire cities around the world turn into reddish landscapes.

If you’re looking for the best things to do in NYC during the fall, these are a few activities you might very well love!

Best Things to Do During Fall in NYC: Billings Arcade, Fort Tryon Park

Located in Fort Tryon Park, Billings Arcade not only makes for a gorgeous photo spot as soon as the leaves turn orange, but is also one of the lesser-known landmarks of New York City.

Part of an estate which used to belong to Chicago businessman Cornelius K.G. Billings, Billings Arcade is now one of the only pieces that remain of Billings’ once-grand mansion.

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Best Things to Do During Fall in NYC: Burnett Fountain, Central Park

The Burnett Fountain, a memorial to writer Frances Hodgson Burnett, is located in Central Park, and one of the park’s highlights during the fall.

It is known that Central Park is historically one of the best places to visit during the fall in NYC, and the Conservatory Garden is a spot you shouldn’t miss.

The Burnett Fountain, which features two characters from the Burnett’s book The Secret Garden, gives the tiny garden an ethereal atmosphere during the fall, but also at spring time, when the flowers around are in full bloom.

Read: The Most Instagrammable Places in NYC

Best Things to Do During Fall in NYC: Governors Island

Just a short ferry ride from Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn, Governors Island makes for a cute day trip from NYC during the fall, as the island is steeped in nature.

If you enjoy walking and discovering historical sites, you will find that Governors Island, with Fort Jay and Castle Williams, is an interesting place to visit to learn about the island’s military past and its role in many wars, including World War II.

Make your way to Outlook Hill to catch breathtaking views of the Statue of Liberty and the New York Harbor, and if you visit around Halloween, you will also be able to enjoy stunning pumpkin-based landscapes.

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Pretty Places to Visit During Fall in NYC: New York Public Library

If Bryant Park is already a gorgeous place to admire colorful fall foliage in New York City, another must-visit there is the New York Public Library.

The Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, with its columns and painted ceilings you would only hope to see in cities like London, Paris or Rome, makes for an unbelievable Dark Academia spot.

Make sure to spend some time admiring the frescoes and arched pathways at the McGraw Rotunda.

Then, once you are done, if you would like to catch some free views of NYC, make your way to the rooftop of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library, just minutes away.

Read: The Best Cafes to Work in East Village NYC (Laptop-Friendly)

Best Things to Do During Fall in NYC: Green-Wood Cemetery

Visiting cemeteries is something I do a lot, whether we’re talking about the gorgeous Cimetière de Montmartre in Paris or Highgate Cemetery in London, and if you’re the same, then Green-Wood Cemetery should be your next stop.

Located in Brooklyn, this cemetery established in 1838 is one of the oldest in the USA, and offers gorgeous fall foliage in addition to tombstones of famous figures like Jean-Michel Basquiat.

Take a few hours to walk around the many mausoleums and breathtaking sculptures scattered around the cemetery, and if you have the time, why not follow a guided tour of Green-Wood cemetery to soak in its history?

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Best Things to Do During Fall in NYC: Cityside Pumpkin Patch

New York City’s biggest pumpkin patch, Cityside Pumpkin Patch is a great place to visit on a date or with kids as soon as fall comes around.

Not only is the patch a unique place to break, take pictures of, or admire the pumpkin arches and decors, but it’s also a place where you’ll be able to enjoy many fall-inspired drinks, from hot chocolate to mysterious Cityside potions.

Read: The Best Non Touristy Things to Do in London

Pretty Places to Visit During Fall in NYC: Lafayette Bakery for Pumpkin Croissants

If there are some great places to have a filling breakfast in NYC, as soon as fall comes around, French-inspired Lafayette Bakery in NoHo is a must-visit.

That rustic decor is a strong reminder of old French cities, like the medieval Troyes, or beautiful Parisian cafes, and what makes Lafayette Bakery interesting, in addition, is their pumpkin-filled croissants.

Round, melt-in-your-mouth cripsy, they elevate the classic French croissant in the midst of a cool fall day, and blend well with a creamy oat latte or, of course, a steaming cup of hot chocolate.

Then, for lovers of stately homes, why not visit the Merchant’s House Museum close by?

Built at the beginning of the 19th century, this gorgeous, well-preserved home is a great example of Greek Revival architecture, and still complete with original furnishings and a secret garden at the back.

Read: The Best Free and Unique Things to Do in Rome

Best Things to Do During Fall in NYC: Roosevelt Island Cable Cars

One of the cheapest things to do in NYC whether it’s fall, spring or summer, the Roosevelt Island cable car ride means you will get panoramic views of iconic landmarks like the Chrysler Building, along with the crisp Midtown skyline.

You can either choose to go all the way to Roosevelt Island to soak in the fall atmosphere of its beautiful nature and then go back to Manhattan, or go the other way around.

In any case, since it only costs a regular MetroCard fare to hop on the cable cars, why not try it, especially if you’re visiting NYC for the first time and are dying to catch some beautiful views of the city?

Read: Floral Paris: Pretty Places in Paris From Spring to Fall

Best Things to Do During Fall in NYC: MO Lounge for Views of Central Park

Spending some time at the MO Lounge at the Mandarin Oriental gives you the opportunity to see the changing colors of Central Park from the 35th floor, in addition to offering gorgeous views of the Manhattan skyline.

From breakfast to afternoon tea and dinner, the MO Lounge offers a complete menu of American-inspired dishes which change according to the season, and sophisticated enough for a date.

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Best Things to Do During Fall in NYC: Pumpkin Arch at Pier 17

On the shores of the East River, Pier 17 and its rooftop is an it place to hang out at all times of the year to attend live performances, concerts and special events.

When the cooler months come around, the Pumpkin Arch at Pier 17 is the perfect spot to capture fall colors and enjoy views of the Brooklyn Bridge and the Manhattan skyscrapers.

If what you are mostly interested in is finding spots to admire the view in town, then nearby, you will find another rooftop, the esplanade at Pier 15, which is free to access and also offers striking sunsets.

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Pretty Places to Visit During Fall in NYC: Fall Foliage Cruise on the Hudson

Probably one of the most famous things to do in the fall in NYC, a fall foliage cruise on the Hudson allows you to break away from the hustle and bustle of the city and get lost in wonderful landscapes around the city.

Peaceful, invigorating, the fall foliage cruises often depart from various points along the Hudson river, with some including snacks, drinks, blankets, and, of course, fall-themed garlands inside the boat.

The duration of the cruise depends on what you are looking for; some are brunch cruises lasting for about 2 to 3 hours, while some take several days and go all the way to Albany and the Catskill mountains. Others are evening dinner cruises, perfect for watching the sunset, while longer voyages offer a more immersive experience with stops at scenic towns and landmarks along the way. Regardless of the type of cruise, planning your itinerary is essential to make the most of your time, just as you would when exploring the best day trips from Edinburgh, which similarly offer a blend of breathtaking scenery and cultural attractions. Whether you prefer a quick getaway or a more leisurely journey, there’s something for every traveler to enjoy.

Read: The Most Secret Places in Rome and Hidden Gems

Best Things to Do During Fall in NYC: Fan Fan Doughnuts

Eating donuts in NYC makes for an interesting experience, especially if you come from Europe where the iconic pastry tastes and feel very different, but no pastry shop makes it as interesting as Brooklyn’s Fan Fan Doughnuts.

As you are walking around Brooklyn, discovering hidden gems such as the Pratt Institute Sculpture Park nearby, biting into a rich white coffee or salted brown butter donut can only make you the happiest version of yourself.

Read: The Best Doughnuts in London

Best Places to Visit During Fall in NYC: SERRA by Birreria, Eataly

Eataly, with its restaurants and food shops in London, Paris, Rome, NYC, along with other capitals in the world, is a place I make sure I pop by whenever I come across one of their stores.

If, however, beyond buying some Italian groceries, you would like to treat yourself to a tasty dinner, make sure to visit Serra by Birreria, a rooftop restaurant whose decor changes following the seasons.

The menu and aesthetic, inspired by the lush Italian countryside, are reason enough to visit, with authentic Italian dishes, from ragù to spaghetti, that call for an oh-so-creamy tiramisu at the end of your meal.

Read: Where to See Autumn Colors in London?

Best Things to Do During Fall in NYC: Day Trip to Sleepy Hollow

There are several day trips from NYC you can take during the fall to enjoy natural wonders and leaves changing colors, which include Roosevelt Island and Governors Island I mentioned earlier, but another must-visit is the dreamy Sleepy Hollow.

Located along the Hudson river, this wonderful village is one to walk around to discover its hidden gems, which span from the Old Dutch Church to the cemetery.

If you’re looking for places to visit around NYC at Halloween, another reason to visit Sleepy Hollow is the Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze, a display of thousands of hand-carved and illuminated pumpkins.

It’s a wonderful place to discover with kids, solo, with friends or on a date before making your way back to NYC for dinner!

Read: Fall in Paris: The Most Secret Places to Visit

Fall in NYC: 14 Best Things to Do in the Big Apple

These are some great things to do as soon as you get a whiff of fall in NYC.

From cemeteries and their striking sculptures to Halloween events and pumpkin treats, there’s so much to do in the city from the end of September!

Walking around historical sites like Billings Arcade, discovering the breathtaking architecture of the New York Public Library or catching views from free rooftops – these are perfect to experience the city in all its splendor!

Until next time!

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