10 Amazing Things to Do in NYC This Fall

New York City in the Fall is absolutely breathtaking. The air gets crisp, the trees turn every shade of orange and red, and everything smells like pumpkin spice and whole lot of adventure.

If you’ve never experienced fall in NYC, you’re seriously missing out. And if you have? Well, you already know there’s nothing quite like it.

This is the season when the city transforms. Rooftop bars trade in summer cocktails for warm cider, Central Park becomes an explosion of red and gold, Halloween decorations start creeping into every storefront, and the vibes are immaculate.

Whether you’re here for a quick autumn trip or planning a full NYC itinerary, you’re going to want to experience the absolute best things to do in autumn in New York City.

So, if you’re looking for fun things to do in NYC this fall, you’re in the right place. We’ve rounded up all the must-do experiences that belong on your New York Fall Bucket List.

13 Things to Do in NYC This Fall

1. Central Park’s Fall Foliage

If New York City in the Fall had a main character, it would be Central Park. The trees are absolute showstoppers and the colors are straight out of an art gallery, literally. Wandering through the park is one of the best things to do in autumn in New York City, hands down.

You can stroll down The Mall, get lost in the winding paths of The Ramble, or even catch the view from Bow Bridge.

For a true fall in NYC experience, rent a bike, take a boat ride at Loeb Boathouse, or just sit on a bench with a hot coffee and people-watch like it’s your full-time job. And if you’re into photography, get your camera ready—this place was made for capturing the magic of an autumn trip.

Peak foliage usually hits between mid-October and early November, but even outside of that window, Central Park in the fall is a must-see.

2. Apple Cider at the Union Square Greenmarket

The Union Square Greenmarket is basically fall in New York City served on a platter. Think fresh apple cider, warm donuts, locally grown pumpkins, and more produce than you know what to do with. It’s a full-on autumn dream.

There’s something about wandering through this market with a hot drink in hand that just feels right. Vendors sell everything from artisanal cheeses to handmade jams, and if you’re lucky, you’ll catch a live cooking demo.

And if we’re being real—no trip to New York City this autumn is complete without at least one fresh cider donut.

If you’re looking for fun stuff to do during autumn in NYC that isn’t just sightseeing, this is it. You can support the local farmers and eat all the fall snacks.

3. Skyline Views from a Cozy Rooftop Bar

Just because summer rooftop season is over doesn’t mean we’re done with sky-high views. Fall in NYC means rooftop bars break out the fire pits, fuzzy blankets, and hot cocktails. And trust me, sipping a spiked hot chocolate while staring at the Empire State Building? A moment.

A few must-visits is definitely 230 Fifth, which has heated igloos that make you feel like you’re inside a snow globe (minus the snow), then, Westlight in Williamsburg delivers ridiculous views, and Refinery Rooftop has one of the coziest atmospheres in the city.

If you’re planning an NYC itinerary this fall, set aside at least one evening to see the skyline from up high. It’s easily one of the top things to do this fall in NYC, and it will make you feel like the main character in a Netflix series about a girl who moves to the city and finds herself (or at least finds a really good cocktail).

4. Halloween in the Village

If you’ve never done Halloween in New York City, buckle up. This city does spooky season big. The Greenwich Village Halloween Parade is absolute chaos in the best way possible—think elaborate costumes, wild performances, and thousands of people just vibing in the streets.

The parade is legendary, but even if you skip it, there’s no shortage of fun things to do this fall for Halloween lovers. You can check out haunted houses, sip Halloween-themed cocktails at spooky bars like Beetle House, or take a ghost tour of old-school NYC landmarks.

One thing’s for sure—if you’re looking for fun stuff to do during autumn that’s a little extra, this is it.

5. Haunted Side of NYC

Speaking of spooky things to do in NYC in the fall, let’s talk about ghosts. This city is old, which means it has more than a few haunted spots.

The Merchant’s House Museum is straight-up known for paranormal activity and the Morris-Jumel Mansion (Manhattan’s oldest house) has some seriously eerie vibes, and rumor has it, its ghostly guests include former residents who refuse to check out.

If you are feeling a little brave, you should definitely take a ghost tour in Greenwich Village or walk through Washington Square Park after dark. The history is just as chilling as the ghost stories. And hey, if you don’t see a ghost, at least you’ll walk away with some cool NYC history facts.

6. Visit the Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze

Pumpkin lovers, this one’s for you. The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze is hands down one of the most impressive fall experiences near NYC, featuring over 7,000 hand-carved pumpkins. It’s located just outside the city in the Hudson Valley, but it’s 100% worth the trip.

The entire event takes place at Van Cortlandt Manor, which looks extra enchanting in the flickering glow of thousands of pumpkins.

You should walk through glowing tunnels, check out insane pumpkin sculptures, and just enjoy all the fall vibes. It’s one of those things that makes you feel like a kid again. Bonus: They sell hot apple cider and pumpkin-spiced everything, because of course they do.

High Line and Chelsea Market

The High Line is already one of the best things to do in New York City year-round, but it hits a little different in the fall. The elevated park turns into an autumn paradise, with crunchy leaves, crisp air, and views that will make you remember why you love this city.

The best part is that it’s completely free, making it a no-brainer addition to your NYC itinerary.

You can pair your walk with a stop at Chelsea Market—aka foodie heaven. This legendary indoor market is packed with some of the best bites in NYC, from homemade pasta to truffle fries, warm cider doughnuts, and fresh-baked pastries that smell ridiculously good.

A crisp, scenic walk followed by indulging in some of the city’s best food? That’s fall in NYC done right.

8. Get Lost in the New York Public Library

A cozy reading day inside the New York Public Library is a fall bucket list must. Just something about being surrounded by thousands of books while it’s chilly outside.

And if you haven’t stepped inside the Rose Reading Room yet, prepare to be dramatically impressed. We’re talking sky-high ceilings, glittering chandeliers, and rows upon rows of books just waiting to be devoured. If libraries had a VIP section, this would be it.

Even if you don’t plan on reading (no judgment, sometimes we just want the vibes), the Beaux-Arts architecture alone is worth the visit, and the aesthetics are just down right breathtaking.

9. Apple Picking Upstate

This one requires a little day trip, but it’s one of the best things to do in autumn in New York City area. Apple picking season is in full swing, and there are tons of beautiful orchards just outside NYC where you can pick fresh apples, sip cider, and pretend you live in a cozy small town for the day.

Harvest Moon Farm & Orchard and Fishkill Farms are two of the top spots! Both are just a quick trip from the city and have really gorgeous views, a whole bunch of apple varieties, and that lovely small-town charm that makes you want to stay all day.

And if you’re feeling extra ambitious, you can grab some extra apples and bake an apple pie when you get home. It’ll be so worth it.

10. See the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Balloons Inflated

We all know the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is a thing, but did you know you can see the giant balloons being inflated the night before? It’s totally a hidden gem and it happens on the Upper West Side, and it’s weirdly one of the most fun things to do in NYC this fall.

Watching massive balloon versions of Snoopy and Pikachu slowly inflate into these massive, towering balloon masterpieces is oddly hypnotizing and the crowds are way smaller than the actual parade, so you get all the cool vibes without the chaos.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re in the mood for spooky ghost tours, cozy library hangs, or epic city views wrapped in autumn colors, there’s no shortage of fun things to do during fall in NYC.

From crisp walks through Central Park to stuffing your face with apple cider donuts at a fall market, this is hands-down one of the best times of the year to visit.