New York City changes in the fall, offering a mix of seasonal activities and beautiful scenery. The cooler weather and colorful leaves create the perfect setting for exploring the city’s parks, neighborhoods, and events.
A fall bucket list helps visitors and locals find the best ways to enjoy New York during this season. It includes a variety of things to do that capture the spirit of autumn in the city.
1) Walk the Brooklyn Bridge for stunning fall skyline views
Walking the Brooklyn Bridge offers clear views of the New York City skyline. In fall, the crisp air and changing leaves add to the experience.
The path is about 1.3 miles long and provides scenic views of landmarks like the Statue of Liberty. Starting from Brooklyn gives a great perspective on Manhattan’s skyline throughout the walk.
For more tips, see this guide on walking the Brooklyn Bridge.
2) Visit Central Park’s Bethesda Terrace to see vibrant foliage
Bethesda Terrace offers a great view of colorful fall leaves. Visitors can see the changing trees reflected in the water near Bethesda Fountain. The spot is popular for photography, especially during autumn when the foliage is at its peak.
It is a calm area to enjoy the beauty of fall in Central Park. For more information, see the top spots to capture fall colors in Central Park.
3) Explore the New York Botanical Garden’s seasonal exhibits
The New York Botanical Garden offers seasonal exhibits that showcase changing plants and flowers. Visitors can see carefully designed displays that reflect the colors and mood of fall. These exhibits often include special events and light shows to enhance the experience. For more details, visit the New York Botanical Garden seasonal exhibits.
4) Attend the Halloween Parade in Greenwich Village
The Halloween Parade in Greenwich Village is a major New York City event every October 31st. Thousands of people dress in costumes and march up Sixth Avenue.
The parade features floats, bands, and giant puppets. It draws over 50,000 participants, making it a unique and lively experience to watch or join. Learn more about the Village Halloween Parade here.
5) Go leaf-peeping in Riverside Park
Riverside Park offers a calm spot to see fall colors in New York City. Visitors can enjoy views of colorful trees along the Hudson River. It is a good place for a peaceful walk while watching leaves change.
6) Watch a Yankees game at Yankee Stadium
They can catch a game at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx during the fall. The stadium is home to the New York Yankees, who have won 27 World Series titles. Visitors can enjoy the historic atmosphere while watching live baseball. For more details, see the Yankee Stadium fan’s guide.
7) Experience the open-air Autumn Harvest Market in Union Square
The Union Square Greenmarket runs year-round, with a special fall harvest edition. It offers fresh, local produce, baked goods, and seasonal treats. Visitors can enjoy events like pumpkin patches and live music while shopping from over 140 vendors. This market is a key spot for autumn flavors in New York City.
Learn more about the market’s fall events at GrowNYC’s website.
8) Tour art galleries during the Fall Gallery Walk in Chelsea
They can explore Chelsea’s art galleries, which feature contemporary painting, sculpture, and photography. The Fall Gallery Walk offers a chance to see new exhibits from both established and emerging artists. It’s a popular way to experience the vibrant art scene in New York City’s Chelsea district.
Tours often last about two hours and cover key galleries in the area. Visitors may also enjoy a walk along the nearby High Line after the tours. More details on these tours can be found at Chelsea gallery tour resources.
9) Visit the Cloisters Museum for medieval art amid fall gardens
The Cloisters Museum in Upper Manhattan offers a quiet space to explore medieval art. Visitors can enjoy the fall colors in its gardens, designed to reflect medieval styles.
It sits in Fort Tryon Park overlooking the Hudson River. The combination of art and nature creates a calm, historic atmosphere. Learn more about the collection and gardens at the Cloisters Museum.
10) Take a sunset cruise around Manhattan to see fall colors
A sunset cruise on the Hudson River offers calm views of Manhattan and the changing fall leaves. The light at sunset highlights the colors along the shoreline. Many cruises depart from Pier 25 and provide a relaxing way to enjoy autumn in the city.
Learn more about these tours on this NYC fall foliage sunset cruise.
