10 Instagrammable NYC Summer Tips from locals!

NYC Summers are hot, very hot!

Bring your swimsuit and sunblock, you're definitely going to need it!

Temperatures between 30°C / 86°F and 36°C / 97°F are totally normal. Luckily, there are some fun (and Instagrammable ;)) ways to beat the heat!

Together with my fabulous NYC friends, Mickey and Kiara, we made a list of 10 Instagrammable NYC Summer Tips!

10 Instagrammable NYC Summer Tips from locals

Mickey's Instagrammable NYC Summer Tips

1. Lavender by the Bay

Get out of the city to see the blooming lavender. Usually, the peak time is around the beginning of July. One of the best places to see the Lavender is at: 'Lavender by the Bay', 7540 Main Rd, East Marion, NY 11939 about 2.5 hours drive from Manhattan.

2. Celebrate summer on a rooftop.

There are many gorgeous rooftops in NYC, but to me, the best one if Bar SixtyFive. This bar is located on the 65th floor of 30 Rock and it's only two floors shy of the top of the rock observation center. Wear some nice clothes, go up and enjoy the view with a glass of rose.

3. Corpse flower blooming.

The corpse flower is of the largest inflorescence in the world. Corpse flower blooming use to be a very rare event, but in the last few years, this flower bloomed annually at the end of June. Check the news if you are in town and if the flower is starting to bloom you have approximately 36 hours to see it before it fades away. Find it at New York Botanical Garden, 2900 Southern Blvd, Bronx, NY.

Kiara's Instagrammable NYC Summer Tips

4. Summer Streets

As a huge bike lover, I have to suggest to take part of it at least one day of the 'Summer Streets'. It happens every August 7am-1pm for 3 Saturdays in a row, this year on the 3rd, and the 17th. Park Avenue from around 59th street to City Hall will be completely traffic-free and you can ride your bike, play games, listen to music and enjoy kids activities. All for free! In 2018, nearly 300,000 people took advantage of the open streets

5. FREE concerts in Central Park

GMA summer concerts offer free concerts every Friday morning until August 30th at 7 am but lines start at 4.30 am. In the past years, I was able to see Backstreet's Boys, Blink 182 and many other international and renowned bands and singers for free in one of the best parks in the world. Note: It is not a real and proper concert since it is part of a morning tv show and there is a chance you could get filmed and be on tv for a minute :)

6. Pool in Roosevelt Island - Manhattan Park Pool House

This is not free but the ride on the tramway to the island could be free if you have an unlimited MetroCard otherwise it will be 2,75$. And if you are not a fan of the tramway you can take the F train to Roosevelt Island and walk to 36 River Rd. The Manhattan Park Pool is all colored and has a nice new of the Upper Eastside, open to the public for 40-60$ depending on the day of the week.

Silvie's Instagrammable NYC Summer Tips

7. The Hidden Rooftop Bar at The Met

Visiting a museum while it's hot outside is always a good idea! No better place to let the airco cool you down, while enjoying some beautiful art. If you don't know which one of the many museums to choose, I would suggest The Metropolitan Museum of Art. This is not only a wonderful museum, but it also hosts one of NYC's best-kept secrets, a rooftop bar with art, food, drinks, and an incredible view! You can find the hidden Metropolitan Museum Rooftop Bar on the 5th floor, via the elevator in the European Sculpture and Decorative Arts galleries.

8. Socrates Sculpture Park

The Socrates Sculpture Park is It is a neighborhood park on the waterside with a lovely view of the Upper East Manhatten skyline. The Park supports( visual) artists in the production and presentation of public art. A group of artists has transformed the former dump-place into an open studio and exhibition space for artists and a neighborhood park for local residents. This is the perfect place to bring a picknick and enjoy a fresh breeze AND, every Wednesday in July & August, there's a free Outdoor Cinema at the park!

9. I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream

No better way to beat the heat by eating Ice Cream. Luckily, in NYC you can find Ice Cream on nearly every corner.

Some of my favorites: the the legendary fish-shaped ice cream cones from Taiyaki NYC , the 24k golden matcha & vanilla soft serve from Matcha n' More, Mango-Margarita Sorbet from @tipsyscoop, the Mexican ice cream and popsicles from @lanewyorkina and of course the simple but delicious Vanilla Cone from one of the many many Mister Softee trucks.

10. Enjoy the sunset at the Gantry Plaza State Park

The big advantage of the hot NYC summers are the warm evenings and there's no better way to spend a warm evening watching a spectacular NYC sunset. The Gantry Plaza State Park is only one subway stop from Grand Central and offers an amazing view. This is the only spot where you can see all the iconic NYC skyscrapers in a row (WTC Tower , Empire State Building, The U.N. Building, The Crysler Building), while strolling the beautiful 12-acre riverside oasis.

At the L.I.C. Landing you can get a drink and a bite at the outdoor cafe. I bet you'll stay here all night!