By: Stefanie DiMartino

May is a month full of promise and new beginnings, as spring blooms into full swing.

It’s a perfect month to visit New York City, as the weather starts to warm up and the city comes to life with all sorts of exciting events and activities. I’m highlighting some of the best things to do and see in NYC during May, along with the best in entertainment, art, and dining/drinks so that you can make the most of your trip to the city that never sleeps!

The Top 12 Best Things to do in NYC this May

THINGS TO DO + SEE + PARTIES

DAYBREAKER NYC: TOGETHER TOUR

May 25, 2023 | 6am-9am | $38+

Secret Venue, 45 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10111

Daybreaker is celebrating their 10 year anniversary with a 10-Year Together Tour! 

“We chose the theme “Togetherness” to shine a light on the importance of belonging, friendship, and real social connections to support a meaningful life — and to heal the world. We promise to deliver memories to bond us and music to heal us. All you have to do is wake up & show up — for yourself and each other.” – Daybreaker

THE QUEEN’S BALL: A BRIDGERTON EXPERIENCE

May 3 – July 30| Wed-Sun, various times | $79+

Mediapro Manhattan Studio, 508 West 37th Street, New York, NY 10018

Calling all Bridgerton fans! This event is for you!

“Your presence is requested at the most exclusive ball of the season! Now is your chance to secure your invitation to an immersive experience transporting you straight to Bridgerton’s Regency era. Prepare to mingle with other distinguished guests as you sip on cocktails and partake in an evening of music and dance. Rumor has it that Her Majesty Queen Charlotte is looking for the diamond of the season, but will you be the one to win her favor?” – Fever 

ARTECHOUSE: MAGENTAVERSE

Now – May 29 | Mon-Fri, 12pm-10pm, Sat-Sun, 10am-10pm | $25+

Chelsea Market, 439 West 15th Street, New York, NY 10011

ARTECHOUSE and Pantone invite you to step into MAGENTAVERSE and explore the boundless sights, sounds, feelings and inspirations of the Pantone Color of the Year 2023, Viva Magenta. Step into a gorgeous cinematic journey through a euphoric color universe; an opportunity to explore installations that are inspired by the earth under your feet all the way to the depths of space, submerge yourself in creative energies, galvanize your spirit, and enhance your well-being.

CLASSIC HARBOR LINE: CRUISES

All of May | $48+

Chelsea Piers, Pier 62 (W. 22nd St.) New York, NY 10011

Classic Harbor Line cruises offer a one-of-a-kind way to see NYC! Being on the water and taking in the fabulous skyline views is memorable and fun. With so many offerings, such as brunch cruises, sunset cruises, jazz cruises, and more, you can’t go wrong. Perfect outing with friends, family, significant others, coworkers – anyone! Don’t miss out on this incredible experience!

NYBG SPRING UNCORKED

May 20 & May 21, 2023 | 12pm-4pm | $55+

New York Botanical Garden, 2900 Southern Boulevard, Bronx, NY 10458

If you love wine, then this is the event for you! This is your chance to enjoy the perfect pairing of springtime beauty and local wines. 

“Sip and savor spring during this wine lover’s weekend, featuring wineries from the Hudson Valley, Brooklyn, and Long Island. Enjoy samples, relax to live music, learn the science behind making great wines, and kick back with a variety of crafts and games. Be sure to drop by the spring preview of the NYBG Farmers Market for fresh-baked goods and other delicious treats.” – NYBG

FUNKY EXPERIENCES

Saturdays, Sundays, Custom day + time | Starting at $49+

I love New York City so much that I started a tourism company here. We offer a variety of tours around the city, from history, to sightseeing, to shopping, and one of my favorites – our food tour! 

Rated 5-stars on TripAdvisor and the winner of the “best of the best” award in NYC, you definitely do not want to miss out on any of these amazing tours! There are different tour options available to choose from to fit your interests AND your budget! For a truly unique experience, book a custom-designed private tour with our expert NYC guides!

Newest to our tour lineup is the Must-See Manhattan tour! This experience shows you Manhattan’s most iconic sites during a 2-hour walking tour. And, you can add on Top of the Rock tickets to end your experience with breathtaking views of the city’s skyline on a historic skyscraper! 

Visit and learn the unique history of iconic sites such as Times Square, Grand Central, the NY Public Library, Fifth Avenue, Rockefeller Center, Radio City Music Hall, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and more! Plus, we’ll take you inside Grand Central for an exclusive tour of its secrets.

For the best of both worlds, with food and sightseeing, consider joining the Best of New York Food Tour. The tour includes five dishes at delicious restaurants and a historic walking tour through Brooklyn!

Another option is to join the Secrets of New York Tour on Saturday mornings and visit hidden locations in lower Manhattan and learn secrets most New Yorkers don’t even know! Tours book up fast, so get your tickets today!

Planning a vacation to NYC? If you’re feeling overwhelmed and don’t know where to begin, we are here to help! We offer NYC Vacation Planning and our team of experts will help you plan your dream NYC vacation! You can make your NYC trip and experience more special with custom-designed plans that fit your budget and your unique interests.

DINING + DRINKS

LA BARCA CANTINA

Re-opening May 4 | Thurs-Fri, 3-10pm, Sat, 1-10pm, Sun, 12-3pm and 5-10pm | $10+

81 North River Piers, New York, NY 10036

Don’t miss out on this fiesta on the Hudson! Fiesta on the Hudson while enjoying tacos on a boat! La Barca Cantina is officially re-opening for the season on May 4th, just in time for Cinco de Mayo celebrations! 

“La Barca Cantina is New York City’s first and only floating Mexican restaurant! Our luxury yacht has an enormous outdoor deck, three bars and two beautiful indoor, temperature-controlled decks plus a killer sound system pumping out Latin pop, salsa and dance hits on all three decks. Our boat cruises several times a day, allowing guests to eat and drink while taking in the best view in the world: The New York skyline from the Hudson River.” – La Barca Cantina

CINCO DE MAYO FIESTA CRUISE

Saturday, May 6 | 6pm | $10 | Age 21+

SkyPort Marina, 2430 FDR Drive (23rd Street & FDR Drive), New York, NY 10010

“Get ready for a Cinco de Mayo Weekend in NYC like no other! Party along the NYC harbor aboard the luxurious Avalon yacht. Get down to live DJs across 2 dance floors, each with their own bar for you to get drinks too! Get your tickets now for this Cinco de Mayo Fiesta Cruise in NYC!” – Fever 

JAZZ BRUNCH AT ONE IF BY LAND, TWO IF BY SEA

May 7, May 14, & May 28 | 12pm & 2pm | $39+

17 Barrow Street, Manhattan, 10014

There’s nothing quite like enjoying Sunday brunch in NYC. If you want to know what can make it even better, then just add an all-star line-up on New York’s finest jazz musicians to your brunch. Which is exactly what One if By Land, Two if By Sea is offering. 

Best. Brunch. Ever! 

“This exclusive jazz series is limited to an intimate attendance capacity. It’s a rare opportunity to be a personal guest at this chic venue! Step into the venue to see candlelit tables, brick fireplaces, a baby grand piano and a private garden. The restaurant operates inside a historic, land-marked carriage house originally built in 1767, and once owned by Aaron Burr, Vice President of the United States. On top of the beautiful music, there will be a delightful full brunch menu that you will have access to purchase. Whether you sit in The Constitution Room, The Mezzanine, or the main dining area you will enjoy one of the most beautiful settings in New York City!” – Fever 

MUSEUM + ART EXHIBITIONS

YAYOI KUSAMA: I SPEND EACH DAY EMBRACING FLOWERS

May 11 – July 21 | Tues-Sat, 10am-6pm | FREE! 

David Zwirner, 519, 525 & 533 West 19th Street, New York, NY 10001

Yayoi Kusama, one of the most celebrated contemporary artists of our time, is unveiling her latest works on May 11 in one of her largest gallery exhibitions to date. The exhibition will feature new paintings, new sculptures elaborating on her signature motifs of pumpkins and flowers, and a new Infinity Mirrored Room.

VAN GOGH’S CYPRESSES

May 22 – August 27 | $30+ | NY, NJ, CT – pay what you wish

The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1000 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10028

Van Gogh’s Cypresses is an art exhibition that focuses on the trees that Vincent van Gogh painted in his famous works, “Wheat Field with Cypresses” and “The Starry Night.” Both paintings will be on display together at The Met for the first time in more than a century! The exhibition showcases about 40 of van Gogh’s artworks that illustrate his fascination with the cypress trees over two years in the South of France. This exhibition provides a unique perspective on the Dutch artist’s original power of expression and how he saw the cypress trees as a source of inspiration.

MUSEUM OF FAILURE

Now – June 18 | Tues-Thurs and Sat-Sun, 10am-6pm, Fri, 10am-7pm | $22.55+

Industry City, 900 3rd Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11232

“Everyone makes mistakes, and the Museum of Failure is here to celebrate that! The Museum of Failure showcases a collection of failed products and services from around the world. Every item provides unique insight into the risky business of innovation—and, let’s face it, the majority of innovation projects fail at some point. But that’s okay, because embracing failure and taking meaningful risks paves the way for real innovation and progress.” – Fever

For the coolest and best upcoming activities in NYC, watch my guide here:

In conclusion, these are the top 12 best things to do in NYC this May. Have fun and stay safe!