New York City is like a playground for adults, with lots of fun things to do, interesting things to see, and unique adventures.From rooftop cocktails to helicopter rides, the city is packed with fun activities in NYC for adults that guarantee unforgettable memories.

In this article, We will talk about some must-do things and the best places to do them in NYC.

Why is New York City great for adults?

There’s something for everyone in New York City thanks to its wide range of attractions. No matter if you’re looking for excitement, culture, or just a great night out, the city is packed with fun activities in NYC for adults. These things to do in New York City will make your time there unforgettable, from secret speakeasies to aerial adventures and high parties.

Fun activities in NYC for adults during the day

1.  NYC’s speakeasies

For those who love a bit of mystery and history, exploring NYC’s speakeasies is one of the most intriguing fun activities in NYC for adults.  These secret gems have a retro vibe, make their own cocktails, and have a cozy atmosphere.

Top Spot: PDT 

One of the most famous speakeasies in the city is PDT, which is in the East Village. An old phone booth inside Crif Dogs, a nearby hot dog shop, gives you access. When you call the number, a secret door will open and take you to a cozy, dimly lit club. Their famous drinks and gourmet hot dogs go great with them, so don’t miss them.

2. Rooftop bars with great views

Sipping a drink while taking in a view of the city’s skyline is the epitome of New York City fun.Rooftop bars are the epitome of glamour and one of the most popular fun activities in NYC for adults.

The Roof at PUBLIC Hotel

The Roof at PUBLIC Hotel is in Lower Manhattan and has stunning views of the city’s skyline, including the Empire State Building and other famous buildings. It’s a great place to go out at night because it has stylish decor, creative drinks, and a lively vibe. Get there early to see the sunset; the city’s colors make for a beautiful background.

3. Go on a helicopter tour 

For an unforgettable experience, a helicopter tour is one of the most thrilling fun activities in NYC for adults. Fly above the busy streets and take in the views of the city’s famous sites.

Top Place: Helicopter Flight Services New York City

You can fly over New York City for 15 to 30 minutes and see the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, and the Brooklyn Bridge. This tour gives you a unique view of the city’s beauty and is great for both thrill-seekers and romantics. Tip: If you want to see the city in a beautiful way, book your flight for sunset.

4. Have fun at live comedy shows

Laughter is good for you, and there’s a lot of it in New York City’s comedy scene. One of the most fun things for adults to do in New York City is to see live shows.

The Comedy Cellar 

There is a famous place in Greenwich Village called The Comedy Cellar that has featured big names in comedy like Chris Rock and Amy Schumer. There are shows every day, so you can be sure of a funny night and see up-and-coming comedians in action.

5. Visit interesting museums

For people who like to learn and have fun at the same time, NYC’s niche museums are one of the best places for adults to enjoy themselves in the city,making them one of the most enriching fun activities in NYC for adults.

The Museum of Sex 

This is the only museum of its kind that lets you dive into the interesting world of human sexuality. The Museum of Sex has both historical displays and interactive art pieces that are fun and make you think. Their gift shop has fun items that you shouldn’t miss.

Outdoor Fun activities for adults in NYC

6. Adventures outside

For a break from the stress of city life, New York City has fun things to do outside. Whether you love kayaking or biking, these fun activities in NYC for adults provide a healthy mix of adventure and relaxation.

Hudson River Park 

This park covers most of the west side of Manhattan and has bike trails, kayaking, and even mini-golf. You can rent bikes and ride along the water, or you can go kayaking on the Hudson River and see the city from above.

Do something different the next time you’re in New York City. Take part in these one-of-a-kind and fun events that really show off the city’s magic.

7. Rooms with lots of details

When you want to do something fun and difficult, escape rooms are a great option. These games are great for getting together with friends or even for an exciting date night because they require you to work together, solve problems, and be creative.

BrainXcape

BrainXcape has some of the most exciting escape rooms in New York City. It is located in Manhattan. Their rooms have very detailed sets and exciting plots, like getting out of a scary hotel that’s haunted or solving a high-stakes riddle. With time running out, this exciting, adrenaline-filled activity will make you feel like you can’t breathe.

8. Places to see jazz and live music

New York City’s jazz clubs and live music venues have great atmospheres and shows that are among the best in the world. This is one of the most meaningful and fun things for adults to do in New York City that combines culture and fun.

Blue Note Jazz Club 

The Blue Note in Greenwich Village is a famous place where jazz greats like Miles Davis used to play. There are still some of the best modern and classic jazz bands that play there. No matter how much you know about jazz or how interested you are in it, an evening at Blue Note is an unforgettable event.

Fun activities for adults in NYC at night

9. Themed bars and a unique nightlife

New York City is known for its lively nightlife. In addition to regular bars and clubs, there are special bars that make your night out more fun.

The Cauldron NYC 

This is the right bar for you if you like magic and dreams. In this Harry Potter-themed bar, you can make your special drinks in a magical setting. This bar offers fun activities, theatrical staff, and a menu full of surprises, making for an amazing evening.

10. Tours of restaurants and cooking classes

NYC is a great place for foodies, and exploring the city’s food scene is one of the tastiest and most fun things to do in NYC as an adult. The food ranges from fancy restaurants to famous street food, so everyone can find something they like.

The Chelsea Market Food Tour

Chelsea Market is a food lover’s dream. It is in the Meatpacking District. You can try everything from gourmet tacos to handmade chocolates on a food tour. Enjoy a range of tastes while learning about the history of the market and the people who work there.

11. Theater Outside of Broadway

Even though Broadway shows are well-known, New York City has a lot of off-Broadway and alternative theater for people who want to try something new.

Best Place: Sleep No More

Sleep No More is an interactive theater experience based on Shakespeare’s Macbeth. It is put on by the Punchdrunk theater company. This show takes place in a hotel from the 1920s, and the audience is free to move around and follow the stories at their own pace. It’s a one-of-a-kind, hands-on way to see play in New York City.

12. Tours of beautiful walks

Walking around New York City can be a fun and educational thing to do. There is an organized experience for everyone, from walks that focus on food to tours that look at history.

Brooklyn Bridge and Dumbo Walking Tour

Take a tour across the famous Brooklyn Bridge to learn about its past and how it was built. The tour goes on to Dumbo, a cool area with art shops, cobblestone streets, and beautiful views of the water. Get a coffee at one of the nearby shops and take a picture of the Empire State Building framed by the Manhattan Bridge.

Creative Fun activities for adults in NYC

13. Nights of art and wine

Art and wine nights in New York City are a great way to relax and be creative at the same time. You can paint or make art while drinking your favorite drink at these events. It’s one of the most relaxing and creative things for adults to do in New York City.

Paint and Sip at Pinot’s Palette

Pinot’s Palette has locations in several New York City neighborhoods and offers guided painting lessons in a casual setting. The teachers will help you make your work while you enjoy a glass or two of wine, no matter how much experience you have as an artist.

14. Different ways to work out

For fitness fans, New York City has fun and unique ways to work out that aren’t like going to the gym.

Trapeze School New York 

This school, which is on Pier 40, lets you fly through the air with a trapeze. You’ll learn basic moves and feel the rush of performing in the air with the help of skilled teachers. It has the right amount of exercise and excitement.

15. Holiday Activities in New York City

Every season brings something new to NYC, so it’s a great place for people to go for fun things all year long.

Top Picks for the Season:

• In the winter, you can ice skate at Bryant Park or Rockefeller Center.
• In the spring, you can see cherry blossoms at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden.
• Summer: Movies outside at Bryant Park or yoga on the roof.
• Fall: nearby haunted houses and apple patches will be open for Halloween.

The City of New York is more than just a busy city; it’s a treasure trove of things to do for everyone. If you’re seeking unforgettable fun activities in NYC for adults, the city offers endless options.

16. Take a boat ride on the Hudson River

Sailing in New York City is both relaxing and thrilling, and the views of the skyline and famous sites are breathtaking. A cruise along the Hudson River is one of the most beautiful and fun things to do in New York City for adults, whether you’re enjoying a special event or just want to relax.

Classic Harbor Line’s Champagne Sunset Cruise

For a two-hour trip in style, set sail on a boat that looks old. As you enjoy free wine and light snacks, you’ll see the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the Brooklyn Bridge. This private event is great for couples or small groups of friends.

17. Visit New York City’s food markets.

Food lovers will love New York City’s food markets, which are a must-see for anyone looking for fun things to do in New York City as an adult. There is a wide range of food and handmade goods at these markets.

Smorgasburg 

When it comes to food, Smorgasburg is like Woodstock. It’s an outdoor market that takes place in Brooklyn and Manhattan. With more than 100 sellers, you can eat everything from rainbow bagels to lobster rolls. It’s a great place to find new recipes and learn about food trends in the area.

Indoor fun activities for adults in NYC

18. Enjoy a day at the spa

Sometimes, the best way to see New York City is to get away from it all for a day and be pampered. A day at a fancy spa is one of the most relaxing and fun things for people to do in New York City.

The best place is AIRE Ancient Baths.

AIRE old Baths in Tribeca is a relaxing place that was inspired by bathhouses from old Greece and Rome. You can soak in thermal baths with different temperatures, float in salt water, or get a massage to relax. The peaceful mood and candlelight make it the perfect place to get away from it all in the city.

19. Visit New York City’s Famous Observation Decks

A must-do for anyone who wants to see New York City from above. Observation decks offer some of the best views in New York City and are a popular place for adults to have fun.

Best Places:

• Edge at Hudson Yards is the highest outdoor observation deck in the Western Hemisphere. It has a part with a glass floor that gives you a thrilling view.
• Top of the Rock: This observation deck at Rockefeller Center has a 360-degree view of Central Park and Midtown Manhattan.
• Summit One Vanderbilt, which offers an immersive experience with views and interactive art pieces.

20. Tours for taking pictures at night

A photography tour at night is a fun and creative thing to do if you like taking pictures or just want to see New York City at its most magical.

The Best Place: NYC Photo Safari

You can take beautiful night time pictures at famous places like Times Square, the Brooklyn Bridge, and the Empire State Building on this guided trip. Professional photographers can help you get great shots by giving you advice on composition and camera settings.

21. New York City Wine Tasting

New York City has a lot of wineries and stylish wine bars where wine fans can enjoy tastings. This is a classy and tasty way for people to discover fun things to do in New York City.

Place to Go: City Winery

City Winery is on Pier 57 and has live music, wine tastes, and food pairings in a beautiful waterfront setting. You can enjoy a lunch from their seasonal menu and one of their own wines while looking out at the Hudson River.

22. Take a tour of street art.

NYC’s streets are a blank canvas for skilled artists, and one of the most visually interesting and fun things for adults to do in NYC is to check out the city’s street art scene.

Bushwick Street Art Tour 

Bushwick, Brooklyn, is known as the center of street art in New York City. Take a walk with a guide to see murals and learn about the artists who made them and the stories behind them. Some of the best pieces are by both famous artists and up-and-coming artists from the area.

23. Try rock climbing inside.

Indoor rock climbing is a thrilling activity for people who want to do something active and difficult. It’s a fun way to stay in shape and push yourself in a safe setting.

The Cliffs at LIC 

The Cliffs is in Long Island City and has climbing walls for people of all skill levels. Whether you’ve been climbing before or this is your first time, their large facility and skilled teachers will make it an unforgettable experience.

24. Pop-Up Events During Certain Seasons

New York City is known for its pop-up events and pieces that change all the time. These one-of-a-kind events are some of the coolest and most exciting things for adults to do in New York City.

Top Picks for the Season:

• In the winter, you can ice skate at The Rink at Bryant Park Winter Village and shop at holiday markets.
• Rooftop Cinema Club, an outdoor movie theater with drinks and beautiful views in the summer.
• Fall: The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze is a light show in the Hudson Valley with a Halloween theme.
• Spring: The Macy’s Flower Show in Herald Square, which has beautiful flower arrangements.

25. Class on cooking with a New York City twist

If you love food, taking a cooking class in the city is not only a great way to learn new things but also a lot of fun.

De Gustibus Cooking School 

This cooking school is inside Macy’s Herald Square and has classes given by some of New York City’s best chefs. Learn new skills and enjoy the tasty food you make as you learn how to make gourmet meals.

Plan your next trip to New York City

There are a huge number of fun things for adults to do in New York City, so every visit is different and enjoyable. New York City has something for everyone, from high observation decks to immersive art adventures and spa days. These things to do will make sure you always have something new and fun to do, whether you’re just visiting for the weekend or live there full-time.

Start making plans for your trip to New York City right now and explore all the amazing things this famous city has to offer.

How much do these activities typically cost?

The costs change for each action. As a general rule:

• Central Park, the High Line, walks of street art, and some museum days are all free things to do.
• Comedy shows cost $10 to $30, outdoor bars $15 to $25 for drinks, and escape rooms $25 to $50.
• Luxury activities include helicopter tours that cost $150 to $300, fancy meals, and spa days that cost $100 to $200.

Last Thoughts on fun activities in NYC for adults. 

There is so much fun, culture, and adventure in New York City that it’s a dream for adults. There are a lot of fun things for adults to do in New York City, from the thrill of helicopter rides to the magic of speakeasies and the charm of jazz clubs. 

There is always something new to find, whether you are just coming for the weekend or have lived there for a long time.

Why wait then? Take part in these activities and write your own story about New York City that is full of fun, laughter, and times you’ll never forget.

FAQs on fun activities in NYC for adults. 

1. What are some unique fun activities in NYC for adults?

There are lots of interesting things for adults to do in New York City. Exploring secret speakeasies, taking a helicopter tour for amazing views of the city skyline, going on a sunset cruise along the Hudson River, and playing BrainXcape are some of the best things to do. You can also try urban wine tasting at City Winery or go to Sleep No More, an interactive theater show.

2. What are the best outdoor activities for adults in NYC?

New York City has a lot to offer people who love being outside. Some famous things to do are to bike along the Hudson River Greenway, kayak on the Hudson River, or take a walk through Central Park. Visit the Trapeze School New York on Pier 40 for a more daring thing to do. People also like to do seasonal things outside, like ice skating in Bryant Park’s Winter Village and summer movie nights outside.

3. What’s the best way to explore NYC’s food scene?

New York City’s food scene is very varied. You can try flavors from around the world on food trips like the Chelsea Market Food Tour. You can get a lot of different kinds of street food at places like Smorgasburg, or you can take a cooking class at De Gustibus Cooking School to learn how to make fancy meals. For a high-class experience, eat at a restaurant with a Michelin star or check out the city’s rooftop bars and special dining events.

4. Are there romantic activities for couples in NYC?

Yes! New York City has a lot of sweet things for couples to do. You can go on a champagne ride on the Hudson River at sunset, take a peaceful walk across the Brooklyn Bridge, or plan a spa day for two at AIRE Ancient Baths. Going out at night? Check out a jazz club like the Blue Note or a rooftop bar like The Roof at PUBLIC Hotel for drinks with a view.

5. What are some fun activities in NYC for adults who love art and culture?

Museums in New York City, such as the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, are known all over the world for their art and culture. For something different, check out the street art in Bushwick or go to Village Vanguard to see live jazz. There is also a mix of art, culture, and entertainment in immersive theater events like Sleep No More.

6. What are the best places for adults to go out at night in New York City?

New York City’s nightlife is famous. Hidden speakeasies like Please Don’t Tell (PDT) are fun places to drink, and rooftop bars like 230 Fifth have great views of the city. At themed bars like The Cauldron NYC, you can make your own special drinks, which makes the experience more fun. It’s great to spend an evening laughing at a comedy club like The Comedy Cellar.

7. Are there any free things for adults to do in New York City?

Of course! Adults can do a lot of free things in New York City. You can walk through Central Park, check out the High Line, or go on your own tour of the street art in Bushwick. Some times of the year, places like the Museum of Modern Art let anyone in for free. You can also watch movies, music, and other events outside for free at places like Bryant Park and Prospect Park.

8. What are the best seasonal activities in NYC for adults?

• During the winter, you can ice skate at Rockefeller Center or the Winter Village in Bryant Park.
• In the spring, you can see cherry blossoms at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden.
• In the summer, I like to do yoga on my roof, kayak on the Hudson River, or go to outdoor events.
• In the fall, we looked into Halloween events like spooky houses and The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze.