How to Enjoy the Dog Days of Summer in New York City

Never was a time more electric and filled with possibilities than during the freewheeling spirit of summer. But sometimes all that excitement—and warmth—can be a bit, well, overwhelming. Here are our tips for keeping your cool during the dog days of summer.

Central Park

The iconic swathe of greenery that runs for fifty blocks, Central Park is the perfect summer NYC hangout spot. Enjoy a picnic lunch, or head to the just-renovated Boathouse Restaurant overlooking the charming pond. New Yorkers flock to Sheep’s Meadow for summer tanning, but you can also escape the crowds and find your own quiet corner in The Ramble, on the park’s northern side. Learn all about Central Park here.

Manhattan’s Best Ice Cream

Don’t settle for any random Mr. Softee truck—hough we certainly support an emergency soft-serve with sprinkles in a pinch. The city is rife with gourmet options that will change your palate for the sweet treat forevermore. One such outpost is the Ice & Vice booth in Times Square. It’s got bold, unique flavors that alter your perspective on what ice cream can be. Try the Basic B—vanilla with black lava salt—and Opium Den, white sesame with poppy seeds.

Further afield, other popular ice cream shops for foodies include Morgenstern’s, on the Lower East Side. Chef and owner Nick Morgenstern once worked as pastry chef for venerable restaurants including Gramercy Tavern and Daniel. He brings his talents to ethereal flavors like burnt honey vanilla and black coconut ash and is opening a new location this summer in Greenwich Village.

Epic Rooftop Bars

Nothing says summer like the rooftop bar scene in Manhattan. Here at The Knick, our St. Cloud Social has sweeping views atop Times Square, letting you see the frenetic space from an exclusive perch. Stop by for summery cocktails and light bites and watch the Crossroads of the World from on high.

A Broadway Show

Keep cool indoors this summer by seeing some of the hottest shows on Broadway. Popular shows this year include Frozen, Disney’s stage transformation of the blockbuster film and Once on This Island, a Caribbean mash-up of Romeo and Juliet and The Little Mermaid.

The US Open

Every August, the world’s tennis elites converge for the US Open, held annually at the nearby Arthur Ashe Stadium. Stay cool in luxury box suites, which come fully air conditioned and outfitted with creature comforts. Or brave the heat for a closer view of greats like Roger Federer and Grigor Dimitrov in the stands below.

Discover the Best of New York

Planning a New York summer getaway? Get more insider tips on The Knick’s NYC Travel Guide.