Rossilynne Skena Culgan

Finding the best hotel in NYC to stay at, whether on a trip here or a staycation, is paramount. Yes, you’ll likely be out and about and the hotel simply serves as a place to lay your head, but a good hotel can make or break your time in the city. New York prides itself on its hospitality and that is pretty clearly evidenced by its best hotels. Every kind of traveler can find their perfect holiday haven in this glorious city, from sleek boutique hotels in the city’s trendiest neighborhoods to opulent luxury stays near the top NYC attractions. You’ll even find some of the best spas and restaurants tucked inside their lobbies. Whether you’re a first-time visitor to the Big Apple or a local craving an inner-city staycation, these properties take the cake when it comes to hospitality and hotel perks. Cue room service. February 2025 update: We have completely revamped our list by visiting dozens of hotels across NYC, most recently, the Carlyle. So know that when you’re reading this list, you’re getting the most up-to-date information. 🇺🇸 Click here to view our full guide to the best things to do in NYC🏨 Discover the best cheap hotels in NYC🌉 Explore the coolest Airbnbs in Brooklyn💗 Book one of the best boutique hotels in NYC Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in and review every hotel featured, we've based our list on our expert knowledge of the destination covered, editorial reviews, user reviews, hotel amenities, and in-depth research to find you the best stays.

New York City has tons of things going for it, from incredible buildings to breathtaking parks. But surely, the top of the list includes NYC’s vast array of museums and galleries, covering every field of culture and knowledge: There are quirky museums and interactive museums, free museums and world renowned art institutions like the Met. Between them, they offer so many exhibitions of every variety and taste that it's hard to keep track of them. But if you’ve starting to suffer a sudden attack of FOMA (that's fear of missing art ;)), don't worry! We've got you covered with our select list of the best museum exhibitions in NYC. Don't waste any time—head to NYC's best museum exhibits now! RECOMMENDED: Full guide to museums in NYC

New York City is full of free outdoor art that you don't even have to go to a museum to see. Sculptures, murals and photographs can be found in its parks, sidewalks and on its buildings! Locations such as the High Line, Central Park, the Metropolitan Museum Of Art, Cadman Plaza in Brooklyn, Socrates Sculpture Park in Queens and other NYC locales all have a wide variety of pieces awaiting you, from massive sculptures to eye-popping murals and graffiti. Best of all, it costs you nothing to pay a visit. Below, find the best outdoor art in NYC to stroll by for a DIY walking tour. RECOMMENDED: The best art shows and exhibits in NYC

There's more than one kind of New York City music festival—in fact, there's probably one for every type of music lover you could think of. The first events that come to mind might be the big-tent fests like Governors Ball, but just as important are staple series like the queer-centered All Things Go, Afropunk and BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn!, which keep crowds coming out to our beloved green spaces and stadiums all season long. Overwhelmed by all the choices? Check out our hand-picked this guide to the very best summer music festivals hitting town this year. We'll keep updating this as summer approaches, so stay tuned. RECOMMENDED: The best concerts in NYC

The New York City skyline is iconic—and also ever-changing. Famous buildings like the Empire State, Chrysler and Flatiron still stand tall next to newer icons like One World Trade Center, the Vessel and the Spiral. Simply strolling the streets of New York, you’ll take in plenty of amazing views. But to get a better picture of the city, the best views in NYC are from up or out — whether atop a tall building, up in the sky, or out on the water. Taking in the view just might be one of the best things to do in NYC. The many incredible rooftop bars in New York offer spectacular views paired with tasty cocktails and bites. Other views can be had from atop the many beautiful buildings and towering skyscrapers in the city. Or for a more unique perspective, try viewing the skyline from the water, perhaps from a kayak (but save it for summer)? Our list of magical views in NYC will allow you to see the city in a new light. Check them out on your own, or visit a few with your special someone for a unique date option. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best New York attractions

If you’re looking for the best things to do in NYC this week, or even for today, there are tons of fun options, including Jane's Walk, Memento Mori Fest, Rooftop Cinema Club's debut, Banksy artwork at Brookfield Place, dance parties in Bryant Park, and awesome free events in NYC! For more ideas, scroll down to see this week's best things to do in NYC. RECOMMENDED: Full list of the best things to do in New York Stay in the Loop: Sign up for our free weekly newsletter to get the latest in New York City news, culture and dining. 

Memorial Day is about remembering service members who gave their lives in defense of our country, and there are several parades and special events to honor their lives. The holiday weekend also serves as the unofficial kick-off to summer. Whether it’s heading to a massive barbecue, hanging out at the beach, or taking a brunch cruise around Manhattan, there are plenty of memorable ways to spend your three-day weekend. If you want even more ideas, check out our best things to do in NYC this weekend guide. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to Memorial Day in NYC What to do in NYC on Memorial Day weekend? There are a ton of activities in NYC for Memorial Day Weekend, from outdoor parties on rooftops and at parks to parades, tours of Naval ships and more. Read below for what's going on. Is NYC busy on Memorial Day? Between the parties and cookouts, NYC is pretty chill on Memorial Day unless you head to one of NYC's parades. Where is the Memorial Day parade? There are two parades, actually. Both are held on Memorial Day, Monday, May 26. The Brooklyn Memorial Day Parade kicks off in Bay Ridge at 11am on Monday, May 26 from 78th Street and Third Avenue. The route contiunes along Third Avenue to Marine Avenue up Fourth Avenue and over to John Paul Jones Park. The Little Neck Douglaston Memorial Day Parade steps off at 2pm on Monday, May 26 from Jayson Avenue and Northern Boulevard; here's a map of the route. Event organizers say it's the largest continuously-held Memorial Day parade in the na

NYC gives a warm welcome during Fleet Week to nearly 2,300 service members of the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard as they dock in the city for the weeklong celebration that overlaps with Memorial Day weekend. The 36th annual Fleet Week in NYC runs from May 21 to May 27, 2025. Read on for how to celebrate Fleet Week in NYC!  RECOMMENDED: Full guide to Fleet Week NYC

June is Pride Month, which means New York’s queer community is ready to party and—more than ever this year—stand up for their rights. At a time when the trans community is under attack across the country and even in our forward-looking city, displays of joy, resistance and community are more essential than ever this year. Whether you're looking to show your support by joining the NYC Pride March or looking for a place to dance your worries away, Pride celebrations continue all month long. We’ve assembled the best performances, comedy shows, parties, gay bars and events that'll have you dancing, singing, learning and feeling heard. And while there’s no official census or index, it’s believed that New York City has the largest LGBTQ+ population in America—and that’s something to celebrate all year long! RECOMMENDED: A guide to Pride NYC

Looking for the best things to do in NYC this weekend? Whether you’re the group planner searching for more things to do in NYC today or you have no plans yet, here are some ideas to add to your list for this weekend: Earth Day celebrations, the Macy's Flower Show, a Gilded Age walking tour, Queens Night Market's debut, a French cultural festival, and free events around town. All you have to do is scroll down to plan your weekend! Start planning a great month now with our round-up of the best things to do in April.  RECOMMENDED: Full list of the best things to do in NYCRECOMMENDED: The best New York attractions Stay in the Loop: Sign up for our free weekly newsletter to get the latest in New York City news, culture and dining. 

Now that spring is in full swing, there’s no shortage of outstanding NYC events in May 2025. We encourage you to find things to do outside and take in all the greenery by visiting some of the best NYC parks while the flowers are blooming. As for the month’s major holidays, don’t miss out on all the awesome things to do for Mother’s Day and Memorial Day.  From parades to performances and art exhibits to night markets, there's no shortage of ways to have fun in NYC this May.  RECOMMENDED: Full NYC events calendar

Some the best NYC events in April celebrate Earth Day. NYC isn't the greenest city, but we sure know how to give Mother Nature a proper party and some much-needed recognition all Earth Month long. The best Earth Month events in NYC including volunteering to clean up parks in NYC or beaches to ensure they stay litter-free. There are also plenty of opportunities to enjoy themed music, sustainable art and natural beauty. Get ready to do some tree hugging and check out fun things to do outside and inside. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to Earth Day in NYC

Want to live out your Met Gala fantasy? New Yorkers from all over are invited to get all dolled up for "The People's Ball" at the Brooklyn Public Library's Central Library, celebrating inclusivity and individuality through fashion and performance. The free event, held on the eve of the Met Gala, offers an alternative to expensive, exclusive galas and showcases the diverse styles that make up New York City's urban runway. Attendees can walk the runway in their favorite outfits, with DJs and performers entertaining the crowds between the fashion moments.    Guests of honor this year Academy Award-winning designers Ruth E. Carter (Black Panther) and Paul Tazewell (Wicked). The event is hosted by Delissa Reynolds and Ariel Polanco with musical performances by Storm Marrero and DJ sets by djFRiTZo. It's co-curated by Souleo. Be sure to register in advance. 

The Met Gala? In this economy? The Debt Gala provides an inclusive alternative to the Met Gala—all to raise money for Americans in medical debt.  The third annual Debt Gala returns to Brooklyn's Bell House on Sunday, May 4, with the theme "Let Them Eat Cake: Ruined Riches." The tongue-in-cheek event swaps formality for fun, reshaping the traditional gala experience into an open celebration for all. The theme is meant to encourage guests to channel the gilded extravagance of immense wealth—silk, lace, pearls, and beyond—and distress it as they see fit. Rips, shatters, stains, and all manner of unraveling are welcome. In addition to throwing a great party, the event also centers economic justice and the struggle to afford rising costs of care. In its first two years, the Debt Gala has helped eliminate over $2.5 million in medical debt for struggling families. This year, proceeds from the Debt Gala will support Undue Medical Debt and For the Gworls.  "The Debt Gala is a protest, a love letter, a fundraiser, and a fashion show. 'Eat the rich,' but make it formalwear," added Molly Gaebe, co-founder of The Debt Gala. "At the Debt Gala, we're redistributing wealth, fun, and attention where they truly belong."

German-American actress and comedian Lucie Pohl invites comics born near and far to perform their best immigration-inspired stand-up, storytelling and sketch comedy. Comedians for the Friday, May 2 show at Caveat include Gus Constantellis, Alex Kim, Lissa Lenis, Cansu, Misha Han, and more, plus prizes and games. Comedians represent Colombia, Puerto Rico, Denmark, Turkey, Germany, and more. This month's show raises money for the New Women New Yorkers.

To honor and remeber those who lost their lives in defense of the nation, Brookyn's annual Memorial Day Parade will be held on Monday, May 26. This year is the 158th parade, making it one of the oldest parades in Brooklyn. The Brooklyn Memorial Day Parade kicks off in Bay Ridge at 11am on Monday, May 26 from 78th Street and Third Avenue. The route contiunes along Third Avenue to Marine Avenue up Fourth Avenue and over to John Paul Jones Park.

Bask in the beauty of Green-Wood Cemetery while listening to a concert by high-school musicians of the ISO Symphonic Band at Third Street. The musical selections commemmorate those who served in the armed forces, as well as feature music by some of Green-Wood's permanent residents, including James Weldon Johnson, Fred Ebb, and Leonard Bernstein. Bring a blanket, a picnic, and friends for this afternoon concert on Monday, May 26, which is celebrating 25 years in Brooklyn. It's free to attend with donations encouraged. 

Looking for a lover in uniform? Well, thousands of them will descend upon New York City during Fleet Week. And the ones who are single and ready to mingle will be at this Fleet Week singles mixer on Saturday, May 24 hosted by Single and the City at The Dean in Midtown (214 W 39th Street Unit #5).    Here's what to expect: A chance to meet servicemembers in uniform, music from a DJ, a professional photographer, music, and dancing. Fleet Week has been a tradition in New York City for 36 years, but Sex and the City brought it into the zeitgeist in the episode titled "Anchors Away." As Carrie Bradshaw says, "Fleet Week is that one week a year when the U.S. Naval ships dock, and our fair city is made even fairer with cute, sweet American sailors looking for fun." Carrie and her crew met some sailors at a party, and you can live out your own Sex and the City fantasy at this event. "Here is your opportunity to cross hooking up with a Fleet Week sailor off of your "to-do" list," event organizers say. "At the minimum at least come out and share a drink or two with one of our admirable servicemen and women." More than 150 people usually attend the 21+ Fleet Week mixer. While the majority of attendees are women looking for men, even planners say the dating scene is becoming more diverse. We'll leave you with the wise words of Samantha Jones: "We have to show them a good time. It’s our patriotic duty as women of New York."

This charming Chelsea bookstore offers a strong selection of books in literary fiction, translation, art, photography, film, poetry, music, history, biography, natural history, science, and current affairs. Plus, it features books for children and young adults. Regular readings, signings and discussions, some featuring well-known writers, are further good reasons to drop by. Even betters? All readings are free, with no reserved seating; seating is limited and offered first-come, first-served. Check the shop's website for upcoming events.

You won't believe how seamlessly good comedy can work with pole dancing (you can read about it here). While stellar stand-ups deliver sets, pro dancers give the crowd something stare at. Think of it as a full-brain experience. Comics Dan Goodman, Joanna Ross and special guests will welcome talented pole dancers and comedians from across NYC.  Each show features a different musical theme, and each one is full of surprises. This time, on Friday, April 25 and Saturday, April 26, the show all about Kendrick Lamar—"bitch, don't kill my vibe." Expect to hear jokes from five comics and see performances by five dancers. "They're not strippers, it’s not burlesque. It’s aerial dance with a side of crazy gymnastics, and death defying tricks that make your jaw drop," event planners explain. As the event organizers say: "If you don't see shows like this, why are you even paying the NYC rents?" See it at Drom in the East Village.

UCBLK, an all-Black variety show held at the Upright Citizens Brigade in the East Village, spotlights some of the best Black comedians in the city.  Expect a mix of improv, sketch comedy, music and stand-up. Previous lineups have featured comedians whose credits include SNLA, Don't Tell Comedy, Comedy Central, and more, so you know you're going to get some pretty funny people in the room.  This month's edition, hosted on Saturday, April 26, will be hosted by Justin Catchens, Shem Pennant, and Dominique Kaplowitz.

The tenth annual Greek Jewish Festival is back on the Lower East Side this spring. The open-air festival will celebrate the unique Romaniote and Sephardic heritage of the Jews of Greece with a feast of authentic kosher Greek foods and homemade Greek pastries, along with Sephardic cooking demonstrations so you can learn how to make the treats at home yourself.  Alongside the great food, attendees can enjoy traditional Greek dancing and live Greek and Sephardic music, an outdoor marketplace full of vendors, arts and educational activities for kids and more. Artists performing include: the Elias Ladino Ensemble, the Hellenic Dancers of New Jersey, the Noga Group featuring Avram Pengas, Ta Pedia Tis Polis and Baklava Express, among others  It’s free to attend the festival, which runs from noon to 6pm on Sunday, May 11 at 280 Broome Street between Allen and Eldridge Streets.

A parkour park will pop up on a Manhattan rooftop this spring, and all are welcome to jump, dance and play. The festival called MOVE NYC includes workshops for kids and adults on parkour, acro-yoga, calisthenics, aerial silks and more hosted by renowned athletes from across the country. The rooftop festival will be held atop New Design High School (28 Essex St) on May 23-25. It's designed to celebrate movement and raise money for the high school's physical education program. No prior experience with parkour is necessary to participate in any of the sessions, and all ages are welcome. For those who prefer to sit back and watch, there's a relaxing chill zone with shade, delicious food and concessions available, and competitions and raffles throughout the day.

Established in 2001, the Bruce Silverstein Gallery’s principal focus is the representation of an international roster of contemporary artists as well as established artists of great influence. The Chelsea gallery is committed to discovering, examining, and contextualizing known and unknown artworks by modern masters as well as innovative artists of today. While this contemporary art gallery isn't exclusively devoted to photography, photographers make up a significant portion of its roster.  

At long last, New York City is in bloom. Fragrant lilacs, colorful tulips and perfectly pink cherry blossoms have burst forth after a brutal winter. To celebrate the season, expert florists have wrangled spring blooms into incredible displays across the city. From outdoor flower gardens to indoor floral installations, here are all the free flower shows to see in New York City right now, along with tips to make the most of each experience. RECOMMENDED: Best free things to do in NYC Photograph: By Veronica Castillo / Courtesy of Fleurs de Villes 1. Fleurs de Villes' tribute to Downton Abbey When: Through May 4 Where: Hudson Yards  Purple orchids, white lilies, brown magnolia leaves, blue delphiniums and more have been transformed into magnificent floral creations depicting the sumptuous clothing of television series Downtown Abbey. More than a dozen local florists showcased their creativity by crafting stunning floral mannequins for the latest Fleurs de Villes exhibition at Hudson Yards. Even if you're not a fan of the TV show, this free exhibition is definitely worth seeing while it's on view through May 4. Each display is made of fresh flowers and botanicals. As Fleurs de Villes co-founder Karen Marshall says, "This is perishable art. Perishable art is must-see art." Time Out tip: To highlight the show, Hudson Yards is offering special deals, floral-themed tastings and bouquet workshops. Here's the full list of activations.  Photograph: By Rossilynne Skena Culgan for Tim

When in need of a mental break, get yourself to Madison Square Park to walk along a new meditative spiral pathway aptly dubbed Gardens of Renewal. Located across the park’s Redbud and Sparrow Lawns, the new path is a beautifully landscaped spiral that invites reflection while highlighting the political urgency of the climate crisis. As visitors walk through, they’ll encounter a planting palette made up of increasingly rare—and nearly disappearing—native species. Artist Lily Kwong (you may remember her from her gorgeous orchid show a few years ago) collaborated with the Madison Square Park Conservancy to create the destination, which will be accessible through Labor Day.  RECOMMENDED: Best things to do outside in New York Photograph: By Rashmi Gill / Courtesy of Madison Square Park Conservancy On Redbud Lawn, the spiral pathway of the Meditation Garden is meant to evoke ancient labyrinths. It's packed with pollinators, herbs and other plants native to the New York region. Several stone benches offer a chance to reflect and to connect with fellow visitors. If you take a moment to sit, you'll likely spot butterflies and bees buzzing around the garden.  There's even a QR code you can scan to hear a meditation designed by sound practitioner Sandra Sears meant to unfold over the duration of your perusal of the spiral. Also check out the customized playlist by DJ Fly Hendrix. "Though meant to provide an important oasis for rest and reflection within the dense urban landscape of Ne

Purple orchids, white lilies, brown magnolia leaves, blue delphiniums and more have been transformed into magnificent floral creations depicting the sumptuous clothing of television series Downton Abbey. More than a dozen local florists exercised their creativity to create these impressive floral mannequins as part of a new Fleurs de Villes exhibition at Hudson Yards.  Even if you're not a fan of the TV show, this free exhibition is definitely worth seeing while it's on view through May 4. Each display is made of fresh flowers and botanicals. As Fleurs de Villes co-founder Karen Marshall says, "This is perishable art. Perishable art is must-see art." RECOMMENDED: The Macy’s Flower Show in NYC guide 2025 Find the displays inside on the main floor of the Hudson Yards shopping complex and be sure to grab a ballot to vote for your favorite (and enter for a chance to win a $500 Hudson Yards gift card). It's pretty tough to choose a favorite, though, as each one exudes its own charm.  Photograph: By Veronica Castillo / Courtesy of Fleurs de Villes For example, the team behind Polycarp Flowers designed an homage to Lady Mary Crawley riding on horseback. They even depicted her riding sidesaddle, just as she did on the show. Hydrangeas, roses, delphinium and leucadendron make up this exquisite display.  In another installation, you'll notice a stunning depiction of the show's character Matthew Crawley created by Dana Baron of Baron Floral. With a WWI military uniform as her guide,

Admiring the pink petals of cherry blossom trees is a treat in itself, but now you can take that spring splendor to the next level with pink macarons and cherry blossom lattes at Ladurée in Soho. The patio of the French bakery and cafe on West Broadway is packed with cherry blossom trees, which are currently in full bloom.  To get in on the pretty pink experience, book a table in the cafe's outdoor garden. Fair warning that reservations tend to go quickly, though there are still a few available in the coming days. If you miss it this year, set a calendar alert for next April now.  RECOMMENDED: The best places to see cherry blossoms in NYC What's magical about the garden is that you can't see it from the street. Even if you've walked through Soho hundreds of times, you might have missed this charming spot. To find it, you'll enter the pistachio green doors of Ladurée, then head past the patisserie counter and through the dining area to the hidden back garden.  Photograph: By Journey Photo Group Once in the garden, you'll find a collection of marble-topped cafe tables with cushioned green chairs. Look up to gaze at the pink blooms above—if you're really lucky, a gust of wind might even blow some pink petals into your hair. It's all very Instagrammable, so you might just want to wear a pink outfit to match the trees. Whether you're visiting for brunch, lunch, afternoon teatime or just a sweet treat, the menu is packed with French favorites, like the croque-monsieur, vol-au-ven

Even if you don't know how to play music, it’s practically impossible not to reach out and strum or pluck the strings when an instrument appears in front of you—or at the very least, expect that a musician will appear to play it. That’s what makes these new abstract artworks by Jennie C. Jones so mind-bending.  Three massive instrument sculptures now sit on the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s rooftop in Jones’ latest work titled “Ensemble.” But only one of the instruments makes sound when it’s activated by the wind. The other two don’t make sound at all, even though they’re capable of doing so. That's exactly the point. Instead, their potential for sound and the tension between dormancy and activation is where they hold power. Go see these cool sculptures on the Met’s gorgeous rooftop through October 19. RECOMMENDED: The best museum exhibitions in NYC right now Since the 1980s, the Metropolitan Museum of Art has invited contemporary artists to take over its Cantor Roof Garden. In past years, visitors have seen an “Afrofuturist, ancient Egyptian funkified spaceship” by Lauren Halsey and a poignant sculptural exhibit by Petrit Halilaj that served as an ode children living in war zones.  Photograph: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Photo by Hyla Skopitz | Installation view of The Roof Garden Commission: Jennie C. Jones, Ensemble , 2025 This year, the museum is featuring American artist Jennie C. Jones who has spent three decades deploying sound as a conceptual element in her work.

Fragrant lilies, puffy hydrangeas and vibrant mums have combined to create a dreamy floral escape inside Macy's Herald Square location. An annual rite of spring, this year's Macy's Flower Show, titled "Floral Dreams Unfold," is now on view through May 18.  The show begins outside the store with the retailer's signature windows. Each one features lush floral displays, alongside this season's fashions. Then, the journey continues inside, where you'll be met with swirling floral spirals, a shimmery beanstalk decoration and topiary chameleons. As you continue through the store, look for a dragonfly display, a tribute to bees and a cool digital installation. Find the show at 151 W 34th Street, between Sixth and Seventh Avenues. The destination is free to visit, so be prepared for crowds. Here's a sneak peek at some of the most beautiful installations. RECOMMENDED: The Macy’s Flower Show in NYC guide 2025 Macy's Flower Show 2025 in photos Photograph: By Rossilynne Skena Culgan for Time Out New York       Photograph: By Rossilynne Skena Culgan for Time Out New York   Photograph: By Rossilynne Skena Culgan for Time Out New York   Photograph: By Rossilynne Skena Culgan for Time Out New York   Photograph: By Rossilynne Skena Culgan for Time Out New York   Photograph: By Rossilynne Skena Culgan for Time Out New York   Photograph: By Rossilynne Skena Culgan for Time Out New York   Photograph: By Rossilynne Skena Culgan for Time Out New York   Photograph: By Rossilynne Sk

An iconic artwork by the elusive street artist Banksy is now on display in Lower Manhattan, and you've got until May 21 to go see it.  The 7,500-pound piece, titled "Battle to Survive a Broken Heart," features a bandaged heart-shaped balloon. Banksy created the artwork during 2013 in Brooklyn's Red Hook neighborhood. It's the only known piece that the enigmatic artist came back and retouched. Find it in the The Winter Garden at Brookfield Place at 230 Vesey Street.  RECOMMENDED: First look: NYC's new Banksy Museum is a love letter to the artist The tagged wall has been in a climate-controlled warehouse in Long Island City since 2014—until now. It is on public display until it is auctioned by Guernsey's on May 21, with a portion of the sale supporting The American Heart Association. Photograph: By Brian Hatton / Courtesy of Brookfield Place The artwork has a particularly interesting origin story.  In the fall of 2013, 59-year-old Vassilios Georgiadis offered helpful advice to a passing van driver. That van driver turned out to be Banksy, who returned in the middle of the night to create the floating Mylar balloon mural on Georgiadis' warehouse wall. Shortly after its creation, rival artist "Omar NYC" defaced the piece by spray-painting over the heart and scrawling his own name in front of a live crowd. Countering that—and the only time he has ever been known to re-work his art—Banksy revisited the wall at the corner of King and Van Brunt streets and embellished it further.

The foxtrot, lindy hop, salsa, hustle and vogue all have roots in New York City, whether they were born here, shaped here or popularized in the city’s clubs. A new exhibit at Museum of the City of New York turns the museum into a dance floor as it digs into the fascinating history and important role of these dances and more. “Urban Stomp: Dreams & Defiance on the Dance Floor” celebrates 200 years of social dance in New York City. It highlights the city’s dance floors as sites for connection, creativity and joyful rebellion. You’ll get to see everything from 1800s-era ball gowns to Louis Armstrong’s trumpet to Celia Cruz’s shoes to Big Daddy Kane’s outfits. Plus, digital screens throughout the exhibition offer dance lessons—and it’s nearly impossible not to move your body when the music starts. Grab your dancing shoes, and go see it now through February 22, 2026 in East Harlem. RECOMMENDED: The best museum exhibitions in NYC right now The exhibition is arranged chronologically, starting with ballroom-style dances, moving into ragtime, swinging into the swing era, dancing into mambo and migration, then focusing on the energy of hip-hop and ball culture. Then, “Urban Stomp” explores how New Yorkers have remixed dance traditions from around the world, such as cumbia, bhangra, Yiddish dances, Indigenous American dances and dabke. Though the exhibit is organized chronologically as to when the dances started, each dance continues to live on, curator Derrick León Washington says.

It's a question humans have been asking for millennia: How do we define love? From Shakespeare's "Shall I compare thee to a summer's day?" to Tina Turner's "What's Love Got to Do With It," these ardor-related questions elicit complicated responses. Brooklyn comedian Zach Zimmerman now has his own answer, and he's unveiling it in a comedy special titled "Surprise Me," which makes its debut on YouTube at 8pm on Tuesday, April 22. In the hour-long show, he digs into a variety of different types of love, from parent-child to romantic to polyamorous—always with a humorous twist. It's free to watch and sure to be hilarious; here's a sneak peek at what to expect.  RECOMMENDED: The best comedy clubs in NYC This special brings together Zimmerman's greatest hits pulled from his eight years of stand-up comedy in NYC, his appearances on late night TV shows and his book Is It Hot in Here (Or Am I Suffering for All Eternity for the Sins I Committed on Earth)? The special also brings in new, never-before-heard material, as well.  "The narrative thrust of it is about my family and trying to figure out a good definition of love," Zimmerman told Time Out New York. "So my mom tells me she loves me unconditionally, but she goes to the ballot box and votes against my rights. My ex said he loved me, but then cheated on me and dumped me on a plane. So I'm trying to figure out, what does love mean? And eventually I come to a conclusion by the end of the special navigating it all, and

On any day at the Guggenheim Museum, it’s impossible not to look up at the incredible architectural design by Frank Lloyd Wright. But now when you gaze upward, your eyes will be treated to an extra surprise: a hanging jungle of palm trees, cacti, and other lush plants. Why exactly? It’s part of a new exhibit by artist Rashid Johnson, titled “A Poem for Deep Thinkers.” True to its name, this vast exhibition taking over the entire museum will indeed make you think about themes of social alienation, escapism, masculinity, parenthood and care for self and others. See it at the Guggenheim through January 18, 2026.   RECOMMENDED: The best museum exhibitions in NYC right now As curator Naomi Beckwith puts it, Johnson offers “a profound exploration of thought, identity and the transformative power of the artistic imagination.” With more than 90 artworks, including sculptures, photography, video, and experimental installations, “A Poem for Deep Thinkers” is the the largest showing of Johnson’s work yet.  Photograph: David Heald © Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation, New York The exhibition begins outside the doors of the museum with a sculpture titled “Black Steel in the Hour of Chaos.” This steel sculpture pulls in gun-scope references and was influenced by hip-hop pioneer Public Enemy; it invites us to question who is in control.  Once inside, it’s clear that Johnson is the one with control of this powerful narrative. His bold artistic vision directs museum-goers through several of

New Yorkers love to talk about transit—to complain about it, to joke about it, to express their love for it. So it’s only fitting that The New Yorker magazine would cover transit in exactly the same way. Since the magazine began a century ago, it has featured cartoons that both rib and extol public transportation.  A new exhibit, “Commentary on The Commute: A Century of The New Yorker's Transportation Cartoons," explores how the magazine’s famed comical drawings have explored this subject over the past 100 years. The exhibit is free to visit through October 26, 2025; find it at the New York Transit Museum’s outpost inside Grand Central Terminal. RECOMMENDED: The best museum exhibitions in NYC right now New York Transit Museum Curator Jodi Shapiro had the enviable task of sorting through riches of The New Yorker's cartoons to select pieces for the show. She discovered some themes that haven’t changed—packed trains, nosy fellow commuters, and admiration for Grand Central’s architecture. But she also identified what has evolved in the city's transit landscape, from trolleys to double-decker buses. Photograph: Rossilynne Skena Culgan for Time Out New York “This was a really cool way of showing that New York changes and stays the same at the same time,” Shairpo tells Time Out New York on a tour of the exhibit.  In all, you'll see work by 57 artists spanning 100 years. Even the very first edition of The New Yorker back in February 1925 featured a transit cartoon, and you’ll get t

At last, night market season has arrived. The annual crop of night markets seem to reward us for trudging through cold days all winter—and now enduring sweltering days not quite perfect for dining outdoors.  A bevy of open-air night markets will pop up around town this summer, from the upper reaches of the Bronx to Queens. We've rounded up details on all of them, so grab some cash and make plans to eat locally—and deliciously.  Photograph: Courtesy Gillian Todd Bronx Night Market First day April 26; Last day October 25; Runs on the last Saturday of the month Since 2017, the Bronx Night Market has been the longest-running event series in the Bronx. You can find it in Fordham Plaza on the last Saturday of each month through October. Among the 35 vendors you can find refreshing drinks from Aguas Frescas Tlaxcalita, smoked chorizo from Casallas Kitchen and grilled lobster tail from Keez 2 The Kitchen.  Other activities include a pop-up bookstore curated by Bronx is Reading, which will host a bunch of literary activities for folks of all ages; a new general store filled with fresh products sourced locally called Fordham Farmers Market; Bronx Native's beloved Tiny Desk concert series; and a vegan bazaar that will promote the sort of healthy foods that the "traditional" market does not regularly pay attention to. Photograph: Courtesy of Uptown Night Market Uptown Night Market First day April 10; Last day October 9; Runs on the second Thursday of the month The massive foodie f