Fall in New York is a wondrous thing. There’s a reason dozens of legends have crooned the words to the 1934 jazz standard “Autumn in New York” (think: Billie Holiday, Frank Sinatra). It’s by far—in our humble opinion—the best time to tour the city and take advantage of some of the most iconic Manhattan experiences. The only thing required is the right wardrobe options, and we’ve curated a selection of the very best. Simply grab a metro card, get your arm ready to hail a taxi, or have your Uber app handy. Here’s how to experience autumn in New York.
1.) Nothing cures the end-of-summer, back-to-school blues quite like something sweet. The sweetest option on the Upper East Side (hands down) is Serendipity 3 which has the perfected the art of the frozen hot chocolate. Grab Opening Ceremony’s rendition of the nostalgic varsity jacket and start the season in cozy style.
Saks Fifth Avenue, 611 Fifth Avenue. saks.com
Serendipity 3, 225 East 60th Street. serendipity3.com
2.) Take in the city from afar and enjoy the crisp autumn air with a scenic bike ride across the Brooklyn Bridge with the help of Blazing Saddles. The company offers a myriad of bike options with easy pick-up and drop-off locations. The only thing you’ll need (besides a helmet) are some classic Levi’s to get you through the ride.
Dave’s New York, 581 Sixth Avenue. davesnewyork.com
Blazing Saddles, blazingsaddles.com
3.) Pop on this beauty of a cocktail ring by Chanel and do as the cultural elite do, head to the glorious Metropolitan Opera at Lincoln Center. The fall season promises to be particularly buzzworthy, namely with its revival of Puccini’s classic La Bohème.
A Second Chance, 1111 Lexington Avenue. asecondchanceresale.com
The Metropolitan Opera, metopera.org
4.) New York pizza and a Broadway show, is there a more classic pairing? We think not. Slip on a colorful evening dress that will (almost) steal the show—we’re partial to this lace stunner from Century 21—and order a classic eggplant parm from beloved Patsy’s. Next, hit the Great White Way and see something from the new fall line-up.
Century 21, 1972 Broadway. c21stores.com
Patsy’s, 236 West 56th Street, patsys.com
5.) Fall in Central Park is like nothing else. Trust us. A stroll around the Reservoir will delight the senses and enable you to take in the changing leaves and iconic viewpoints. This candy-hued Mansur Gavriel bucket bag (in its newest “mini mini” size) will fit the necessities and allow you to go hands-free during your autumn adventure.
Bergdorf Goodman, 754 Fifth Avenue. bergdorfgoodman.com
The Reservoir in Central Park, centralparknyc.com