This guide offers a complete NYC bucket list for June, along with outfit tips and packing advice!
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The outfit tips and a majority of the bucket list were written by our New York resident!
đź’ˇ Visiting later in summer? Read our NYC Summer Outfit GuideÂ
Make sure to check out the insider tips we included for each activity with our bucket list:
JUNE BUCKET LIST
Our bucket list with 20 amazing things to do in NYC during June!
1. Visit Brooklyn Bridge Park
- Cost: Free
- Best Time: Great in June. Otherwise, between May and October
- Google Maps Location: Brooklyn Bridge Park
See the best Manhattan skyline views and the Brooklyn Bridge for free from Brooklyn Bridge Park in June. This waterfront park in Dumbo, Brooklyn, is just one stop from Manhattan on the subway and offers iconic views, lots of walking paths, restrooms, and snack options.
Tip: Go on a weekday morning to beat the crowds and get the best photos.
2. Go Roller Skating
- Cost: $17-$23
- Best Time: June (also great in July and August)
- Google Maps Location: Wollman Rink
Enjoy some outdoor fun at one of NYC’s outdoor roller skating rinks in June. DiscOasis offers roller skating, music, dancing, and good vibes at Wollman Rink in Central Park. If you already have skates and want to go on your own, you can skate on the Central Park Loop circling the park for free.
Tip: Get evening tickets to beat the summer heat.
3. Take an Evening Cruise to See NYC Lit Up
- Cost: $44 per person
- Best Time: Excellent in June. Otherwise, from May to September
- Google Maps: Location
New York City comes to life at night in the summer, and you can see the whole city lit up on a nighttime cruise during June. Grab your travel partners and enjoy drinks on board as you snap shots of the city’s best nighttime views. We’ve gone on summertime evening cruises in NYC and love the brilliant sunset views of the skyline and the fun atmosphere.
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Tip: Try Circle Line Harbor Lights Cruise Skip-the-Box-Office for an unforgettable boat tour to see NYC’s most iconic landmarks lit up at night, including the Statue of Liberty, Freedom Tower – One World Trade Center, the Empire State Building, and more.
4. Go Kayaking on the Hudson River
- Cost: Free
- Google Maps Location: Brooklyn Bridge Park Pier 2
- Best Time: June, July, and August
Paddling on the Hudson River offers an entirely different perspective of Manhattan. It’s a unique way to explore the city’s skyline, bridges, and waterside parks.
The best part? It’s completely free! NYC Parks hosts free kayaking events all summer in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Staten Island. Check out Brooklyn Bridge Park Boathouse for the best city views from start to finish. The parks provide kayaks, paddles, and life jackets, and no prior experience is required.
Brooklyn Bridge Park is the most scenic location for kayaking! You’ll get incredible views – and photos – of the NYC skyline from the waterways and enjoy a fun summer workout. Just show up, sign a waiver, and hit the water.
Note: This tip is based on last year’s events but it should still apply.
Tip: Wear water-resistant clothing and bring a towel, sunscreen, and a change of clothes.
5. See The Lion King Live on Broadway
This doesn’t seem like a great summer activity to you? Trust us, it is!
It’s a magical journey! The Lion King Broadway show brings the beloved Disney movie to life with stunning costumes, captivating music, and breathtaking puppetry that transport you and your family right into the heart of Africa’s vast landscapes.
Songs that get everyone singing along: With famous tunes like “Circle of Life” and “Hakuna Matata,” this show has music that will have the whole family humming and singing along, creating joyful memories together.
A tale of bravery and friendship: At its core, The Lion King is a story about the journey of Simba, a young lion finding his way back to his rightful place as king. It’s a story that teaches valuable lessons about courage, friendship, and responsibility, resonating with both kids and adults, making it a perfect family outing.
Tip: Bring a light jacket or sweater; otherwise, you will freeze with the air conditioning. Also, make sure to get your tickets in advance!
6. Explore the Abandoned City Hall Station
- Cost: Free
- Best Time: Sundays are generally the least crowded on the subway
- Google Maps: Location
Did you know that New York City has an abandoned subway station that’s been closed to the public for over 70 years? The City Hall Station is a hidden gem that’s worth exploring. The station’s architecture is impressive, with vaulted tile ceilings, arched windows, and brass chandeliers.
It’s free to see it by taking the subway. You can only see the City Hall Station by taking the 6 train to its final stop and staying on the train as it makes its turnaround. When the train makes its last stop at the Brooklyn/Bridge City Hall Station, the conductor will say to exit the train.
If you duck down and stay on the train, you will pass through the abandoned subway station as the train turns around.
Tip: For a more in-depth tour of the abandoned station on foot, the NYC Transit Museum offers private tours to museum members. Tickets are $50 and sell out quickly. You can find out more here.
7. Take a Helicopter Tour of the City
- Cost: $180 per seat to $329 per seat
- Best Time: June is great. Otherwise every warm and mild month from May to October.
- Google Maps: Manhattan Helicopters Location
Seeing the city from the sky is an unforgettable experience, and taking a helicopter tour is an excellent way to do it. You’ll get to see the city’s landmarks from a new perspective, including the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, and the Empire State Building. Try Manhatten Island Helicopter for breathtaking aerial views of the city. Book your tour in advance and before the end of your trip in case you need to reschedule due to weather conditions.
Tip: Bring a camera or your smartphone with enough free space to capture the views.
8. Visit SUMMIT One Vanderbilt
- Cost: $39 for general tickets, $73 for VIP experience
- Best Time: Early morning or one hour before sunset for the best views
- Google Maps: SUMMIT ONE Vanderbilt Location
The SUMMIT One Vanderbilt is the newest observation deck in New York City, and it offers breathtaking views of the city skyline. The experience is immersive and takes you on a journey through experiential art and views of New York City. The multi-floor exhibits include 30,375 square feet of mirrors and mind-bending art by Kenzo Digital.
Tip: Visit during the late afternoon for the best lighting and views of the sunset.
9. Visit the Edge Observation Deck
- Cost: $40-$58
- Best Time: Mornings year-round
- Google Maps: Edge Location
The Edge Observation Deck is the highest outdoor sky deck in the Western Hemisphere, and it offers unobstructed 360-degree views of the city. The experience is exhilarating, with a glass floor and angled glass walls that give the illusion of floating above the city. You can see all the iconic landmarks in NYC from the observation deck, including the Statue of Liberty and Central Park.
Tip: Visit in the morning hours to avoid the crowds and get a more intimate experience.
 10. Watch a Movie Outdoors
- Cost: Free
- Best Time: June, July, and August evenings
- Google Maps Location:
Bryant Park, McCarren Park, Intrepid Museum
There’s something special about watching a movie under the stars, and NYC has several outdoor movie screenings during the summer. Some of the most popular locations include Bryant Park in Midtown Manhattan, McCarren Park in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, and the Intrepid Museum on the West Side in Manhattan.
Note: Check for new movies for this year here: https://www.nycgovparks.org/events/free_summer_movies
Tip: Bring a blanket, snacks, and insect repellent.
11. Picnic in Central Park
- Tip: Arrive early and go on a weekday to get a great spot.
- Cost: Free
- Best Time: Great in June. Otherwise from April to September
- Google Maps: Location Central Park
Central Park is the heart of New York City and a perfect spot for a picnic. You can enjoy the park’s beautiful scenery, people-watch, and even catch some live music or theatre performances. The park’s Great Lawn is an ideal spot for a picnic, and there are several vendors selling food and drinks nearby. You can easily get to the Great Lawn by entering the park at the West 81st Street entrance across from the Museum of Natural History.
12. Visit the High Line
- Cost: Free
- Best Time: Great in June. Otherwise between May and September
- Google Maps Location: The High Line – Location
The High Line is a public park built on an abandoned elevated rail line on Manhattan’s west side. The park’s elevated walkway offers unique views of the city and features beautiful gardens, public art, and plenty of seating. End your High Line walk with a visit to historic Chelsea Market for window shopping or some tasty local eats.
13. Go on a Queens Food Tour
- Cost: $95-$150, depending on the tour you choose
- Best Time: April, May, June, July, August, September, October
- Google Maps Location: Flushing
Queens is known for its diverse culinary scene, and taking a food tour is an excellent way to sample the best of it. Food tours will take you to some of the neighborhood’s hidden gems, where you can try everything from dumplings to Colombian empanadas.
Culinary Backstreet Walks offers delectable food tours covering different parts of Queens – you can pick your cuisine, with options including southeast Asia and Latin America.
Tip: Try the Flushing Food Tour for an inside look at NYC’s largest Chinatown.
14. Stargaze at the Hayden Planetarium
- Cost: $16 per child, $22 for students and seniors, and $28 for non-resident adults
- Best Time: Year-round
- Google Maps: Hayden Planetarium Location
The Hayden Planetarium is one of the best places in the city to stargaze. The planetarium is located in the Museum of Natural History on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. The planetarium’s “Dark Universe” show takes you on a journey through the universe, and its Space Show presents the latest in space exploration.
Tip: Reserve your tickets in advance.
15. Visit Empire State Building
- Cost: $38-$79
- Best Time: Early mornings between 8 and 10 am or nighttime after 10 pm for the best views
- Google Maps: Empire State Building Location
The Empire State Building is an iconic New York City landmark and offers incredible views of the city from its observation deck. The building’s Art Deco architecture and history make it a must-visit attraction.
Tip: Purchase the VIP pass for a more exclusive experience, skip the lines, and gain access to additional exhibits.
16. See the Statue of Liberty
- Cost: $12 – $25
- Best Time: Great in June! Otherwise in the mornings from May to October
- Google Maps: Statue of Liberty Location
The Statue of Liberty is a symbol of freedom and an essential part of New York City’s history. Visitors can take a ferry to Liberty Island and explore the statue’s pedestal, museum, and observation deck.
Tip: Reserved tickets go fast so book well in advance of your trip. General Admission tickets are the most widely available and include entry to both the Statue of Liberty Museum and the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration.
17. Book the Ellis Island Tour
- Cost: $12 – $25
- Best Time: Great during June in the mornings. Otherwise from May to October
- Google Maps: Ellis Island Location
The Ellis Island Tour takes visitors on a journey through the history of immigration in the United States. The tour includes a visit to the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration, where you can learn about the experiences of immigrants who came to America in the late 1800s and early 1900s.
Tip: Plan your Statue of Liberty tour to include a visit to Ellis Island. General Admission tickets include your ferry to see the Statue of Liberty and entry to both the Statue of Liberty Museum and the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration.
18. Visit the Museum of Ice Cream
- Cost: $25-$49
- Best Time: Weekday mornings year-round
- Google Maps: Museum of Ice Cream Location
The Museum of Ice Cream is a fun and interactive experience that’s perfect for all ages. The museum features several rooms that celebrate ice cream and other sweets, with interactive exhibits and samples along the way. It’s the perfect place to capture colorful social media photos and videos for souvenirs of your trip.
Tip: Book tickets in advance, and bring a change of clothes as some of the exhibits are interactive and may get messy. Book a daytime ticket to save 30 percent off for visits before 12:30 pm.
19. Take a Lower East Side Food Tastings Tour
- Cost: $70-90
- Best Time: Great in June. Otherwise between May and October
- Google Maps Location: Lower East Side
Take a Lower East Side Food Tastings and Culture Tour to learn about the vibrant history and culture in downtown Manhattan’s Lower East Side. Taste quintessential New York pizza and learn about the eclectic mix of immigrants who settled in the area. The three-hour tour hits the diverse neighborhoods of Chinatown, Little Italy, and the Lower East Side.
Tip: Wear comfortable walking shoes and dress for the weather.
20. Visit Coney Island
- Cost: Free
- Best Time: Excellent in June. Otherwise great from May to August
- Google Maps: Coney Island Location
Coney Island is a uniquely Brooklyn place where you can stroll on the boardwalk, lounge on the beach, or enjoy some local eats from favorite spots like Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs.
Tip: Ride the iconic Dino’s Wonder Wheel, a vintage ferris wheel that offers beautiful views of the boardwalk and beach from 150 feet in the air.
JUNE OUTFITS / PACKING TIPS
Brooklyn Bridge: Tourists wearing light clothing items.In June, you wear lightweight, breathable clothing in New York City. Pack jeans, short-sleeved shirts or tank tops, a light jacket, shorts, and comfortable shoes for walking. The first half of the month is slightly cooler, so you will be more likely to need your jacket at this time.
Nights can be cooler any time though, so a jacket is perfect to stay warm when you go out at night.
If you plan to attend upscale events such as Broadway shows or go to lounges, bring evening wear such as a nice pair of shoes or low boots (not tennis shoes), a button-down shirt for men, and a dress or skirt for women. Avoid open-toed shoes like sandals for formal affairs.
June is a mild time of year in NYC, with warm days and slightly cooler temperatures in the early mornings and at night. It rains occasionally in June, so pack rain gear and light layers.
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By the end of June, temperatures are warmer and you may want to wear tank tops and shorts. It’s also a good time to wear summer dresses. We like to wear biker shorts or similar shorts under dresses and skirts as you will be going up and down stairs a lot in the subway and people may be able to see up your skirt if you don’t have any shorts under it.
Shoes
The best way to get around New York City is by walking and taking the subway so bring comfortable sneakers. Make sure you “break in” your sneakers and walk in them regularly for at least a week before your trip so you know they’re comfortable. Also, pack light rain boots or water-resistant shoes for a rainy day.
Women’s Outfit Tips
For women visiting in June, pack lightweight clothing and a jacket or hoodie to stay warm on nights that may get windy. Bring short-sleeved shirts, tank tops, jeans, a jacket or hoodie, and rain gear. Also, don’t forget sunglasses and sunscreen for sunny days.
You may also want to bring summer dresses or skirts, especially if you plan to go out to clubs or formal events. If you are traveling to NYC in late June, you should bring summer tank tops and skirts or shorts for hot weather.
Be prepared for some rainy days with water-resistant shoes, an umbrella, and a poncho or light rain jacket.
Tops
Wear summer clothes including short-sleeved shirts or tank tops as well as jeans or skirts for your June trip. Most days will be warm or even hot by the afternoon, so wear a short-sleeved base layer with jeans or a skirt that you can dress up or dress down.
Nights
Sometimes, the nights get chilly, especially in early June. So, bring a light jacket or hoodie. We often wear jackets or hoodies in the evenings as the temperatures may get cooler after the sun goes down.
If you’re planning to go out at night to lounges, clubs, or theater events, bring some evening wear such as black boots or flats, a nice jacket, and a dress or nice shirt with a skirt.
Jacket
June is generally a warm month here, but sometimes it gets windy and chilly at night, so it’s good to bring a jacket. A jacket can also help you dress up an outfit if you are going out to a bar or night-time event.
đź’ˇ Suggestion: Bring a rain jacket! As it might rain on several rainy days in June in New York, a rain jacket will not only keep you dry as you sightsee but also serve a dual purpose.
Firstly, it offers protection against the wind and the chill during the night, keeping you comfortable as you explore the city’s vibrant nightlife. Secondly, it protects against possible rain showers. This combination of benefits makes a rain jacket an ideal choice.
Alternative: If you prefer to bring a more stylish jacket instead of a rain jacket, we recommend packing a poncho as an additional item.
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Ponchos are lightweight, easy to pack, and can offer the same rain protection as a jacket. Plus, they can be quickly put on over whatever you’re wearing, making them convenient for unpredictable weather changes.
Shoes
Pack comfortable shoes because these will keep you the most comfortable in the walking city of New York. You will be seeing lots of sights and walking a lot in warm weather, so comfortable sneakers are a must. (Check out our tips on the best NYC attractions to hit at the end of this article!).
Comfortable sneakers in dark colors won’t show dirt from the subway or city streets. Ankle boots or dress flats are also a versatile way to dress up if you’re going out in the evenings. Make sure you break in any new shoes and walk in them before your trip so you know they’re truly comfortable.
If you are dressing up and going out in the evening, consider wearing your comfortable walking shoes and bringing heels or dress shoes in your bag for when you get to your destination.
In New York, we like to be able to walk easily on the subway and city streets and often use this method of carrying dress shoes. Also, bring rain-resistant shoes to keep your feet dry on rainy days.
Pants
Jeans are a staple in the city, and you can pair them with different tops to dress up or down. For hotter days in June, you can also wear shorts or skirts to stay cool.
Accessories
June in NYC is warm and mild so the only weather accessories you’ll need are sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat for shade.
For going out at night, bring a purse or small bag. During the day, you may need a larger bag for carrying water, your wallet, phone, sunglasses, sunscreen, and hand sanitizer.
Also, we highly recommend a bag with anti-theft features (see our recommendation above) to keep your belongings safe in the city!
Men Outfit Tips
For men traveling to New York City in June, bring jeans, t-shirts, water-resistant boots, a jacket, sunglasses, and an umbrella. You’ll also want to pack comfortable sneakers to walk around the city. If you plan on going out at night or attending theater events, also pack a nice button-up shirt to dress up.
Tops
June is the beginning of summer here, with warm temperatures and some rainy days. The hottest part of the day is in the afternoons, and nighttime can be cool to warm.
The temperatures can be hot and humid, especially at the end of the month. Wear summer clothes during the daytime and bring a light jacket or hoodie to stay warm at night, when it sometimes gets windy and cool.
Jacket
June weather in New York is generally warm or hot, with some rain and humidity. Sometimes it is winder and cooler at night. Bring a light jacket or hoodie for cooler nights.
Jeans
Jeans are a staple for versatile outfits that you can wear casually, with sneakers and hoodies or t-shirts, or dress up with a button-up shirt and boots.
Rain Gear
Be prepared for June rain showers with an umbrella, rain jacket, and weather-resistant shoes.
Shoes
Pack comfortable walking shoes that you will be able to explore the city in. We like to wear dark sneakers that don’t show dirt. Also, pack waterproof shoes or rain boots for your June trip to New York.
Packing Checklist
- Light jacket
- Rain boots
- Sneakers
- Jeans
- Short-sleeved shirts
- Hoody
- Hat for shade
- Tank tops
- Socks
- Umbrella
- Sunglasses
- Poncho or rain jacket
- Shorts
- Toiletries, including sunscreen