When you think of Spring Break in college your mind probably goes straight to the cliche of jetting off to Florida, suntanning on the beach until your skin burns, and then going out to bars and clubs filled with recklessly drunk college students. For some, this sounds like the best way to release all that stress from the first half of the semester. For others, it sounds like a nightmare of drunken mistakes. If that kind of spring break is not for you, lucky enough, New York City can offer a pretty great staycation. Check out this list of 10 things to do in the city over spring break to make your staycation feel more like a vacation.
1. Go to a Yankees Game – The New York Yankees baseball season is in full swing at home base uptown in the Bronx. Whether you are going to the game for the competition, or just to eat the hot dogs and pretzels, a day at the ballpark is the perfect way to spend a sunny day during spring break. And luckily for students, you can get tickets for as low as $13 if you register here with Student Beans and enter the code when purchasing tickets. Take advantage of this deal and spend a day at the ballpark.
2. Walk the High Line – Upgrade your Hot Girl Walk with some sightseeing by walking on the High Line. A neighborhood favorite in Chelsea, the High Line spans from 34th street in Hudson Yards downtown to Gansevoort and Washington Street. Visitors are free to get on at either location and other stops along the way. Take in the architecture, gardens, and artwork that line this transformed railway. Maybe even take advantage of their guided meditation to have a more mindful walk. Check out more info here.
3. Visit the Chelsea Market – Another close-to-home option for FIT students is seeing what the Chelsea Market has to offer. Located at 75 Ninth Avenue (between 15th and 16th streets) the market has everything from good eats to shopping to even art exhibitions at the Artechouse. Try a worldly variety of fresh eats all in one day ranging from tacos at Los Tacos N1, La Mei Taiwanese Beef Noodle Soup at Very Fresh Noodles, “K-town” fries at Mokbar, Maine-style Lobster Rolls at The Lobster Place, and stuffed pitas at Miznon. Wander around the market and see where your taste buds take you.
4. Check out the Cherry Blossoms – The most Instagram-able time of year in New York City is happening from the end of March through early April; the Cherry Blossom trees will be blooming all over the city. Bring a friend and a camera and head out to find the best photo ops or just to enjoy their beauty. Some good spots to check out the best blooms are Sakura Park in Morningside Heights, several locations in Central Park, Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Randall’s Island Park, Flushing Meadows Corona Park in Queens, and even Washington Square Park. Make sure to catch them while they are still in bloom!
5. WE Bike Event – Want to see the Cherry Blossoms and also get a good workout in? Join the WE Bike NYC’s Roosevelt Island Cherry Blossom Ride. The event on April 2nd is a beginner-friendly, casual, and fun bike ride that starts in Socrates Sculpture Park, Queens, and goes to Roosevelt Island on the hunt for Cherry Blossoms. The ride is about 5 miles and stops for photo ops on the way. Whether you have your own bike or not, the event has a limited number of complimentary Citi bikes that you can request. Reserve your spot for free on Eventbrite here.
6. Immerse yourself at the MoMA – Take advantage of your FIT student ID to get free admission to the MoMA for the day and explore its breathtaking art and exhibitions. Whether it’s your first time, or your hundredth time visiting, there are always new and exciting exhibitions from some of the best artists in the world. Unsupervised, by Refik Anadol, is one exhibition that you won’t want to miss. You might have seen it on TikTok or heard about it from your friends, but this artificial intelligence interpretation of 200 years of art at MoMA is something you will want to see in person. The exhibition is only open until April 15th so be sure to check it out during spring break.
7. Destress at Bathhouse – This spa in Williamsburg, Brooklyn might be your best bet for affordable pampering in the city. The Early Bird Day Pass and Night Owl Day Pass can be reserved for only $45 – a steal for NYC prices. This day pass includes access to all the amenities: pools (cold plunge, hot pool, and thermo-neutral pool), steam room, dry sauna, tropical sauna, and heated marble hammams. Also, complimentary towels, slippers, and bath/beauty products are provided. Take your self-care to a whole new level and pamper away the stress from the first half of this semester at this affordable spa. Look here to reserve your day pass.
8. Get your game on at The Uncommons – Manhattan’s first board game cafe, The Uncommons, is located just below Washington Square Park and is the perfect spot to go with friends on a cold or rainy day. For students, it’s only $8 for three hours of board game play from Monday-Thursday. With “one of the largest libraries of games on the East Coast”, there is something for everyone. Grab a coffee (or a drink if you are of age), a board/card game, and get some friendly competition going. Check out more info here.
9. Have a Picnic at Pier 57 – One of the city’s largest rooftop parks is located at Pier 57 in Hudson River Park. This nearly two acre green space offers breathtaking views of Lower Manhattan and New York Harbor. It’s the perfect spot to sit down with a group of friends, chat, eat some snacks, and maybe even enjoy some bubbly. The park is open everyday from 6 am to 1 am and can be accessed directly across from Little Island.
10. Ride the Cyclone at Coney Island – Luna Park, the amusement park at Coney Island will have its season reopening on Friday, March 31st. Featuring three new rides and the classic Cyclone roller coaster, a trip to Coney Island is the perfect getaway for a sunny day over Spring Break. Ride the flume at Tony’s Express, swing on the Brooklyn Flyer, spin on the Lunar 360, or try your luck at the arcade games. There is something for every daredevil and thrill seeker.