Summer in New York

Hot town, summer in the city 

Back of my neck getting dirty and gritty 

Been down, isn't it a pity 

Doesn't seem to be a shadow in the city 

All around, people looking half dead 

Walking on the sidewalk, hotter than a match head 

This 1966 song was written and performed by The Lovin’ Spoonful in 1966 and has long been an anthem for any city during those hot and sticky summer months. 

However, when you realise that The Lovin’ Spoonful were actually a New York based rock band you can’t help but think that the song is actually specifically written about New York in the summer.  

Anyone who has visited New York City in summer would certainly identify with these lyrics and agree that the summer in this particular city really does feel ‘hotter than a match head’! 

New York is very much a city of four seasons and whilst you may prefer the cold bite of winter, it cannot be denied that summer is a special season here. The greens and blues make up for the stifling greys of the city streets and the added bonus is that there is just so much going on. Things that can only be done when the weather permits. 

Here’s a selection. 

Central Park 

For some reason, it’s Central Park’s winter activities like ice skating and Christmas markets that get all the publicity. But we all know the best time to enjoy a park is in the summer time! 

The lakes are beautiful and shimmering in the sunshine, you can take a horse-drawn carriage without fear that your extremities are going to freeze and you can lie down and relax in the lush green grass. 

You’ll never be lonely either, the place is full of squirrels who make themselves scarce in the colder months. 

The New York Highline 

A fantastic new addition to New York and within a stone's throw from Manhattan studio apartments available from thesqua.re. The only way to enjoy the Highline is when the weather is fine. 

A former elevated railway track measuring 1.45 miles in length, this has now been transformed into an urban sky park.  

The park stretches from the Meatpacking District to Midtown and gives you great views of the city as well as plush lawns and beautiful plants. 

Top of the Rock 

A clear sky is the only requirement for a good view, and there’s not many better views of the city than from Top of the Rock. 

Its popularity has increased in recent years due to the Empire State Building becoming so uncomfortably overcrowded. In fact, you can get just as good a view of the city from here, and an even better view of Central Park. 

Outdoor films 

Most cities nowadays go all in when it comes to outdoor cinema nights in the summer, but New York City certainly has the climate for it at this time of year. The heat dissipates and the evenings are a much cooler affair, but still with very little chance of rain. 

The best places for free movies are the Bryant Park Summer Film Festival or the Coney Island Flicks, where you can watch a film on the beach. 

Independence Day 

If you’re lucky enough to be in New York City for Independence Day then you’re in for a treat. If you’re not, rent some Brooklyn studio apartments with your friends and make sure you are! 

They’ll be something going on all over the city from baseball to BBQs to parties and fairs. The day is always rounded off by a huge firework display that is not to be missed. 

Cruises 

There’s nothing like being out on the water on a stiflingly hot day. New York, being made up of a number of islands, gives you plenty of options for pleasure cruises. 

One of the best ones to try is the one that takes you to Ellis Island and around the Statue of Liberty. Lady Liberty is best viewed from the water, as arriving migrants would have seen her, and you’ll appreciate Ellis Island all the more afterwards. 

Ellis Island is where millions of people passed through on their way to the promised land between 1892 and 1954. Upon entering the Registration Room you can really get a proper feel for the process. 

New York Botanical Garden 

Drawing inspiration from London’s Royal Botanic Gardens, this is New York’s largest public garden. Part of Bronx Park this is intended to be an outdoor museum paying tribute to the natural world. As well as rare plant and flower collections there are loads of talks and exhibitions to enjoy too.