Walk the High Line. Be sure to grab a refreshing cucumber and lime ice pop from La Newyorkina along the way.
Browse the Brooklyn Flea for some awesome vintage finds.
See the writing on the walls at the Graffiti Hall of Fame in East Harlem, which has attracted the most famous artists in the game for more than 30 years.
Smell thousands of roses and enjoy the serenity at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. Admission is free every Tuesday.
next slide will load in 15 secondsSkip AdSkip AdCelebrate the 4th of July with an epic firework display from Macy's. The 30-minute show can be seen from various rooftop bars and lookouts across the city, and dazzles over the skyline.
Combine swimming and shopping at the Riis Park Beach Bazaar. Easy access from public transportation makes this a perfect place to cool off and catch some waves while enjoying all that the vendors have to offer.
Chill out on Governor's Island. With no cars and plenty of outdoor activities, it's the perfect place to escape the city's craziness.
Catch a glimpse of New York City's hottest Broadway stars at the Ham4Ham show, the free improv performance that accompanies the ticket lottery for "Hamilton" every Wednesday. With some luck, you might get to see the show for only $10.
See free performances from your favorite artists in Central Park at the Good Morning America concert series. Pro-tip: stand behind the GMA anchors for a chance to be on TV.
next slide will load in 15 secondsSkip AdSkip AdGo back to English class with Shakespeare in the Park — only this is way more fun, and it's free.
Take in Hudson River views from the deck of the new Whitney Museum. Once you're done taking selfies, check out the amazing art exhibits inside.
Cool down with locally made ice cream from Ample Hills Creamery. Flavors include Salted Crack Caramel and Ooey Gooey Butter Cake.
Stretch those arms with a kayak trip on the Hudson. Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays are free, all summer long from Pier 26.
Stargaze on the High Line with the Amateur Astronomers Association. Think you can't see stars in the city? Their high-powered telescopes will prove you wrong.
next slide will load in 15 secondsSkip AdSkip AdSee more than 650 species of animals at the Bronx Zoo. To pack the most into your day, ride the Wild Asia Monorail, which tours 38 acres of exhibits.
Take advantage of warm summer nights at the Queens International Night Market, which runs every Saturday from 6 p.m. to midnight. With independent vendors, tons of food, and cool performances, it's fun for the whole family.
Don't miss Summer Streets, when seven miles of city streets are opened to the public for fun activities. Last year's event featured a giant slide and zip line.
Learn about the history of fashion at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Their Manus x Machina exhibit showcases over 170 ensembles, and explores the distinction between handmade and machine-made clothing in the age of technology. See unique pieces like this Chanel wedding dress through the end of August.
Get your adrenaline fix on the rides at Coney Island's Luna Park. Afraid to lose your lunch? A whole slew of DJs and street acts will keep you entertained while your friends scream their heads off.
next slide will load in 15 secondsSkip AdSkip AdTake a food tour in Chinatown. If you can't read Chinese or just aren't familiar with local fare, you might miss something delicious (or eat something you might regret). Go with an expert.
Rent a bike and ride along the Hudson River — all the way from Battery Park at the southern tip of Manhattan to Dyckman Street in Inwood.
Paddle around Central Park. You'll forget you're in the city — until you see the beautiful skyline above the trees. The Loeb Boathouse has a fleet of 100 rowboats for rent.
See the firehouse that starred in "Ghostbusters." Head down to Tribeca for this iconic experience — they might even give you a tour. Just don't get slimed.
Find inner peace at Greenacre Park. Home to a 25-foot waterfall, this tiny little oasis is the perfect escape from the insanity of Midtown Manhattan.
next slide will load in 15 secondsSkip AdSkip AdRemember history at Pier 54, where the survivors of the Titanic arrived in New York. Left mostly untouched, the old dock is a somber look back in time.
Try Brooklyn Star's fried chicken cone. Why not? It's summer.
Ride the coolest carousel ever in Battery Park. The Seaglass Carousel took 10 years and several million dollars to build, and it showcases 12 species of spinning glass fish.
Check out one of the city's many rooftop bars, like the Loopy Doopy at the top of the Conrad Hotel. Sip on their unique Prosecco & Ice Pop cocktail, with a backdrop of the Hudson River and Statue of Liberty.
Spend a Saturday at "Warm Up," a hip outdoor music festival that's held in the courtyard of MoMA PS1 in Queens. Now in its 19th year, 'Warm Up' features the best of experimental music, sound and DJs — both local and international — across a wide range of genres.
next slide will load in 15 secondsSkip AdSkip AdEscape the city for real and take the train to the Hudson Valley. It's only an hour away, and you'll come back feeling completely refreshed from all that nature.