Every July I hear the same question from visitors: “Ben, isn’t it too hot to walk around New York?” My answer is always the same. Not if you know where to go and when to go there.

Summer is one of the busiest times to visit New York City. The days are long, there’s always something happening, and the city is full of energy. It can also be hot and humid. Whether you’re used to temperatures in Fahrenheit or Celsius, a New York summer can surprise you.

The good news is that with a little planning, you can still enjoy everything the city has to offer while staying comfortable.

As a native New Yorker, here are a few of my favorite tips for making the most of a summer visit.

Take Advantage of Air-Conditioned Public Transportation

One of the biggest advantages of exploring New York is its extensive public transportation system. While you’ll spend plenty of time walking, the city’s subway trains and buses are air-conditioned, giving you a chance to cool off as you travel from one destination to the next.

Instead of walking long distances in the afternoon heat, use public transportation to hop between neighborhoods and attractions. You’ll save energy and stay much more comfortable throughout the day.

Plan Indoor Attractions for the Hottest Part of the Day

A simple strategy can make your day much more enjoyable.

Visit outdoor attractions during the cooler morning hours, then head indoors as the temperature rises.

Grand Central Terminal is a perfect example. It’s much more than a transportation hub. It’s one of New York City’s greatest architectural masterpieces, filled with history, beautiful details, and fascinating stories. In fact, it’s one of my favorite tours because visitors are always amazed by what they discover inside.

Museums, historic buildings, and indoor exhibitions are also excellent choices when the afternoon heat peaks.

Visit New York’s Beautiful Parks

Even in the middle of summer, New York’s parks provide welcome shade and a chance to slow down.

Most visitors know Central Park, but there are many other wonderful green spaces worth exploring.

Prospect Park in Brooklyn offers beautiful walking paths and quiet places to relax. Wave Hill in the Bronx combines spectacular gardens with breathtaking views of the Hudson River and the New Jersey Palisades. Throughout the city you’ll find parks where you can sit beneath the trees, enjoy a picnic, or simply take a break before continuing your adventure.

Don’t Overlook Ellis Island

Many visitors head straight to the Statue of Liberty, but Ellis Island is equally worthwhile during the summer.

Most of the museum exhibits are indoors and air-conditioned, making it a comfortable stop during a warm afternoon. At the same time, you can still step outside to enjoy the harbor views and appreciate one of America’s most important historic sites.

Slow Down and Enjoy the City

One mistake many visitors make is trying to see everything in a single day.

Instead, build time into your schedule for a leisurely lunch, a cool café, or an early dinner in an air-conditioned restaurant. New York is a city that rewards those who take time to enjoy its neighborhoods instead of rushing from attraction to attraction.

Sometimes your favorite memory won’t be a famous landmark. It might simply be sitting outside with a bagel and coffee while watching the city go by.

Let a Native New Yorker Show You Around

Summer is a wonderful time to visit New York, and with a little planning, the weather doesn’t have to slow you down.

Whether you’re interested in Grand Central Terminal, Greenwich Village, the Lower East Side, the High Line, or Liberty Island, I’ll help you experience the city comfortably while sharing the stories that make New York unlike anywhere else in the world.

Visit our tour schedule to learn more about my walking tours, and let’s explore New York together this summer.