Whether you like history, culture, food or recreational activities, there’s something for everyone at The Big Apple. As one of the globe’s most cosmopolitan metropolises, New York City attracts millions of visitors from all over the world each year – more so during the summer months, where events and celebrations aplenty. Here are some, plus new attractions, that you shouldn’t miss.

Empire Outlets

Located just steps away from the Staten Island Ferry, the brand new Empire Outlets is New York City’s first outlet shopping destination. The massive outlet, which houses over 100 retail and dining experiences, also includes 1.4 hectares of outdoor space, complete with a green roof. It’s the perfect place for a bit of summertime fun, as the Staten Island Yankees ballpark is right next door. Enjoy great views of lower Manhattan from the mall, including sights of the yet-to-be-finished but still picturesque New York Wheel.

Statue of Liberty Museum

What the Eiffel Tower is to Paris, the Statue of Liberty is to New York City – and the addition of the highly anticipated Statue of Liberty Museum is sure to draw even more crowds to Liberty Island. The interactive new home for the Statue’s original torch also includes an immersive education tour, an Inspiratoin gallery with soaring views of the NYC skyline as well as the statue, and an outdoor Reflection Pathway section lined with life-sized replicas of parts of the statue, so visitors can have an upclose view.

The Highline Spur

The Highline is an elevated park and public space, built over the former New York Central Railroad tracks on the west side of Manhattan. A decade after the park’s opening, the last remaining section of the original rail structure will be revealed to the public on 5 June, as The Highline Spur. To celebrate this new milestone, a series of rotating art installations and performances will be on at The Plinth – The Spur’s open space – including Brickhouse, a 18-foot-tall bust of a Black woman, and We Are Here, an audio experience that will engage visitors during park opening hours.

Macy’s 4th of July Parade

The world famous Macy’s 4th of July Parade takes place in the heart of New York City, lighting up the city skyline with a magnificent display of fireworks. This year, festivities will happen on the East River with the help of world-class performers and nearly 3 million spectators. While the performance line-up has yet to be announced, past celebrations have seen big names the likes of Beyonce, Jennifer Lopez, Justin Timberlake and Katy Perty take the stage.

Nathans Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest

Nothing says the Fourth of July better than hot dogs, the all-American snack. Nathan’s, the world’s most iconic hot dog stand will make Coney Island an epicenter for Independence Day festivities with its 103rd hot dog eating contest. For a complete experience, fans should head down the boardwalk to the Brooklyn Cyclones game and enjoy the post-game fireworks show that follows.

Hudson Yards

Once the site of warehouses and rail yards, Hudson Yards is NYC’s newest development, set to revitalise the neighbourhood with swanky, high-rise offices, upscale malls and cultural centres. The centrepiece is a 15-storey honeycomb-like structure called The Vessel, which houses various retail and dining venues offering pristine views of the Hudson River. Explore the shops around the neighbourhood, where restaurants like Mercado Little Spain by Jose Andres and Kawi by David Chang are paired alongside stores like Neiman Marcus. There’s more to come in Phase 2, including a world class wellness destination in the first ever Equinox Hotel.

The Shed

The latest cultural hub to grace the Hudson Yards in Manhattan, The Shed is dedicated to showcasing the best in local and international performing arts, visual arts and pop culture. With a strong kickstart to the season with Steve McQueen’s Soundtrack of America, visitors can expect a slew of dynamic exhibitions, such as Tony Cokes and Oscar Murillo (19 June to 25 August), Dragon Spring Phoenix Rise (22 June to 27 July) and MAZE (23 July to 17 August).

Bronx Zoo Dinosaur Safari

Running until 3 November, the Bronx Zoo Dinosaur Safari is the largest and most life-like dinosaur ride in America, featuring over 40 animatronic and life-sized dinosaurs in a two-acre wooded area within Bronx Park. The ultra immersive experience educates visitors about the physical and behavioural adaptations of our prehistoric ancestors. Among the animals one can spot on the ride include two gigantic 40-foot-long T-Rexes, the Spinosaurus – one of the largest carnivorous dinosaurs to ever roam the earth – as well as lesser known species such as the Omeisaurus, a herbivore that spans over 60 feet from head to tail.

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