There is nothing like New York City in the Spring. The vibe of the city is just electric and every year I love witnessing how the city comes alive again once the freezing temperatures are behind us. Rosé begins making regular appearances on the tables, trees have leaves again and everyone is more excited to seek out their favorite places.

My Favorite Spring Spots In New York City

In collaboration with H&M (and in honor of their new Spring Collection now in stores), today I’m sharing some of my all time favorite spots for the glorious days ahead when the sun is shining, it’s not yet dark at 6pm and you want to soak up the warm air with good company. Get your pen + paper ready to take notes!

The Butcher’s Daughter

I always love when a place makes you feel a bit healthier when you eat there and this vegetarian spot (where some of these photos were shot) will do just that with their delicious pressed juices and delightful egg dishes at brunch. Not to mention they have decent outdoor seating and big glass windows that bring in the light even if you can’t nab a spot in one of the cute yellow sidewalk chairs. (And walk two blocks West on Kenmare and you’ll find this You are Loved sign ;))

NYC Ferry

Riding the ferry between neighborhoods is one of my all time favorite activities in the city! I look forward to when the weather allows for it and it makes exploring new spots so fun!

Want to check out the Statue of Liberty but avoid the crazy lines involved? Hop on the (free!) Staten Island Ferry! You’ll go right past Lady Liberty and get amazing views and photos without having to do a tour or deal with the crowds heading to Liberty Island.

Walk the Brooklyn Bridge

Walking the famed Brooklyn Bridge is an amazing activity to do year round but is especially wonderful in the Springtime as you can see all the greenery start to pop from above as you look down into Brooklyn Bridge Park. Once you walk the bridge be sure to explore DUMBO or The South Street Seaport before or after your walk! There is loads of great outdoor space, beautiful views of the waterfront and bridge and so many great spots to get ice cream or fun cocktails.

Charlie Bird

Charlie Bird is home to one of my all-time favorite plates in NYC: their farro salad. It is just so, so good. I was going there weekly at one point last summer to eat lunch outside under their umbrellas.

Seamore’s

I’m not massively into seafood like some people, but I do love fish when it was prepared in light + interesting ways and that’s exactly what Seamore’s does. I had such a memorable meal there last summer and I honestly am trying to find an excuse to go back pronto. Their fish tacos are the thing to get! And don’t forget a margarita, too.

Rooftop Bars

Spring means rooftop bar season in NYC! There are so many amazing options where you can enjoy cool breezes and views of New York City from above. Checkout the Best Rooftop Bars in NYC.

The Loeb Boathouse

There’s something so magical about some of the first Central Park days of the season. You still need a light jacket but the temperatures are perfect for long, carefree strolls and The Boathouse is the ideal landing spot when you want to rest your feet and have a cocktail on their terrace overlooking the boat pond. Some of my favorite afternoons have been spent doing just that with nowhere to go afterwards. It’s pure bliss. (Highly recommend going to Sprinkles Ice Cream afterwards for a spring treat. I just went and am mildly obsessed.)

The Highline

It had been so long since I took the time to stroll the Highline but after reminding myself the other weekend just how lovely it is to be outside with no particular destination, I had to include this elevated park in the list. Catch brunch at Bubby’s before your walk or reward yourself with a drink at the new, fun & colorful Santina afterwards.

Brooklyn Botanic Garden

If you plan your timing right, you can see this beautiful botanical garden in full bloom with cherry blossoms! 

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Met is an amazing spot year round to visit but in the Spring you can also tack on a walk through Central Park before or after and I particularly love the Temple of Dendur in the Spring as you can spot all the beautiful blooming trees outside. Spring also tends to be a great time to take in the newest exhibits the museum has to offer.

Did you also know that Spring in NYC is home to some iconic events? You can check out the Tribeca Film Festival, the Orchid Show and amazing exhibits at the New York Botanical Garden. And, if you’re looking for a bit more hand holding as you explore the city, check out the best guided tours in New York City.

It’s truly the city that never sleeps and taking advantage of Spring’s warm weather makes all these activities so fun as you soak up the sunshine. While Fall may be my personal favorite season in New York State, Spring is a close second as the city comes alive after a long winter and everything begins to bloom and outdoor dining becomes in full effect.

Have any favorite NYC spots for the warmer weather? Do share! I always love hearing everyone else’s recommendations!

Shop the Post:

H&M Pants // Denim Jacket // Lace Top

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• A Guide to My West Village Favorites
• My Guide to New York City
• The Best Summer Activities in NYC

[Bekka Palmer Photography]

This post was sponsored by H&M through their partnership with POPSUGAR. While I was compensated by POPSUGAR to write a post about H&M all opinions are my own.