There are a bunch of things to do in New York in March. It’s the tail end of winter in the Big Apple but it can still be bitterly cold. Here are some of the best attractions and events. Check out all the things NYC has to offer!
Usually, spring officially begins on March 21, but NYC in March is still pretty cold. Even so, the city still provides plenty of activities and one big advantage is that there are fewer tourists than during the high season. In this article, we provide you with some of the best things you can do here in March so you will have an exciting time. New York in March is full of amazing events.
Wondering what the weather is like in New York in March?
Monthly Avg DAY | Monthly Avg NIGHT | Rainfall days | Sun |
|---|---|---|---|
48°F / 9°C | 30°F / -1°C | 12 days | 7 hours daily |
Winter Village in Bryant Park is the biggest and most popular winter market in New York (not only for me!). You should definitely go here and if it snows again in March, the Winter Wonderland is perfect. It is really nice in the evening, when you can even see the illuminated top of the Empire State Building!
Please note that the Holiday Shops are already closed for the season but you can still have fun on the rink!
New York City turns green on this day because March 17 is the national holiday of the Irish, or the patronal feast of St. Patrick.
The famous Saint Patrick’s Day Parade, which is one of the oldest, attracts around 1,000,000 people annually who want to be part of the spectacle. The parade takes place either directly on March 17th or – if it is a weekday – on the following weekend. Destination of the parade is the St. Patrick Cathedral. At 11 a.m. on the dot, the parade starts moving north at 44th Street/corner of 5th Avenue.
We made a list with some other things to do to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in New York (because there’s so much more to do!).
Spring isn’t just an excellent time to get outside and enjoy nature; it’s also a great time to do a bit of spring cleaning. After you finish, if your walls seem bare, head on over to the Affordable Art Fair and snag some high-quality art at low-end prices.
This annual event returns to NYC each year at the Metropolitan Pavilion in Chelsea, where you can view contemporary works that range in price from $100 up to $10,000.
My tip: Here you find the Best Art Exhibitions in New York City.
We Are Birds will be this year’s annual Curated Space exhibition at the Outsider Art Fair. It is curated by Randall Poster and Andrew Edlin in support of the National Audubon Society and it features several works of different self-taught and contemporary artists whose works are inspired by birdlife.
Moreover the OAF presents The Life and Death of Elvis Presley: A Suite by American artist and architect Paul Laffoley (1935-2015). This exhibition shows eight paintings that were completed in 1995 and represent Laffoley’s interpretation of the different phases in Elvis Presley’s life.
The answer to whether you should or should not see a Broadway show when visiting New York in March is crystal clear: YES, it absolutely belongs on your bucket list! What is not always as clear, however, is which show to pick.
In order to help you out, we’ve created an overview of the absolute best Broadway shows in NYC in March!
The New York Botanical Garden supports over one million living plants in its extensive collection. It is truly a beautiful experience to explore the plant life in over 50 different gardens, giving you something to explore throughout each season. From exhibitions to the gift shop and hands-on experiences for kids this oasis of plants is a great day out for families!
The Botanical Garden has constantly changing exhibitions and displays various plants. Among the most important of them is the “Orchid Show”, which takes place every year in spring. This year, in an impressive greenhouse, you can admire the 22nd Orchid Show from February 15 until April 27. This year the motto of the exhibition is “The Orchid Show: Mexican Modernism”.
Florals are a natural part of spring but are groundbreaking when they’re presented by an iconic department store like Macy’s. Macy’s marquee stores in NYC present a two-week show that presents nearly one million trees, plants, and flowers to celebrate spring for both nature and fashion.
People from near and far flock to this exhibition each year, and it’s one of the best places to see awe-inspiring floral arrangements that are decorated according to a given theme. For example, the theme was outer space a few years ago, so arrangements had nods to stars, comets, planets, and more.
You know what’s really unique about New York? The view of the (most likely) snow-covered Central Park from one of the observation decks! With the Top of the Rock, The Edge Hudson Yards and the SUMMIT One Vanderbilt you have three to choose from!
And then there’s the One World Observatory and the Empire State Building which both offer amazing views over the city.
My tip: if you are cold, you can go inside and enjoy the view from the inside. Because each of the observation decks (except for the Empire State Building) has additional floors with floor-to-ceiling windows.
If you want to visit several observations decks, attractions and tours in New York, check out the New York sightseeing passes. You can save up to 60% on the ticket price!
To find out which New York Pass is the best for you, check out my New York Pass Comparison.
Each March, college basketball fans go a bit nuts. And this is for a good reason! This is the time of the year when 68 universities compete in a tournament that spans the country and determines which two teams will square off in the National Championship in April. If you are one of many looking to cheer on their favorite team among other fellow fans, you’re in luck because there are many New York City bars and restaurants to catch the madness.
This year March Madness takes place from March 16.
Ice skating is one of the things you can still do in New York through March! For example, the rink at Rockefeller Center offers an unforgettable experience in a great setting. Expect a bit of a wait, as it is one of the most popular rinks in New York.
My tip: The Best Ice Rinks in NYC
From January 10 to April 20, 2025, you can experience the world’s first all-pink pier at Watermark, Pier 15 NYC. Indulge in cocktails and dining within heated pink igloos or enjoy the outdoor Pink Pier experience. Whether it’s a romantic date night or a gathering with friends, this unique setting offers unforgettable views and photo opportunities. Don’t miss out – book your tickets today!
If you’re a fan of operas you should definitely visit the Metropolitan Opera. There are different shows throughout March, for example, Moby Dick, La Bohème and Fidelio. Enjoy one of these wonderful musical performances.
Reserve your tickets for the Metropolitan Opera now!
Stroll through the touristy area of Little Italy and enjoy some of the best meatballs you can possibly find in the city (except at the Meatball Shop of course).
On March 9 we celebrate National Meatball Day. Check out the best restaurants in Little Italy NYC to have your best Meatball experience that day!
Though Governors Island is no longer a secret spot, it hasn’t lost its charm and remains one of our favorite places in New York. Usually Governors Island closes at the end of October, but in 2025 you can check it out even during March! A ferry ride to the island typically costs $5 but if you decide to come on a Saturday or Sunday before noon, it’ll be free!
March is the perfect month for Basketball fans! Check out either the New York Knicks or the Brooklyn Nets at the Madison Square Garden or Barclays Center for an exciting sports event.
Mercer Labs revolutionizes the museum experience with a groundbreaking exhibition across fifteen experimental spaces, merging art and technology in captivating ways. Roy Nachum’s ‘Limitless’ redefines the relationship between art and technology, inviting viewers on a journey through his psyche and childhood memories. Leveraging digital tools, Nachum challenges human perception and explores the intricate spatial framework of his source imagery, blurring the line between narrative and abstraction.
Break the chains of reality! New York City is an insanely exciting city. But if that’s not enough, you can now experience adventure and action in a virtual world. Escape Virtuality offers exciting VR experiences as well as Escape Rooms on a whole new level. In realistic VR games, you have to prove that you are capable of saving the world even under pressure.
Whether you’re going with your friends or family, there are a variety of Escape Rooms and games to choose from. And you know what’s best? You can save money because Escape Virtuality is included in some of the New York Passes!
The wintry season is perfect for a museum visit, and the Big Apple doesn’t lack choices. After the theatrical release of “The Night of Museum” series, (The first movie took place in the New York Museum of Natural History) you feel like going to the place of the event?
In the footsteps of dinosaurs, aborigines, and many other historical creatures, the Natural History Museum on Central Park West is always a good idea for a museum outing. Especially during the cold season a museum visit is a great idea! The American Museum of Natural History is well known since the first “The Night of Museum” movie came out.
My tip: Check out the Best Museums in NYC.
The Museum of Modern Art in NYC, commonly known as the MoMA, is one of the largest and most influential modern and contemporary art museums in the world. Since it houses an extensive collection of over 150,000 works of art, ranging from painting and sculpture to photography, design, and film, the MoMA is a popular destination for art enthusiasts and offers a unique experience for those who want to explore the world of modern and contemporary art.
Every day from 4:00 PM to close there is a „Pay-what-you-wish“ admission which means that visitors can pay what they can afford for admission to the museum. However, that’s not all! In addition to the Pay-what-you-wish policy, the MoMA is free for all visitors on Fridays from 4 pm to 8 pm.
Please note that the Free Fridays & Pay-what-you-wish policy only apply to New York State residents!
The High Line Park in NYC offers a unique urban oasis, where visitors can stroll along an elevated linear park built on a historic freight rail line. This iconic green space provides stunning views of the cityscape, art installations, and gardens, creating a serene escape above the bustling streets of Manhattan. And the best thing is that they offer free tours!
I am quite a big fan of the boat tours with dinner in New York. It’s warm inside, jazzy music plays and there’s delicious food (and drinks). And during the whole cruise you see the wintry New York with its impressive skyline.
Here are our recommendations for dinner cruises, brunch cruises, lunch cruises and jazz cruises in NYC during wintertime.
The Statue of Liberty is probably one of the most famous landmarks in NYC. Don’t miss out on seeing this iconic attraction up close! You should also visit the Ellis Island Immigration Museum since this is a great educational experience for adults and children.
No joke, even in March you can visit some of the best rooftop bars in the city! They offer radiant heaters and free blankets, as well as warm rooftop lounges so you can make yourself comfortable there even when it’s cold outside. Enjoy the great view and a nice drink to warm your heart.
My tip: At 230 Fifth near the Flatiron building, you can sit in a heated igloo while enjoying a breathtaking view of the Empire State Building – I love that!
For more tips, check out our article on the best fall & winter rooftop bars in New York.
The ambiance at a Rangers game is unmatched, with home games hosted in the heart of Manhattan at the renowned Madison Square Garden. Ice hockey boasts some of the most dedicated fans across all sports, evident from the electrifying atmosphere of a Rangers match. It’s an intense and unforgettable spectacle that you shouldn’t miss!
The Brooklyn Bridge is an official landmark of the city, which you should not miss during your visit. Make sure to walk across the impressive bridge and enjoy the unique view across the East River to Brooklyn in the clear winter air. And crossing the bridge, you should take a stroll to Brooklyn Bridge Park.
GET A HOT CHOCOLATE AND ENJOY THE SPECTACULAR VIEWS!
Due to the cold wind, it can get icy on the Brooklyn Bridge in winter. The best time to try your luck on some warming sunshine is around noon on the bridge.
Don’t overlook Central Park on your list of things to do in New York in March! This urban oasis transforms into a winter wonderland during the colder months, drawing both locals and visitors alike. Wander through snow-covered landscapes and admire the enchanting play of lights on frozen water surfaces as dusk falls.
Exploring Central Park in the cold is truly magical, especially when adorned with snow. For a more adventurous experience, consider starting your walk in Harlem and making your way down towards Midtown. Don’t limit yourself to just the Fifth Avenue entrance by the Plaza Hotel—there’s so much more to discover within Central Park’s expansive grounds.
If spring puts you in a social mood, check out one of the many events in NYC related to Women’s History Month. This annual time is perfect for paying homage to one of many locally-owned businesses either owned by or catering to women.
You’ll find panels, parties, and movie screenings, among other events. There’s been Art + Feminism, Wikipedia Edit-a-Thon, A Day Without a Woman, a Hidden History: Women in Central Park-Tour, and vast discounts at local businesses in years past.
Embark on a 2-hour guided tour through Manhattan’s vibrant neighborhoods of SoHo, Little Italy, and Chinatown, each boasting a rich tapestry of history, culture, and culinary delights. From the iconic cobblestone streets and trendy boutiques of SoHo to the bustling markets and authentic eateries of Little Italy and Chinatown, immerse yourself in the diverse stories that define New York City. Let a local guide lead you through hidden gems and historic 19th-century buildings, uncovering the unique charm and character of these iconic districts along the way, or discover the neighborhoods on your own.
Experience the magic of slime at the Sloomoo Institute in New York! Dive into over 30 vats of slime, walk across a slime lake, and unleash your creativity at the DIY Bar where you can craft your own custom slime to take home. Challenge your friends with a slime slingshot behind protective plexiglass or capture unforgettable moments with slow-motion videos. Immerse yourself in the Slimey Mirrors virtual experience and indulge your senses at the ASMR sound station. Don’t forget to explore the slime-themed store before you leave!
Exploring the city on a cruise is always an amazing experience. Even though it can be very chilly we highly recommend taking the New York City Water Taxi or hopping on a Classic Harbor Line Cruise. They all have an indoor seating space where you can warm yourself up from the cold.
My tip: check out the 12 best cruises that you should do right now!
Yes, you read that right. On March 6, 2025, there’s an Oreo Day that celebrates the yummy cookie. There’s no better place to go in New York City than Chelsea Market the birthplace of the sweet sandwich cookie which is made up of two chocolate disks containing a sweet cream filling and is loved by millions.
Shopping addicts will have their money’s worth in March too. You can either stroll the city’s wintry streets or take a trip to the Woodbury Common Outlet Center. You will not only find many famous brands at lower prices but also a large food hall with a wide selection of different sweet and savory dishes.
Since the bus ride to the Woodbury Common Outlet is included in some of the New York Passes, you can already save money on your way to the outlet.
