Your Ultimate Guide to Summer in NYC

Intro

This is it. The last entry on my 3-post series for my hometown of New York City. I already recommended some places like Coney Island, and a couple of escapades like Fire Island and Montauk in Long Island. I even mentioned a few places in a previous post for eating and what to do in the Big Apple.

But today’s post is going to be all about different experiences, probably not fully new for me, but that I enjoyed in the last few months of Summer of New York, and that to be fair, can still be done in these last weeks before the cold of the Fall starts. Let’s go!

The Ferry to Governor’s Island

Governor’s Island is a hidden gem just a short ferry ride from Lower Manhattan, offering a peaceful escape from the city’s constant buzz. With sweeping views of the skyline and Statue of Liberty, the island feels like a mix of history and modern creativity—old military forts sit alongside sprawling lawns, art installations, bike paths, and hammocks perfect for lounging. In summer, it becomes a lively spot for picnics, food trucks, and outdoor events, making it one of New York’s best-kept little getaways.

I have been in the Governor’s Island a few times before, but it had been many years since I had come. I always enjoyed the tranquility, the views, and the ability to bike all over the place. I noticed that now there were CitiBikes here, so I was craving to literally just ride around.

To get here, you can take the ferry from Brooklyn or Manhattan. I opted for the latter, and one thing about this ferry is that at some times is fully free, so check the website for updates on these timetables. I went all the way down to Downtown, grabbed a coffee and presented my free tickets to board the ferry.

From the ferry we were able to see the Statue of Liberty and the ferry to the Staten Island, on this cloudy day in August.

The Brooklyn Bridge and the Manhattan Bridge were very visible on this ride. Not too many people were heading into the Governor’s Island, probably because it was early and the weather, but eventually it would feel lively in there.

The skyline of Manhattan and the One World Trade Center were very visible from here, despite of all the clouds. New York City being surrounded by water is always a great view.

Finally arriving into the island, I was checking that CitiBike for availability in the station closeby.

Governor’s Island

And effectively, there were some bikes around. I brought my helmet and put it on and started biking around. It is nice having the membership, and bike for free for 45 minutes. My first stop was the Fort Jay and its grandiose entrance.

Fort Jay, sitting at the heart of Governors Island, is a star-shaped fort dating back to the late 18th century. Built to protect New York Harbor, it features grassy ramparts, historic cannons, and brick archways that take you back to early American military history. Today, it’s a peaceful place to wander, with open lawns and sweeping views that blend history and relaxation.

Next up, I went to the Castle Williams, a round red-brick fortress on the northwest shore of Governors Island. It was built in the early 1800s to defend New York Harbor. Its thick walls and strategic design made it a powerful protector, later serving as a barracks and prison. Now preserved as a historic site, it offers visitors striking harbor views and a glimpse into the city’s military past.

It is very eerie inside, especially in a cloudy day like today.

Continued biking, and had to check all those views of downtown and New Jersey. The Skyline looked majestic as always. The ferry to Staten Island was the thing I missed this time around. I did plan to go to the Empire Outlets mall in Staten Island, but I did not have time this Summer.

Although, something I was doing for sure last Summer in 2024, was embarking in the Royal Caribbean’s Ultimate World Cruise. That was definitely one of the best travel experiences in my life, and now could not wait for another cruise. And, just like a sign, I saw from the Governor’s Island the MSC Meraviglia, one of the biggest cruises of that line. I do not think I am going to get on an MSC cruise anytime soon, but I definitely will be getting into more RCL and Disney Cruise Lines soon.

That coffee from earlier was definitely not enough, and now I had to eat something. Fortunately, Governor’s Island offers multiple food options, mostly lie food trucks kind of situation, but for me that’s better than a sit down restaurant. I was craving something Asian, and I got the Pork buns from Tokyo Drumstick.

That was delicious of course. Love a very fatty pork, and the Cole slaw was very fresh. From here, I stopped biking, since the closest bike station did not have any bikes, and I chose to continue walking, but enjoying the views like this one of the Statue of Liberty, even closer now.

Climbed the Outlook Hill located south of the Island, and the views were fantastic. From up here, I could see the skyline of Downtown Manhattan…

…and Brooklyn and the MSC I had seen earlier.

Checked the times for the ferries leaving the island, feeling I had explored enough, and biked to the ferry dock located Southeast of the island. From here, I took a free ferry to Brooklyn Bridge Park. There were not many people here, because well, it started raining. With this I finished my adventure on this island, but you can see below way more things I did, and you could do during your Summer in New York City.

Spot a Celebrity in Broadway

Even if it’s just a coincidence, if you are walking around Broadway in Manhattan, you could spot a celebrity very easy, also even if you did not get to see their show. In the past I have been able to see Rachel Zegler, Cate Blanchett, among others, and in 2025 I saw George Clooney leaving the Broadway show Good Night, and Good Luck.

Ride the new R211 Open-gangway trains

I know this is not an attraction, but for public transportation aficionados like me, this could be. Used to them by all my trips in Europe and Asia, seeing these trains finally brought to the MTA in New York City was like a dream come true. How many times don’t you want to switch cars just because something crazy might be happening close to you, and you can’t until the next stop. Well, not this is very possible, although they are slowly implementing them. I was able to ride the G Train with this new technology.

Have a coffee at a French African Cafe

With 2 locations, Le Paris Dakar in Brooklyn is my go-to whenever I am in the area. This French-African cafe offers great coffee obviously, but the crepes and pastries here are amazing, definitely just like the ones in Paris. My favorite pastries are the apple turnover, the jumelles and the almond croissant, either of those is going to be amazing.

Have some Asian food all over the city

I love Asian food, just like I kind of say earlier in this post when I got the buns in Governor’s Island, so that is why I try it in many places around the city. For example, in Wyckoff Avenue in Bushwick, Brooklyn, there is this nice place called Dock Asian Eatery. The food here just seems so fresh and delicious, and the prices are not that crazy. So maybe next time you are clubbing or dancing in this busy avenue, come try the food here.

But probably some of the best Asian food you will try, also in terms of price, is the one you would find in Chinatown in Manhattan. I went to Tofu Tofu with a friend and had to try many of the Korean dishes from the menu, it was definitely really good.

Dumplings are always some of my favorite Asian dishes, and I had to had some while I was walking another day around Chinatown. I went to Tasty Dumpling and got some amazing pork soup dumplings. I would definitely come back again.

And that I did. This time I tried the soup dumplings and the gyozas. I was so full but I still finished it all lol.

Try some Mexican tacos

I was able to get some tacos from my favorite spot: Tacos No. 1 in Chelsea Market, earlier in the Summer, but also, I went to Chavela’s in Franklin Ave in Brooklyn. This is one of my favorite Mexican restaurants in New York City. I used to order the steak and it was so delicious, but this time I got the sorted tacos, and they were amazing. I wanted the mole one to be great, but once again, just like Zipolite, it was too spicy. Nothing will beat the original mole I got in Queretaro many years ago.

Go to a Concert

Lady Gaga, Katy Perry and many other stars had concerts this Summer of 2025 in NYC, but the one I wanted to go to was Shakira’s in MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey, just outside of NYC. There were shuttle buses departing from Port Authority and that we did. I had to see my favorite artist, also from Colombia, with my own eyes.

We got drinks and food, and enjoyed the concert. Probably the best one I have ever been to. My throat was done by the end of the night. La Loba really put on a show.

Visit the Harry Potter Shop (again)

In a previous post, I recommended to go to the Harry Potter Shop in New York City. And yes, the Harry Potter tag is one of the most prolific of this blog, mostly because of Universal. But visiting this store is a must do for any potterhead, but also for anyone that likes nice sweets….

Like the butterbeer ice cream. This one is very good, although tastes a little bit different than the one in Universal.

See a movie in the biggest IMAX in the US

We do not talk about the Georgia one, this is one is the biggest, most important IMAX in the United States. Every time tickets drop for any movie, both the Fandango and AMC websites crash. Having AMC A-List I have been able to see a few movies this summer including The Fantastic Four: First Steps, and JAWS.

Walk around Times Square

Walking around Times Square is a uniquely cute experience. The energy feels almost electric—bright billboards glow like giant nightlights, street performers bring playful surprises, and the mix of tourists snapping photos creates a shared sense of wonder. Even in the middle of Manhattan’s chaos, there’s something endearing about being surrounded by so much light, color, and excitement that it feels like you’ve stepped into a living postcard of New York City. I know it is very touristy, but it never gets old.

E-Bike around the city

Just like I mentioned before, while I was in Governor’s Island, riding an e-bike from CitiBike is a lot of fun. I do it for short distances, and also just to explore around. Like for example seeing this sunset on the Hudson River.

Or for example riding them along the Brooklyn Bridge Park, seeing the beautiful skyline on the back.

Do you know you can do kayak in the East River? Seems like fun, but I probably would not do it, just for the water haha.

Finally seeing the Brooklyn Bridge from the bike was amazing. This time I did not cross it, but I have done it on the CitiBike and it is a lot of fun. They actually built a separate lane for the bikes.

Get yourself a treat, or many

I loved myself a sweet treat, just like I did in Fire Island, where I got that milkshake. Well, since I was in the Brooklyn Bridge Park, I had to get a Milkshake from Van Leeuwen Ice Cream, the iconic ice cream shop.

And back in Manhattan after seeing Superman, I stopped by the Krispy Kreme close to Times Square, and got myself a donut, which by the way was half price for some reason haha.

Also there, but later in the Summer, all the Fall drinks and donuts were available, including the Pumpkin Spice related ones.

I had to include Queens somehow, even though I have been to this borough this Summer, but the Colombian bakery Calibella, had the best, most fresh, Hispanic delicacies you could find.

And that wraps up my little summer journey through New York City! From ferries and forts on Governor’s Island to celebrity sightings on Broadway, late-night tacos, and concerts that left me voiceless, this season reminded me why I’ll always love my hometown. NYC has a way of mixing the familiar with the unexpected, making even simple things—like biking along the waterfront or grabbing a donut in Times Square—feel special. I hope this series gave you some inspiration for your own adventures, whether you’re a local looking for new plans or a visitor ready to dive into the city’s endless energy. Until the next trip, thanks for coming along for the ride!