18 Exciting Things to Do on a Sunday in NYC

Transform your Sunday in NYC with unique walks, food adventures, creative escapes, and shopping gems.

By Sneha Tete, Integrated MA, Certified Relationship Coach

Created on Sep 26, 2025

Transform your Sunday in NYC with unique walks, food adventures, creative escapes, and shopping gems.

The city that never sleeps doesn’t slow down just because it’s the end of the week. In fact, Sundays in New York City offer an opportunity to experience a mix of tranquility and vibrant activity. Instead of feeling weighed down by the Sunday blues, discover a range of adventures, escapes, and indulgences with this curated guide to the best things to do each Sunday in NYC. From outdoor walks and picturesque parks to bustling flea markets and cozy coffee shops, there’s something for every taste, mood, and budget.

For Every Budget

Whether you’re watching your wallet or ready to splurge, NYC delivers plenty of ways to make your Sunday special. Many activities listed here are either completely free or offer pay-as-you-go options, so you can always find an experience that fits your circumstances.

Outdoors

Take a Stroll Through Greenwood Cemetery
Location: 500 25th Street, Brooklyn, NY
Price: Free
Greenwood Cemetery is not just an arboretum, but a tranquil oasis and repository of history in Brooklyn. Wander the footpaths among gothic monuments, blooming trees, and ancient headstones—some belonging to notable figures such as Jean-Michel Basquiat. Bring your binoculars: the cemetery attracts a host of birds, providing fantastic opportunities for photography and birdwatching. Climb to the highest point for panoramic city views, and enjoy a few moments of peace and serenity far from the urban rush.
Walk the High Line
Location: Manhattan; entrances from Gansevoort & Washington up to 31st St & Dyer Ave
Price: Free
Discover Manhattan’s west side from an elevated perspective on the High Line. Once a railroad, this 1.5-mile-long public park is now lined with native plants, contemporary art installations, and offers sweeping views over the Hudson River and city skyline. Explore the different areas: enjoy lush gardens, stop at water features to cool your feet, and grab a snack from local vendors along the way. The High Line is equally beloved by locals and tourists for its ability to refresh the soul while keeping you in the heart of the city.
Bike Around Governors Island
Location: Governors Island (ferry access from Manhattan or Brooklyn)
Price: Free entry (bike rentals available)
Board a quick ferry to Governors Island and pedal your way through car-free paths and open green spaces. Rentals are available on the island or bring your own bike over. Visit art installations, indulge in food truck fare, and stop for postcard-worthy photos by the waterfront. Seasonal events and pop-up markets keep things fresh year-round.
Explore Central Park’s Lesser-Known Corners
Location: Central Park, Manhattan
Price: Free
Central Park draws crowds, but many peaceful pockets remain undiscovered by casual visitors. Try the Shakespeare Garden, Belvedere Castle, or find tranquility near the Harlem Meer. Bring a picnic breakfast or simply take in skyline views from the Great Lawn.
Kayak on the Hudson River
Location: Various boathouses along Manhattan’s west side
Price: Free (donations encouraged)
Paddle your way to a new perspective with free kayaking programs offered by local parks organizations all summer long. No experience required! It’s a relaxing, budget-friendly way to soak in the beauty of the city and riverfront on a Sunday afternoon.

Brunch & Food Adventures

Enjoy a Classic NYC Brunch
Whether you prefer bottomless mimosas or a cozy, classic diner, NYC’s brunch scene is legendary. Try neighborhood favorites in Williamsburg, the West Village, or Harlem—many offer outdoor seating and locally sourced menus. Dishes range from creative avocado toast to fluffy pancakes and international influences.
Visit Smorgasburg
Location: Various locations (DUMBO, Prospect Park, WTC Oculus Plaza)
Hours: Typically Sundays
This open-air food market brings dozens of creative vendors together, offering everything from authentic ramen to inventive doughnuts and globally inspired ice creams. Go hungry and sample your way through stalls run by passionate local chefs.
Indulge Your Sweet Tooth at Dominique Ansel Bakery
Location: 189 Spring St, SoHo, Manhattan
Home of the original Cronut, this bakery draws sweet lovers from across the city. The menu changes seasonally, so there’s always a new treat to discover—be it a floral-infused madeleine or a decadent cookie shot filled with milk.

Art, Culture & Creative Escapes

Wander Through the Metropolitan Museum of Art
Location: 1000 Fifth Ave, Manhattan
Price: Pay what you wish for New York residents
Spend a contemplative Sunday morning among masterpieces at the Met. From ancient Egyptian relics to Impressionist icons, the collection is vast. Don’t miss the rooftop garden when in season for sweeping park and skyline views.
Catch a Live Jazz Brunch
Location: Various venues (Harlem, Greenwich Village, Midtown)
Combine your love of food and music at one of the city’s storied jazz brunches. Many restaurants host live bands every Sunday, letting you dine to the tunes of everything from smooth classics to contemporary funk.
Stroll Through the Museum of the Moving Image
Location: 36-01 35th Ave, Queens
Price: Admission fee applies
This interactive museum explores TV, film, and digital arts in surprising ways. See original movie props, play vintage arcade games, and catch insightful programming on media’s cultural impact.
View Street Art in Bushwick
Location: Bushwick, Brooklyn
Take a self-guided walk through Bushwick’s colorful streets, where ever-changing murals and graffiti galleries cover warehouses and alleyways. Guided tours are available for art enthusiasts keen to learn more about the artists and stories behind the works.

Parks & Gardens

Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Location: 990 Washington Ave, Brooklyn
Price: Admission fee applies; free mornings in winter
Take in rolling lawns, Japanese gardens, lily pools, and glass greenhouses full of exotic plants. Sundays at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden are notably peaceful—and great for families or couples seeking a lush, inspiring escape.
Walk Along Riverside Park
Location: West Side, Manhattan
This four-mile Park runs along the Hudson River, offering river breezes, bike paths, playgrounds, and memorial sculptures. Bring a book, rent a CitiBike, or just soak up the afternoon sun.

Shopping

Browse the Brooklyn Flea
Location: 80 Pearl Street, Brooklyn, NY (DUMBO)
Price: Free to browse
Every Sunday, treasure-hunters flock to the Brooklyn Flea to sift through quirky antiques, unique fashion finds, rare vinyl, and artisan-crafted jewelry. It’s the perfect place for people-watching, creative inspiration, and a chance to explore one of Brooklyn’s most picturesque neighborhoods.
Score Designer Deals at Century 21
Location: 22 Cortlandt Street, Manhattan
Price: Free to browse
This legendary department store near the World Trade Center is famous for its steep discounts on designer clothing, shoes, and accessories. If you love a bargain, spend your Sunday scoping out deals before heading out to explore Tribeca or the Financial District.
Do Some Thrifting at Beacon’s Closet
Location: Multiple (Brooklyn and Manhattan) Price: Free to browse; sell your clothes for cash or store credit
Beacon’s Closet is an NYC thrifting institution. If you enjoy the thrill of the hunt, you’ll find an ever-rotating selection of secondhand designer clothes, retro accessories, and one-of-a-kind looks—often for less than the price of brunch. Plus, if you declutter your closet, you can exchange old items for something totally new to you.

Offbeat & Unique Adventures

Hop Aboard a Staten Island Ferry Ride
Location: Whitehall Terminal, Lower Manhattan
Price: Free
Enjoy a scenic cruise across New York Harbor, with unforgettable views of Lady Liberty, Ellis Island, and the downtown skyline. On a sunny day, nothing feels more like a mini-vacation than a wind-in-your-hair ferry ride.
Take in the Scenes at Washington Square Park
Location: Greenwich Village, Manhattan
On Sundays the park is alive with chess matches, performers, artists, and people from all walks of life. Find a sunny bench and soak up the culture—Washington Square Park is always buzzing with something unexpected.
Visit the Chelsea Market
Location: 75 Ninth Ave, Manhattan
Part market, part food hall, part shopping destination—Chelsea Market offers a world of flavors under one large industrial roof. Sample sushi, artisanal tacos, hand-crafted pastries, and shop for gifts or vintage records. With direct access to the High Line, it’s easy to combine experiences for a full Sunday outing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are some free things to do in NYC on a Sunday?

Several activities on this list are completely free: walking the High Line or through Greenwood Cemetery, exploring Central Park, taking a ferry to Staten Island, and people-watching in Washington Square Park are all budget-friendly options that promise unforgettable moments.

Where can I find the best brunch spots in NYC?

Great brunch can be found across the city, with neighborhood hotspots in the West Village, Williamsburg, and Harlem. If you’re looking for global flavors, check out food markets like Smorgasburg for something outside the traditional brunch box.

What’s the best Sunday market in NYC?

The Brooklyn Flea is unmatched for vintage finds and hip local crafts, while Chelsea Market is perfect for foodies seeking international flavors and artisanal goodies, all indoors regardless of the weather.

Is shopping good on Sundays in NYC?

Yes! Many of NYC’s best shops, boutiques, and department stores are open on Sundays, with unique opportunities to thrift at Beacon’s Closet or snatch up designer deals at Century 21 and vintage treasures at the Brooklyn Flea.

Are NYC museums open on Sundays?

Most major museums, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art and Museum of the Moving Image, are open Sundays. Always check in advance for holiday hours or special events.

Tips for Making the Most of Your Sunday in NYC

Get an Early Start: Beat the crowds by heading out before noon, especially at popular markets or parks.
Layer Up: NYC weather can be unpredictable, so dress in layers for comfort as you explore different neighborhoods.
Book Ahead: For in-demand museums, brunch spots, or tours, reserve your tickets or table online to avoid disappointment.
Leave Room to Wander: Some of the best NYC moments happen unexpectedly—don’t overschedule and let some spontaneity shape your Sunday.

Whether you seek discovery, indulgence, or a bit of quiet, New York City offers boundless ways to curate your ideal Sunday. With these activities, step confidently into the week ahead, knowing you’ve made the most of your city’s endless possibilities.