According to the report on Statista, the number of international visitors to New York City was forecast to grow to as much as 13.8 million by 2024, up from just 9.4 million in 2022.
New York City is full of crowds, road traffic, tourists, and hustling-bustling. But the other side of New York is that it is filled with some amazing relaxing places that people actually don’t know and can’t find easily.
New York has more than hundreds of places or things to relax, such as The High Line Park, Metropoliton Museum, Air Ancient Baths, Botanical Garden, Turtle Pond, and Harlem Meer.
However, the problem is how to find the best places to relax in NYC. Don’t worry; we are here only for you. In this blog post, we will only discuss the top 13 relaxing things to do in New York that are worth your money and time.
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1. Aire Ancient Baths
It is one of the best spas in New York and The United States. This spa has hidden pools, experiences, a private spa, and jets. It is a magical place in New York.
The ancient Romans and Greeks inspired Aire Ancient Baths, a place built to relax people’s minds and bodies. Males and Females have different spa rooms here.
You can also visit tourist spots like The Statue of Liberty, Helicopter Ride, Greenwich Village, Niagara Falls, and Manhattan Sightseeing.
- Best time to visit – When you feel exhausted
- Things to do – Swimming Pool, Body Massage, Hidden Rooms, and Private Spa
- Price – Starts from $69/Person
2. Radio City, Among The Best Relaxing Things To Do in New York
Radio City is one of the most crowded places in New York. It was established in 1932. It is famous for its stage shows, concerts, events, and movies. It is also a great place to visit with friends.
Most people come here to enjoy shows, pop stars singing, and live events. According to a study, more than 300 million people have come here to enjoy themselves with friends and special ones.
People also visit nearby locations like The Museum of Modern Art, The Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center, The Rock, and The Grand Center Terminal.
- Best time to visit – June to August (Evening)
- Things to do – Enjoy Concerts, Live Shows, Stage Shows, Movies and Events
- Price – Starts from $149/Night
3. New York Botanical Garden
It is famous because a lot of plant and fungal research has been done here. It is an experimental area of plants and any new type of fungal. It is an excellent place for science students and plant lovers.
Many people come here to enjoy and learn something new with their family and friends. It is one of the great places to travel solo. It is also one of the world’s second-most prominent research institutes.
Some nearby tourist attractions include the Bronx Zoo, Yankee Stadium, Bronx Museum, Dyckman Farmhouse, and The Met Cloisters. It is among the great places to relax in NYC.
- Best time to visit – March to April
- Things to do – Hiking, Gardens, Green Fields, Green Houses, and Orchid Show
- Price – $15/Person
4. Helicopter Ride, Manhattan
New York has many helicopter ride points, such as The Big Apple and Liberty Helicopter. But the Manhattan helicopter ride is one of the best in New York City.
You can see the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, George Washington Bridge, and the Empire State Building from a helicopter. You can see many more places like this within 20 minutes.
You can also check out other helicopter ride tours, such as the City Line Skyline Tour, Ultimate NYC Helicopter Tour, and Taste of NYC Tour, but the Manhattan Helicopter Tour is most recommended.
- Best time to visit – April to June (Evenings)
- Things to do – Sightseeing like The Statue of Liberty, Museum, Central Park, and The Empire State Building
- Price – Starts from $200/Person
5. Turtle Pond, New York
Turtle Pond is a manufactured pond in Central Park, New York, established in 1980. It has many turtles, which are pretty silent and cute. Turtle Park is covered by trees and shrubs.
Turtle Pond is home to not only turtles but also fish and reptiles. There are more than five turtle species in this pond: turtles, musk, and red-eared sliders, the most common turtle.
Some famous tourist attractions include The Ramble, Central Park Lake, Manhattan Valley, Lenox Hill, Central Harlem, and Carnegie Hill.
- Best time to visit – July To August
- Things to do – Meditation, See Turtles, Trees, Shrubs, and Jogging
- Price – Free for Everyone
6. Harlem Meer, Central Park, Among The Best Relaxing Things To Do In NYC
Harlem is also the manufactured lake in Central Park. It is a charming spot in Central Park. Harlem is lovely, especially in the autumn season. It is also an excellent place to view the sky and watch birds.
It is excellent if you find a place in New York to relax and spend time with yourself. It is a tranquil place; the only sounds you can hear are birds chirping, insects chirping, and calm wind, which is fantastic.
You can also do some excellent activities here, like cycling, hiking, jogging, walking, and boating. It is a place you must visit in New York once in your life.
- Best time to visit – August To October
- Things to do – Hiking, Cycling, Birdwatching, Relaxing, and Boating
- Price – Free for Everyone
7. Metropolitan Museum, Among The Best Places To Relax In NYC
It is one of the most prominent museums in the world. It has more than 2 million paintings and art of human history. It has some untouched things like musical instruments, costumes, and armaments.
The Museum has a collection of paintings, sculptures, and American Art. It is a must-visit place in New York. You can learn a lot here, not only about American history but also about the world.
You can also explore nearby places like Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, American History, The Plaza, The Frick Collection, and Central Park. It is considered one of the best places to relax in NYC.
- Best time to visit – Anytime
- Things to do – See stuff like paintings, sculptures, musical instruments, American history, and costumes
- Price – $25/Person
8. Shakespeare’s Garden
It is also known as ”The Garden of the Heart.” It is a little but charming garden in New York. The park has a pond, benches, a walking path, and a lovely view.
Shakespeare’s Garden has more than 150 varieties of plants. It is an excellent place to spend time with your family and a perfect place for a picnic.
It has flowers like roses, daffodils, tulips, crocuses, and anemones. It is like heaven for first-time visitors. You must visit this garden if you are travelling to New York.
Some famous tourist attractions are nearby, like Bethesda Terrace, Belvedere Castle, The Jewish Museum, Loeb Boat House, and Bow Bridge.
- Best time to visit – February to April
- Things to do – Species of flowers like daffodils, roses, crocuses, and tulips
- Price – $29/Person
9. Boat Tour, New York
Manhattan Island Cruise is one of the most famous boathouses in New York. You can explore the whole of Manhattan Island on Cruise. You can enjoy the lovely scenery and view of the sky.
You can also enjoy drinks, beverages, and food on this cruise. Manhattan Cruise covers the whole Island in 2.5 hours. You can also enjoy the Statue of Liberty view on a cruise.
Many cruise options are available here, like the Statue of Liberty Express Cruise, New York City Sunset Sail, Beast Speed Boat Ride, etc. You can also choose any one of these.
- Best time to visit – October to January
- Things to do – Boating, Sightseeing, and Sky View
- Price – $37/Person
10. The Channels Garden
It is the best place to relax in New York City. It has seasonal landscape gardens around a water feature at the foot of the skyscraper. It is a lovely garden to walk around, and there are water fountains and beautiful statues inside.
The Channels Gardens attracts many crowds towards it because of its urban design and natural beauty. The Channels Gardens attracts many crowds towards it because of its urban design and natural beauty. Undoubtedly, it is among the best NYC relaxing things to do with family, friends, or solo.
There are many things to do in The Channels Garden, like having a cup of coffee and sitting back on the bench to relax, coming here with your partner on birthdays or anniversaries, or walking around the garden.
- Best time to visit – Weekdays
- Things to do – Walking, Relaxing, and Photography
- Entry fee – Nothing
11. SPA, New York
Like Aire Ancient Baths, there are many spas in New York, like Oasis Day Spa, Guerlain Spa, Shibui Spa, and Rescue Spa, where you can visit and relax.
You can get a body massage, facial treatment, etc. There are also cafes and private rooms in the spa. You can visit any spa in New York, but Aire Ancient Baths are most recommended.
In some spas, like Aire Ancient Baths and Rescue Spa, you can have your own private room, swimming pool, hidden experiences, and jets.
- Best time to visit – Anytime
- Things to do – Hidden pools, Hidden experiences, Private rooms, and jets
- Price – Starts from $35/Person
12. The High Line
While looking for relaxing things to do in New York, how can we forget about The High Line? It is among the most beautiful parks in New York, with sitting areas, walking paths, shaded trees, and ponds.
There are also many live events, festivals, music shows, and art exhibitions in High Line Park. You can also spend quality time here with yourself by eating your favourite food.
Apart from that, you can come here in the early morning when the sun starts rising, birds start chirping, and many wildlife creatures get out of their homes in High Line Park.
- Entry fee – No fee
- Best time to visit – In the early morning
- Things to do – Walking, jogging, and spending time with yourself.
13. Walking In New York, Among The Best NYC Relaxing Things To Do
How is walking a relaxing thing in New York? Yes, you think right, but New York has some places where your whole body gets refreshed by walking.
Many places in New York are pretty silent and peaceful, like The Bronx River Forest, Newtown Creek Nature Walk, Inwood Hill Park, and Latourette Park.
Walking in these places refreshes your body and mind, and instantly, you get new energy.
- Best time to visit – Evenings
- Places to walk – Latourette Park, The Ravine, and Inwood Hill Park
- Price – Free for Everyone
Conclusion On What To Do In New York City To Relax?
This is the end of our blog about the top 13 relaxing things to do in New York. After reading this article, you will rarely search any search engine for the best relaxing things to do in NYC because you already know it.
There are more than 50 to 100 places to relax in NYC, but the above-mentioned places or things are the best, and they are totally worth your money and time.
So what are you waiting for? Pack your bag, book your tickets, and land in New York City to escape your daily life routine and relax. Don’t forget to share your experience in the comments with other readers.
Thank You.
Frequently asked questions regarding the best relaxing things to do in NYC.
Below are the answers to the most asked queries on the internet by people regarding places to relax in NYC.
Q1. What are some of the best free things to do in NYC today?
1. The High Line Park
2. The Channels Garden
3. Harlem Meer
Q2. What are some quiet things to do in New York?
1. Frick Collection
2. Riverside Park
3. The Met Cloisters
Q3. What are the best places to hang out in NYC for free?
1. Central Park
2. Harlem Meer
3. Turtle Pond
Q4. What are somestress-relieving activities in NYC?
1. Trekking
2. Spa
3. Walking
Q5. How to relax in NYC?
1. Go for a New York City tour
2. Eat NYC’s street food
3. Sit back in The Channels Garden
