Destinations / New York City / Top Things to Do in New York City in March
Top Things to Do in New York City in March
1. The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Wander 5,000 years of art across soaring galleries, from Egyptian temples to Impressionist masterpieces, then warm up with a coffee overlooking Central Park.
✓ Why Go:
March’s cooler weather and lighter crowds make it easier to linger in blockbuster rooms and special exhibitions without the peak‑season bustle.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday mornings in March for the quietest galleries; late afternoons are pleasantly calm before closing.
✓ Insider Tip:
Use the side entrance at 81st Street for a faster security line, and plan a focused route through two or three wings to avoid fatigue.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors rave about the depth and variety, calling it a full‑day, must‑see museum that rewards both first‑timers and repeat travelers.
2. New York Botanical Garden Orchid Show
Step into the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory’s tropical wonderland as brilliant orchids arch, cascade, and climb in a lush, warm greenhouse escape.
✓ Why Go:
When the city is still chilly, the Orchid Show delivers spring early with color, fragrance, and striking horticultural design.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Morning time slots on weekdays in March offer easier photos and room to linger among the displays.
✓ Insider Tip:
Book timed entry in advance and pair your visit with a stroll through the nearby Thain Forest if the weather cooperates.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests describe the Orchid Show as enchanting and mood‑lifting, a perennial favorite for locals and visitors alike.
3. Macy’s Flower Show
Herald Square blooms indoors as Macy’s transforms its flagship with elaborate floral installations, themed displays, and fragrant pathways.
✓ Why Go:
It’s an easy, free taste of spring in Midtown—perfect between sightseeing stops and a photogenic antidote to late‑winter gray.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early weekday mornings in late March for thinner crowds and the freshest displays.
✓ Insider Tip:
Enter from Broadway to start at the grandest arrangements, then head to upper floors for quieter vignettes.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors love the cheerful spectacle and convenient location, noting it’s a quick, uplifting detour.
4. St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Fifth Avenue erupts in bagpipes, bands, and Irish pride during one of the world’s oldest St. Patrick’s celebrations, marching uptown past landmarks.
✓ Why Go:
It’s a quintessential March-in-NYC experience with pageantry, community spirit, and great people‑watching along an iconic route.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Arrive 60–90 minutes before the late‑morning step‑off on March 17 to secure a front‑row curb spot.
✓ Insider Tip:
Stake out a viewing area near Rockefeller Center for easy subway access and post‑parade dining options.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Attendees report an energetic, family‑friendly atmosphere and memorable citywide camaraderie.
5. Wollman Rink
Glide beneath the skyline at Central Park’s storied rink, where crisp March air and postcard views make for classic NYC photos.
✓ Why Go:
Late‑season skating is atmospheric, and crowds thin on weekdays as winter winds down.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday late afternoons in March for gentler crowds and golden‑hour light on the towers.
✓ Insider Tip:
Reserve skates online and bring thin socks for comfort; warm up with hot chocolate from the rink café.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Skaters highlight smooth ice, friendly staff, and unbeatable scenery for couples, friends, and families.
6. Madison Square Garden
Catch the Knicks on the court or the Rangers on the ice at “The World’s Most Famous Arena,” buzzing with spring playoff energy approaching.
✓ Why Go:
Live Madison Square Garden games are peak New York—electric crowds, easy transit, and great pre‑ and post‑game dining nearby.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Evening games in March; arrive early to explore the concourses and grab local bites.
✓ Insider Tip:
Upper 200‑level seats offer solid views and value; use Penn Station entrances to breeze in from multiple subway lines.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Fans praise the atmosphere and sound, calling it a bucket‑list venue even for casual sports watchers.
7. The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
Encounter defining works by Van Gogh, Warhol, and contemporary innovators across sleek galleries designed for lingering and reflection.
✓ Why Go:
March is ideal for indoor culture; MoMA’s central location makes it easy to pair with Midtown sights.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday mornings for calmer rooms; aim for opening time to enjoy the big names without the rush.
✓ Insider Tip:
Start on the upper floors and work down to avoid early crowding around the most famous pieces.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests describe MoMA as inspiring and well‑curated, with standout temporary exhibits that reward return visits.
8. Edge at Hudson Yards
Step onto a dramatic outdoor sky deck with glass floors and panoramic views that feel extra‑crisp in cool March air.
✓ Why Go:
Winter’s clearer skies often mean longer‑range visibility and striking photos without summer heat or peak queues.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Sunset in March for golden light, then stay as the city lights flicker on.
✓ Insider Tip:
Bring a light layer; winds can be brisk. For fewer lines, book the first or last time slot of the day.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors love the adrenaline of the glass floor and the sweeping, unobstructed skyline.
9. Brooklyn Museum
Explore global art—from ancient treasures to cutting‑edge contemporary—inside a Beaux‑Arts landmark beside Prospect Park.
✓ Why Go:
March brings engaging exhibitions without mid‑summer crowds, plus easy access to nearby cafés and park walks.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Midday on weekdays for quiet galleries; check the museum calendar for special evening programs.
✓ Insider Tip:
Combine with a stroll through Prospect Park or a visit to the nearby Brooklyn Botanic Garden if blooms have begun.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Reviewers appreciate thoughtful curation, welcoming spaces, and strong community programming.
10. The Met Cloisters
Retreat to a serene hilltop museum devoted to medieval art, with cloistered courtyards and Hudson River views in Fort Tryon Park.
✓ Why Go:
March quiet makes it feel like a hidden gem; early bulbs and evergreens lend the gardens a contemplative edge.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late morning to early afternoon for softer light in the courtyards and calmer halls.
✓ Insider Tip:
Bring a camera for the unicorn tapestries and river overlooks; pair with a park walk if the weather is fair.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests call it peaceful and transporting—a refreshing counterpoint to Midtown’s buzz.
