Whether you are leaf-peeping on the High Line or enjoying seasonal treats at local cafés, autumn in the Big Apple, there’s no shortage of ways to embrace the season. Catch new cultural seasons, Broadway shows and the famous Thanksgiving Day Parade (celebrating it’s 100th Anniversary this year). Among the big names, you’ll find new seasons for the Met Opera, Carnegie Hall and New York Philharmonic.
The Metropolitan Opera
Experience the grandeur of The Metropolitan Opera during your stay. Take your seat for captivating productions available this season only, including Macbeth, La Bohème, Lincoln in the Bardo, and Medea. From beloved classics to compelling new works, a grand evening at The Metropolitan Opera brings the artistry, drama, and elegance of New York City to center stage.
Attracting all opera, performing arts, and architecture enthusiasts, The Metropolitan Opera performance season is back. The Met Opera performs six days a week from September through May in the heart of New York’s Lincoln Center. Experience the world’s greatest singers on the world’s greatest stage, or take a backstage tour of the scenic stage and rehearsal rooms with the Metropolitan Opera Guild.
The Authentic Pilates NYC
Authentic Pilates NYC, a local pilates studio, offers a refined approach to movement and wellness. Whether you’re maintaining your routine while traveling or discovering a new way to move, enjoy expert-led Pilates sessions designed to strengthen and rejuvenate. Royal guests at The Benjamin can enjoy 10% off all sessions using gift code SONESTA10 through their website.
The Noguchi Museum
Discover one of New York City’s hidden cultural gems at The Noguchi Museum and explore the work of renowned artist and designer Isamu Noguchi through thoughtfully curated galleries and a tranquil outdoor sculpture garden. Step into a serene space where art, architecture, and nature come together, offering a peaceful escape from the city’s busy energy.
Willow & Zoey Boutique
Willow & Zoey Boutique is opening soon Fall 2026 next door to The Benjamin. The new boutique brings a refined, curated fashion destination to the neighborhood. Explore an elevated selection of fashion and accessories, just a few steps from your hotel stay.
American Irish Historical Society
The American Irish Historical Society is a Fifth Avenue landmark where Irish heritage meets timeless New York elegance. Housed within a magnificent Beaux-Arts townhouse across from The Metropolitan Museum of Art, this cultural gem celebrates generations of art, literature, and history. An inspiring escape from the city’s pace.
Brooklyn Botanical Garden
Step outside Manhattan and capture incredible leaf-peeping moments with a stroll through the Brooklyn Botanical Garden. Enjoy the vibrant shades of yellow, orange, and red as autumn transforms this urban oasis into one of New York’s most photogenic escapes.
American Museum of Natural History
Come face to face with dinosaurs at one of the city’s most beloved museums. The American Museum of Natural History offers an unforgettable experience—see real Night at the Museum exhibits and stand beneath the awe-inspiring 94-foot blue whale. It’s a must for families, science lovers, and anyone looking to reconnect with their sense of wonder.
Central Park Pickleball
Players of the nation’s fastest-growing new sport has opened 14 courts for daily play in Central Park’s Wollman Rink (open play sessions between 8am and 9pm daily).
American Ballet Theatre
The Fall Season is here at American Ballet Theatre at Lincoln Center and features programs including Sleeping Beauty Act 3, Rodeo, Push Comes to shove, and more.
Friday Evenings at The Whitney Museum
Enjoy art, drinks, special programming, music and city views at The Whitney Museum’s Free Friday Nights from 5-10pm. Friday nights this summer include live music and performances throughout the museum provided by Public Records.
Flower Power at NYBG
Explore a vibrant flower show, installations, painting and posters from the ’60s and ’70s. Flower Power is on view at New York Botanical Garden through October 18.
Día de los Muertos at New York Botanical Garden
Enjoy pumpkins, marigold blooms, a colorful community ofrenda, fall foliage, and fun activities at The New York Botanical Garden’s Día de los Muertos. Special weekends include music and crafts.
Poster House Fall Exhibits
Immerse yourself in artistic heritage at Poster House. The fall exhibitions include Reading Under Fire: Arming Minds & Hearts During Wartime and
From Monarchy to Modernity: Travel, Identity, & the Czechoslovak First Republic (1918–1938).
Banksy Museum
Explore 15,000 square feet worth of Banksy’s artwork. Discover the genius of Banksy with the largest collection in the world of Banksy’s life-size recreations and stunning installations at Banksy Museum.
NYC’s Farmers Markets
As fall hits, there are probably a few things you start craving – like apple cider donuts. Stock up on all things apple this fall at NYC’s open-air markets.
Leaf-Peeping in Central Park
Take a stroll in the park in the crisp cool air and enjoy some of the brilliant colors of fall. Start at the Conservatory Water, near the entrance at Fifth Avenue and 72nd Street, then continue to the 38-acre Ramble in the middle of the park and then trek to the North Woods for a nice rustic landscape and end at the Great Hill for some majestic red, yellow and orange leaves.
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
Watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade live from New York City. The annual pageant of giant balloons, floats, marching bands, Broadway performances and celebs return for the iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and their historic 100th anniversary.
