Best Things To Do in New York This Week (April 21-27)
As spring picks up in New York City, the week of April 21–27, 2025, is packed with easygoing ways to get out and do something different. From museums reopening after major overhauls to casual theater nights and hands-on community activities, there’s a steady stream of options. This roundup pulls together events and spaces that are simple to plan for, ideal for anyone who wants to spend a few hours around the city without turning it into a production.
Best Things To Do in New York This Week (April 21-27)
1. Visit the Revamped Frick Collection
After five years and $220 million in renovations, the Frick Collection reopened on April 17. The space now includes 10 updated galleries and preserved interiors, spotlighting European works from the 14th to 19th centuries. There’s a new layout that makes more of the collection available and easy to move through. Whether you’re into classical paintings or just want a quieter way to spend an afternoon, the Frick is an easy pick this week.
- Website: Frick
- Phone: (212) 288-0700
- Address: 10 East 70th Street, New York, NY 10021
- Price: $30 general admission; reduced rates available.
2. Explore the Color Factory
The Color Factory puts together interactive rooms built around color and movement. Each stop along the way is designed for casual participation—think drawing walls, color-sorting booths, and sensory experiences. The exhibit flows like a self-guided journey, and it’s a good pick if you’re looking for something light, creative, and not too time-consuming.
- Website: Color Factory
- Phone: (347) 378-4071
- Address: 251 Spring St, New York, NY 10013
- Price: $38 general admission; discounts available.
3. Visit the Tenement Museum
The Tenement Museum focuses on the stories of immigrant families who lived in the Lower East Side. Tours take you through restored apartments and highlight what daily life looked like across different decades. It’s not a massive museum, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for with detail. Each tour tells a very specific story—and that’s what keeps people coming back.
- Website: Tenement
- Phone: (877) 975-3786
- Address: 103 Orchard St, New York, NY 10002
- Price: Varies by tour.
4. Attend a Performance at New World Stages
If you’re up for live theater without the Broadway crowd, New World Stages hosts several off-Broadway shows in one venue. Check the schedule to see what’s running this week. You’ll find a good mix of comedy, drama, and musicals—plus a more relaxed vibe compared to larger theaters uptown.
- Website: New World Stages
- Phone: (646) 871-1730
- Address: 340 W 50th St, New York, NY 10019
- Price: Ticket prices vary by show.
5. Row with the Village Community Boathouse
Every week, volunteers at the Village Community Boathouse invite the public to try rowing on the Hudson River. It’s open to all skill levels and is a good excuse to spend time outside. No experience is needed—just show up, and the team will walk you through the basics. It’s a laid-back way to be on the water and meet a few locals.
- Website: Village Community Boat House
- Phone: (212) 229-2059
- Address: 353 West St, New York, NY 10014
- Price: Free; donations welcome.
6. Discover the Morgan Library & Museum
This former private library turned museum has a rotating mix of exhibits, along with rare books and historical letters. It’s a quiet stop if you’re looking for something slower-paced. Some people go to browse old manuscripts, while others just want to sit in a reading room that feels pulled out of another century.
- Website: The Morgan
- Phone: (212) 685-0008
- Address: 225 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10016
- Price: $22 general admission; discounts available.
7. Visit the New York Transit Museum
Set in an old subway station, the Transit Museum gives a detailed look at how the city’s transit system evolved. You’ll find vintage train cars and signage from past decades. It’s more engaging than it sounds—especially if you’ve ever wondered how the MTA came to be what it is today.
- Website: NY Transit Museum
- Phone: (718) 694-1600
- Address: 99 Schermerhorn St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
- Price: $10 general admission; lower rates for kids and seniors.
8. Enjoy a Stroll through Little Island
Little Island is a park built on concrete supports above the Hudson River. It’s good for a walk, a snack break, or just sitting for a bit. During some evenings, there are small performances as well. It’s not far from the Meatpacking District, so it’s easy to fold into a longer walk or early dinner plan.
- Website: Little Island
- Address: Pier 55 at Hudson River Park, W 13th St, New York, NY 10014
- Price: Free; timed entry may apply during peak hours.
9. Explore the Met Cloisters
Uptown in Fort Tryon Park, the Met Cloisters focuses on medieval art and architecture. Built with pieces from European monasteries, the museum offers a quieter setting and a different take on museum visits. The gardens are nice this time of year, and the views over the river make the trip worth it on their own.
- Website: The Metropolitan Museum of Art
- Phone: (212) 923-3700
- Address: 99 Margaret Corbin Dr, New York, NY 10040
- Price: Pay-what-you-wish for NYS residents and students from NY, NJ, and CT.
10. Catch a Set at the Village Vanguard
The Village Vanguard has been hosting live jazz since the 1930s. It’s one of those spots where the history adds something to the atmosphere. Shows are nightly, and the lineup changes regularly. The space is small—so you’re always close to the music, which makes it feel more personal.
- Website: Village Vanguard
- Phone: (212) 255-4037
- Address: 178 7th Ave S, New York, NY 10014
- Price: Most shows start around $40; reserve ahead.
There’s no shortage of ways to spend a few hours in New York this week without overcommitting. Whether you’re catching a play, seeing an exhibit, or just walking through a new neighborhood, the city’s got plenty going on if you want to keep things casual new neighborhood, the city’s got plenty going on if you want to keep things casual. For more ideas on how to spend your time in New York City, check out our blog post on the Best Things To Do in New York This Week (April 14–20). It offers a variety of events and activities to help you make the most of your visit.
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