12 Things To Do in New York City if You're in Town for the US Open

A great alternative to the city’s more crowded cultural institutions and just a 5-minute walk from the courts, the Queens Museum hosts rotating exhibits and permanent collections that provide insight into the borough’s distinct heritage, including a display of Tiffany glass—the company’s furnaces, metal foundry, and workshops were once located in Corona, Queens.

When people talk about Chinatown, most tourists think of the Lower East Side, but you’ll actually find NYC’s largest Chinatown in Flushing, Queens. When your tummy is loudly rumbling courtside, take a break for a guided tour and tuck into local favorites including dim sum, Hong Kong–style milk tea, noodle soup, and Sichuan hot pot.

In late August and early September, the Major League Baseball season comes into its own as teams battle to make the playoffs. Join in on the fun with tickets to see the New York Yankees play in the Bronx or catch the Mets at Citi Field, conveniently located right next to the tennis center in Queens.

The US Open wraps up a summer of tennis, but the weather is still fine enough for some seaside fun in the sun. Spend the day surfing on Queens’ own Rockaway Beach or head to Brooklyn’s Coney Island to grab a Nathan’s Famous hot dog and ride the Cyclone, a wooden roller coaster dating back to 1927.

Just over the border from Queens, Brooklyn’s Williamsburg and Greenpoint neighborhoods boast hip galleries, music venues, and arts spaces ideal for exploring on a walking tour. If you’re feeling peckish after a full day on the courts, the area is also famed for its eateries—check them out on a food tour.

NYC is a city full of racquet-game lovers, with public courts dotted throughout the city, but right now the hottest court sport has to be pickleball. At Wollman Rink in Central Park, you’ll find 14 available courts, the largest pickleball offering in the northeastern US. All levels are welcome and lessons are available.

No trip to NYC is complete without a boat tour of Manhattan. Embark on a full-day cruise for views of the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, Empire State Building, and more, or take advantage of limited time on a shorter excursion that whisks you to Lady Liberty and back.

What better way to round off a day of incredible sport than with a nighttime helicopter tour. See NYC illuminated after dark, including premier views of the Rockefeller Center and Times Square, and tick off the city’s main sights in less than an hour.

One of NYC’s newest attractions, the SUMMIT One Vanderbilt features three levels of immersive experiences, making it a great way to stretch your legs after sitting courtside all day. Located in Midtown Manhattan, the skyscraper provides 360-degree views of New York City, including an up-close look of the Empire State and Chrysler Building.

You’re in luck! The second Broadway Week of the year typically coincides with the US Open, making it easy to score two-for-one tickets on a variety of shows. Of course, you can purchase tickets anytime to stalwart Broadway performances such as The Lion King, while Hamilton fans may prefer a guided walking tour of Lower Manhattan.

When in NYC, take the time to commemorate the tragic events that took place on September 11, 2001. The September 11 Memorial and Museum features moving artifacts, multimedia displays, and exhibits, plus two pools just outside where visitors are invited to sit and reflect.

If you have time to spare, swap the hustle and bustle of NYC for the Hamptons, a string of communities on eastern Long Island's South Fork. Take an all-day trip to browse the region’s quaint shops, visit a local vineyard, and admire the beach views, with the post-summer season ensuring fewer crowds.