How To Celebrate 30th Birthday In NYC

Celebrating my 30th birthday in New York City is something I planned on doing since I was about 25. Being from New York yet moving around and traveling so much, I knew that such a monumental milestone should be celebrated in none other than my favorite city. For years now I’ve had the vision of celebrating 30 on a NYC rooftop with a pricey drink in my hand, staring at the city skyline, listening to good music, surrounded by my best friends. I finally made that dream come true.

I won’t lie though, ending your 20s is a sad time. Learning about life, going through so many changes, graduating from college, starting your career, etc. is all so exciting and new. Your 20s allow you to make mistakes, have fun along the way and not take life too seriously yet. It’s almost as if your 20s are a decade of youth that will no longer be, but forever be a part of you. Now I know why they call it “Forever 21.”

Obviously, 30 can be a tough age for some. But I personally believe that we should embrace each new decade with open arms. Whether we like it or not, we will never stop growing up but that doesn’t mean we have to grow old. A great friend of mine taught me that.

I believe that anyone looking to start 30 on the right foot and celebrate in the best way possible should make their way to the city that never sleeps. There’s something for everyone. And it doesn’t matter what your personality is because New York will always welcome you. While going to the city for a day (if you live close-by) is fun, I highly suggest staying 2-3 days to get the full experience.

How To Celebrate 30th Birthday In NYC

Eat Iconic New York Foods

No trip to New York City is complete without grabbing bagels and pizza. This is THE number one thing I look forward to whenever I go back to New York and it never disappoints. Definitely plan to hit up a few good spots throughout your trip. A few bagel places I suggest trying include Ess-A-Bagel, Russ & Daughters and Zaro’s Family Bakery. For pizza I suggest Joe’s Pizza, Prince Street Pizza and Keste Pizza & Vino.

Go to Brunch

Whether you like sweet or savory, large or cozy, indoors or outdoors, there are hundreds of amazing brunch spots to choose from. This can be a great thing to do with just a few close friends or a large group. A few popular brunch places include Buvette, Red Rooster, Tartine, and Jack’s Wife Freda.

Have a Rooftop Drink

While there are endless things to do in NYC, this is my #1 favorite thing about the city. No other city gives me the feeling of being on top of the world, quite like a NYC rooftop. They are simply amazing between the views, city skyline, aesthetic, quality drinks and music. A few of my favorites include Monarch, Pod 39, Bread & Tulips, Loopy Doopy, Cloud Social Rooftop Bar, Brass Monkey and The Gallow Green.

Attend a Happy Hour

Happy hour is always a good idea and NYC happens to have plenty of them. This is a great way to kick off the evening with a lively atmosphere and reasonably priced drinks and food. A few popular happy hour places include Diamond Lil Bar, Lucy’s Cantina, 1169 Bar, Excuse My French, Skinny Dennis and Stout NYC.

Have a picnic in Central Park

This is one of the most fun and cost-effective ways to celebrate a birthday. Plus, you have so much time and freedom to do what you want. As you may already know, Central Park is huge and has many great places you can go. But my personal favorite is Sheep Meadow. Once you find a comfortable spot, you can hangout for hours and enjoy nature in the sunshine. I recommend brining blankets, chairs, food, snacks, drinks and games for you and your friends to play.

Take a boat Cruise

I always say, one of the best ways to see the city is from the water. NYC has some amazing cruises with views, activities, food and drinks to die for. You can find a bunch of NYC cruises here for different options and prices.

Go to The Museum of Ice Cream

If you’re someone who loves interactive activities and ice cream, then you’ll love The Museum of Ice Cream. This museum allows you to immerse yourself in a wonderland of sweets with different rooms and photo opportunities. As you make your way through the museum, you’ll be able to play and taste as you go. It’s an excellent choice for a more fun and lively environment and is perfect for groups.

Try Roller Disco

Roller Disco, a not-so-typical activity, has been on the rise in NYC and is such a fun and unique way to spend an evening with your friends. Some roller rinks have themes, games, costume opportunities, food and drinks to enjoy. Check out Dreamland Roller Rink for an epic experience.

Go to Brooklyn

Brooklyn is one of my favorite Burroughs of the city as it’s not touristy and offers a truly unique, pleasing and fun environment both for locals and visitors. You can find a ton of shops, restaurants, bars, libraries and rooftops that will be more up your alley if you’re looking for a more low-key place to spend your 30th birthday. I suggest visiting Williamsburg and Freehold.

Visit the Harry Potter Store

This one is for my fellow Harry Potter lovers. While the Harry Potter Store is what it is; just a store, it offers a glimpse of magic and wonder that you experience when walking into The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Inside you’ll find different levels of Harry Potter collectibles, gifts, casings of actual original props used from the films, the classic music from the movies and a butterbeer bar.

Go to ARTECHOUSE NYC

ARTECHOUSE NYC is another activity idea that involves an immersive audio-visual journey through fractal dimensions. Those interested in visuals, innovation, technology and art will love this place. Tickets are $24 and allow you to move about the space and artistic experiences for about an hour.

Attend a Nightclub

Nightclubs have never been my thing personally, BUT it is an iconic thing to do when you come to NYC. It allows you to have a VIP city experience with upbeat music, fancy outfits, pricey drinks and that classic club-like atmosphere. I highly recommend PHD Nightclub for both a club and rooftop experience with excellent service.

Go Ice Skating in Bryant Park

If you have a winter birthday, ice-skating in Bryant Park is a classic and magical way to celebrate whether with a partner, friend or group of people. It’s hosted through the Bank of America Winter Village where you have access to the rink, shops, food and cozy drinks.

Visit Rockefeller Center

The place to be during Christmastime, but offers plenty to do in the area during off-season as well. Here you’ll be able to access The NYC Christmas Tree, The Rink, Top of The Rock, and a plethora of shopping and dining options.

Visit ROLF's Bar

An absolutely epic bar to visit during Christmas (or year-round). Rolf’s is a famous German restaurant known for its old-world vibe, elaborate Christmas decorations, intimate space and deliciously strong holiday drinks.

Have a Photoshoot

As one of the most architecturally stunning, culturally-pleasing, sought-after cities, it’s obvious that it makes for the perfect place to take pictures. You’ll want to bring your camera or iPhone to capture the beauty of this city that just gets better with age.