We rounded up must-sees, must-dos, and must-eats, plus our team’s bucket list items for a summer in the city, from rooftop bars to picnics in the park, bike rides to pizza and not-to-be-missed festivals. Read on for a guide to spending summer in New York City, according to team BANDIER.

Governors Island - JAZZ LAWN PARTIES AND GLAMPING WITH KRISTEN STEWART, VP OF DIGITAL

WHAT IS YOUR FAVE THING TO DO IN NYC DURING THE SUMMER?

Summer in NYC is amazing, so I have a lot of faves. I love to attend an Outstanding In the Field dinner, especially because it only comes to town once or twice a year. I pretend to be in the Roaring 20's during The Jazz Age Lawn Party in August. I see a New York City Opera Picnic Performance in Bryant Park whenever I get a chance and I love to end off my NYC summer at the West Indian Day Parade in September.

WHAT’S ON YOUR NYC SUMMER BUCKET LIST?

I'm super excited to learn to sail this summer. I signed up for lessons with Hudson River Sailing out of Chelsea.

image description
MUST-DO, MUST-SEES, MUST-EATS IN GOVERNOR'S ISLAND

STATEN ISLAND - TAKE A FERRY RIDE WITH CARA, MARKETING COORDINATOR

WHAT IS YOUR FAVE THING TO DO IN NYC DURING THE SUMMER?

The heat and longer days allow you to enjoy NYC to the fullest. From outdoor live concerts + outdoor rooftop films to exploring new neighborhoods + block parties, it's def a feeling of rebirth + vibrancy that you can't compare to the other seasons. There's this spot that has been around for almost 100 years and they are only open for the Summer. It's called Ralph Italian Ices. They’re originally from Staten Island, but they have a bunch of locations now including Manhattan!

WHAT’S ON YOUR NYC SUMMER BUCKET LIST?

Learning how to surf at the Rockaways (It's known for great waves especially for beginners :) , Ralph's Italians Ices, checking out Yankee games, seeing outdoor rooftop films, and spending time with my friends.

image description
MUST-DO, MUST-SEES, MUST-EATS IN STATEN ISLAND

RED HOOK - Sunset BIKE RIDES WITH LEAH, VP OF MERCH PLANNING

WHAT IS YOUR FAVE THING TO DO IN NYC DURING THE SUMMER?

Bike down to Red Hook (Brooklyn Crab, Sunny's, Hometown BBQ are all amazing), eat pizza anywhere (Pasquale Jones, Prince Street Pizza, Emily WV), picnics in the park (Central Park or Brooklyn Bridge Park are my faves), go to Brooklyn Botanical Gardens, outdoor dining/rooftop parties, Central Park concert series.

WHAT’S ON YOUR NYC SUMMER BUCKET LIST?

Skyline Drive In movie in Williamsburg, Red Hook day, Hamptons, reading in the park... just enjoying being outside!

image description
MUST-DO, MUST-SEES, MUST-EATS IN RED HOOK

WEST SIDE HIGHWAY - HOT GIRL WALK WITH HANNAH, MARKETING MANAGER

WHAT IS YOUR FAVE THING TO DO IN NYC DURING THE SUMMER?

Walk on the West Side Highway!

WHAT’S ON YOUR NYC SUMMER BUCKET LIST?

I always see people on the Trapeze course above Chelsea Piers. I have been dying to try it and I think summer is the perfect time to go with friends.

image description
MUST-DO, MUST-SEES, MUST-EATS ON THE WEST SIDE HIGHWAY

LOWER EAST SIDE - WANDER DOWN ORCHARD STREET WITH CASEY, DESIGN DIRECTOR

WHAT IS YOUR FAVE THING TO DO IN NYC DURING THE SUMMER?

Walking around LES near Orchard St. You can browse all of the cute stores like Sweet Pickle, Coming Soon, or November 19. Grab a bite at Dudleys or Excuse My French. Check out the Tenant Museum or pop into any of the galleries and see what's new. Everything is right there so it's the best when you want to get out and do something, even when it's hot out since it's so quick getting from A to B.

WHAT’S ON YOUR NYC SUMMER BUCKET LIST?

I want to check out Honorable William Wall, AKA Willy Wall. Drinks and a sunset out there would be great. 

image description
MUST-DO, MUST-SEES, MUST-EATS ON ORCHARD ST.