As the summer continues full steam ahead, New Yorkers and the city’s visitors are feeling the heat. But while the concrete jungle sizzles, those in the know can head to the city’s best spots to completely cool off. While heading to one of the city’s best rooftop bars is always a good idea, here are eight air-conditioned, ice-cold, or shaded activities for beating the heat in NYC right now.
5 E 57th Street, New York
Paul Lebrecque Salon and Skincare Spa
Best for: the ice facial with Brittany Whitfield.
This tony beauty salon has celebrity makeup artist and esthetician Brittany Whitfield doing Biologique Recherche facials, with her ice facial a prime way to keep your skin looking tight, sculpted – and, most importantly – cool. Following a double cleanse, Whitfield applies a moisturizing mask and cold-water-soaked gauze, then massages your face with Biologique Recherche Cryo-Sticks to shrink pores and keep you feeling cool.
paullabrecque.com
Salt & Straw
Best for: inventive ice-cream flavors.
Keep cool from the inside by eating the flavorful ice-creams at Salt & Straw. Enjoy signature flavors including Honey Lavendar and Chocolate Gooey Brownie, alongside monthly specials like Strawberry Pretzel Salad and Goat Cheese Marionberry Habanero for July’s Berries Series. July 19 is also National Ice Cream Day, and the brand’s NYC locations are celebrating all week long with special sundaes.
saltandstraw.com
540 Hudson St and 360 Amsterdam Ave, New York
Pier 6, Brooklyn Bridge Park, Brooklyn
Fireboat
Best for: sipping ice-cold drinks on a boat in Brooklyn.
The Crew team (also behind Grand Banks in Manhattan) has a new boat – a retired FDNY fireboat. Docked in Brooklyn Bridge Park with epic Manhattan views, the eye-catching red boat features fire hoses converted into taps and original fire cannons. The ceviche and chips, piña colada ice cream, and tropical frozen cocktails are sure to keep you cool.
crew.fun
Balloon Museum
Best for: immersive art in an air-conditioned space.
Most of NYC’s incredible museums reside inside gloriously air-conditioned buildings. One of the newest is the Balloon Museum, opening in August inside the Tin Building in South Street Seaport – the first permanent home for the traveling pop-up that focuses on inflatable art. The inaugural exhibition features Marina Abramović’s Snowy/Windy/Spring on Planet Z, Martin Creed’s Work No. 3883, Alex Schweder’s Our Breath, and Karina Smigla-Bobinski’s ADA.
balloonmuseum.world
96 South St, New York
242 W 29th St, New York
Saint
Best for: a private cold plunge.
The modern bathhouse boom continues to grow across the city, with contrast bathing becoming more and more popular. Saint is unique in that it offers just four private, highly designed rooms, each with its own cedar dry sauna, slate-lined ice bath, and rain shower. First, sweat it all out in the sauna, then cool down in the icy cold plunge. Repeat as necessary.
saint.nyc
Printemps
Best for: shopping ‘til you shiver.
Escape the simmering asphalt of Lower Manhattan and step into the Parisian shopping temple of Printemps. Browse the racks of designer duds, try out European make-up and skincare brands, and be enveloped by the iconic Art Deco Red Room filled with shoes. When you need a break, take a seat at the Red Room Bar for an ice-cold Pikliz Martini.
us.printemps.com
1 Wall St, New York
55 Water St, Brooklyn | Credit: Elizabeth Carababas
Dumbo House
Best for: swimming in the rooftop pool.
Enjoy stunning views of the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges and the Manhattan skyline from the expansive rooftop at Dumbo House. Set on the Brooklyn waterfront, within the Empire Stores building, the House includes a rooftop pool, sun deck with cushy loungers and umbrellas, and a bar. Order some guacamole and chips and shrimp tacos – paired with a margarita, of course.
sohohouse.com
Metro Private Cinema
Best for: a personal viewing experience.
When the sun is just too much, duck into Metro Cinema for a unique and exclusive movie theater experience. All the screens are inside private rooms, and can accommodate up to 20 people, with drinks, snacks, and dinner menus available. Each private room is dark and cool, and you can select your movie from a range of new releases.
metrocinema.com
