The Summertime Guide to NYC

Just like empty White Claws on the subway and the sudden desire to exclusively live outside, Gov Ball is back.

If you’re heading to Flushing Meadows Park to see SZA, Post Malone, The Killers, and the other 60+ acts on this year's lineup, then we’re here to help. These are our recs for where to stay, eat, drink, and what to check out between festival sets and trips on the 7 train. And if you need some packing tips, we've got those too. But whatever you do, make sure to hydrate.

‍_{Every hotel on Late Checkout is independently selected by us. If you book something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.}

‍

Where To Stay

The Hoxton

Chiller than the neighboring William Vale and Wythe hotels, The Hoxton in Williamsburg has great views, incredible Israeli restaurants in Laser Wolf and K’Far, and puts you in the middle of North Brooklyn for your post-festival nights out. Rates start at $544, book now.

Arlo Williamsburg

Half a block away from The Hoxton, Arlo Williamsburg might be the most party-forward hotel in the area. While your room will mostly just serve as a nice place to sleep each night, the rooftop here is really the highlight. It has a pool, rentable cabanas, and the Water Tower, a cocktail bar built inside of an old, well, you get it. Rates start at $423, book now.

The Box House Hotel

Just over the bridge from Queens in Greenpoint, The Box House is only a short walk from the G and 7 trains. This means you can get to and from the grounds in less than 30 minutes while still being just a short stroll from some of the neighborhood’s most exciting bars and restaurants (more on those below). Rates start at $395, book now.

Tempo by Hilton

If you’d rather stay in Manhattan, we like Tempo by Hilton in Times Square (no, really). With over 600 rooms with stunning views, a fun restaurant and cocktail lounge that lets you look out over all the Elmos and Spider Men patrolling below, and nearby access to both F and 7 trains to get you to the festival, it’s one of the better options in the city for Gov Ball. Rates start at $379, book now.

Paramount Times Square

We get it – maybe you’re trying to save some money and cram more people into one room, which is totally understandable. The Paramount Times Square, which is owned by the same group as The Freehand, has double-bunk rooms for four and is still close to a number of subway options, so you can get from the lobby to Gov Ball in about 45 minutes. Rates start at $334, book now. 

Where To Eat & Drink

Radio Bakery

Regardless if you stay in Manhattan or Brooklyn, Radio is where you should start your morning at least once. Open daily at 7:30am, this place makes the best bread and pastries in the greater Greenpoint/Williamsburg area; think custard-and-rhubarb croissants or everything-spice focaccia and you get the idea. The line here can get serious though, so start your morning early and take over a little table out front while you plan your festival schedule for the day.

Ayada Thai

One of the best Thai restaurants in New York is only two miles west of Gov Ball in Elmhurst and we can’t recommend it enough. Stop by for lunch before your day out or for a late dinner, but make sure to get the duck panang curry whenever you go.

Paulie Gee’s Slice Shop

North Brooklyn is home to a lot of great slice shops, and while we also love Williamsburg’s L’Industrie and Mo’s General, Paulie Gee’s Slice Shop in Greenpoint is probably the best option if you’re staying at any of the hotels we previously recommended. Make sure to grab a square Freddy Prince slice when you go and prepare for a bit of a line on weekend nights.

Taqueria Ramirez

If the line at Paulie Gee’s Slice Shop is too much for you after a long day at Gov Ball, walk a few blocks south to Taqueria Ramirez instead. They’ll probably also have a queue, but this place moves fast with some of the best tacos in the city coming fresh off the flattop in minutes. The short menu includes six taco options, all of which are good, but the pastor and campechano are what keep us coming back over and over again.

Nan Xiang Xiao Long Bao

NYC has three Chinatowns, but the largest is found right next to Flushing Meadows Park in Flushing. Feel free to just wander around and trust your nose before your big day out, but if you’re craving dumplings and/or noodles, make sure to stop at this family-owned institution. Soup dumplings are what they're famous for, but there really aren't any misses on the extensive menu.

What To Explore

Queens Museum

Located basically in Flushing Meadows Park, this museum always has interesting installations and seasonal exhibits, along with an extensive collection of Tiffany lamps and the massive panorama scale model of NYC’s five boroughs that was designed for the 1939 World’s Fair. 

MoMA PS1

And if you like your art more modern and housed in a former public school, let us point your attention to MoMA PS1 in Long Island City. Open at noon on the weekends, this a great place to get a dose of culture before a long day of baking in the sun, hydrating, and whatever else you plan on doing at the festival.

Franklin Street & Manhattan Ave

These two streets in Greenpoint are lined with bars, restaurants, and great shops. Make sure to check out Big Night for beautiful kitchen goods, grab a frozen piña colada at Broken Land, and if you need a late-night dance spot, Good Room is the move.

McCarren Park

This is where North Brooklyn spends its time outdoors. McCarren Park is the epicenter of summertime life–whether that means simply laying in the sun, working out for everyone to see, or enjoying a $20 margarita at Park House. Grab a bagel at Frankel’s near the northwest corner of the park and start your weekend morning like a local.

The Lot Radio

In the mood for more outdoor dancing? Well you’re in luck because The Lot Radio has DJs from all over the world playing all day throughout the summer. Think of it as one part beer garden and one part street party, conveniently located right next to McCarren Park and just a few blocks from The Hoxton and Arlo.

‍

‍

^{Every hotel recommendation on Late Checkout is independently selected by us. If you do book something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.}