You’ve made it through another year, and that’s cause for a celebration! More importantly, birthdays don’t get cancelled because of COVID-19. And they are back and more fun than ever due to businesses working hard to make sure yours is a memorable experience. Without further ado, here are some unique party ideas that the team at New York Harbor Tours put together for ringing in your birthday in NYC. 

Try Out Some Quarantine Birthday Cake

Fun birthday ideas in NY often involve decadent cake, and whether it’s at home, the office or a socially-distanced gathering outdoors, quarantine birthday cakes can accompany the experience of wherever you are holding your name day soiree. Suited for adults and children alike, Jars by Dani are pretty, layered treats that come in varieties such as cookie dough, cake batter and strawberry shortcake. They are individually packaged so you don’t have to worry about cutting a birthday cake or people touching them since you have your own.

Toast the City in a Hot Tub Boat Tour 

Wondering what to do for your birthday in NYC when you have a partner? Why not celebrate it with an intimate ride down the Hudson in a hot tub built for two. It is an ideal way for you and that special someone to spend some quality time and Sea the City is the only company that offers this experience in the Big Apple. If you go, you’ll find the Jersey City-based company boasts one of the most luxurious 90 minutes of your life. You can also make romantic toasts to each other while navigating the waters since you can bring your own wine and beer during the outing.

Enjoy Brilliant Fall Foliage from the Tireless

If you prefer to take in your water-based activities with a group, then you can take a power boat tour from the bough of our vessel The Tireless for your birthday. The Tireless comfortably cruises at more than 16 knots, allowing you and your friends to visit most of the NYC Upper Harbor in just under 2 hours. If you are a November baby, there is also the 3.5-hour Fall Foliage Power Boat Tour happening that boasts breathtaking views of autumn leaf colors adorning the mountainsides, a must for you and your party guests to enjoy. 

Support Your Local Restaurants

Just because you are a year older and wiser doesn’t mean that you can’t eat until you feel like you are going to pop. That’s what buttons and zippers on pants were made for, right? New Yorkers know that the City excels at bringing you great food, and one of our finest is Italian-American fare. What’s more? The five boroughs are rife with notable evocations of the form, and a celebration of delicious pizza pie, pasta and NYC cocktails is in order for your day that only rolls around once a year. Although Governor Cuomo didn’t restate indoor dining at 50 percent capacity for the time being in NYC because of an uptick in COVID cases, things to do for birthdays in NYC can still involve dining in. One to try out that is open right now is Da Claudio Ristorante in Manhattan because of its authenticity, good reviews and party-friendly atmosphere. 

Or you can try an NYC birthday dinner cruise.

Enjoy a “Staycation”

One of the fun birthday ideas that are becoming popular during quarantine is vacationing in place, otherwise known as a staycation. Many New Yorkers don’t stray too far from the borough they live in, and they often choose to discover the City with new eyes. After all, there are so many things to do in the city that never sleeps, why would you venture away? Your birthday is no exception, and splurging on that luxe motel you’ve always wanted to stay at is tailor-made for going it alone or partying with a select group of socially-distanced friends. From enjoying a little pampering during in-room spa treatments, to relaxing with an alcoholic beverage while gazing at the NYC skyline, a staycation is a wonderful excursion. 

Party at a NYC Park

New York City is loaded with a dizzying selection of parks, and a fresh take on your party could consist of a picnic blanket on the grass with snacks, a stroll along the boardwalk or showing off your grilling skills to your buddies. For your party extravaganza, it’s hard to beat Coney Island Amusement Park for the unrivaled fun. On the other hand, the High Line offers a more subdued birthday experience that’s off the beaten path. Here, you will find beautiful scenery, NYC history and picnic tables for getting your party on.

Revel from the Rooftops

Bars in New York City are epic, and crisp fall weather, amazing scenery and a night out reveling with friends should be enjoyed from a NYC bar’s rooftops. From Midtown hot spots, to hopping new places with glass greenhouses, there are scores of amazing places to indulge in outside dining and luscious cocktails. If your idea of a perfect birthday involves washing traditional sushi down with rich-flavored saki among your besties, then you need to try out Sushi Lab in NYC. Situated on top of the Sanctuary Hotel, the eating spot specializes in Maki, Omakase, Sashimi and, of course, panoramic views.

Final Thoughts

As you can see, there is more to throwing a birthday bash or intimate get-together during quarantine than an endless parade of take-out food and virtual events (although they can be fun, too). You’ll discover that several businesses and landmarks are open right now that are fun and safe. And many are naturally social-distanced, too. Lastly, it’s not a stretch to say New York businesses need your patronage now more than ever so step out, celebrate like never before and show your love for NYC.  

FAQ

What should I do for my birthday in NYC?

That’s kind of a difficult question to answer, and that’s only because you’re in the finest city in the world to celebrate the occasion. Good times abound in New York, and you can do anything from having a bash on the rooftop of one of the City’s skyscrapers to laughing hysterically at a comedy club, to treating yourself to a staycation at your neighborhood spa.

The sky is literally the limit for your birthday in NYC.

What should I do for my birthday in Manhattan?

Pizza is legendary in Manhattan (and NYC, in general), so foodies may want to host a tasty pizza party for their birthday celebrations there. Speaking of which, iconic Sal and Carmine’s is the reigning champ for pizza pie in Manhattan. They’ve had plenty of practice, as they have been serving up delicious slices on the Upper West Side since the late ‘50s. Sal and Carmine’s also delivers, which is perfect for the festive occasion at the place of your choice.

How do you celebrate a quarantine birthday in NYC?

Just like you do any other time, but you’ll need to observe social distancing guidelines and be on the lookout for special hours and establishment closures. One thing to really keep in mind, though, is that during quarantine, you may want to limit birthday parties to small social gatherings vs. a big bash with lots of people in attendance.

One novel idea is to order a gourmet grazing platter like the ones at Amazing Graze, NYC to enjoy with your small group of friends or family. Yummy stuff you can find on the platter includes antipasto, artisan honey, moon drop grapes, gourmet cheese, figs, assorted veggies. The platters are all decorated with flowers and seasonal touches such as small, white pumpkins. They can also personalize the platter for special occasions such as birthdays. Merely pair the tasty offerings from the platters with the right wine, and the birthday party is where you find it!

Where can I celebrate my 21st birthday in NYC?

Ah, the coming of age and reaching the age of 21 means you can now legally have a beer or some tasty cocktails. However, for this special day, why not skip the debauchery and regrettable morning after hangover in lieu of an intimate NYC Birthday Party Boat Tour.

New York Harbor Tours offers boat tours, private boat charters and cruises of New York Harbor. And besides birthday memories, you’ll get to take away memories of the Statue of Liberty, the Manhattan Bridge, Ellis Island, and so much more. You'll also appreciate the comfort and space of our new private tour boat, The Tireless. Its large, open deck is perfect for a celebration. If you want to drink responsibly for your 21rst name day, their boats are also BYOB, which means you can bring your favorite champagne, wine, beer, or liquor aboard—all stored on our on-deck cooler.

How can I have fun in NYC?

When it comes to NYC, maybe the better question is how can you not have fun there? For instance, daredevils can try indoor skydiving at iFLY Westchester, or you can be stunned by aerial views of NYC on a helicopter tour. You can go to Coney Island Park and have the time of your life at the amusement park, enjoy the zoo at Central Park or balance your body & mind with the different thermal baths and massages at Aire Ancient Baths. You can crawl the restaurants at Chinatown or Little Italy or hop on a bus to see the birthplace of hip hop in Brooklyn.

Although many venues and experiences can be pricey, you don’t need to spend a lot of money to enjoy The Big Apple’s grandeur and wonderful sites. Many of the things to do are quite affordable and will fit well within your budget. Some of them are free, even.

Where is the best place to celebrate a birthday in NYC?

The best place to have a birthday party is Spyscape, and Google and Trip Advisor rate this establishment as the number one rated museum & experience in NY. While you’re there, you can explore your inner spy by immersing yourself in thrilling challenges like codebreaking, laser tunnels and surveillance. They also have a party area you can reserve for birthdays and other occasions, photo opportunities, drinks, gooey pizza, and even a present and birthday cake for the special birthday person.