Fall in Manhattan has its own cadence — cooler air and sharper light. From The Lowell’s quiet corner on the Upper East Side, some of the season’s best moments are just around the block. Whether you’re here for a weekend or the month, here are some of the best things to do in New York City this fall — all within easy reach of the hotel.
A Dior Lily of The Valley Afternoon Tea at The Lowell
A refined afternoon tea experience served right inside the hotel. Signature pastries, impeccable service, and the kind of detail you expect from both names. Reserve ahead; it’s already become a quiet favorite.
Stroll Through Central Park at Peak Season
No list is complete without Central Park — especially in October and November. The Lowell sits just two blocks away from the park’s most walkable entrances. The leaves are at their brightest, the crowds thin out midweek, and whether you’re walking or reading on a bench near the Conservatory Garden, the setting does all the work.
Watch the NYC Marathon from the Upper East Side
The New York City Marathon takes over the city on the first Sunday of November. One of the best — and calmest — places to watch is right here on the Upper East Side as runners head into their final stretch. Grab a coffee, stand near Fifth Avenue, and take it in.
Visit Frick Madison and Neue Galerie
Fall is when the city’s museums are at their most enjoyable— the summer crowds are gone, and the programming is refreshed. Frick Madison is an easy walk and always well-composed. Across the street, Neue Galerie remains one of the city’s most quietly sophisticated spaces, both in its collection and its pace
Shop Madison Avenue Without the Rush
The stretch of Madison Avenue surrounding The Lowell is hometo some of fashion’s most established houses — The Row, Loro Piana, Toteme, Hermès, and more — but without the chaos of downtown. This is the season for coats, cashmere, and calm store floors. If you know what you want, you’ll find it here.
Walk to The Met After Hours
Once the crowds fade, the Metropolitan Museum of Art becomes something else entirely. The museum is open until 9 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays — and a late visit in fall, when the galleries are quiet and the air outside is cold, is one of New York’s most underrated experiences.
Check In, Stay In
For those wondering about romantic getaways in New York, a fall stay at The Lowell doesn’t need much narrative. Some suites include terraces and working fireplaces, a unique experience in Manhattan.
Whether you’re here for the marathon, the museums, or just the quiet of the neighborhood in its best season, The Lowell is right where it needs to be — central, composed, and close to everything worth doing this fall.