TTurning 16 is a major milestone in anyone’s life, and what better way to celebrate than in one of the world’s most iconic cities: New York City! Whether you’re a local or coming from out of town, NYC offers an abundance of unforgettable experiences perfect for a Sweet 16 birthday party. From fun, Instagram-worthy attractions to glamorous and unique venues, this city knows how to throw a celebration that’s as big as the occasion itself. Let’s take a look at some of the top ideas to make a Sweet 16 birthday truly special.

Fun Things to Do Around New York City for Your Birthday

See a Special Statue for a Special Occasion

Fully Guided Statue of Liberty Tour with Ellis Island – Start your birthday festivities with Lady Liberty! Begin your tour at The Battery (formerly known as Battery Park), the historical gateway to Lady Liberty. Then, board a morning ferry to make the most of your day and sail away from Manhattan to greet the Statue of Liberty. Here, your guide will dive deep into the story of how Lady Liberty came to be. As you tour the island, your guide—an expert in setting the stage, creating the scene, and invoking your imagination—will share the incredible historical facts that fuel your understanding of just how important this monument truly is.

Take in beautiful views of the famed New York skyline, the Brooklyn Bridge, and the surrounding environs. Wander through the Statue of Liberty Museum and stand mere feet from Lady Liberty’s original torch! After the Statue of Liberty, board the short ferry to Ellis Island, another mammoth site in the history of the United States. Your guide will set the tone with a brief introduction and provide recommendations on how to get the most from your visit. You’ll then have free time to explore this special spot at your own pace, so you can enjoy the official audio guide, search the passenger records for family names, or pause for a quick bite to eat at the popular cafeteria. You are also welcome to return on the ferry with your guide.

Explore One of NYC’s Trendiest Neighborhoods

Ultimate Greenwich Village NYC Food Tour – If you like exploring and discovering new things, then your birthday is the perfect time to immerse yourself in the irresistible bohemian allure and mouth-watering culinary scene of NYC’s trendiest area, Greenwich Village, on an unforgettable food tour. From classic NYC foods to new international favorites, old-school pizza joints to Brazilian bakeries, you’ll taste a part of the neighborhood’s colorful history. Discover the stories—and foods!—left behind by the Italian-American community, artists, beatniks, and more. Experience the easygoing, community-oriented vibe of one of the city’s most loved areas in the best way possible—through the food.

A Delicious Birthday Dinner on the Water

New York Signature Dinner Cruise Pier 15 – Our New York City Signature Dinner Cruise Pier 15 is an unforgettable experience, perfect for a Sweet 16 birthday dinner! Dine and dance on the Hudson and East Rivers with views of the city’s magnificent skyline on this casual evening out. Enjoy a delicious, chef-prepared buffet and gorgeous views of New York City’s spectacular architecture. Cruise along the East River while you marvel at famed city landmarks, such as the Statue of Liberty, the Brooklyn Bridge, and One World Trade Center from our cozy, climate-controlled interior and open-air roof decks.

Celebrate Your Sweet 16 in Style on the Water Around Manhattan

A Sweet 16 birthday in New York City calls for a memorable experience, and there’s no better way to make the day truly magical than by celebrating on a City Cruises vessel. Imagine a private cruise around Manhattan, offering stunning views of the Statue of Liberty, the Brooklyn Bridge, and the city’s iconic skyline. City Cruises offers a variety of packages that cater to different party sizes and styles. You can have a sit-down dinner, a lively dance party, or simply enjoy mocktails (and cocktails for those over 21) with your friends as the city lights twinkle around you.

Private Party Options for the Perfect Sweet 16 in New York City

These vessels offer a one-of-a-kind venue to make the birthday celebration feel like a royal affair. Not only does the boat provide a stunning backdrop of the city that never sleeps, but there’s also the option to customize your party with entertainment, food, and a fully themed setup. We offer chef-prepared menu options and all-inclusive packages that can be customized to fit your budget and party size. Whether you want to enjoy a luxurious yacht experience or an exciting party cruise, City Cruises has a selection of vessels to fit every vision for the big day. Your guests will love our distinctive hospitality, climate-controlled interior, and open-air outdoor deck. Experience New York City from the Hudson and East Rivers and enjoy picturesque views of the Statue of Liberty, One World Trade, Brooklyn Bridge, Empire State Building, and more!

Book Your Sweet 16 Birthday Bash with City Cruises in NYC!

The Big Apple is full of fun activities, legendary attractions, and fantastic venues to make your birthday celebration out of this world. However, the choice that stands out from the rest and gives you the option to truly make your Sweet 16 unique is City Cruises. Whether you’re looking for a fun adventure or in search of the ultimate party and event venue, we have everything you need to make your special day unforgettable. Ready to start planning the party of the year? Complete this form, and one of our expert event coordinators will contact you to begin planning.