Things NYCFC and Gotham FC fans would likely recommend to World Cup fans | OneFootball

NJ/NY Gotham FC and New York City FC fans know the New York City tri-state area pretty well. There is so much to do between the Big Apple and the counties surrounding the greatest city in the world. Yes, fans will attend matches, and seeing both the Bats and Pigeons play is always something that is fun to do.

Meanwhile, there is currently, and will continue to be, an increase in visitors to the area due to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. NYCFC's Matt Freese is representing the USMNT, and Aiden O'Neill and Kai Trewin are representing Australia. And at this time, both the Boys in Blue and Gotham FC are not playing, for their seasons are paused for the World Cup.

So, if visitors were interested in seeing local Major League Soccer and NWSL games, then they are out of luck. At least, that is the case with the NWSL until early July. But there are so many fun things to do in the city, regardless of whether they involve sports.

Things to do in NYC when NYCFC and Gotham are not playing

Go to a baseball game

Gotham FC will soon be playing the Queens Classic at Citi Field, and NYCFC plays their matches at the stadium and at Yankee Stadium. Hence, baseball is connected to the two soccer teams. Plus, many are already fans of the New York Mets and New York Yankees.

Therefore, if World Cup visitors want to see a sport that is not soccer, then they should attend a baseball game. Nothing screams America like the country's favorite pastime. They could go to either Citi Field or Yankee Stadium, or even both. One team is a little better than the other one, though, so perhaps fans might want to head toward the Bronx if they can only choose one.

Visit an iconic landmark

In New York City, there are many iconic landmarks, from the Brooklyn Bridge, Lady Liberty, the Empire State Building, Radio City Music Hall, and more. If someone is visiting the area for the World Cup, then they should definitely head over to one of the iconic landmarks or buildings. And the view from the Empire State Building is out of this world.

Head out to a beach on Long Island or New Jersey

Visitors from around the world might be more inclined to head to someplace like Florida if they want to head to the beach. But for those spending time in and near the Big Apple, they should go to one of the beaches on Long Island or the New Jersey coast. The area has plenty of incredible beaches to choose from, and while they can get crowded, they will likely be less crowded compared to hot vacation spots in Florida.

If anyone is not sure where to go, then they can definitely ask Gotham FC and NYCFC supporters. Certainly, there will be a variety of recommendations.

Eat pizza, and more pizza

When it comes to food in New York City, there is nothing more iconic than pizza. People can get pretty good pizza in the city, out on Long Island, Westchester County, parts of New Jersey, and parts of Connecticut.

Again, Gotham and NYCFC fans will have different opinions on where to get the best pizza. It might be a pizza parlor or an Italian restaurant. But one thing is for sure, though. World Cup fans who are traveling to other cities and areas will not get good pizza anywhere outside the tri-state area, so they better get their fill in and near the Big Apple.

Go to Central Park

Sometimes, the hustle and bustle of New York City can be very overwhelming. So, for NYCFC and Gotham FC fans who live in the city, heading to a park, especially Central Park, can be a nice way to calm down the mind. Take in the nature, explore, and relax a little before heading to one of the World Cup games.