There’s a reason New York City is nicknamed “the concrete jungle” — a trip to the Big Apple in summertime, while always exhilarating, gets a little steamy as well.

For those who love to feel the summer sun radiate off the sidewalks, you’re in your element. But for those who need a bit of a break from the heat every once in a while, New York City just happens to have plenty of little rest stops for you to cool down while you take in some amazing culture.

Theater: iLuminate
Fresh from their appearance on America’s Got Talent, the light-suit-wearing dance group presents an hour-long spectacle of incredible acrobatics as they tell the story of an alienated artist whose paintings come to life. When his enchanted paintbrush (and love interest) are stolen by another artist, the story unfolds magically in this off-Broadway production.

Dance: Bolshoi Ballet
Throughout mid- to late-July, the world-renowned Bolshoi Ballet will be performing in New York City as part of the Lincoln Center Festival. Catch the group performing Swan Lake from July 15-20, Don Quixote on July 22 and 23, or Spartacus from July 25-27. Each features incredible drama, breathtaking music and some of the world’s best dancing in these thoughtful interpretations.

Cinema: IMAX
Prefer something a little more mainstream, or just plain massive? Catching a movie in IMAX takes the entire cinematic experience to a new level, especially when watching some of the big summer blockbusters. From blow-em-up action films to the latest in sci-fi/fantasy and beyond, immerse yourself in the IMAX experience and beat the heat for a couple of hours.
Of course, New York City also has more restaurants, lounges, nightclubs, shopping centers, department stores, museums, art galleries and boutiques than any other city in North America, all of which offer other creative ways to beat the heat on hotter days in the concrete jungle.

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