New York City is one of the most iconic and exciting destinations in the world. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, food, or just exploring, you’re sure to find something to add to your New York City bucket list.
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Known as the city that never sleeps, New York is full of endless opportunities, new adventures, and exciting entertainment. From iconic landmarks to hidden gems you may not have heard of, this diverse city has something for everyone. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or visit often, there’s always something new to discover. Use this New York City Bucket List to help you plan your next trip and make the most of your time in the Big Apple.
Tips for Planning Your Trip to New York City:
- Book Flights and Hotel Early: New York City is a popular tourist destination, so it’s important to start planning your trip early. This will give you enough time to book your flights and accommodations, and to research the attractions that you want to visit.
- Be Prepared for Crowds: New York City is a very crowded city, so be prepared for big crowds and long lines, especially at popular tourist attractions.
- Set a Budget: New York City can be an expensive city, so it’s important to set a budget before you start planning your trip.
- Choose the Right Time to Go: The most popular time to visit New York City is during the summer and winter. Consider visiting during the spring or fall, when the weather is mild.
- Use Public Transportation: The best way to get around New York City is by public transportation. The city has an extensive subway system, as well as buses and taxis.
- Pack Comfortable Shoes: You’ll be doing a lot of walking in New York City, so make sure to pack comfortable shoes.
The Ultimate NYC Bucket List: 15 Must-Do Activities in the City That Never Sleeps
There are so many fun things to do in New York City that it can be hard to decide which activities to include in your itinerary. From the bohemian vibes of Greenwich Village to the bright lights of Times Square, New York City offers unparalleled experiences.
Here is our guide to 15 must-do activities for your New York City Bucket List!
Visit a world-famous museum
New York City is home to some of the most renowned artwork and museums in the world. The two most famous include the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Museum of Modern Art. Both museums are home to iconic pieces of art, from paintings and sculptures to fashion pieces and antiquities.
How To Choose Between The Met and MoMa
If you only have time to visit one of New York’s famous museums, the choice comes down to the artwork. Are you looking for the more modern, contemporary pieces found at MoMa or the historical, classic artwork found at The Met? MoMa’s most famous paintings include Van Gogh’s Starry Night and Water Lilies by Monet. Other pieces include work by Picasso, Andy Warhol, and Salvador Dalí. The Met is best known for the 18th century painting “The Death of Socrates,” one of Van Gogh’s self portraits, and the iconic American painting “Washington Crossing The Delaware.”
You should also keep in mind the size of both museums. MoMa is substantially smaller, making for the perfect afternoon activity. The Met is much larger, covering an extensive two million square feet curated with collections for every civilization and historical time period you can think of.
Other New York City Art Museums: Guggenheim Museum, The Frick Collection, Neue Galerie
Eat Breakfast at tiffany’s
New York City is the place where just about anything is possible, including eating Breakfast at Tiffany’s. On the fourth floor of Tiffany & Co’s Fifth Avenue flagship store you’ll find the Blue Box Cafe. The cafe is open for breakfast, lunch, and afternoon tea with elegantly curated menus and an iconic, turquoise blue design. Breakfast at the Blue Box Cafe is literally a dream, as you enjoy fresh pastries with morning cocktails inside one of the most famous stores in the world.
aura Reading in Chinatown
One of the most unique things to do in Chinatown is to find an aura reading store. An aura photograph captures the colors given off by the electromagnetic energy flowing around our bodies. There are only a few places in the city to find an aura reading. We found ours at a small store called Magic Jewelry in Chinatown. To take your photo, the photographer will have you sit in a chair with your palms face down on nearby boxes. After your photo develops, the photographer will explain the meaning of your colors and decipher how their placement and proximity to your body affects your life.
Go to a Yankees Game
If you’re visiting New York City in the summer or fall, you’re in luck! Yankee Stadium is an essential piece of NYC’s history. Watch one of the most successful teams in MLB history while eating from local New York City vendors. Yankee Stadium also offers public tours daily throughout the season, allowing you to explore the NY Yankees Museum and Monument Park. Be sure to add a Yankees Game to your New York City Bucket List.
Not visiting during baseball season? Check out one of the city’s other major sports teams, the Brooklyn Nets, New York Knicks, and New York Rangers.
See a broadway show
Broadway offers something for everyone, from the iconic Phantom of the Opera to the newer Harry Potter play. Families visiting New York City with kids can go see the live action Lion King, Broadway’s third longest running show, or watch a rendition of Disney’s Aladdin with fun, upbeat music and the magic flying carpet. Attending a show also means you’ll have the opportunity to explore one of Broadway’s 41 theaters. Each iconic theater is elegantly decorated with an upscale atmosphere.
Sail to the Statue of Liberty
The Statue of Liberty is one of the most iconic landmarks in New York City. Accessible by boat, visitors can get up close to Lady Liberty on Liberty Island. Afterwards, explore the new Statue of Liberty Museum. If you’re interested in learning more about the city’s history, opt for the tour that heads to Ellis Island, where immigrants to the United States passed through. The island is home to the Immigration Museum, where you can search for your ancestors.
You may also like: New York City Statue of Liberty Sunset Cruise
stroll along the high line
The High Line is an elevated greenway offering a 1.45 mile walking path above the city. Admission is free, as the trail is one of New York City’s public parks. The High Line offers scenic views of New York’s most famous buildings as you pass through several districts. Along the walk you’ll find oversized lounge chairs, water features to dip your feet in, and gardens to explore. The High Line also has several exit points where you can venture away from the path to explore a new borough or grab a bite to eat. If you’re hoping to snack along the High Line, you’ll find coffee stands and sandwich vendors throughout the walk. At the southern end, you’ll reach the famed Chelsea Market where you can eat lunch with a view or enjoy a cocktail in the warm sun.
If you’re planning to visit the High Line, be sure to check for any events or activities happening during your visit!
Fly Above the city
One of the most unique views of New York City is seen from above. NYC Helicopter Tours offer aerial views as you fly over the largest city in the U.S. Flying over the city shows you just how expansive NYC is, as you wind through the skyscrapers and over the Hudson River. These tours take you to several of New York’s most popular landmarks, including the Empire State Building and Rockefeller Center.
indulge in little italy
When visiting a new city, the food is always the most important thing I research. Eating in Little Italy should be on every New York City Bucket List!
Located on Mulberry Street in Lower Manhattan, Little Italy is where you’ll find some of New York City’s best food. Little Italy has something for everyone, whether you’re looking for an authentic Italian restaurant or an outdoor patio perfect for enjoying a glass of wine in the sun. Be sure to stop at one of the gelato shops where you can pop in and grab an afternoon dessert.
Best restaurants in Little Italy: Da Gennaro and Zia Maria
Experience the immersion of art
SUMMIT One Vanderbilt combines views of New York City with art and experience. The SUMMIT is the perfect activity for visitors looking to see the stunning New York skyline with the addition of interactive activities. SUMMIT One consists of curated theme rooms using mirrors and art, the most popular being the silver balloon room. We recommend booking an evening tour to watch the stunning sunset views turn into the NYC skyline illuminated by lights at night.
stand above the city on glass floors
One of New York’s newer attractions, the Edge offers a more adventurous way to view the city skyline. Visitors walk out onto the outdoor observation Edge Deck, made of glass floors and walls that suspend you 1,131 feet above the city. Directly above the Edge, you’ll find Peak NYC, a restaurant offering stunning views of New York. If you’re an adrenaline seeker, be sure to check out the City Climb, where you can summit the highest open air skyscraper in the world!
You may also like: Empire State Building and Top of the Rock Observation Deck
walk across the brooklyn bridge
Although I had seen the Brooklyn Bridge hundreds of times, it took years before I considered making the trek across – and I was missing out! Walking across the Brooklyn Bridge takes about an hour, and offers unparalleled views of the towering skyscrapers forming Manhattan’s skyline. The bridge provides ample walking space with several stopping points for iconic photo spots.
For the best views of New York, start on the Brooklyn side of the bridge and walk towards Manhattan. I recommend visiting the Brooklyn Bridge in the morning before the area becomes too crowded. This way, you can also reward yourself with brunch afterwards!
walk through central park
There’s always something to do in Central Park, which spans 843 acres in the center of the largest city in the U.S. Central Park has an activity for everyone. You’ll find everything from artists offering portrait paintings to pop-up concerts and entertaining plays. The park offers several activities, including horseback riding on the trails or joining an outdoor workout class. If you’re hoping to do some sightseeing within the park, be sure to visit the iconic Bethesda Fountain. Afterwards, enjoy lunch on the outdoor patio of Tavern on the Green, or get lost exploring one of the many trails that run throughout the park.
climb the vessel
Built in 2019, the Vessel is an interactive sculpture in New York’s Hudson Yards. Visitors can climb to the top to see unique views of the Hudson River and the towering skyscrapers of New York. After climbing to the top of the Vessel, there are several things to explore around Hudson Yards. You’ll find studios hosting outdoor workout classes, vendors offering streetside shopping, and restaurants to help you refuel after your descent from the Vessel.
Things to do in Hudson Yards: Edge Observation Deck, Shed Art Center, Public Square and Gardens
Shop on fifth avenue
Known as one of the most iconic shopping strips in the world, exploring Fifth Avenue is a must for every visitor to New York City. On Fifth Avenue, you can shop in the world’s largest department store, Macy’s Herald Square, and find flagship stores for international brands and high-end designers. Fifth Avenue offers something for every visitor, whether you have a list of stores to shop or are just strolling. The stores are decorated with curated window displays and elaborate architecture that amaze me every time I visit. If you’re visiting New York in the winter, you have the opportunity to experience the animated window displays and light shows illuminating the Fifth Avenue buildings.
These are just a few of the many amazing things to do in New York City. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned New Yorker, there’s always something new to check off your New York City Bucket List.
Heading to New York City? Looking for more things to do in New York? Be sure to check out my full New York City Guide.
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