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Times Square in evening

My New York Bucket List

North America, Travel |

New York, New York. It’s number one on half of the world’s travel bucket list (probably) and one of the most popular tourist destinations ever. Thanks to the movies, NYC is a concrete jungle we’d all love to explore and it’s one of the few cities you could never tire of. Here are some things you have to do in New York, whether you’re visiting for two days or have been living there twenty years.

times square

I’ve put together a New York Bucket List for tourists and longer term visitors alike – from the obvious chaotic, sensory overload that is Times Square at night to the surprisingly sedate Staten Island ferry, here’s 31 cheap but unmissable things to do in New York.

A New York City Bucket List for locals and tourists

  1. Take in sky high views at the Top of the Rock or the Empire State building
  2. Row boats in Central Park. Bonus points if you recite dirty limericks, a la Bridget Jones (ideally with Hugh Grant as your skipper)
  3. Drink at a rooftop bar
  4. Eat hot dogs at an ice hockey game
  5. Take advantage of Free Fridays at the Museum of Modern Art
  6. Relive your student days in the Reading Room of New York Public library
  7. Take a trip to Coney Island
  8. Browse Williamsburg Artists & Fleas Market
  9. Go back to prohibition at a speakeasy bar like Please Don’t Tell in the East Village
  10. Attend a gig
  11. Walk the high-line from the Meatpacking District through Chelsea
  12. Visit the Bronx Zoo
  13. Eat a pizza slice, or like, 20
  14. Spot a celebrity
  15. Explore Grand Central Station’s hidden gems, like the Whispering Gallery!
  16. Take in Times Square at night
  17. Sneak into fancy hotels like The Plaza and wander around pretending you belong.
  18. See a Broadway Show
  19. Ride the Staten Island ferry
  20. Walk Brooklyn Bridge at sunset
  21. Pay respect at the 9/11 Memorial and Freedom Tower
  22. Visit the Guggenheim museum
  23. Eat spaghetti and meatballs in Little Italy
  24. Slurp noodles in Chinatown
  25. Watch a free street show. The guys outside City Hall are decent acrobats and will definitely make you laugh!
  26. Window shop on 5th Avenue
  27. Eat at Shake Shack
  28. Drink unlimited mimosas at brunch – I recommend Cafe Cortatido
  29. Visit the Fashion Institute of Technology Museum
  30. Watch a comedy show
  31. Eat a cupcake from Magnolia Bakery, or Baked by Melissa (or both)

 

Have you worked your way through all of these attractions? What would you add to the list? Send me your suggestions in the comment section or get in touch on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.

Read my five day New York itinerary

Find hotels in NYC

Comments

  2. I thought I’d done well with my 24 hours in New York City, but it seems like I barely scraped the surface! I’ve done #18 and #25, but that’s it!

    You’ve definitely given me some inspiration for a return trek someday. I’m particularly keen to do the Speakeasy thing, eat all of the things, and spend some more time in Central Park. It was so beautiful!

  4. Wow! I’m surprised that I’ve done about 75% of this list. I will say though, I didn’t care for Magnolia cupcakes OR Baked by Melissa. 🙁

    Also, I LOVE the name of your blog!

    • Really? I thought Baked by Melissa was so yummy, but the Magnolia cupcakes were a bit of a letdown, I will say that!

  5. That is a fantastic bucket list! I think I’m going to be stealing a few of these for the next time I visit NYC. I had no idea that the museum of modenr art was free on friday’s – that’s awesome!

    • Glad to have helped! Yeah, there are a few free days for a lot of the museums and attractions, always worth doing your research!

  7. So much to do in NYC!!! I went a few years ago… when I was young and skinny lol. Going back with my kids next month so hopefully it’s just as fun!!!

  10. You are so lucky, I’ve always dreamed to move to New York! So far, I’ve been there only on vacation and I really liked it! I will save your list for my next trip to New York, thank you for sharing all these insider’s tips. 🙂

  11. That’s an impressive bucket list. I believe it’ll be a great experience to work your way through all that. Happy NYC stint.

  12. Awesome list! I’ve been to NYC a few times and there’s quite a few things on your list I’d still love to do! I know it would be chaotic, but my bucket list item would be to go to the Macy’s Day parade 🙂

  13. This list looks like a lot of fun! I have never been to New York, but these are great ideas for when I do go. I especially love all of your food suggestions!