NYC Bucket List: 70 Activities for Every Explorer

This post outlines a NYC bucket list.

New York City has no shortage of exciting activities. No matter how many times you visit or how long you’ve lived here, there’s always something new to see, taste, or experience. It’s thrilling, but it can be daunting to know where to start.

That’s why I’ve put together this NYC bucket list with 70 must-do activities to help you uncover the best of the city. I’ve skipped many of the more classical attractions to remind you of (or maybe even introduce you to) some of my most “New York” moments.

Ready to check off some bucket list items? Let’s jump right in.

Food

1. Slice of Pizza

New Yorkers will argue over where to get the best slice until the end of time. You’ll be satisfied at any of these top contenders: Joe’s Pizza, L’Industrie, Mama’s Too, Di Fara, and Lucali.

2. Bagel at Russ & Daughters

Head to Russ & Daughters for some of the best bagels and lox in town. I always save some room for a latke too.

3. Soup Dumplings at Joe Shanghai

Joe Shanghai’s soup dumplings are one of the coziest meals you can get on a wintery New York day. Go for classic pork or try the crab. Either way you can’t go wrong.

4. Katz’s Delicatessen

Pastrami on rye is the way to go at Katz’s, but Meg Ryan orders a roasted turkey sandwich in the famous scene from “When Harry Met Sally”

5. Cookies at Levain

These chunky cookies are a staple of the NYC food scene. You’ll find locations all over the city but if you want to go to the original Levain, you’ll find it at 74th and Amsterdam.

Choose from Chocolate Chip Walnut, Dark Chocolate Chocolate Chip, Oatmeal Raisin and Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Chip.

And when you’re dreaming of these cookies after leaving NYC, you can order them for delivery nationwide!

6. Smorgasburg

Eat your way through some of New York’s best eats at America’s largest weekly open-air food market!

Smorgasburg runs from the first weekend of April through the last weekend of October and pops up in different locations on different days – from the World Trade Center to Williamsburg to Prospect Park.

7. Pierogi at Veselka

This Ukrainian restaurant was once the go-to spot for late-night eats when it was open 24/7. Veselka now closes at midnight, but it’s no less popular for its delicious Ukrainian pierogi.

8. Keens Steakhouse

Keens Steakhouse is one of New York’s most renowned steakhouses. Perfect for a birthday or special occasion.

9. Bemelmans Bar

Bemelmans Bar is the perfect scene for drinks and live music. Pay attention to the murals on the walls, painted by Ludwig Bemelmans, the author and illustrator of the children’s book, Madeline.

10. Tea at the Plaza Hotel

Have your Eloise moment and enjoy high tea at Plaza’s Palm Court restaurant.

11. Los Tacos No. 1

The owners of Los Tacos No. 1 spent months in Mexico learning how to make the perfect taco. It’s no wonder they’re so delicious!

12. Banh Mi Saigon

The banh mi #1 sandwich at Banh Mi Saigon is out of this world and less than $10.

13. Banana Pudding at Magnolia Bakery

The combination of fresh bananas, vanilla wafers, and fluffy vanilla pudding in Magnolia Bakery’s banana pudding isn’t one you’d expect but it has been drawing crowds from all over the world.

14. Pastrami Egg and Cheese at Frankel’s

This is a personal favorite, but I’ve passed this recommendation on to dozens of friends and not a single person has been disappointed. Truly everything on the menu at Frankel’s is 10/10, but if you only get on thing, let it be the pastrami, egg, and cheese.

15. Cronut at Dominique Ansel

Visit Dominique Ansel, home of the original “cronut,” a mix of a croissant and donut.

16. Taverna Kyclades in Astoria

Authentic and fresh Greek food, you’ll feel like you’re on a summer vacation. Come to Taverna Kyclades with a group and get lots of things to share.

17. Pancakes at Clinton St. Bakery

Come to Clinton St. Bakery with a group, so you don’t have to make the choice between the award-winning wild Maine blueberry, banana walnut, and chocolate chunk.

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18. Italian Food in the West Village

The West Village is home to several famous Italian restaurants. Reservations can be hard to come by, but if you get lucky, you won’t be disappointed at Via Carota, I Sodi, Don Angie, or L’Artusi.

19. Hot Dog

Getting a hot dog from a street vendor is a must. I love Nathan’s hot dog cart by Central Park or at the bottom of the steps at the Met Museum.

20. Peter Pan Donuts

Head to Peter Pan Donuts in Greenpoint which has been open for over 60 years and is famous for their old-school donuts.

Museums

21. Metropolitan Museum of Art

Recognized globally, the Metropolitan Museum of Art is the most visited museum in the United States and the fourth-largest worldwide!

22. Guggenheim

This spiral-shaped museum is recognized worldwide for its unique architecture. The Guggenheim is unsurprisingly a hub for innovative art and thinking, with rotating exhibits throughout the year.

23. Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)

Picasso, Monet, Warhol, Van Gogh, and Pollock are just a few of the highlights of the incredible modern art collection that lives at the MoMA. And don’t miss the gift shop!

24. Met Cloisters

The Met Cloisters is often forgotten, but it’s well worth the visit. Explore the medieval art and picturesque gardens in the serene Fort Tryon Park.

25. New York Transit Museum

Learn about the history of the transit system in NYC and see some historical train cars at the New York Transit Museum.

26. Museum of the City of New York

What makes New York, New York? The Museum of the City of New York celebrates the people and culture of the city.

27. 9/11 Museum

Prepare to be moved at the 9/11 Museum which recounts the story of the 9/11 attacks through artifacts, photos, messages, and news.

28. Whitney Museum

Take a deep dive into American art at the Whitney Museum, which houses over 26,000 works of 20th- and 21st-century American art featuring over 3,900 artists.

Shows & Concerts

29. Broadway Show

A Broadway show in NYC is a must! You won’t be short on options, but if it’s your first time, some of the most popular and longest-running shows are:

Wicked
The Lion King
Chicago, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
Hamilton

Here’s a guide with more information on how to get Broadway tickets without breaking the bank.

30. Shakespeare in the Park

Free every summer in Central Park’s Delacorte Theater!

31. Comedy Cellar

Comedy Cellar is considered to be the “Harvard of comedy clubs” and where some of the most famous performers have honed their craft.

32. New York City Ballet

The New York City Ballet is most famous for the Nutcracker during the holiday season, but the world-class dancers always put on a good show.

Pro tip: if you’re under 30 years old, you can sign up for $30 tickets.

33. Village Vanguard

The Village Vanguard is the oldest jazz club in New York City and is considered to be the most popular and has welcomed some of the biggest names in jazz.

34. Carnegie Hall

Carnegie Hall is one of the most renowned stages in the world and attracts incredible talent – from choirs to orchestras.

35. The Metropolitan Opera

The Metropolitan Opera is the largest classical music organization in North America and puts on dozens of performances each year. You’ll definitely be wowed by the opulent interior of this world-class opera house as well.

36. Go to an Outdoor Concert

Outdoor concerts are a huge part of NYC summers. Check out the free concerts in Bryant Park and the Summerstage Series that takes place across the five boroughs. For epic rooftop concerts right on the Hudson River, check out the Pier 17 lineup.

37. Watch a Live TV Taping

Jimmy Fallon, Stephen Colbert, Seth Meyers, Drew Barrymore, and many others welcome guests to sit in their audience.

Here’s how to score free tickets.

38. Watch a Movie at Film Forum

Catch an independent movie at Film Forum, New York’s leading indie theater with films you won’t see anywhere else.

39. Watch a Movie at AMC Lincoln Square IMAX Theater

What’s so special about the AMC theater in Lincoln Square? Well, their IMAX screen is the largest TV screen in America and the second-largest IMAX in the world.

POSTS YOU MAY LIKE: 9 Best Movie Theaters in Manhattan for Cinephiles

40. Watch a Movie in the Park

Outdoor movies are the pinnacle of New York City summers. Bring some friends, some snacks, and some wine, it’s the recipe for a perfect summer night. You’ll find hundreds of movies across parks in every borough throughout the summer.

My personal favorites are movie nights at Brooklyn Bridge Park and Bryant Park.

Check out the full schedule here.

Parks

41. Central Park

Central Park boasts 800 acres of peace and quiet in the middle of the bustling city.

Enjoy a picnic in Sheeps Meadow or a stroll down the Mall & Literary Walk or rent a boat and go for a ride in the pond.

42. Prospect Park

Prospect Park is the sister to Central Park. You’ll find paths for walking, fields for picnicking but also woods and forests at Brooklyn’s most popular park.

43. Little Island

This quirky park is meant to be an artificial island. Seeing the Dr.Seuss-like architecture is worth visiting Little Island, but there are also free concerts and events.

44. Elizabeth Street Garden

Elizabeth Street Garden is a treasure in the middle of SoHo. Come for a poetry reading, morning yoga, or just a peaceful stroll.

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45. Fort Tryon Park

Fort Tryon Park is in the northernmost part of Manhattan is a quiet escape from the hustle and bustle of the city and offers incredible views of the Hudson River.

46. Brooklyn Botanic Garden

I always try to go to the Brooklyn Botanic Garden in the springtime to see the cherry blossoms in the Japanese Garden.

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47. Washington Square Park

You’ve likely seen the famous Washington Square Park arch in many movies. Enjoy a stroll in this lively Greenwich Village park.

Sports

48. Go to a Sporting Event

It’s no secret New Yorkers are passionate about their sports. Whether you go to Yankee Stadium to see the Yankees, Madison Square Garden to see the Knicks or Rangers, or MetLife Stadium to see the Giants or Jets, your time will undoubtedly be lively and action-packed.

49. US Open

One of the biggest tennis tournaments of the year happens right here in NYC at the end of every August. If you don’t want to pay for tickets, check out the fan week that allows free access to the qualifying matches.

50. Watch the New York Marathon

The energy in New York is electric as the city comes together to cheer on runners facing an impressive feat. This is always on the first Sunday in November.

Holidays

51. Watch the Thanksgiving Day Parade

For over 100 years, Macy’s hosts the annual Thanksgiving Day parade where balloons and floats make their way down the famous 5th Avenue.

If you’re not up for braving the crowds on the day of the parade, you can see the floats get inflated the day before, where they’re on display near the Museum of Natural History.

52. See the Christmas Tree in Rockefeller Center

There’s no doubt that Rockefeller Center is home to the most famous Christmas tree in the world. The tree-lighting day is something of a holiday here in New York as people gather and do a count-down as the 50,000+ lights are turned on for the holiday season.

53. See the Christmas Shop Windows

New York shop windows during the holiday season are a must-see.

Grab some hot chocolate and stroll by:

54. Watch the Ball Drop in Times Square

You might need to mentally prepare yourself for the crowds and the cold, but there’s no denying that watching the ball drop is a bucket list activity.

For the best views, get a spot in Times Square.

55. Ice Skating

Lace up your skates and go ice skating in some of the most iconic NYC spots.

Rockefeller Center is one of the most popular spots, especially once the Christmas tree is up, but Central Park’s Wollman Rink is also a beautiful spot. And Bryant Park offers free ice skating!

56. Watch 4th of July Fireworks

You don’t need to go far to see fireworks on the 4th of July in NYC. The dazzling show is hosted by Macy’s and takes place over the East River or Hudson River, depending on the year. Grab your spot and watch the 30-minute show as 60,000 shells are fired off the barges in the river.

57. Go to the Lunar New Year Parade

March through Chinatown as a festive parade celebrates the start of the lunar new year. You’ll see dragon dancing, traditional costumes, dances, performances, and more!

POSTS YOU MAY LIKE: 7 Ways to Celebrate Lunar New Year in NYC

Destinations

58. Coney Island

Unlock your inner child at Coney Island.

Ride the rollercoasters (including the famous Cyclone), walk the boardwalk, swim at the beach, and eat lunch at Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs, which has been open since 1916.

59. Governor’s Island

Take a trip to this car-less island and enjoy a day of calm and peaceful exploring. I’d recommend renting some bikes and cruising around.

60. Take the Ferry to Rockaway

Because taking a ferry to the beach trumps taking the train any day!

Board the Rockaway ferry at Wall Street or Sunset Park and enjoy the ride.

Here are schedules and tickets.

POSTS YOU MAY LIKE: Visiting Rockaway Beach: The Ultimate Guide

61. Take the Roosevelt Island Tram

Journey across the East River to Roosevelt Island in this famous tram.

Fun fact: it was the first tram in the United States to be used for urban transportation. It’ll cost you the swipe of a Metro Card and take you to Roosevelt Island, a small island that’s home to Cornell Tech.

Stroll along the East River and take in Manhattan from a different view. I love to visit in the spring when the cherry blossoms are in bloom.

Activities

62. Walk Across the Brooklyn Bridge

Make the journey from Manhattan to Brooklyn (or vice versa) on the famous Brooklyn Bridge. If you go at sunrise, you’ll avoid the crowds, but this walk is unbeatable at sunset as well.

63. Walk the Length of Manhattan

See the entire city in one day, literally! Walking the length of Manhattan, roughly 15 miles, will likely take you an entire day, so get your most comfortable shoes and round up your friends for this adventure.

If you’re up for a more significant challenge, join the folks of The Great Saunter, a group of 2,500 walkers that covers the perimeter of Manhattan in a day (about 32 miles).

64. Take a Sunset Ferry Ride on the Staten Island Ferry

This is at the top of the list whenever I host visitors. A trip on the Staten Island ferry is about 25 minutes each way and will take you by the Statue of Liberty, Governors Island, and more. Plus, it’s completely free! Ferries run 24/7 and depart every 15-30 minutes. I highly recommend planning your trip around sunset.

65. Go to the New York Film Festival

The New York Film Festival takes place every fall and is one of the longest-running and most prestigious film festivals in the United States. Watch new films and hear producers and directors share their process.

66. Watch the Met Gala

Although you won’t land a spot at the Met Gala without an invitation from Anna Wintour, you can still watch outside the museum steps as celebrity cars escort their stylish guests to one of the most talked about events in NYC.

67. Go to the Top of the Empire State Building

Rise nearly 1,500 feet (or 102 stories) above New York City at the Empire State Building’s observation deck. You’ll get a true birds eye view of the city from the two levels at the roof of the building.

68. Manhattanhenge

Imagine you’re looking down a city street, and you see the sun setting right between the buildings. We have a name for it, Manhattanhenge and this phenomenon, when the sun lines up perfectly between streets, happens just four times a year (around May 28, 29, or 30, and again around July 11, 12, or 13).

POSTS YOU MAY LIKE: Where to See Sunrise in Manhattan

69. Stay at TWA

Airport hotels aren’t usually anything to write home about but the TWA Hotel in the JFK airport makes a delayed flight not so bad. The hotel’s design is 60s-inspired and futuristic at the same time.

Guests can swim in a rooftop infinity pool overlooking a runway, hit the gym with over a dozen Peloton bikes, or relax in a luxurious lounge while watching airplanes take off and land.

70. Go to QC Spa

The QC Spa on Governors Island is only a quick five-minute ferry ride away from the city, but you’ll feel far away when you’re swimming in the rooftop pool and looking over the Manhattan skyline.

That concludes this NYC bucket list.

Whether you’re ticking off your first activity or your 70th, I hope this NYC bucket list can be your guide to make the most of everything the city has to offer.