There are more exciting, amazing adventures to have in NYC than you could tackle in a single vacation. From inspiring cultural attractions to outdoorsy activities, even New York locals have a hard time deciding what to do on a given weekend. Prioritizing what to see and do in New York City is possible, however, with the help of this ultimate New York bucket list. Check off a few at a time to get to know one of the most diverse cities in the world. ![]()
New York Bucket List 1-10
- Compare the views. Visit both the Empire State Building and the Top of the Rock to make the final determination for yourself on which is better.
- Enjoy real NYC pizza. Avoid the stuff in Times Square and head into Little Italy for an authentic slice.
- Snap a photo of Lady Liberty. There are many ways to see the Statue of Liberty, from a cruise to a visit to Liberty Island itself. Climbing up to the crown is worth it, too.
- Honor the fallen at the 9/11 Memorial. This sobering attraction is an important place for all Americans to visit at some point with its enduring influence on modern culture.
- Attend a taping of Saturday Night Live. It can be tricky to manage, but we’ve got a few tips on how to get Saturday Night Live tickets.
- Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge. It’s a rite of passage. You could also bike across, or make it part of a larger tour including DUMBO.
- Visit The Strand. This legendary bookstore features 18 miles of new, used, and collectible volumes. It’s an experience just to roam the stacks.
- Marvel at the vastness of the universe. The Rose Center for Earth & Space, at the American Museum of Natural History, is the premier place on the East Coast for space reflections.
- See the original soup cans. Andy Warhol’s iconic soup cans can be found at the MoMA, which is also home to some famous paintings by Monet, Van Gogh, and hundreds more.
- Explore an Ancient Egyptian Temple. The Met houses the reconstructed Temple of Dendur, which was originally built around 15 BCE.
New York Bucket List 11-20
- Look up in Grand Central Terminal. This historic train terminal is renowned for its unique artwork—especially the “celestial ceiling” in the Main Concourse.
- Tour a WWII-era aircraft carrier. The USS Intrepid, once host to more than 50,000 men who served during various campaigns, is today part of the Intrepid Sea, Air, & Space Museum.
- Take in a show or game at MSG. Madison Square Garden is among the most iconic performance venues in the entire world. See the Knicks, a concert, or any of other popular events they host each year.
- Peek at the windows in NYC’s Fashion District. Enjoy some active window-shopping (or pull out that plastic) while you stroll 5th Ave. to explore the city’s legendary fashion culture.
- Visit the New York Public Library. The reading rooms at the NYPL feel like something out of a Harry Potter movie.
- Ice skate at the Rockefeller Ice Rink. Featured in several movies, this is also a romantic thing to do in NYC. You could also take a tour of the Rockefeller Center for the full experience.
- Count the sculptures in Central Park. While tallying them all is impractical on one trip, a tour of Central Park will highlight things like Cleopatra’s Needle and Angel of the Waters.
- Walk the High Line. This massively popular elevated park offers great views alongside an infusion of nature in the concrete jungle. Check out our guide to the High Line[insert link here when it’s up] for more info.
- Pay a visit to St. Patrick’s Cathedral. The largest Neo-Gothic Catholic Cathedral on the continent, their stained glass windows alone are worth the visit.
- Eat like a New Yorker. There are culinary adventures to be had across the city, from Chinatown to Hell’s Kitchen to Harlem. We’ve got some foodie recommendations, too.
New York Bucket List 21-15
- Take your significant other to the Museum of Sex. This quirky, unique museum manages to engage both the intellect and the libido.
- Visit historic Coney Island. One of the most iconic amusement parks in the country, Coney Island offers nostalgia and fun in equal doses. Check out Luna Park for the rides, too.
- Get pictures of the cherry blossoms. The Brooklyn Botanic Garden is one of the few places in the country to feature these lush Japanese trees.
- See Shakespeare in the Park. This beloved summer tradition means inexpensive or free performances of the Bard’s plays in various locations throughout the city.
- Pick up some new art. The galleries in Chelsea—a booming neighborhood—frequently play host to up-and-coming artists and are a good place to hunt for that next art investment.
