Eclectic Sightseeing in the Empire State
Ah New York City. How I’ve longed to do a bucket list tour of the city that never sleeps. Being born and raised in the Big Apple means I’ve had plenty of time to explore this ginormous city. Although it’s true that you have to leave your hometown in order to enjoy being a tourist there. Of the multitude of cities I’ve traveled to, none makes me smile time and time again like the NYC skyline. No matter how many times you visit, there’s always something new and exciting to experience.
With some of the most iconic sights, delicious foods, and stylish culture, New York is truly a top tier city. Finally the Ultimate bucket list tour is here! Here’s 100 top things you need to experience in New York City. And check out our last post where we manage to spend a day in the city with just $20 here.
1. The Empire State Building – No trip to Empire State is complete without this iconic landmark. Head to the top of both observation decks to join the elite 102! Buy your tickets online here.
2. One World Trade Center – See forever at the tallest tower in the western hemisphere and one of my personal favorite observation decks. The One World Trade Center delivers an excellent presentation of the beautiful NYC skyline. You can get tickets at the door or find them online here.
3. 911 Memorial – Pay your respects to all the casualties during the 9/11 incident at ground zero. Always a humbling experience.
4. The Oculus – Take a stroll through this eccentric shopping center after seeing the top of the One World Trade Center.
5. Walk the Highline – Explore the west side in this former railroad spur turned into an artistic garden. It gets a bit crowded during the summer, but that’s when the flowers are at their best.
6. The Whitney – A cool art museum you can check out after you’ve finished walking the Highline.
7. Eat at Chelsea Market – Another tool in the arsenal of New York’s best food spots is the Chelsea Market. Try an eclectic variety of amazing foods from across the world all in one market.
8. Battery Park – Check out the south side pier and get great views of the Statue of Liberty!
9. Climb the Statue of Liberty’s Crown – If you want to head to the top of this iconic land mark, you’re going to need the proper planning. Here’s everything you need to know about visiting Lady Liberty’s crown.
10. Ride the Staten Island Ferry – Hop on the Staten Island ferry for a free ride through the New York harbor.
11. Ellis Island – Ellis Island has an entire museum dedicated to the history of our immigrating ancestors.
12. Eat a Bodega Sandwich – Crazy to think that some of the best sandwiches come out of a hole in the wall corner store. Bodegas are great places for an affordable snack.
13. Times Square – Few places in the world can light up the night like Times Square. A walk down 42nd Street is the best way to feel the vibrant vibe of the city.
14. See a Broadway Play – Broadway’s prestigious reputation is just as grand as you’d expect. Get tickets to a huge selection of the most entertaining musicals here.
15. The MET – The Metropolitan Museum is America’s greatest museum. Book tickets to see ancient Egyptian artifacts, Renaissance paintings, and more here.
16. The Guggenheim – Another interesting museum in the MET’s vicinity. It’s a bit pricey for the content inside, but the architecture is cool.
17. Walk through Central Park – This natural Eden is located directly in the center of the concrete jungle. Central Park is an excellent escape from the rush of the city.
18. Eat a New York City Style Pizza – New York has some of the best pizza in the world (maybe a toss up with some of Italy’s pies). One of my Favorite spots in Brooklyn is Grimaldi’s. I’d recommend doing a pizza tour to get a taste of all the amazing Pizzas!
19. Eat a New York City Style Bagel – For a quick breakfast bite in New York City, try a bagel. No where else in the world compares! Bonus Points if it’ a rainbow bagel.
20. Central Park Zoo – In the southeast side of central park, there is an integrated system of zoos that’s fun for all ages. Check out harbor seals doing tricks or feed penguins in this immersive environment.
21. Eat at Halal Guys – New York’s street food game is top tier. So there’s no surprise one of the best gyros in the city is from a tiny food cart on 53rd street. Quick and delicious!
22. Walk the Williamsburg Bridge – Take a scenic stroll into the Brooklyn neighborhood of Williams burg, filled with tons of inspirational graffiti along the way.
23. Cross the Manhattan Bridge – Another suspension bridge that crosses the East River and has an extravagant gate. The 2nd best bridge in New York City.
24. Eat a Street Gyro – There’s plenty of other gyro stands to try out if you need a quick bite.
25. Nintendo Store – Even if you’re not a video game lover, it’s still an awesome shop to check out Nintendo products. Lots of cool stuff at this flagship store!
26. Intrepid Sea, Air, and Space Museum – What’s cooler than a huge air craft carrier turned into a museum? Nothing really. Find it on the west side of the city by the Hudson Yards.
27. Enterprise Space Shuttle – Okay maybe there is one thing cooler than an air craft carrier museum. It’s the fact there’s one of the four remaining NASA space shuttles inside. Visit the Enterprise with a ticket to the Space Shuttle Pavilion.
28. City Hall Park – Stroll by New York City Hall in this serene park in lower Manhattan.
29. New York City China Town – A vibrant area with heavily influenced Asian community where you can find all sorts of souvenirs, shops, and restaurants. Try anything from peking duck to onigiri for a great snack!
30. Little Italy – New York City benefits from all types of international cultures. Little Italy offers authentic Italian cuisine and some of the best dessert in the city.
31. K-Town – Another diverse neighborhood with a great food selection and shops with genuine Korean products. Go for a night of some amazing Korean BBQ, Chicken & Beer, and end the night with some late night karaoke.
32. Eat a Cannoli – While you’re in Little Italy you can find some of the best Italian treats. Be sure to try some from Ferrara’s Bakery.
33. Walk the Brooklyn Bridge – Take the epic mile long walk across one of the most iconic bridges in the world right into the heart of the city. The neighborhood of DUMBO has some great spots for Pizza too.
34. Eat Dim Sum – If you’re in China Town, you need to have some authentic dim sum. Enjoy some of the best bite-sized portions of your favorite steamed dumplings!
35. Brooklyn Bridge Promenade – Relax for a moment with amazing views of the Manhattan skyline in this Brooklyn Park. You also get excellent views of the Brooklyn Bridge too.
36. National Puerto Rican Day Parade – This annual parade embraces the festive boriqua culture with music, floats, and tons of Puerto Rican flags. It occurs every second Sunday in June, right through Manhattan’s 5th Ave. Check out this post to learn even more about Puerto Rico’s fascinating culture.
37. Drink at a Roof Top Bar – Kick-start your night out in the city with gorgeous skyline views atop one of many roof top bars. Some of the best spots include Mr. Purple, The Roof at Public Hotel, and The Water Tower at Williamsburg Hotel for starters.
38. The Vessel – One of the newest additions to New York’s iconic landmarks, the Vessel is an exciting interactive art piece by the Hudson Yards. Enjoy the optical illusions from different perspectives as you climb dozens of stairs to the top. Secure your free tickets for a time slot to the Vessel here.
39. Wall Street Bull – Nothing is more symbolic of Wall Street’s stock market than the charging bull statue. Check out this monument while exploring the financial district.
40. Hope Sculpture – Revel at this famous art piece located on 53rd St and 7th ave to lift your spirits. There are a few more art sculptures scattered around the city for you to enjoy as well.
41. M&M World – Take in some literal eye candy at this extravagant candy store near Times Square. Treat your sweet tooth to customized M&Ms and other colorful merchandise from their biggest store in the country.
42. Walk down 42nd Street – This Mid-town street is bursting with energy and worth exploring. Along its path you’ll encounter New York’s most famous destinations including Broadway, Times Square, Grand Central Station and more.
43. Shop on 5th Ave – Take a stroll down 5th avenue and splurge on some of the most prodigious luxury stores around. Or just window shop and wonder how anyone can afford high end fashion.
44. Celebrate New Year’s Eve – New York City has one of the most extravagant New Year’s celebrations in the world. With literally millions of people gathering around Times Square to watch the ball drop, the atmosphere is unlike anything I’ve ever seen. If you don’t want to wait outside in the cold for hours, there’s a plethora of themed parties to attend too.
45. Top of the Rock – If you aren’t tired of NYC’s skyline yet, here’s another observation deck to explore. Soar to the top of the Rockerfeller Center for the best views of down town’s skyscrapers.
46. Rockefeller Christmas Tree – New York has events for all occasions! Visit the Rockefeller Center during Christmas time to gaze upon an enormous tree decked out in lights.
47. Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade – If you’re in the city during Thanksgiving, join in on the world’s largest parade! There’s a ton of giant balloon characters that float over the streets to enjoy.
48. The MOMA – The Museum of Modern Art is one of the most influential art galleries in the world. This midtown museum has tons of modern and contemporary architecture to explore. You can purchase tickets to the exhibits here.
49. NYC Public Library – This huge collection of knowledge is an impressive sight to see. Even if you can’t check out any books, you can still admire its architecture.
50. Madison Square Garden – This ironically circular indoor arena is one of the largest concert venues in the city. Located by Penn Station, the Garden offers a plethora of big name concerts year round. Check out their upcoming events here.
51. Transit Museum – Step through the fragments of time as you explore this immersive underground museum. the Transit Museum is a former subway station that show cases the history of the NYC public transit systems. Really interesting walking through antique trains from past decades.
52. Ride the Subway – No New York experience is complete without riding on the subway system. It’s the cheapest and fastest way to get around the city. You can purchase individual amounts or a week long metro card pass inside each station.
53. Go to Brooklyn – No other borough has that old school style quite like Brooklyn. Home to the late and great Biggie Smalls, there’s plenty of street art, amazing pizza, great museums, and iconic landmarks. No trip to New York is complete without spending some time here!
54. Coney Island – Hop on the F, Q, or D subway line to reach the beach paradise that is Coney Island. This famous Brooklyn beach and boardwalk is known for its roller coasters, mermaid parade, and Nathan’s questionable hot dog eating competition.
55. Prospect Park – Check out this 585-acre urban park right in the middle of Brooklyn. There’s a plethora of fun activities to do so it’s definitely worth spending a few hours.
56. Brooklyn Bowl – How often do you get to go bowling in a world class brewery? Enjoy some quality beer and live music performances while bowling on one of 16 lanes. Check out all the special events Brooklyn Bowl has to offer here.
57. Brooklyn Brewery – While you’re there, stop by the microbrewery for a tasting tour and to see how it’s all made. Try some of the delicious local craft beer in one of the coolest atmosphere’s around.
58. Go to the Bronx – Head to the boogie down Bronx to find some old school Nikes and apparel. The birth place of hip hop also has a ton of other fantastic sightseeing attractions. The subway headed uptown should take you there.
59. Yankee Stadium – The Bronx also holds the most famous baseball team in the world, The New York Yankees. Even if you’re not a Yankee fan, Yankee Stadium is an impressive Colosseum of athleticism. Sign up for a tour here.
60. Go to Queens – Another one of NYC’s five boroughs, Queens is just north of Brooklyn. Stop by for panoramic skyline views, awesome sights at the Queens museum and Corona Park (no relation to the virus), and Shea Stadium, where the METs play.
61. Brooklyn Botanic Garden – Escape the busy city streets of Brooklyn in this tranquil, floral garden. Every spring season (Late March – Early April till May), the marvelous Japanese cherry blossom trees bloom in the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. At least you won’t have to travel all the way to Japan to see the sakura!
62. Go to Staten Island – Ride the Staten Island ferry from lower Manhattan to southernmost borough of NYC. Mostly to say you’ve been to all 5 boroughs, but there’s also some cool sight seeing to do.
63. Ride the FDR Tram – Check out the awesome views of the city in this modern aerial tram way, mostly used for commuting. It connects the Upper East side to Roosevelt Island. Rides are $4 round trip so not a bad deal!
64. Flat Iron Building – This iconic edifice in the New York City skyline is located at the intersection of 5th Ave and Broadway. It was designed in 1902 by a Chicago Architect. You may not be able to get inside this corporate building, but it’s still pretty cool to look at from the outside.
65. Washington Square Park – Another well known park in the Greenwich Village neighborhood. This public park boasts a large stone arch and a fountain to view while relaxing.
66. Bar Hopping – Few cities light up the night sky like NYC. There’s literally an endless amount of bars and clubs to hit along with a limitless variety. Bar hopping in Manhattan is perfect for a night out you’ll never forget. Some of my favorite areas are SOHO and the Lower East side. The 13th step, Fat Cat, and Barcelona Bar are some of my favorites.
67. Eat Ramen – This Japanese delicacy is authentically made by a multitude of restaurants around the city. My favorites are Izakaya Mew and Momosan ramen & sake. Itadakimasu!
68. Grand Central Terminal – Take a stroll through one of the busiest train stations in North America and you’ll feel the rush of the city. Inside you’ll find the symbolic clock as people zoom by in all directions. It’s on 42nd St, so you can get to other attractions nearby.
69. Penn’s Station – Another one of New York’s bustling train stations you might pass through. I’ve found many $10 buses into the city from Wanderu that drop you off here.
70. Maddame Tussaud’s Wax Museum – This infamous wax museum is home to dozens of celebrity and pop star replicas. Located right on 42nd St Times Square, Maddame Tussaud’s makes for a fun sightseeing diversion. Some of the figures are impressively realistic.
71. Ice Skate in the Rockefeller Center – Check out this seasonal ice skating rink right in the middle of Rockefeller plaza. It’s open from October to April. Reserve your tickets ahead of time to avoid the lines here.
72. Radio City Music Hall – This famous entertainment venue is located in midtown, right down the street from the Rockefeller center. They have tons of events and even the Radio City stage door tour, where you can get a behind the scenes look. The display lights put on a good show during Christmas time.
73. Rudy’s Bar & Grill – This Hell’s Kitchen pub has some super cheap well drinks and pitchers of beer. They also give you a free hot dog with every order so that’s cool.
74. Eat at Nathan’s Hot Dog – If you aren’t repulsed by the hot dog eating competition, stop by Nathan’s Famous hot dogs for a good lunch. Find the original one on Brooklyn’s Coney Island boardwalk. They’ve been around for over a hundred years!
75. Walk down Wall Street and the New York Stock Exchange – Take a random walk down Wall Street and catch a glimpse of the New York Stock Exchange building. Find the world’s largest stock exchange on 11 Wall st in lower Manhattan.
76. Brooklyn Museum – Check out NYC’s 3rd largest museum right by Prospect Park. The Brooklyn Museum boasts a wide selection of exhibitions and artworks.
77. White Castle – Satisfy your late night cravings with White Castle’s sensational tiny burgers and cheese fries. It’s my personal favorite fast food restaurant and primarily found on the north east.
78. Museum of Natural History – Here’s another world class museum in the upper west side of the city. The Museum of Natural History contains a butterfly conservatory, dinosaur fossils, and many more interactive exhibits.
79. Eat at Smorgasburg – Enjoy a feast with a variety of vendors at the largest open air food market in America. Smorgasburg is open every Saturday from 11am to 6pm. The Willamsburg location is the best one, but they have a few other locations around the city.
80. The Bronx Zoo – Head uptown to the Bronx park and explore the largest metropolitan zoo in the USA. Filled with hundreds of acres of naturalistic habitats and many unique animal experiences to enjoy, The Bronx Zoo is definitely worth the visit.
81. Go clubbing in the Meat Packing District – The city that never sleeps holds a trendy wave of bars and clubs to dance the night away. The former meatpacking plants from the old days have since been transformed into one of the best nightlife scenes in the world.
82. Colombus Circle – This busy traffic circle lies at the south-western entrance of Central Park and 8th ave. There’s a few cool monuments to see by the entry way.
83. Go to a Billy Joel Concert – Witness the Piano Man himself performing live in Madison Square Garden while you can. The king of the Garden holds the record for most shows at 65.
84. Boozy Brunch – Start off your morning by indulging in a delicious breakfast and drinks in one of the many restaurants around the city. Sometimes the best wake up call is a huge breakfast and bottomless mimosas with your friends. Rutstik Tavern in Brooklyn is one of my favorite spots.
85. Ride a Taxi – Now that we have Uber and Lyft, taxis might seem a bit archaic. It’s still a vintage way to get around the city and is a fun experience.
86. Brooklyn Flea – Head to Williamsburg to find some cool vintage antiques and collectibles at the largest flea market on the east coast. Brooklyn Flea is open every Saturday and Sunday.
87. Watch a movie in Bryant Park – Head to this multi-acre midtown park at sunset for a free movie and social atmosphere. Bryant Park Movie Nights are held in the summer months. Enjoy your favorite movies under the stars!
88. St. Patrick’s Cathedral – This neo-gothic church is free to enter and look around inside. Even admiring the architecture from the outside is enjoyable. St. Patrick’s Cathedral also holds events and masses you can attend if you’re into that.
89. Eat Junior’s Cheesecake – If you’re ready to taste the
best cheesecake in New York (and possibly the world), then look no further than Junior’s Cheesecake! These desserts are incredibly smooth, delicious, and made with premium ingredients. Their Landmark location in downtown Brooklyn has been around since the 50s, but they also have a few other locations around the city.
90. Carnegie Music Hall – Carnegie Music Hall is a concert venue that hosts a bunch of musical performances and events. Check out their upcoming events and buy tickets here.
91. Inwood Hill Park – Take a ride way uptown for the last natural forest left in the city. This relic of old New York has a long river front and many sport areas to enjoy.
92. Comedy Cellar – This Greenwich Village comedy club has been made famous from a huge list of comic celebrities over the decades. Be sure to reserve tickets online far in advance since they usually sell out.
93. Greenwich Village Halloween Day Parade – New York knows how to have a grand celebration for every single holiday, especially Halloween. March alongside thousands of costumed individuals in one of the most epic parades in the city! This annual parade starts Halloween day at 7pm on 6th Ave and Canal St and heads up to 16th street.
94. Manhattanhendge Sun – This spectacular celestial phenomenon occurs twice a year during the Manhattan solstice. The sun aligns with the east-west streets directly between the buildings. Face north on 14th, 34th, or 42nd street for spectacular views. It occurs in late May and mid July.
95. Kayak on the Hudson River – Kayaking is a great outdoor experience for those looking for a an aquatic adventure. You can sign up for tours or rentals online here.
96. Governor’s Island – Governor’s Island is a huge 172 acre park in the middle of New York Harbor. There’s loads of art galleries and parks to explore while visiting the island. Reserve your tickets for the ferry online here. Rides are free Saturdays and Sundays before noon.
97. The Met Cloisters – If you haven’t had enough of the MET’s artistic beauty, check out this branch museum, The Cloisters. The museum is found in Fort Tryon Park and specializes in medieval art and architecture.
98. Tenement Museum – Wander back in time in this immersive museum that reveals the multi-cultural roots of the migrant tenement dwellers. The entire apartment building has been turned into a museum that showcases the everyday lives of the people that lived there over a century ago.
99. Helicopter tour – A helicopter ride over New York City will grant you an unbeatable view of the city skyline. You’ll get to experience it in away most people can only dream about. Get tickets for your flight here.
100. See a piece of the Berlin Wall – You won’t have to go all the way to Germany to see one of its most iconic monuments. Pieces of the infamous Berlin Wall are scattered around the world, with 3 of them being in New York City. Check out this symbol of reunification at the United Nations, the Kowsky Plaza, and Ripley’s Believe it or Not.
Whew that was rough! It might take you a few trips to get everything on the list. There’s probably a million more things to do in New York City, but this is a good start. How many items have you crossed off? Hopefully you guys get to experience all the amazing things the city has to offer. Thanks for reading and keep leveling up!
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