The Best NYC Bucket List for Your Trip to the Big Apple

jun 17, 2022

Ah, New York City.

They don't call it "the city that never sleeps" for nothing, as this city is so full of sights and lights (not to mention celeb hotspots) that there truly is always something to see and even more to do.

If you're planning a trip there soon, whether it's your first or your 40th time, it's always good to have an idea about some of the top things to do and see while you're there. With that said, here's a little NYC bucket list that you can keep in your back pocket for your next trip to The Big Apple:

Take a stroll through Central Park to get some fresh air in this city of hustle and bustle
Visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art to soak up some of the world's greatest masterpieces
See a Broadway show

Broadway from Time Square: Shutterstock. New York, United States - December 11, 2010: Nighttime in Times Square features with Broadway Theaters and is a symbol of New York City.

(via Shutterstock)

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Or, for something a little different, catch a performance of Shakespeare in the Park
Have breakfast at Tiffany's (literally) at the all-day Blue Box Café
Check out one of the college campuses located in the city (and make take some inspiration to apply)
Explore the New York Botanical Garden and pretend like you're living in the world of Bridgerton for the day

New York Botanical Garden: Bronx lily pads: Shutterstock. BRONX, NY - JUNE 1: Water Lilly Pond at conservatory in New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx, NYC on June 1, 2012. The Victorian greenhouse is an architectural centerpiece at this 250 acre garden.

(via Shutterstock)

Design nerd? If so, definitely don't skip the Cooper Hewitt museum
Get some good old-fashioned NYC pizza at a local spot
Go to the American Museum of Natural History
Satisfy your sweet tooth with a treat from Levaine Bakery
…Or with donuts from Peter Pan Donuts in Brooklyn
Then walk it off by walking over the Brooklyn Bridge at some point in your trip

The Brookyln Bridge walking view: Shutterstock. New York, Brooklyn bridge at nigth, USA

(via Shutterstock)

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Eat at one of the city's numerous Michelin-starred restaurants (some are more affordable than you might think)
Feel like Belle from Beauty & the Beast by checking out the Morgan Library or New York Public Library
Visit one of NYC's famed cathedrals (St. Patrick's Cathedral is a good place to start)
Go to Grand Central Station, if you aren't taking a train anywhere
See the whole city from the top of the Empire State Building

The Empire State Building at sunset: Shutterstock. New York City with skyscrapers at sunset

(via Shutterstock)

Go on a neighborhood food tour to get your fill of all the best NYC has to offer
Go on a bike trip to Coney Island or Brighton Beach
Explore Chelsea Market for a culinary creative experience like no other
Grab dinner at a rooftop spot
See the One World Trade Center Observatory
Buy a book in one of the city's famous bookstores, like the Strand
Visit the 9/11 Memorial and pay your respects
Visit the green lady herself, the Statue of Liberty

The Statue of Liberty: Shutterstock. Statue of Liberty. New York, panorama of Manhattan with the One World Trade Center (Freedom Tower) and Hudson River, USA

(via Shutterstock)

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From the food to the famous sites you've seen in all your favorite films, there's so much to do, see and taste in New York City that even this extensive bucket list doesn't truly do it justice. However, it's a pretty good place to start, so choose a few that call to you and create your own NYC bucket list for your next trip.

And when you do go, be sure to have a perfect Instagram caption by choosing one from our list that you can find by clicking right HERE.

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