βI want to wake up, in the city that doesnβt sleep.β β Frank Sinatra, New York City
New York City is truly the MOST fascinating city in the world and it is made for every single person on this planet. No matter what, NYC should be on your bucket list!
Throughout my years of traveling, I have visited numerous cities worldwide and what is special about each of them is that they all have their own unique culture. BUT, there definitely is a reason why New York City is known as the greatest city in the world!
Now, I may be biased because New York is my actual home city, but how could you not be impressed with the most picturesque skyline, featuring state-of-the-art high-rises; skyscrapers and bridges that take you back to the Roaring 20βs; the melting pot of different cultures and the variety of exciting things to do?
People from all over the world travel to New York City every single day to experience the magic that it offers for everyone.
Whether you are spending your life, a month, a week, a weekend or just a day in New York City, here is a guide of 101 things you must experience.
**Please note that this blog post uses affiliate links meaning that if you make a purchase via my affiliate link, I receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only promote and talk about products and services that I have used and like. During my time in NYC, I was hosted on Intrepid Travel’s NYC Urban Adventures tour. The tour I participated in was Lonely Planet Experiences β Neighborhood Eats: Brownstone Brooklyn. I was also invited to New York City Fashion Week 2019 and hosted at Route 66 Smokehouse, on GetYourGuide‘s Helicopter Tour, at Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit, at The Escape Game and at RiseNY.
Pin the Below Image to Keep Handy
Getting to New York City:
New York City is a HUGE international hub, so you definitely wonβt have trouble finding flights to and from the βBig Appleβ. The three major airports in New York City are John F. Kennedy International Airport, Newark Liberty International Airport and Laguardia Airport. Through Skyscanner
, you could find affordable prices to this amazing city!
The best way to get from the airport to your accommodation is via a taxi or ride sharing app like Uber or Lyft as well as Go Airport Shuttle! Other ways to get to the Big Apple are by renting a car and driving and also through public transportation.
(Click here if you are planning to road trip around the United States and want to rent an RV.)
Where to Stay in New York City:
There are a plethora of different options for accommodations in New York City. There are hotels ranging from all budgets
, Airbnbs, Vrbos and there are also hostels
.
Some of the best areas to stay in are Midtown, Chelsea, Flatiron, the Lower East Side, FiDi (Financial District) and the Meatpacking District in Manhattan. I also recommend staying in Astoria, Queens; Williamsburg, Brooklyn; Dumbo, Brooklyn; Flatbush, Brooklyn; Bushwick, Brooklyn; Greenpoint, Brooklyn; Jersey City, NJ; Hoboken, NJ; Edgewater, NJ; Weehawken, NJ; Secaucus, NJ and Fort Lee, NJ.
Authentic Food in New York City:
Since New York City offers a melting pot of different cultures, you’re going to want to try all of the best foods.
During a trip to New York, I highly recommend taking a food tour in Brooklyn. In my opinion and from my own personal experiences, Brooklyn offers the most authentic food in all of New York City. You could find everything from the best pizza to bagels as well as bakeries to super markets throughout Brooklyn.
One of the best foodie experiences in NYC is a Brooklyn Food Tour. During October 2020, I participated in Lonely Planet Experiences – Neighborhood Eats: Brownstone Brooklyn food tour with Intrepid Travel‘s NYC Urban Adventures. It was a fun and interactive group tour!
During this group tour, our guide Brian of Eat This New York, took us to eight different restaurants and cafΓ©s in the South Brooklyn and Cobble Hill area. Overall, the tour was informative, fun and delicious!
Below are the restaurants, cafΓ©s and bakeries we visited during our tour:
Bien Cuit: The first stop on our food tour was to Bien Cuit, which is a French bakery known for their well done breads.
During our time at Bien Cuit, we tried a piece of their baguette and it was wonderful! I would’ve loved to pair it with a warm soup (next time).
There are two Bien Cuit locations in Brooklyn.
One Girl Cookies: Our second stop on the food tour was to One Girl Cookies. This lovely bakery and cookie shop was started by a Sicilian girl.
The baked treats offered at One Girl Cookies are small and delicious. All of the cookies are also named after the women in the owner’s family. There are quite a few flavors to enjoy, but the three I tried were chocolate pistachio, chocolate chip and a shortbread cookie.
One Girl Cookies has three locations in Brooklyn.
Shelsky’s of Brooklyn: The third awesome place we visited on the Brownstone Brooklyn food tour was Shelsky’s, which is an appetizing Jewish deli.
This amazing place is known for their bagels, so we tried two pieces of a plain bagel with smoked salmon and whitefish salad.
Shelsky’s has two locations in Brooklyn.
Damascus Bread: A great Mediterranean bakery that we visited on our fourth stop was Damascus Bakery.
This amazing family-owned bakery has been in operation since 1930 and they offer so many delicious Mediterranean specialities like pita bread, baklava and more. During our stop at Damascus Bakery, we savored the delicious spinach pie.
There is only one Damascus Bakery location in Brooklyn.
Table 87: A Brooklyn food tour would not be complete without visiting a coal oven pizzeria! The fifth stop on the NYC Urban Adventures food tour was at Table 87.
During our time here, we all had a delicious slice of Margherita pizza. It was absolutely amazing and I could see why they are known to be one of the best pizza spots in Brooklyn.
Table 87 has four locations in Brooklyn and you could even order their frozen pizza to make at home.
Court Pastry Shop: After tasting quite a few savory dishes, Brian took us through the beautiful Cobble Hill area of Brooklyn that features stunning brownstone buildings. He gave us an interesting history lesson and it was very nice to walk off a lot of the food we had just consumed.
For dessert, we stopped at Court Pastry Shop, which is a Sicilian bakery that is known for their pastries as well as biscotti. We got an almond biscotti and then went across the street to D’Amico Coffee. (There is only one Court Pastry Shop in Brooklyn.)
D’Amico Coffee: At D’Amico Coffee, we enjoyed our biscotti with their Red Hook blend, which is a mixture of three beans from Africa and South America. It is a smooth, dark brew with a slightly sweet finish.
Enjoying this cup of coffee with the almond biscotti from Court Pastry Shop was absolutely incredible!
D’Amico has two locations in Brooklyn.
Brooklyn Farmacy & Soda Fountain: The last stop on our fun NYC Urban Adventures tour was to Brooklyn Farmacy & Soda Fountain.
This adorable local spot in Carroll Gardens opened in 2010, but it was once a 1920s apothecary store (pharmacy).
Neighbors were so excited when Brooklyn Farmacy opened because they were craving the old fashion countertop classics such as ice cream sundaes, ice cream sodas and ice cream floats.
During our time here, we had a delicious egg cream, which is a cold beverage that consists of milk, carbonated water and a flavored syrup. Myself and a few others enjoyed the chocolate flavor and a few people had the vanilla flavor. It was the perfect treat to end our food tour!
Brooklyn Farmacy has only one location.
101 Things to do in NYC
:
Activities Year Round:
1. Become amazed by the lights and attractions in Times Square.
2. Head to the top of the Empire State Building.
3. Visit the 9/11 Memorial & Museum.
4. See up to four U.S. states at One World Observatory.
5. Catch the best views of New York City at Top of the Rock Observatory and The Edge at Hudson Yards.
6. Go back in history at The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
7. Get tickets to see a Broadway play or musical; one of the top things New York is known for.
8. Enjoy a music recital at Carnegie Hall.
9. Experience the ballet at New York City Ballet or American Ballet Theater
.
10. Walk over the Brooklyn Bridge during both day and night time.
11. Grab a slice of authentic New York pizza. I donβt have a specific favorite New York Pizza spot in NYC, but no matter where you go, you wonβt be disappointed. If you want a classic, definitely try Lombardi’s Pizza (America’s First Pizzeria) in Little Italy, Artichoke Basille’s Pizza or Joe’s Pizza
, which is located throughout the entire city.
12. Get an Italian aperitivo and enjoy the seasonal decorations at Eatalyβs rooftop bar, Birreria
.
13. Dance the night away at one of the cityβs best nightclubs and bars. My favorite areas to go out in NYC are the Meatpacking District, East Village or Lower East Side areas. Click here to uncover the best bars in New York City.
14. Shop through SoHo and admire the beautiful cast iron buildings.
15. Have a lovely morning enjoying one of the many NYC brunch spots. Click here to discover the best brunches in New York City.
16. Visit the beautiful Lady Liberty (Statue of Liberty).
17. Take photos of your favorite celebrities at Madame Tussaud’s – New York City’s celebrity wax museum.
18. Watch a jazz performance at Lincoln Center.
19. Be amazed at the American Museum of Natural History.
20. Educate yourself about the history of New York City’s immigration at Ellis Island.
21. Discover the beauty of Grand Central Terminal, NYCβs most beautiful train station.
22. Take in a true immersive experience at the Van Gogh Museum.
23. Enjoy the many art installations at various NYC pop up stands.
24. Discover the beauty and hidden gems of Central Park.
25. Learn how to navigate the New York City Subway. (Trust me, it will make your life easier.)
26. Visit the architectural wonder, the Vessel, at Hudson Yards. While you’re there, check out Mercado Little Spain.
27. Savor delicious beer at the Brooklyn Brewery.
28. Make memories with friends and family and combine all of your intelligence at The Escape Game New York City. (My friends and I did the Special Ops: Mysterious Market and it was a blast!)
29. Catch a concert at Madison Square Garden.
30. Rock out to a live performance or enjoy local musicians play in Brooklyn. A few years ago I saw Laura Marling perform at the Brooklyn Steel.
31. Take a fitness class at one of New York Cityβs many unique fitness studios.
32. Indulge in the best Italian specialties on Arthur Avenue in The Bronx.
33. Have fun and get your bowling game on at Brooklyn Bowl (in Brooklyn) or Lucky Strike
(in Manhattan).
34. Go stargazing at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum.
35. Visit the New York City Public Library – the most beautiful library in the city.
36. Admire the architectural beauty at St. John the Divine; the United Statesβ largest cathedral.
37. Read your way through Strand Bookstore.
38. Take in the talents at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMa), Guggenheim Museum
and Whitney Museum of American Art
.
39. Enjoy a lovely dinner on the water at Brookfield Place.
40. Learn about the history of New York City from finance to fashion and Broadway to music at RiseNY.
41. Enjoy high tea at The Plaza Hotel.
42. Savor a famous cronut at Dominique Ansel Bakery.
43. Enjoy a unique and immersive Shakespeare experience at the McKittrick Hotel Emursive.
44. Head into the residential East Village neighborhoods for boutique shopping, quaint coffee shops and more.
45. Visit the adorable Freemanβs Alley, a hidden gem in NYC.
46. Eat your way through Hellβs Kitchen. My favorite foodie spot is Becco. (Savor their three pastas of the day. It changes daily.)
47. Shop your way through The Oculus.
48. See the talented street art in Bushwick, Brooklyn.
49. Experience NYC’s haunted scene by taking a ghost tour.
50. Sample your way and find some goodies at Chelsea Market.
51. Watch the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center or the New York Knicks and/or Rangers at Madison Square Garden.
52. Visit TimeOut Market in Brooklyn to check out all different types of food. (I also went to TimeOut Market in Lisbon.)
53. Unwind at the Russian and Turkish Baths.
54. Walk around the charming South Street Seaport. Eat at Malibu Farm, a delicious farm-to-table California-inspired restaurant.
55. See the Victorian mansions of the Historic District of Ditmas Park in Brooklyn.
Everything to Enjoy During the Holidays:
(Discover the top 40 things to do in NYC during the holiday season.)
56. Head over to 6th Avenue (Avenue of the Americas) and watch the Macyβs Thanksgiving Day Parade on American Thanksgiving in late November.
57. If youβre visiting NYC in early December, attend the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting ceremony.
58. Be awestruck by the magnificent Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center (once it is lit).
59. Window-shop and admire the magical holiday artwork and displays in the high-end department store windows along Fifth Avenue.
60. Watch the Saks Fifth Avenue Christmas Light Show.
61. Visit the peaceful Christmas tree at the New York Stock Exchange.
62. Pretend youβre at the German Christmas markets by visiting Rolf’s Bar & Restaurant.
63. Dance with the Rocketteβs at The Radio City Christmas Spectacular.
64. Browse around the Union Square Holiday Market (or Farmerβs Market).
65. Take an Uber or subway ride to Dyker Heights in Brooklyn and admire all of their annual holiday decorations.
66. Visit the rooftop igloos and warm up with a hot alcoholic (or non alcoholic) beverage at 230 Fifth Rooftop Bar.
67. Bar crawl through Manhattan and raise money at the annual SantaCon.
68. See the stunning Christmas tree at Lotte New York Palace.
69. Walk around the Christmas markets at Bryant Park.
70. Ice skate at The Rink at Rockefeller Center, Bryant Park or Wollman Rink
in Central Park.
71. Ring in the New Year by watching the Swarovski crystal ball drop in Timeβs Square or have fun at one of the many parties.
72. Enjoy the exciting celebrations on Chinese New Year in New York City’s Chinatown. Enjoy delicious dumplings at Nom Wah Tea Parlor.
Top Things to do During the Warmer Months:
73. Sip frozen hot chocolate at Serendipity 3, a local’s favorite.
74. Enjoy a New York City happy hour. My favorite spots for happy hour with a view are City Vineyard, Loopy Doopy
, 230 Fifth
, Mr. Purple
, Cloud Social
, The Press Lounge
, Pod 39
, The Crown at 50 Bowery and more.
75. If youβre a movie lover, attend the Tribeca Film Festival.
76. Take a stroll along The High Line and admire the views of the Hudson River.
77. Be Italian for the day at the annual Feast of San Gennaro in Little Italy during September.
78. Cool off and enjoy a frozen happy hour at Tipsy Scoop β New York Cityβs first ice cream βbarlourβ.
79. Take a nap, read a book or catch up with a friend at New York Cityβs other beautiful parks: Bryant Park, Madison Square Park, Washington Square Park, Battery Park or Prospect Park.
80. Walk through a floral wonderland at the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens.
81. Become a foodie at Smorgasburg in Brooklyn – the largest open-air food market in America.
82. Enjoy laughs and good times under the stringed lights of Stone Street in the Financial District. A great restaurant to visit on Stone Street is Route 66 Smokehouse, which offers delicious BBQ dishes and you could also sit in an adorable heated igloo outside!
83. Watch a Yankee game at Yankee Stadium or a Mets game at Citi Field
.
84. Participate in New York City Restaurant Week during the month of July, or just enjoy all of the amazing restaurants NYC has to offer. There are 23 places you must eat in NYC right now!
85. Pretend youβre on a pirate ship at The Frying Pan.
86. Go to New York Cityβs famous beach and boardwalk, Coney Island, in Brooklyn.
87. Say hello to your favorite animals at the Bronx Zoo.
88. Grab Shake Shack (a NYC classic) and enjoy the views of the Flatiron Building from Madison Square Park.
89. Eat at “Instagrammable” locations such as Souvlaki GR, The NoMad Hotel‘s rooftop – The NoMad Restaurant, Sveta and more.
90. If you have a sweet tooth, visit the fun Museum of Ice Cream.
91. Attend New York City Fashion Week during the month of September.
92. Discover the future of plants at Greenery Unlimited in Brooklyn.
93. If you love sculptures, visit the Socrates Sculpture Park in Long Island City.
94. For all yogis out there, attend Wanderlust festival at Prospect Park in Brooklyn every September.
95. Make your childhood come back to life by having fun at Magic Hour Rooftop Bar where there is a bar, carousel and more.
96. Enjoy the tropical Tulum-inspired oasis at Gitano.
97. Watch a beautiful sunset at Little Island at Pier 55 in Hudson River Park.
98. Ride the aerial tram to Roosevelt Island. It is a beautiful spot to see cherry blossoms in the springtime.
99. Attend an event on Governorβs Island.
100. Enjoy the dreamy views of Manhattan by taking a cruise along the East River and Hudson River.
101. Take a helicopter tour over NYC and admire the views of all the city’s iconic buildings and spots.
I hope you all enjoyed discovering my top 101 things to do in New York City. Overall, the adventures here are unlimited and there is so much to do even outside of the Big Apple in New York State and New Jersey.
If you have any questions about New York City and beyond, please email me at info@browneyedflowerchild.com.
Click here to book a cooking class in NYC.
Make sure to pin this post if you find it useful!
Basic Facts of the United States:
Currency: United States Dollar, Capital: Washington D.C., NY State Capital: Albany, Time Zone: Eastern Standard Time
*Anything could happen during your travels. Always make sure you are insured in case there are unforeseen circumstances such as lost luggage/theft, natural disasters, personal liabilities and more. Click here to get insured for your next trip.
Shop My New York City Look:
Related posts
Best 3-Day NYC Christmas Itinerary for First-Timers
Best Restaurants in NYC for Christmas and Themed Bars
Where to Stay in NYC at Christmas: 14 New York Hotels
40 Comments
Leave a Comment
βI want to wake up, in the city that doesnβt sleep.β β Frank Sinatra, New York City
New York City is truly the MOST fascinating city in the world and it is made for every single person on this planet. No matter what, NYC should be on your bucket list!
Throughout my years of traveling, I have visited numerous cities worldwide and what is special about each of them is that they all have their own unique culture. BUT, there definitely is a reason why New York City is known as the greatest city in the world!
Now, I may be biased because New York is my actual home city, but how could you not be impressed with the most picturesque skyline, featuring state-of-the-art high-rises; skyscrapers and bridges that take you back to the Roaring 20βs; the melting pot of different cultures and the variety of exciting things to do?
People from all over the world travel to New York City every single day to experience the magic that it offers for everyone.
Whether you are spending your life, a month, a week, a weekend or just a day in New York City, here is a guide of 101 things you must experience.
**Please note that this blog post uses affiliate links meaning that if you make a purchase via my affiliate link, I receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only promote and talk about products and services that I have used and like. During my time in NYC, I was hosted on Intrepid Travel’s NYC Urban Adventures tour. The tour I participated in was Lonely Planet Experiences β Neighborhood Eats: Brownstone Brooklyn. I was also invited to New York City Fashion Week 2019 and hosted at Route 66 Smokehouse, on GetYourGuide‘s Helicopter Tour, at Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit, at The Escape Game and at RiseNY.
Pin the Below Image to Keep Handy
Getting to New York City:
New York City is a HUGE international hub, so you definitely wonβt have trouble finding flights to and from the βBig Appleβ. The three major airports in New York City are John F. Kennedy International Airport, Newark Liberty International Airport and Laguardia Airport. Through Skyscanner
, you could find affordable prices to this amazing city!
The best way to get from the airport to your accommodation is via a taxi or ride sharing app like Uber or Lyft as well as Go Airport Shuttle! Other ways to get to the Big Apple are by renting a car and driving and also through public transportation.
(Click here if you are planning to road trip around the United States and want to rent an RV.)
Where to Stay in New York City:
There are a plethora of different options for accommodations in New York City. There are hotels ranging from all budgets
, Airbnbs, Vrbos and there are also hostels
.
Some of the best areas to stay in are Midtown, Chelsea, Flatiron, the Lower East Side, FiDi (Financial District) and the Meatpacking District in Manhattan. I also recommend staying in Astoria, Queens; Williamsburg, Brooklyn; Dumbo, Brooklyn; Flatbush, Brooklyn; Bushwick, Brooklyn; Greenpoint, Brooklyn; Jersey City, NJ; Hoboken, NJ; Edgewater, NJ; Weehawken, NJ; Secaucus, NJ and Fort Lee, NJ.
Authentic Food in New York City:
Since New York City offers a melting pot of different cultures, you’re going to want to try all of the best foods.
During a trip to New York, I highly recommend taking a food tour in Brooklyn. In my opinion and from my own personal experiences, Brooklyn offers the most authentic food in all of New York City. You could find everything from the best pizza to bagels as well as bakeries to super markets throughout Brooklyn.
One of the best foodie experiences in NYC is a Brooklyn Food Tour. During October 2020, I participated in Lonely Planet Experiences – Neighborhood Eats: Brownstone Brooklyn food tour with Intrepid Travel‘s NYC Urban Adventures. It was a fun and interactive group tour!
During this group tour, our guide Brian of Eat This New York, took us to eight different restaurants and cafΓ©s in the South Brooklyn and Cobble Hill area. Overall, the tour was informative, fun and delicious!
Below are the restaurants, cafΓ©s and bakeries we visited during our tour:
Bien Cuit: The first stop on our food tour was to Bien Cuit, which is a French bakery known for their well done breads.
During our time at Bien Cuit, we tried a piece of their baguette and it was wonderful! I would’ve loved to pair it with a warm soup (next time).
There are two Bien Cuit locations in Brooklyn.
One Girl Cookies: Our second stop on the food tour was to One Girl Cookies. This lovely bakery and cookie shop was started by a Sicilian girl.
The baked treats offered at One Girl Cookies are small and delicious. All of the cookies are also named after the women in the owner’s family. There are quite a few flavors to enjoy, but the three I tried were chocolate pistachio, chocolate chip and a shortbread cookie.
One Girl Cookies has three locations in Brooklyn.
Shelsky’s of Brooklyn: The third awesome place we visited on the Brownstone Brooklyn food tour was Shelsky’s, which is an appetizing Jewish deli.
This amazing place is known for their bagels, so we tried two pieces of a plain bagel with smoked salmon and whitefish salad.
Shelsky’s has two locations in Brooklyn.
Damascus Bread: A great Mediterranean bakery that we visited on our fourth stop was Damascus Bakery.
This amazing family-owned bakery has been in operation since 1930 and they offer so many delicious Mediterranean specialities like pita bread, baklava and more. During our stop at Damascus Bakery, we savored the delicious spinach pie.
There is only one Damascus Bakery location in Brooklyn.
Table 87: A Brooklyn food tour would not be complete without visiting a coal oven pizzeria! The fifth stop on the NYC Urban Adventures food tour was at Table 87.
During our time here, we all had a delicious slice of Margherita pizza. It was absolutely amazing and I could see why they are known to be one of the best pizza spots in Brooklyn.
Table 87 has four locations in Brooklyn and you could even order their frozen pizza to make at home.
Court Pastry Shop: After tasting quite a few savory dishes, Brian took us through the beautiful Cobble Hill area of Brooklyn that features stunning brownstone buildings. He gave us an interesting history lesson and it was very nice to walk off a lot of the food we had just consumed.
For dessert, we stopped at Court Pastry Shop, which is a Sicilian bakery that is known for their pastries as well as biscotti. We got an almond biscotti and then went across the street to D’Amico Coffee. (There is only one Court Pastry Shop in Brooklyn.)
D’Amico Coffee: At D’Amico Coffee, we enjoyed our biscotti with their Red Hook blend, which is a mixture of three beans from Africa and South America. It is a smooth, dark brew with a slightly sweet finish.
Enjoying this cup of coffee with the almond biscotti from Court Pastry Shop was absolutely incredible!
D’Amico has two locations in Brooklyn.
Brooklyn Farmacy & Soda Fountain: The last stop on our fun NYC Urban Adventures tour was to Brooklyn Farmacy & Soda Fountain.
This adorable local spot in Carroll Gardens opened in 2010, but it was once a 1920s apothecary store (pharmacy).
Neighbors were so excited when Brooklyn Farmacy opened because they were craving the old fashion countertop classics such as ice cream sundaes, ice cream sodas and ice cream floats.
During our time here, we had a delicious egg cream, which is a cold beverage that consists of milk, carbonated water and a flavored syrup. Myself and a few others enjoyed the chocolate flavor and a few people had the vanilla flavor. It was the perfect treat to end our food tour!
Brooklyn Farmacy has only one location.
101 Things to do in NYC:
Activities Year Round:
1. Become amazed by the lights and attractions in Times Square.
2. Head to the top of the Empire State Building.
3. Visit the 9/11 Memorial & Museum.
4. See up to four U.S. states at One World Observatory.
5. Catch the best views of New York City at Top of the Rock Observatory and The Edge at Hudson Yards.
6. Go back in history at The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
7. Get tickets to see a Broadway play or musical; one of the top things New York is known for.
8. Enjoy a music recital at Carnegie Hall.
9. Experience the ballet at New York City Ballet or American Ballet Theater
.
10. Walk over the Brooklyn Bridge during both day and night time.
11. Grab a slice of authentic New York pizza. I donβt have a specific favorite New York Pizza spot in NYC, but no matter where you go, you wonβt be disappointed. If you want a classic, definitely try Lombardi’s Pizza (America’s First Pizzeria) in Little Italy, Artichoke Basille’s Pizza or Joe’s Pizza
, which is located throughout the entire city.
12. Get an Italian aperitivo and enjoy the seasonal decorations at Eatalyβs rooftop bar, Birreria
.
13. Dance the night away at one of the cityβs best nightclubs and bars. My favorite areas to go out in NYC are the Meatpacking District, East Village or Lower East Side areas. Click here to uncover the best bars in New York City.
14. Shop through SoHo and admire the beautiful cast iron buildings.
15. Have a lovely morning enjoying one of the many NYC brunch spots. Click here to discover the best brunches in New York City.
16. Visit the beautiful Lady Liberty (Statue of Liberty).
17. Take photos of your favorite celebrities at Madame Tussaud’s – New York City’s celebrity wax museum.
18. Watch a jazz performance at Lincoln Center.
19. Be amazed at the American Museum of Natural History.
20. Educate yourself about the history of New York City’s immigration at Ellis Island.
21. Discover the beauty of Grand Central Terminal, NYCβs most beautiful train station.
22. Take in a true immersive experience at the Van Gogh Museum.
23. Enjoy the many art installations at various NYC pop up stands.
24. Discover the beauty and hidden gems of Central Park.
25. Learn how to navigate the New York City Subway. (Trust me, it will make your life easier.)
26. Visit the architectural wonder, the Vessel, at Hudson Yards. While you’re there, check out Mercado Little Spain.
27. Savor delicious beer at the Brooklyn Brewery.
28. Make memories with friends and family and combine all of your intelligence at The Escape Game New York City. (My friends and I did the Special Ops: Mysterious Market and it was a blast!)
29. Catch a concert at Madison Square Garden.
30. Rock out to a live performance or enjoy local musicians play in Brooklyn. A few years ago I saw Laura Marling perform at the Brooklyn Steel.
31. Take a fitness class at one of New York Cityβs many unique fitness studios.
32. Indulge in the best Italian specialties on Arthur Avenue in The Bronx.
33. Have fun and get your bowling game on at Brooklyn Bowl (in Brooklyn) or Lucky Strike
(in Manhattan).
34. Go stargazing at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum.
35. Visit the New York City Public Library – the most beautiful library in the city.
36. Admire the architectural beauty at St. John the Divine; the United Statesβ largest cathedral.
37. Read your way through Strand Bookstore.
38. Take in the talents at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMa), Guggenheim Museum
and Whitney Museum of American Art
.
39. Enjoy a lovely dinner on the water at Brookfield Place.
40. Learn about the history of New York City from finance to fashion and Broadway to music at RiseNY.
41. Enjoy high tea at The Plaza Hotel.
42. Savor a famous cronut at Dominique Ansel Bakery.
43. Enjoy a unique and immersive Shakespeare experience at the McKittrick Hotel Emursive.
44. Head into the residential East Village neighborhoods for boutique shopping, quaint coffee shops and more.
45. Visit the adorable Freemanβs Alley, a hidden gem in NYC.
46. Eat your way through Hellβs Kitchen. My favorite foodie spot is Becco. (Savor their three pastas of the day. It changes daily.)
47. Shop your way through The Oculus.
48. See the talented street art in Bushwick, Brooklyn.
49. Experience NYC’s haunted scene by taking a ghost tour.
50. Sample your way and find some goodies at Chelsea Market.
51. Watch the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center or the New York Knicks and/or Rangers at Madison Square Garden.
52. Visit TimeOut Market in Brooklyn to check out all different types of food. (I also went to TimeOut Market in Lisbon.)
53. Unwind at the Russian and Turkish Baths.
54. Walk around the charming South Street Seaport. Eat at Malibu Farm, a delicious farm-to-table California-inspired restaurant.
55. See the Victorian mansions of the Historic District of Ditmas Park in Brooklyn.
Everything to Enjoy During the Holidays:
(Discover the top 40 things to do in NYC during the holiday season.)
56. Head over to 6th Avenue (Avenue of the Americas) and watch the Macyβs Thanksgiving Day Parade on American Thanksgiving in late November.
57. If youβre visiting NYC in early December, attend the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting ceremony.
58. Be awestruck by the magnificent Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center (once it is lit).
59. Window-shop and admire the magical holiday artwork and displays in the high-end department store windows along Fifth Avenue.
60. Watch the Saks Fifth Avenue Christmas Light Show.
61. Visit the peaceful Christmas tree at the New York Stock Exchange.
62. Pretend youβre at the German Christmas markets by visiting Rolf’s Bar & Restaurant.
63. Dance with the Rocketteβs at The Radio City Christmas Spectacular.
64. Browse around the Union Square Holiday Market (or Farmerβs Market).
65. Take an Uber or subway ride to Dyker Heights in Brooklyn and admire all of their annual holiday decorations.
66. Visit the rooftop igloos and warm up with a hot alcoholic (or non alcoholic) beverage at 230 Fifth Rooftop Bar.
67. Bar crawl through Manhattan and raise money at the annual SantaCon.
68. See the stunning Christmas tree at Lotte New York Palace.
69. Walk around the Christmas markets at Bryant Park.
70. Ice skate at The Rink at Rockefeller Center, Bryant Park or Wollman Rink
in Central Park.
71. Ring in the New Year by watching the Swarovski crystal ball drop in Timeβs Square or have fun at one of the many parties.
72. Enjoy the exciting celebrations on Chinese New Year in New York City’s Chinatown. Enjoy delicious dumplings at Nom Wah Tea Parlor.
Top Things to do During the Warmer Months:
73. Sip frozen hot chocolate at Serendipity 3, a local’s favorite.
74. Enjoy a New York City happy hour. My favorite spots for happy hour with a view are City Vineyard, Loopy Doopy
, 230 Fifth
, Mr. Purple
, Cloud Social
, The Press Lounge
, Pod 39
, The Crown at 50 Bowery and more.
75. If youβre a movie lover, attend the Tribeca Film Festival.
76. Take a stroll along The High Line and admire the views of the Hudson River.
77. Be Italian for the day at the annual Feast of San Gennaro in Little Italy during September.
78. Cool off and enjoy a frozen happy hour at Tipsy Scoop β New York Cityβs first ice cream βbarlourβ.
79. Take a nap, read a book or catch up with a friend at New York Cityβs other beautiful parks: Bryant Park, Madison Square Park, Washington Square Park, Battery Park or Prospect Park.
80. Walk through a floral wonderland at the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens.
81. Become a foodie at Smorgasburg in Brooklyn – the largest open-air food market in America.
82. Enjoy laughs and good times under the stringed lights of Stone Street in the Financial District. A great restaurant to visit on Stone Street is Route 66 Smokehouse, which offers delicious BBQ dishes and you could also sit in an adorable heated igloo outside!
83. Watch a Yankee game at Yankee Stadium or a Mets game at Citi Field
.
84. Participate in New York City Restaurant Week during the month of July, or just enjoy all of the amazing restaurants NYC has to offer. There are 23 places you must eat in NYC right now!
85. Pretend youβre on a pirate ship at The Frying Pan.
86. Go to New York Cityβs famous beach and boardwalk, Coney Island, in Brooklyn.
87. Say hello to your favorite animals at the Bronx Zoo.
88. Grab Shake Shack (a NYC classic) and enjoy the views of the Flatiron Building from Madison Square Park.
89. Eat at “Instagrammable” locations such as Souvlaki GR, The NoMad Hotel‘s rooftop – The NoMad Restaurant, Sveta and more.
90. If you have a sweet tooth, visit the fun Museum of Ice Cream.
91. Attend New York City Fashion Week during the month of September.
92. Discover the future of plants at Greenery Unlimited in Brooklyn.
93. If you love sculptures, visit the Socrates Sculpture Park in Long Island City.
94. For all yogis out there, attend Wanderlust festival at Prospect Park in Brooklyn every September.
95. Make your childhood come back to life by having fun at Magic Hour Rooftop Bar where there is a bar, carousel and more.
96. Enjoy the tropical Tulum-inspired oasis at Gitano.
97. Watch a beautiful sunset at Little Island at Pier 55 in Hudson River Park.
98. Ride the aerial tram to Roosevelt Island. It is a beautiful spot to see cherry blossoms in the springtime.
99. Attend an event on Governorβs Island.
100. Enjoy the dreamy views of Manhattan by taking a cruise along the East River and Hudson River.
101. Take a helicopter tour over NYC and admire the views of all the city’s iconic buildings and spots.
I hope you all enjoyed discovering my top 101 things to do in New York City. Overall, the adventures here are unlimited and there is so much to do even outside of the Big Apple in New York State and New Jersey.
If you have any questions about New York City and beyond, please email me at info@browneyedflowerchild.com.
Click here to book a cooking class in NYC.
Make sure to pin this post if you find it useful!
Basic Facts of the United States:
Currency: United States Dollar, Capital: Washington D.C., NY State Capital: Albany, Time Zone: Eastern Standard Time
*Anything could happen during your travels. Always make sure you are insured in case there are unforeseen circumstances such as lost luggage/theft, natural disasters, personal liabilities and more. Click here to get insured for your next trip.
Shop My New York City Look:
40 Comments
This is so fun Taylor! I grew up in NY and havenβt done half of these things. I need to get back and check all these off my list π
I’m always looking for things to do in the city. It’s hard to think sometimes; thanks for such great suggestions. Pictures by Carlo are awesome
Such an awesome and exhaustive list Taylor! loved it!
Sooo many good things to do in NYC, Taylor! Loved all your throwbacks too, hehe.
Love this post! My daughter just moved to NYC and I can’t wait to visit. That bookstore and Freemans Alley are calling my name. π
New York is such an amazing city, one of my favorites. There are just endless amounts of activities, though this is a great list to get me started on my next trip there. I love food tours so I really want to check out the Brooklyn food tour when I’m there next
Ahh I loved reading this! I lived in Brooklyn for a couple of years in 2011 but I haven’t been back to NYC since, this is giving me serious nostalgia! Thanks for sharing, I’ve got to check some of these out when I get back!
What a great list Taylor! I love that it’s so big and very diverse! I cannot wait to go back to NYC to tick some of your suggestions out of this bucket list!
Great post! I was able to spend only a few days in Manhattan and upstate NY. And loved it. Your post will be a great reference for when I get to return! Thank you for sharing!
I’ve still yet to visit NYC! I look forward to the day when I can go and experience tons of items on your list. The food in NYC looks amazing, and the happy hour views are incredible! I love your photos. You make the city look vibrant & fun! Thanks for sharing, Taylor π
I love New York City! This post made me realise how many things I have missed off. I really want to go back and tick off some of the amazing activities you have mentioned.
I love this extensive list! NYC was actually the last place I visited before this whole pandemic started. I definitely need to get back soon to try some of your amazing restaurant suggestions! I also *really* want to make it to Rolf’s and see its insane decorations!
I absolutely love NYC! I canβt wait to return and check out some of these places
Wow! What an amazing post. I would have never thought to visit some of these places. The food recommendations are amazing! I can’t wait to visit NYC again. Apparently, I missed out on a lot of fun! π
Wow, I don’t think I’d ever run out of ideas when visiting NYC now! Your photos are gorgeous (I love the one of the 9/11 memorial, so stunning!) Thanks for sharing so many ideas for NYC-goers!
One of my favorite places in the whole world! Happy to have some new things to do on my next trip!
I lived in NYC for several years after college and I have to agree it is the greatest city in the world. There is no place else like it. I really got out and did a lot when I lived there so I have done almost everything on your list, but not quite. I lived there pre-Vessel and haven’t had a chance to see it on any of my visits since then. I haven’t been to a Yankees or Mets game either. That was always on my list, along with Carnegie Hall. Also there were a few new ones I had never heard of like the Wanderlust festival. I would definitely check that out if I go back in September.
I’ve been to New York twice and haven’t done even half of these things! Looks like I need to back π
This brings back so many good memories! I lived in NYC for a few months after college. My faves are definitely the rooftop bars and the High Line π
Amazing blog, it is a fabulous blog, the way it is written is amazing and accurate at the same time, please keep on writing blogs like this.
Leave a Comment
Related posts
Best 3-Day NYC Christmas Itinerary for First-Timers
Best Restaurants in NYC for Christmas and Themed Bars
This is so fun Taylor! I grew up in NY and havenβt done half of these things. I need to get back and check all these off my list π
Thank you Courtney! Yes, I try to do something new every time I go into the city. π
I’m always looking for things to do in the city. It’s hard to think sometimes; thanks for such great suggestions. Pictures by Carlo are awesome
Thank you so much Vonni! The adventures in NYC are endless! π
Such an awesome and exhaustive list Taylor! loved it!
Thank you so much Aswani! π
Sooo many good things to do in NYC, Taylor! Loved all your throwbacks too, hehe.
Ah thank you Bri! The adventures here are endless! π
Love this post! My daughter just moved to NYC and I can’t wait to visit. That bookstore and Freemans Alley are calling my name. π
Thank you Erin! Congrats to your daughter. She will love NYC! So much opportunity there. π
New York is such an amazing city, one of my favorites. There are just endless amounts of activities, though this is a great list to get me started on my next trip there. I love food tours so I really want to check out the Brooklyn food tour when I’m there next
It really is Emma! I never get sick of NYC. You should totally do the food tour in Brooklyn when you go back. They have the best food! π
Ahh I loved reading this! I lived in Brooklyn for a couple of years in 2011 but I haven’t been back to NYC since, this is giving me serious nostalgia! Thanks for sharing, I’ve got to check some of these out when I get back!
Thank you Jade! There is so many great spots in the city. π
What a great list Taylor! I love that it’s so big and very diverse! I cannot wait to go back to NYC to tick some of your suggestions out of this bucket list!
Thank you so much Ophelie! I never get sick of NYC. There is always something new to see or try! π
Great post! I was able to spend only a few days in Manhattan and upstate NY. And loved it. Your post will be a great reference for when I get to return! Thank you for sharing!
Thank you so much Tracy! It really is such a great city! π
I’ve still yet to visit NYC! I look forward to the day when I can go and experience tons of items on your list. The food in NYC looks amazing, and the happy hour views are incredible! I love your photos. You make the city look vibrant & fun! Thanks for sharing, Taylor π
You totally have to go Brittany! It is such a great city with so much to do. The food really is incredible! π
I love New York City! This post made me realise how many things I have missed off. I really want to go back and tick off some of the amazing activities you have mentioned.
You definitely have to go back! There really are countless spots to enjoy. π
I love this extensive list! NYC was actually the last place I visited before this whole pandemic started. I definitely need to get back soon to try some of your amazing restaurant suggestions! I also *really* want to make it to Rolf’s and see its insane decorations!
Thank you Ada! Rolf’s is such a great place to visit during the holidays! All of NYC is amazing during that time of the year. π
I absolutely love NYC! I canβt wait to return and check out some of these places
It really is the best city in the world! π
Wow! What an amazing post. I would have never thought to visit some of these places. The food recommendations are amazing! I can’t wait to visit NYC again. Apparently, I missed out on a lot of fun! π
Thank you Kelly! The things to do and see in NYC are endless. It’s almost impossible to see it all. π
Wow, I don’t think I’d ever run out of ideas when visiting NYC now! Your photos are gorgeous (I love the one of the 9/11 memorial, so stunning!) Thanks for sharing so many ideas for NYC-goers!
Thank you Michela! The adventures in NYC are definitely endless. I hope to accomplish at least 50% of it during my lifetime. π
One of my favorite places in the whole world! Happy to have some new things to do on my next trip!
Thank you Denise! It really is such an amazing city. π
I lived in NYC for several years after college and I have to agree it is the greatest city in the world. There is no place else like it. I really got out and did a lot when I lived there so I have done almost everything on your list, but not quite. I lived there pre-Vessel and haven’t had a chance to see it on any of my visits since then. I haven’t been to a Yankees or Mets game either. That was always on my list, along with Carnegie Hall. Also there were a few new ones I had never heard of like the Wanderlust festival. I would definitely check that out if I go back in September.
Ah yes, there is so much to see and do in NYC that the adventures are endless. I still have a lot to accomplish myself. Wanderlust festival is so much fun in Brooklyn. π
I’ve been to New York twice and haven’t done even half of these things! Looks like I need to back π
Yes, there are endless amounts of fun to be had in the Big Apple. π
This brings back so many good memories! I lived in NYC for a few months after college. My faves are definitely the rooftop bars and the High Line π
Ah that is so great to hear! NYC is the BEST post college. π
Amazing blog, it is a fabulous blog, the way it is written is amazing and accurate at the same time, please keep on writing blogs like this.
Thank you so much Elena! π