When it comes to fun and exciting things to do, few places offer more than New York City. Whether you’re visiting for the first time, a seasoned traveler, or a native New Yorker, this vibrant melting pot of culture, history, art, food, and excitement has a never-ending list of adventures just waiting to be explored. This is why having a New York City bucket list is a great idea!
Crafting the perfect bucket list can be challenging in most places. Luckily, the Big Apple makes it even more challenging, as there is so much to choose from. We’ve compiled the ultimate NYC bucket list—a blend of classic attractions, hidden gems, and options from City Experiences that capture the spirit of the city.
City Experiences is the Perfect Partner for Building a Bucket List
City Experiences offers unique ways to discover New York City, from luxurious dining cruises to immersive walking tours. We combine the city’s best features—its history, culture, and iconic skyline—into curated experiences that cater to locals and visitors alike. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone, exploring for the first time, or rediscovering your love for the Big Apple, these experiences ensure that the adventures on your bucket list are anything but ordinary.
10 Experiences in the Big Apple to Add to Your NYC Bucket List
1 Sail to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island
Start your NYC journey with a visit to the Statue of Liberty, one of the world’s most iconic symbols of freedom. As the only authorized official provider of tickets, we offer several tour options that can provide special access to certain parts of the Statue and Ellis Island. Hop on a Statue City Cruises ferry to Liberty Island to see Lady Liberty up close. Pair it with a visit to Ellis Island, where the Immigration Museum tells the stories of millions who passed through its gates in pursuit of the American dream.
2 Go to the Top of the Empire State Building
The Empire State Building has been a beacon of Manhattan’s skyline since 1931. Head to the observation decks on the 86th and 102nd floors for breathtaking panoramic views of the city and the surrounding areas. It’s an experience that truly makes you feel on top of the world. Whether you visit during the day or at night when the city sparkles, it’s a must-do for all ages.
3 Dine on the Water with Spectacular NYC Skyline Views
One of the best ways to see New York City is from the water. Seeing the world-famous skyline from this perspective gives you the chance to appreciate the city as a whole and take in how beautiful it is. Add an elegant dining experience on a luxurious yacht, and you have the perfect experience for everyone’s bucket list. Come aboard the New York Bateaux Premier Plus Dinner Cruise and be treated to a delectable menu and jaw-dropping, panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline from our glass-enclosed yacht. You’ll see iconic landmarks up close, such as the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, the Brooklyn Bridge, and the One World Trade Center. As you marvel at Manhattan from the Hudson and East Rivers, enjoy tasty cocktails and the sweet sounds of our superb vocalist and acoustic band. This one-of-a-kind dinner cruise experience is as exhilarating as it is memorable.
If you prefer to dine earlier in the day, our New York Signature Bottomless Mimosa Brunch Cruise Pier 61 is also an unforgettable experience. It pairs those same incredible sights and views with a delicious, chef-prepared brunch buffet.
4 Take a Stroll Through Central Park
Escape the city’s hustle and bustle with a walk through Central Park. Spanning 843 acres, it’s perfect for walking, cycling, or picnicking. This green and peaceful oasis is filled with famous landmarks such as Bethesda Terrace, Bow Bridge, the Central Park Zoo, and Strawberry Fields. From boating on the lake in summer to ice skating at Wollman Rink in winter, Central Park offers year-round activities.
5 Discover NYC’s Museum Scene
New York City is home to some of the world’s best museums, each offering there own unique experience. City Experiences has several tours that cater to different interests. Art lovers will revel in the chance to “Meet the Met” during the Extended Metropolitan Museum of Art Tour. On this guided tour, you’ll explore art from around the world, from Ancient Egypt to modern-day America. You can also visit The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) to witness the world’s greatest collection of modern and contemporary art. For a deep dive into history, visit the famous American Museum of Natural History, or join us on the NYC: 9/11 Memorial Tour, which includes tickets for priority entrance to the 9/11 Museum.
6 Catch a Broadway Show
Broadway is known as the heart of live theater in the United States. With a plethora of different shows and performances, you’re bound to find something for the whole group, a perfect date night, or a classic show you have waited years to see. Whether it’s a long-running classic like The Lion King or a newer hit like Hamilton, a Broadway show is an unforgettable experience that should be on everyone’s bucket list. Budget-conscious travelers can check out TKTS booths for discounted same-day tickets. Also, you can explore smaller venues off-Broadway for innovative productions in an intimate setting.
7 Explore the Innovative Hudson Yards
Head to Hudson Yards to explore a New York City neighborhood full of cutting-edge skyscrapers, public parks, art installations, high-end retailers, and luxury residences. Once an industrial space dominated by train yards, this unique cultural hub was transformed and officially opened in 2019. It is now home to some of the city’s most interesting structures. One of our favorites is The Edge Observation Deck at Hudson Yards. Suspended more than 1,100 feet above the ground, it is the highest outdoor sky deck in the Western Hemisphere!
8 Experience the Energy of Times Square
Bright lights, massive billboards, and a bustling crowd—Times Square is the beating heart of NYC’s entertainment district. From street performers to flagship stores and iconic theaters, this vibrant area is a sensory overload in the best way possible. It is probably the area that best encapsulates the city’s energy and how it got the name of the “city that never sleeps.” Be sure to visit after dark to see the neon lights in all their glory.
9 Indulge in New York City’s Food Scene
New York City’s culinary diversity is unparalleled. Start your day with a classic bagel and cream cheese from a local deli, grab a slice of New York-style pizza for lunch, and explore diverse neighborhoods such as Chinatown or Little Italy for dinner. While the city is full of popular eateries and Michelin-starred restaurants, one of the best ways to dive into the food scene is with a food tour such as the Dumplings, Delis, & History: Lower East Side Historical Food Tour. This tour goes beyond the typical tourist spots, offering unique insights into NYC’s hidden treasures. Explore off-the-beaten-path destinations, such as bodegas and mom-and-pop restaurants that have been operating for generations.
10 Book a Private Yacht for the Best Views of NYC
Experience the city like never before and elevate your bucket list with a private yacht experience. A private charter lets you enjoy NYC’s beauty in an exclusive and intimate setting, perfect for creating unforgettable memories. City Cruises offers customizable charters for birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, and corporate events. Set against the backdrop of the world-famous New York City skyline, these private experiences are the epitome of NYC luxury.
New York City Fleet and Venues
Plan Your Bucket List Around NYC’s Seasonal Events
No matter when you visit, there’s always a seasonal event to enjoy in New York City. Here’s a list of popular and famous events in the city during each season:
- Spring: Cherry blossoms at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden and the Tribeca Film Festival.
- Summer: Outdoor concerts at SummerStage in Central Park and Fourth of July fireworks.
- Autumn: The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and Halloween festivities in Greenwich Village.
- Winter: The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, ice skating, and the New Year’s Eve ball drop in Times Square.
Make City Experiences a Part of Your New York City Bucket List
NYC is the city that never sleeps and never stops amazing its visitors. Whether you’re here for the iconic landmarks, the fantastic food, the unique culture, or the sheer energy of the city, New York City promises to leave an impression that will last a lifetime.
So, what are you waiting for? Every corner of New York has a story to tell and a memory waiting to be made. Start planning your bucket list with City Experiences today, and get ready to explore, indulge, and marvel at the city’s endless array of adventures.