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— the best things to do in New York City, from iconic skyline views and hidden parks to the museums and food spots you can't miss. Whether it's your first trip or your fiftieth, these are the experiences worth your time. Tap any spot for details + links. 🗽🍎Things to Do in NYC: The Ultimate Bucket List 🗽
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items The NYC spots I send everyone to — from Top of the Rock and Central Park to the High Line, the Brooklyn Bridge at sunset, and my favorite hidden coffee shops and dumpling spots downtown. A mix of the iconic must-dos and local gems you won't find in a...
Sections
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Outdoor Activities
Restaurants
Other Food & Drinks
Arts & Entertainment
Outdoor Activities
843 acres of green right in the middle of Manhattan. Walk the Mall, see Bethesda Fountain and Bow Bridge, rent a rowboat, or just people-watch — it feels like a whole different world every season. Free and unmissable.
Central Park
A 1.5-mile elevated park built on an old freight rail line, running from the Meatpacking District to Hudson Yards. Gardens, art, skyline views, and great people-watching — one of the best free walks in the city.
The High Line
A tiny floating park on the Hudson, built on 132 tulip-shaped pillars over the water. Free to visit, with rolling lawns, hidden overlooks, and gorgeous sunset views of the skyline and Statue of Liberty.
Little Island
Walk it at sunrise to skip the crowds and get unreal skyline photos. The stroll from Manhattan into DUMBO, Brooklyn lands you right by great pizza and the famous Washington St view. Totally free.
Brooklyn Bridge Walk
Restaurants
The legendary pastrami-on-rye since 1888 (yes, THE ‘When Harry Met Sally’ deli). Order at the counter, tip your cutter, and don't lose your ticket. A messy, iconic, only-in-NY meal.
Katz's Delicatessen
The quintessential NY slice — thin, foldable, perfectly greasy. The Carmine St location in the Village is the classic. Grab a plain slice, fold it, and eat it standing up like a real New Yorker.
Joe's Pizza
Other Food & Drinks
Home of the famous 6-ounce cookies that are crispy outside and gooey-underbaked inside. The chocolate chip walnut is the icon. Worth the line — get them warm. Locations on the UWS and beyond.
Levain Bakery
A proper NY bagel — huge, chewy, and hand-rolled. Get one with scallion cream cheese or a classic lox spread. The line moves fast and it's the perfect fuel before a day of sightseeing.
Ess-a-Bagel
Arts & Entertainment
5,000+ years of art under one roof, and one of the greatest museums on earth. Don't miss the rooftop garden bar in warmer months and the Temple of Dendur. Tip: admission is pay-what-you-wish for NY state residents.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Take the ferry from Battery Park to stand beneath Lady Liberty and walk Ellis Island's moving immigration museum. Book the pedestal or crown access early — it sells out. For a free version, ride the Staten Island Ferry past her.
Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island
My pick for the best skyline view because you actually see the Empire State Building in your photos (you can't when you're on it). The newly expanded top tiers are stunning at sunset. Book a timed sunset slot.
Top of the Rock Observation Deck
The highest outdoor sky deck in the Western Hemisphere — 100 stories up with a glass floor and angled glass walls to lean against. Thrilling and unreal views. For adrenaline junkies, try City Climb up the building's side.
Edge at Hudson Yards
The classic. The 86th-floor open-air deck is the iconic one; the 102nd floor adds height and a glass-enclosed view. Go early morning or late night to dodge lines, and look for the building lit up in themed colors at night.
Empire State Building
Worth seeing once for the sensory overload of lights and billboards — then use it as your launchpad for a Broadway show (grab same-day discount tickets at the TKTS booth). Best at night, and keep an eye on your bag.
Times Square NYC
The most immersive observation experience — mirrored rooms, art installations, and floor-to-ceiling glass over 1,000 feet up. Very Instagrammable. Add on the glass elevator (Ascent) for the full effect.
SUMMIT One Vanderbilt