20 Things to Add to your New York City Bucket List

From food festivals to iconic sites, here are 20 things to add to your NYC Bucket List.

If you have ever taken a trip to New York City, you know it really is a city that never sleeps. Over the last ten years, I’ve been there on numerous occasions, including a family trip, mother/daughter weekends and even as a chaperone on a high school trip. Usually we have at least one big activity planned, like a Broadway show, a shopping spree, or a quest for pizza (more on that below). But with so many activities to choose from, the thought of spending a few days in this vibrant city can be overwhelming. This list of 20 things to do in New York City includes iconic sites like the Empire State Building and the Brooklyn Bridge, along with local markets, and a few free activities. Whether you are looking for fun things to do in New York City for the day or longer, this NYC bucket list is perfect for all ages!
*This post was updated December, 2024

*This post contains affiliate links; if you purchase something familyTravelsUSA may receive a small commission. As always, opinions are my own.

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New York City Bucket List

1. See a Broadway Show. Whether you are spending a weekend or longer, taking in a Broadway show is near the top of the “things to do in New York City” list for most people. If you have some flexibility with both your schedule and the show you want to see, you can always try to get discounted tickets the day of the show. Upon arrival, check out the daily show list on the TKTS by TDF site, then either wait in line at the ticket booth in Times Square (or at Lincoln Center) or head directly to the theater box office. For most people, buying tickets ahead of time at a reputable site like Broadway.com often works best.

2. Go to the the Top of the Rock or the Empire State Building. This is one of those iconic New York City experiences that everyone should enjoy at least once! It’s often less crowded at the Top of the Rock, but I think the views are amazing from either location. Both spots offer a glittering view of NYC if you decide to visit after the sun goes down.

It's a must to check out the amazing views when you visit NYC!

3. Take the NBC Studio Tour. We loved this tour when we took it several years ago, and it’s a fun option with teens. Along with learning about the TV production process and behind the scenes access to real television studios, recent updates to the tour include the opportunity to produce your own show. If the cost of the studio tour is too much for your budget, arrive outside the studios at TODAY Plaza in the early morning (it’s recommended to arrive between 6:15 and 6:30 a.m.) to be part of the live broadcast of the Today Show. You can find out how to get tickets to select NBC live shows here.

4. Walk the High Line. Take a break from the crowded sidewalks and busy streets and stroll along this elevated park in Manhattan’s West Side. Check their calendar for a schedule of free 45-minute guided tours. Last time we went it was a bit chilly, so I’m looking forward to doing this again when the weather is warmer.

5. Eat Your Way Through Smorgasburg. During a summer visit, we took the subway to Prospect Park to check out this classic Brooklyn flea market and were not disappointed. This seasonal Sunday market (Prospect Park) is perfect for foodies who want to try local specialties. The line to try the popular Ramen Burger was way too long, but the dessert from Wowfulls hit the spot on a hot summer day. Check the website, as there are other Smorgasburg locations around New York City, on Saturdays and Sundays.

Spend the afternoon at Smorgasburg in Brooklyn - One of 20 things to add to your NYC Bucket List.

6. Walk Across the Brooklyn Bridge. This is another item I hope to check off my bucket list one of these days. You can easily spend a few hours strolling from one side to the other and back across the pedestrian walkway. Explore the New York Travel & Food board on Pinterest, where you’ll find several pins detailing what you need to know before you walk across the Brooklyn Bridge.

7. See NYC During the Holidays. With seasonal window displays, glittering lights, outdoor ice skating and holiday markets, there is plenty to do during December. Round out your holiday visit with tickets to the Christmas Spectacular with the famous Radio City Rockettes or a Broadway show. Check out our tips for visiting during the holidays along with a 2-day itinerary.

8. Visit Chelsea Market. Stroll through this popular block long food hall with over 35 vendors to browse. Be prepared for a crowd, and try to arrive early in the day if you can. Or consider booking a tour that includes Chelsea Market, the Highline, and Hudson Yards. Before you book, read our tips and things to know about taking a guided tour.

9. Take a Ferry to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Book tickets in advance for this popular attraction, where you can choose to go all the way up to the Crown of the Statue of Liberty (via 162 stairs), or just tour the grounds and the Statue of Liberty Pedestal. You can depart from Battery Park on the New York side, or Liberty State Park on the New Jersey side. Explore Ellis Island, where millions of immigrants including some of my own relatives passed through over a period of 62 years. Because both sites are part of the National Park System, Ranger-guided tours may be available.

Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty should be on everyone's NYC bucket list.

10. Ride the Carousel in Central Park. When the weather permits, you can take a ride on this iconic piece of history in Central Park. It’s classic fun for all ages, and an easy walk from the south entrance of the park. The original carousel was opened over 100 years ago, with the existing carousel being the fourth in the same spot.

11. Buy Some Cheese at Murray’s Cheese Shop. If you like cheese, be sure to swing by Greenwich Village and stop by their flagship cheese shop. It’s one of the stops on the Original Greenwich Village Tour by Foods of New York Tours. If you are in need of comfort food, the Bleecker Street store is also home to Murray’s Mac & Cheese.

12. Spend the Afternoon at the American Museum of Natural History. From fossils to mammals, you’ll find so many cool exhibits at this family-friendly museum. Stop by the information desk to find out about tour offerings. Before you go, download the free museum Explorer app or PDF to your phone to help guide you through your visit. Admission to the museum is also part of the the New York CityPASS® ticket. Reserve timed-entry tickets (required) in advance.

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13. Search for Street Art. If you love seeing the larger than life murals that are popping up in cities big and small, New York City will not disappoint. With pockets of art scattered in neighborhoods around the city, it’s a fun place to search for street art. I highly recommend browsing through the extensive street art blog posts from NYC locals Mad Hatters NYC. They also have detailed city and neighborhood guides.

Eat on the Street in Greeley Square - One of 20 things to add to your NYC Bucket List.

14. See Central Park by Bike. At roughly 842 acres, taking a bike tour of Central Park is a good way to cover more ground. Free Tours by Foot details several options for exploring Central Park by bike, including tours that are focused on different sections of the park. Options for bike rental shops around the city are also included. Note that some tours may be seasonal.

15. Visit the 9/11 Memorial and Museum. The 9/11 Memorial fills 8 of the 16 acres at the World Trade Center. The Museum documents the events of September 11, 2001 through two core exhibitions, one which commemorates the lives of the 2983 people who died on that tragic day.

16. Check Out Famous Movie Locations. So many spots in New York City have been included in movie scenes and TV shows over the years, such as the Friends apartment building or the famous Hook and Ladder Co #8 from Ghostbusters. If a guided tour is not in your budget, Free Tours by Foot is a great resource for self-guided movie tours, including their guide to Lower Manhattan Film and TV locations and Central Park Movie and TV Tour.

17. Be Entertained While You Eat at Ellen’s Stardust Diner. If a Broadway show is out of your price range, head over to Ellen’s Stardust Diner, where you’ll find the aspiring Broadway stars of tomorrow singing their hearts out while serving breakfast, lunch and dinner (and breakfast is often the least crowded). This is our go-to spot each time we visit the city and always have a fabulous time!

Ellen's Stardust Diner - One of 20 things to add to your NYC Bucket List.

18. Take A Slice of Brooklyn Pizza Tour. Meet in Manhattan where you will be whisked away to Brooklyn on a luxury bus for a fun-filled 4 hour tour. Fill up on delicious pizza, visit Coney Island and watch Hollywood and history come to life. Plus the views coming in and out of the city are awesome! It’s way more than pizza! Read more at Why You Should Add a Slice of Brooklyn Pizza Tour to Your NYC Bucket List.

19. Visit The Metropolitan Museum of Art (MET) or the Museum of Modern Art. Spend some time at one or both of these popular art museums. With a footprint of more than 2 million square feet, we learned the hard way on our first visit to the MET that it is impossible to see everything during a short visit. The MET offers pay as you wish admission for residents of New York state along with students in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. The MoMA offers some family friendly ways to explore. Advance ticket purchase is necessary (a limited number of tickets are available at the museum but entry is not guaranteed).

Take time to visit the MET when you are in NYC! One of 20 things to add to your NYC bucket list.

20. Ride the Subway. It wouldn’t be a true experience in New York City without a trip on the subway. We’ve taken the subway on several occasions, and my only advice is to make sure you are entering the correct entrance for the line you are riding on. Riding the subway in NYC may not be for everyone, so you can learn more about transportation options around the city here.

A CityPASS® ticket offers several options for visiting New York City. The regular CityPASS ticket allows visitors to purchase 2 tickets that are preset (Empire State Building and American Museum of Natural History), along with the choice of 3 other attractions (including places like the 9/11 Memorial & Museum and the Top of the Rock Observation Deck). The New York C3® ticket allows visitors to choose which 3 attractions out of almost a dozen choices to visit, which is great for shorter trips and allows some planning flexibility. Both passes are valid over a 9 day period, with the first day of use being day 1. Ferry access to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island is an option with both the New York CityPASS and the New York C3® ticket. Check out all the options here.

Don’t know where to stay in New York City? We’ve stayed in different hotels over the years, Including the Moxy NYC Times Square and the Millenium Hotel Broadway Times Square for overnights in 2024. In the past, we have also driven in from hotels in nearby New Jersey. The hotel scene in the city is ever-changing, and levels of service have fluctuated based on staffing shortages and other issues. Given the range of prices and amenities in New York City, I highly recommend doing a bit of your own research, reading reviews from the past six months, and learning about the various neighborhoods prior to booking. You can filter by price range, neighborhoods, and family-friendly amenities. If you are traveling into New York City by car, be sure to ask about the daily rate for parking, which can be quite high. Use Spot Hero to secure parking ahead of time.

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