Thousands of interns flock to New York City every summer, and this year, I am among them. I have dreamed of living in the Big Apple since as long as I can remember, and these past two weeks, even the time I have spent indoors in an office, have been a blast. (Being in NYC has definitely softened the parting blow from having to leave the movie paradise that was Cannes!) Yet although an entire summer may sound like a long time, between working and doing real people things like grocery shopping and laundry, the actual time we have to explore the city is quite limited. Here are some things that should be on your NYC bucket list.
1. Visit the Met (Metropolitan Museum of Art).
The Met, the classic NYC art destination, never gets old, even though I visit whenever I’m in NYC! Be on the lookout for events that offer complimentary entry, like the Museum Mile Festival earlier this month.
2. Visit the MoMa (Museum of Modern Art).
Besides a visit to the Met, a trip to NYC isn’t complete without stopping by the MoMa, as well. The MoMa offers free admission every Friday night, and The Modern Bar and Restaurant located inside the museum is also worth a visit while you’re there.
3. And don’t forget to visit all of NYC’s other art destinations.
Besides just the Met and the MoMa, NYC is filled with smaller art galleries that are worth stopping by from the Guggenheim to the David Zwirner Gallery.
4. Get the cereal milk soft serve (and any other sweet treats) at Momofuku Milk Bar.
The famed Momofuku Milk Bar is definitely worth a visit (or two). While I’m not a huge ice cream fan (shockingly), the cereal milk soft serve is truly addicting, much like the aptly named Crack Pie.
5. Order some cupcakes at the Sprinkles ATM.
The famed Sprinkles ATM at 780 Lexington Avenue is exactly what it sounds like: an ATM full of cupcakes. Stop by if only to take an Instagram-worthy snap.
6. While you’re at it, get some cupcakes from Baked by Melissa, too.
Bite-sized cupcakes are truly dangerous, you realize, when you immediately eat almost half of a box of 24 from Baked by Melissa. Yet they’re so, so good.
7. Stop by Ladurée, while you’re at it.
Sweet tooth still not satisfied? Get some authentic French macarons at Ladurée. (Just beware of the often long lines.)
8. Go see a Broadway show…or two.
Not sure if you’ll enjoy just any random show? There are always the classics from Phantom of the Opera to Mamma Mia in addition to several ways to find discounted tickets.
9. Go for a run around Central Park.
You’ll get your morning workout in while also enjoying one of the best spots in New York.
10. Do the touristy things.
From visiting the Top of the Rock to the Empire State Building, you’re never too cool to do the super touristy things. Just beware of the summer vacation crowds.
11. Go to a concert.
Whether at a small venue or at Madison Square Garden, musical performances are never hard to find in the city.
12. Get outside of Manhattan, too.
From the Hamptons to Brooklyn, there are tons of other places besides Manhattan to explore, too. Plus, summer isn’t complete without a day or two spent at the beach!
