New York City: there are things to do, places to go, food to eat, and people to see. But if you're like me, you want a list that you can turn to when you see you've been wasting the day with Netflix, again. Here is your Ultimate NYC Bucket List to ensure you won't be sleeping in the City That Never Sleeps...
1. Say "I'll Have What She's Having" at Katz's Delicatessen
For those of you who love the movie, When Harry Met Sally, you must visit Katz’s and say “I’ll have what she’s having”. However, if you don’t know what I’m talking about Katz’s is still an NYC favorite! Katz's Delicatessen is located on the Lower East Side and is famous for its pastrami sandwiches. Fun fact: each week, Katz’s serves 10,000 pounds of pastrami, 5,000 pounds of corned beef, 2,000 pounds of salami, and 12,000 hot dogs.
2. Get a true NYC bagel
Two of my all-time favorite spots are Ess-A-Bagel and Murray’s Bagels. Ess-A-Bagel, located on the corner of 51st and 3rd, is home to some of the best bagels in Manhattan. Trust me- the line is well worth the wait! Murray’s Bagels, located only a few blocks from Union Square, has some of the most amazing bagels I’ve ever had. Definitely should be the first stop on any Sunday morning.
3. Go to Coney Island
Located in Brooklyn, Coney Island is a neighborhood that features an amusement area that includes 50 or more separate rides and attractions. You can walk the boardwalk, ride the Wonder Wheel, or order a hot dog at Nathan’s Famous. If you are in Brooklyn, I recommend going to L & B Spumoni Gardens. They have amazing square pizza and ice cream!
4. See a Broadway Show
There’s nothing better than seeing a show on Broadway. If you really want to see a particular show or if you want only prime seats for any show-book as early as you can. For most shows, a few weeks in advance will be sufficient. Although sometimes, you can get lucky and get them the day off!
5. Get a snack at Smorgasburg
Located in Brooklyn, Smorgasburg is open every weekend and is one of the most delicious events you’ll be able to experience all summer. Located on the Williamsburg waterfront, there is a beautiful backdrop while you munch your way through the festival. Get the famous ramen burger, you won’t regret it. My favorite thing at Smorgasburg is the sea salt caramel Rice Krispie ice cream sandwich from The Good Batch. If you go to Smorgasburg and don’t take an Instagram, did you really go?
6. Feel like an Art Connoisseur at the Whitney Museum
Located on Gansevoort Street, The Whitney Museum of American Art presents the full range of twentieth-century and contemporary art. There are 8 floors of beautiful exhibitions, and 4 outdoor spaces where you can see amazing views of the city and the Hudson. (photo credits: @funky.dr)
7. Watch a movie in Bryant Park
Every Monday night in the summer, Bryant Park shows a movie on the lawn. Grab your blanket and your favorite movie-snack and head over to the park to see a free movie under the stars.
8. Order crack pie at Momofuku Milk Bar
Momofuku Milk Bar is famous for their crack pie. The description on their website is “toasted oat crust, gooey butter filling”. Trust me- it might be more addictive than crack itself! (photo credits: @snes_)
9. Spend the day in Central Park
Spend the day relaxing and lounging in central park. Have lunch at Le Pain Quotidien, and enjoy the rest of the day with a good book! Fun fact: Le Pain Quotidien is dog friendly and they have a bowl of complimentary organic dog treats on the counter.
10. Eat authentic dim sum in Chinatown
Golden Unicorn is the place to go for real dim sum. You can get all of the pork buns and dumplings your heart desires via fast-moving carts. Don’t ask questions, (few speak English), just grab off the carts and taste! (photo credits: @jstacksx)
11. Enjoy a slice of real NYC Pizza
There’s nothing better than real pizza, and New York is the place to find it! Check out places such as: Ray’s original, John’s, Grimaldi’s, Angelo’s Coal Fired Pizza, Rubirosa, or Serafina. (This picture was taken at Serafina!)
12. Get Loopy at the Loopy Doopy Rooftop Bar
Located in the Conrad Hotel, Loopy Doopy Rooftop Bar is home to the infamous popsicle dipped in a wine glass. It’s one of the best places to cool down and blow off some steam. Go during the sunset, and you’ll get an incredible view of NYC. (photo credits: @tweed128)
13. Get a frozen s’more at Dominic Ansel’s Bakery
Words cannot express how delicious these s’mores really are. The cronuts are incredible, the meringues are amazing, and the line is always out the door. You’re gonna be begging for s’more.
14. Find your soul at Soul Cycle
Soul Cycle is a serious cult. Soul Cycle is indoor cycling with Forty-five minute classes. Get ready for fat-burning cardio, a full-body workout, and you can look trendy while you do it! They have so many clothes for sale- that are way too cute! (photo credits: @the.amz)
15. Get a legendary cookie at Levain Bakery
Located on the Upper West Side, Levain Bakery is the place to find the cookie of your dreams. If you haven’t already seen this on your Instagram feed, go look now. You’ll thank me later. They even have a “Live Cookie Cam” on their website so you can feel like a real celebrity with paparazzi!! (photo credits: @infactuation)
16. Catch a show at the Comedy Cellar
The Comedy Cellar is a comedy club in Greenwich Village where the best of the best perform. Each week consists of three shows a night on Sunday through Thursday and four shows each Friday and Saturday. And hey, you’ll never know who might stop by! Word on the street is that lots of famous comedians like to stop by unannounced from time to time.
17. Go to a baseball game
You can go to the Bronx to see the Yankees or watch the Mets play at Citi Field! If you’re like me, you’re just wondering who is gonna buy the peanuts and cracker jacks!
18. Go to a concert at Madison Square Garden
If an artist makes it to Madison Square Garden- they’ve made it BIG! Here is the summer schedule: Billy Joel is coming on May 27th, Dixie Chicks on June 13th, Ellie Goulding on June 21st, 5 Seconds of Summer on July 15th, Justin Bieber on July 18th and 19th, Radiohead on July 26th and 27th, and Twenty-One Pilots on August 10th and 11th.
19. Go shopping in SoHo
Walk around and get a feel for the amazing SoHo vibes. There are small cafes, street art basically everywhere, and lots of cute stores! Check out Necessary Clothing, Uniqlo, and Mystique Boutique. Those are some of my favorites- that won’t break the bank! (photo credits: @aoi_kiwigram)
20. Go to the top of the Empire State building
How can you go to the city and not?! (photo credit: @caseykiss_offical)