The Ultimate List of Things to Do in Manhattan New York City
Are you taking your first trip to New York soon? Or maybe you’ve been before and are looking for some more unusual things to do? This post has got you covered! Read on for my huge New York City bucket list and all the things you need to do in Manhattan.
This post focuses specifically on Manhattan, but of course, there are lots of great things to do in the other boroughs as well. I also haven’t touched on food because I feel like that needs to be a whole other post!
I’ve been lucky enough to live in New York City for 4 months now. While I’ve already done quite a few things, I realised I’d never written myself a proper list. There is so much to do here, I want to take every opportunity and make sure I don’t miss anything.
SKYSCRAPERS WITH OBSERVATION DECKS
New York is, of course, known for its skyscrapers. There are currently 5 that are open to the public.
They should all really be on your New York City bucket list, however, for your first visit, you probably want to pick one or two but obviously!
The Empire State Building – the most iconic of all New York’s buildings
Top of the Rock – for the best views of Central Park and the Empire State Building
One World Observatory – the tallest building in New York, located next to where the Twin Towers used to stand.
The Edge – the newest and tallest of New York observation decks. You can see straight down 100 floors!
Summit One Vanderbilt – was initially built in 2017 but the observation deck was added in 2020.
OTHER BUILDINGS
There’s more to New York than just skyscrapers. Some other bucket list buildings include:
Grand Central Terminal – I have never known a more beautiful station than this one!
New York Public Library – is one of the most spectacular buildings, both inside and out. It’s definitely worth taking a look inside!
The Chrysler Building is another of New York’s iconic buildings. You can only visit the lobby as the rest is privately rented.
Rockefeller Plaza – commercial buildings and shops. Best known for hosting the giant Christmas tree.
The Flatiron Building – is best known for its unique shape.
Oculus Train Station – is a pretty cool-looking station located in the financial district.
Times Square – I’m going, to be honest here. Times Square is not one of my favourite places in New York, saying that. It should be on your bucket list and is something you should definitely do when you visit New York.
The Vessel at Hudson Yards – essentially it’s a staircase but it’s also super impressive!
Madison Square Gardens – I really want to go to a concert here! Alternatively, you can see a lot of sporting events!
MONUMENTS
The Statue of Liberty – is a true symbol of freedom in New York.
The Charging Bull and Fearless Girl Statues – the Charging Bull has been a symbol of strength since 1989 while the Fearless Girl was added in 2017 to promote female empowerment.
9/11 Memorial – a memorial built in the footprint of where the Twin Towers used to stand. In memory of all the people who lost their lives in the attack.
Brooklyn Bridge – the only way to see the true iconicness of the Brooklyn Bridge is to walk across it. You’ll also get great views of Manhattan from the Brooklyn side.
MUSEUMS & GALLERIES
There are so many museums and galleries in New York. I’ve just listed the 10 ones that I think are essential!
The Metropolitan Museum of Art – even if you don’t go in, you can sit on the steps and pretend to be Blair Waldorf!
The Met Cloisters – is located in Washington Heights (north Manhattan) but it looks just beautiful!
The Museum at FIT – part of the Fashion Institute of Technology.
The American Museum of Natural History – is great for history lovers and for children!
9/11 Memorial Museum – in memory of the 11th September attack on the Twin Towers.
The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum – is a unique-looking building filled with art.
The Frick Collection – is currently closed but I hope it will reopen soon.
The Museum of the City of New York – a history and art museum. Also the external filming location for Gossip Girls Constance Billard School.
The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) – doesn’t really need to explain any further!
The Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum – an Upper East Side mansion housing the history of design.
PARKS
Central Park – in my opinion, the best park in the world. There is so much to see in this 843-acre park. The Bethesda Terrace and Fountain is my absolute favourite spot. I also really want to rent a rowboat!
Washington Square Park – is located in lower Manhattan and is best known for its large marble arch.
The High Line – a disused railway line that has been turned into a long park.
Battery Park – right at the bottom of Manhattan you’ll find Battery Park, with views over the Statue of Liberty.
Bryant Park – a beautiful park located next to the New York Public Library. It has many cafes and usually performers. You can also ice skate there in the winter months.
OTHER THINGS TO DO
Broadway Shows – there are so many amazing options to choose from! Personally, I loved: The Lion King, Moulin Rouge and Tina Turner: The Musical.
Ballet – I’d love to see a performance by the New York City Ballet.
Eat Bagels – they’re are bagel shops all over New York. You should definitely try one!
Pretzel in Central Park – (Or a hot dog!) They’re massively overrated but still something you should do!
5th Avenue Shopping – or maybe just window shopping!
Staten Island Ferry – a free ferry ride with amazing views of the Statue of Liberty.
Yellow Taxi – are definitely not the cheapest way to travel but I still want to go in an iconic New York taxi!
Chelsea Market – is a lovely indoor market with all sorts of places to eat as well as a few shops!
Roosevelt Island Cable Car – a hidden but such good fun thing to do in New York!
Stone Street – is one of New York’s oldest streets!
Waterfall Tunnel – is a perspex tunnel surrounded by water and located at on142 West 49th Street.
That concludes my New York City bucket list! I know it’s long so thank you for getting to the end of this post!
One of the things I love most about New York is that there’s so much to do so I’m sure I’ll be discovering more amazing things to do in New York. Keep up with all my posts HERE.
Happy exploring,
