Years ago, when I was still in my early twenties, I had the pleasure of visiting New York. Or, more precisely, Newark. To cut a long story short one of my dearest friends moved out to the US to take a new job. She was engaged to an even dearer friend at the time and their plan was to stay out there for a few years, then return home. I’d planned to go out and visit while they were living there, but an unexpected pregnancy meant they were returning far sooner than expected. The result was a very last minute trip out to stay with them, before I’d even had chance to consider things to do in New York that should have been essential for the trip.
In hindsight, it wasn’t the best idea. I’d just got back from a summer digging at archaeological sites in Austria (and by just I mean literally days before) and I was exhausted. The summer had been amazing, but it had also left me feeling very low when I got back (I learned a few years later I have Bipolar Disorder and, in hindsight, now recognise this as the inevitable dip that came after the high of being away in the sun all summer). But I didn’t know that at the time.
So, I flew out to New York to meet my friends, my then-boyfriend in tow, who was in a pretty bad mood because he’d never wanted me to go to Austria in the first place, leaving him behind, and he’d been pouting ever since.
Bucket List Things To Do In New York
We actually had a blast while we were over there in many respects, but in others, it wasn’t the New York experience I’d been dreaming of. For starters, as mentioned, my friends weren’t actually living in New York City but Newark, which is …
We only went into New York City on one day (aside from catching flights) and I have always regretted how little of the city I got to see. There were so many reasons for this; a day was never going to be enough to do it, I had zero enthusiasm on the day for the usual touristy things, and my ex didn’t have the common sense to realise any of this and ensure we…you know, did stuff.
So, while I’ve been to New York, I still feel like I’ve not experienced New York in the manner a city of such gravitas deserves. Consequently, I now have a bucket list of stuff to do in New York at some point before I die. City, a sprawling metropolis of dreams, offers an endless array of experiences, sights, and sounds. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveller, there’s always something new and exciting to discover. Here’s a curated bucket list of must-do activities that capture the essence of the Big Apple.
1. Explore Central Park
I did actually get to visit the Central Park zoo while I was there, so I saw some of this sprawling green oasis in the heart of Manhattan, but not enough! The park covers over 800 acres of greenery, lakes, and trails, and I suspect you’d have to live there and go regularly to actually explore the whole lot properly. This may be a very good excuse to go and live in New York for a while, as a daily trip to my local park with Luna is the highlight of my morning (even if 6am is a bit early some days!).
I’d love to be in the city long enough to make Central Park my local 6am walk (although quite how safe that would be I’m not sure!). They do offer guided tours which I’m sure can help you discover hidden gems and the history behind all the famous landmarks in the park, like the Bethesda Terrace and Strawberry Fields. So that’s definitely a must, but generally I’d just like to be a fake New Yorker for a while and call this park my local!
2. Visit The Metropolitan Museum Of Art
The Metropolitan Museum of Art (or just the Met) is one of those places I’ve been seeing in films and TV shows my whole life. I’m sure for many this wouldn’t be on a bucket list, but I’m a history buff so it’s kind of a no-brainer for me! As one of the largest and most prestigious museums in the world, really how could I resist it? With over two million works of art spanning 5,000 years, the Met offers a unique view of human creativity in an almost panoramic view from ancient Egyptian artefacts to modern American art.
What’s unique about the collection at the Met is that it’s simultaneously vast and incredibly varied. You can travel the whole world, geographically and temporally, in one place. I did my undergraduate degree at Manchester and the museum there is a favourite spot of mine, as is The British Museum in London. I’m curious to see how a curated collection of everything from the majestic Temple of Dendur in the Egyptian wing, to the intricate tapestries in the Medieval Hall, hit when they’re viewed on another continent.
I’ve toured the Uffizi in Florence. How different is it to walk the extensive galleries of European paintings by masters like Van Gogh, Rembrandt, and Vermeer completely out of context in New York? I don’t know, but I want to find out!
3. Catch A Broadway Show
I’m not sure this one really needs an explanation. I love the theatre and seeing a Broadway show is so quintessentially New York it couldn’t not make the list. The question will be what to see, although I suspect that will depend very much on what’s on when I’m there! The energy and talent on display in New York is difficult to match, even in London (although London has the Globe, so…sorry but we beat the Yanks on that score!).
4. Do The Empire State Building
Genuinely, I have no idea how we didn’t do this while we were there. I remember my friend asking me if I wanted to and shrugging with indifference. One would think my ex would have insisted, or wanted to go, but apparently not, as we never went. So, next time, ascending the Empire State Building to take advantage of the iconic views it offers of New York from its 86th and 102nd-floor observatories, is definitely a must. Likely at sunset, armed with my best camera!
5. Walk the Brooklyn Bridge
Another one that is largely driven by the desire to take pretty pictures, a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge is a must. Not only is it a historic and architectural marvel, it offers some stunning views of the Manhattan skyline and the East River.
6. Tour The Statue Of Liberty And Ellis Island
She’s arguably the most famous statue on the planet, a symbol of freedom and hope, and an excuse to catch a ferry to Liberty Island and nearby Ellis Island for a bit of history and some lovely views of the harbour. Ellis Island also has an Immigration Museum which I’m curious to get a look at, largely because I tend to view the US as being lacking in the history department, being as I am (or at least, was) an archaeologist, accustomed to very old things. I studied pre-history, and the US is all a bit new for me to actually know a great deal about it. A chance to learn more about the experiences of early immigrants to America would be very interesting (to me at least, I appreciate it’s not everyone’s cup of tea!).
7. Take A Carriage Ride Through Central Park In The Snow
Okay I’ll admit this one is entirely inspired by an episode of Sex and the City (technically two) in which Carrie and Big take a carriage ride through the snow. The sight of Carrie and Big on this ride made me wish for such a grad, romantic experience. There’s a later episode where Carrie goes on another ride, in the snow, with Alexander Petrovski. I can’t stand his character, and far preferred the high romance of her ride with Big (I’m team Big all the way, what can I say, I’m hopelessly attracted to damaged men!). The thought of doing it in the snow just made it even better!
8. Christmas In Manhattan
Speaking of snow, it’s not just the notion of a buggy ride that makes me want to experience the magic of winter in New York. Since watching Home Alone 2: Lost In New York as a child I have wanted to experience Christmas in New York city. Over the years I’ve seen so many films and TV shows with Christmas specials set in New York that it’s now just one of those things I have to do at some point. Seeing the tree at the Rockefeller Centre, going Christmas shopping in the city…whether the frosted landscapes of Central Park and hustle and bustle of the city during the festive season actually create the serene and almost fairytale-like atmosphere I’m imagining is a whole other matter. It may be one of those things that doesn’t quite live up to the hype. But either way, I intend to find out!
New York City is a place of endless possibilities and discoveries. This bucket list barely scratches the surface, and I’m quite sure I’ll add to it as I think of more things I must do there when I manage to go back. If anyone has any suggestions, please do let me know!