New York, “concrete jungle where dreams are made of, there’s nothin’ you can’t do”… It is truly an amazing place and somewhere I think everyone should experience. I was lucky enough to go this time last year for my 30th birthday. It truly was a trip of a lifetime and only made me want more! There is so much to do and see and eat in New York and I couldn’t possibly do it all in 5 days but we did as much as we could! Here is my New York Bucket list based on my experiences in NYC!
Where to stay in NYC:
We stayed at The Moxy Hotel, Times Square. It was a fantastic central location and was so reasonably priced! We booked via Booking.com – which you can find linked on my site. It was one of the cheapest hotels but I highly recommend it! It has such a cool, scandi but playful decor. When you stay there you receive free coupons for prosecco at the bar. There is also a bar and restaurant on the rooftop which is such a good view of the Empire State Building and has the biggest pancake stack with candy floss I’ve ever seen!
Have a look at The Moxy Hotel at Booking.com
Rooms start at roughly £130 a night.
The view of the Empire State Building from our room.
Scandi style, basic double room
Bears, bears everywhere
Hotel Rooftop
Breakfast at the hotel
If you stay over the festive period you will find this beautiful holiday display
What to tick off the bucket list:
Top of The Rock
I was so excited to visit top of the rock and see the view over NYC and it did not disappoint – even in the rain! We pre-booked our slot for New Years Eve which was our last night in New York and almost didn’t make it because the streets and subways were closing for the party in Times Square so we had to sweet talk our way through every avenue to the building! Luckily we made it and I’m so glad we did. I highly recommend it – definitely worth a visit!
Top Tip: Book your tickets in advance to skip the queue here
Tickets start at 32 US Dollars
Rickshaw through Central Park
Central park is a must! It’s such a great area to relax and even there there’s still so much to see – so many movies were filmed there and getting a tour means you can learn about it whilst you go. You can also hire bikes and walk around the park which I would also like to do if I go back and have more time.
Top Tip: Negotiate prices with the rickshaw company before you enter the rickshaw.
New York Public Library
The New York Public Library is such an amazing place. It is beautiful and such a special place to sit and get lost in a book. At Christmas time it is stunning with the Christmas tree and all the decorations! I can see why Carrie Bradshaw wanted to get married there!
Top Tip: The Public Library is free entry.
Go to see a show on Broadway
If you are a fan of musicals or theatre you should definitely see a show on Boradway. We went to see a favourite of ours – Chicago and it did not disappoint!
You can look for tickets on this website
Top Tip: Sometimes you can get cheap tickets on the day of the show.
Visit Central Station
So many movies have been filmed at this iconic stop. Worth a wee visit to take in the atmosphere and look at the impressive ceiling.
Top Tip: try to avoid rush hour as it can get very busy.
Visit The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island
Such an important place in New York’s history and definitely worth a visit. I found it so interesting and I think everyone should take time to visit!
You can find more info and get tickets at this website
Top Tip: Definitely get your tickets in advance here because when we went there were two queues – one for people with tickets and the other for people who wanted to get tickets on the day – those people waited for hours and some at the end of the queue didn’t even get a ticket because there were none left.
Cross the Brooklyn Bridge
The Brooklyn Bridge is so impressive! Definitely worth a visit!
Top Tip: It’s a great thing to see and is free!
Visit the 9/11 memorial museum and One World Observatory
There are literally no words to describe it or how it will make you feel. Just go.
Top Tip: Best to buy tickets in advance so you can go in the shorter queue, similar to the queues for Ellis Island. Also get the tour or audio tour when you are in the museum. You can buy tickets here
Visit the World Trade Centre Mall
Such a cool piece of architecture, subway station and shopping centre all in one.
Visit Rockefeller Centre
Especially at Christmas!! I think it is the most stunning Christmas tree I have ever seen! It is like being in a movie just being on the site and seeing all the decorations and the ice rink! Absolutely magical!
Top Tip: Go at Christmas if you can! It is amazing!
BONUS TIP: Dyker Heights Christmas Lights
If you go to New York during the festive period you should go to Brooklyn to visit the lights at Dyker Heights. You can either get the subway there or book a bus tour there and back. The Christmas lights at DH started with some Italian families in Brooklyn who used to deorate their houses with lots of lights, over the years it has gotten bigger and bigger and now they raise money for charities because so many people come to visit and also donate money. It is a cool sight and fun for all the family!
We come to the end of my New York City Bucket List! I hope you have enjoyed it!
Please comment if you have been to these places or would like to add any to the list!
Thanks for reading,
The Wee Wanderer x x x