36 Things to Do in NYC Before You Die

1. Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island

The symbol of American freedom. Take the ferry to Lady Liberty, climb to the crown for incredible views, and explore the immigrant history at Ellis Island.

Price: $24+ · Where: Battery Park · [Buy Tickets]

2. Empire State Building

86th floor observation deck offers jaw-dropping 360-degree views of the city. Best at sunset for that magical NYC glow.

Price: $44+ · Where: 34th St & 5th Ave · [Buy Tickets]

3. Central Park

843 acres of green in the middle of Manhattan. Rent a boat at the Loeb Boathouse, visit the Bethesda Fountain, catch a free summer concert, or simply walk the paths.

Price: Free · Where: Manhattan

4. Times Square

Love it or hate it, it's a must-see. The neon signs, the energy, the street performers-it's sensory overload in the best way.

Price: Free · Where: Midtown Manhattan

5. Brooklyn Bridge

Walk or bike across the iconic bridge at sunrise for breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline.连接布鲁克林和曼哈顿.

Price: Free · Where: City Hall to Brooklyn

6. The High Line · [Chelsea Market]

An elevated park built on an old railway line. Stroll through Chelsea's art galleries, grab food at Chelsea Market, and enjoy the urban gardens.

Price: Free · Where: Gansevoort St to 34th St

7. Top of the Rock

Rockefeller Center observation deck offers unbeatable views, including the Empire State Building and Central Park-with less crowds than the Empire State.

Price: $40+ · Where: Rockefeller Center · [Buy Tickets]

8. Katz's Delblank" rel="icatessen

Legendary pastrami on rye. This is where "When Harry Met Sally" happened. Be prepared to wait-but it's so worth it.

Price: $20-30 · Where: Lower East Side

9. Chelsea Market

Indoor food hall with incredible vendors-from fresh seafood to artisan pasta. Great for grazing your way through.

Price: Varies · Where: Chelsea

10. Ethnic Neighborhoods: Arthur Avenue, Jackson Heights, Chinatown

NYC's diversity is its food superpower. Explore Arthur Avenue (Little Italy in the Bronx), Jackson Heights (Queens), and Chinatown.

Price: Varies · Where: Various

11. NYC Rooftop Bars: 230 Fifth, The Press Lounge, Westlight

Grab a cocktail with a view. 230 Fifth, The Press Lounge, and Westlight all offer stunning skyline views.

Price: $15-25/drink · Where: Various

12. Smorgasburg

Brooklyn's legendary weekend food market. 100+ vendors every Saturday (Williamsburg) and Sunday (Prospect Park).

Price: $10-20 per dish · Where: Brooklyn

13. Body Painting at DenArt Studio

NYC's only retail body painting studio offers three unique experiences: Paint in the Dark (UV body painting couples class), Hypnotic Body Painting (private immersive session), and Fine Art Body Painting (custom commissioned artwork). Professional photos included.

Why it's bucket list worthy: You become the art. No other city offers this level of body painting experience to the public.

Price: $95+ · Where: 99 Kingsland Ave, Brooklyn · [Classes] · [Private] · [Fine Art]

14. Metropolitan Museum of Art

One of the world's greatest museums. The Egyptian Temple of Dendur, European paintings, rooftop garden-the list goes on.

Price: Pay what you wish · Where: Central Park · [Buy Tickets]

14. Broadway Show: Broadway.com, [TKTS Discount]

See a Broadway musical or play. From Hamilton to The Play That Goes Wrong—NYC has the best theater in the world.

Price: $50-400+ · Where: Theater District · [Buy Tickets]

15. Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)

Home to masterpieces by Van Gogh, Warhol, Picasso, and more. Modern art doesn't get better than this.

Price: $25 · Where: Midtown

16. Street Art in Bushwick

The ultimate open-air gallery. Miles of colorful murals covering every surface. Join a walking tour or explore on your own.

Price: Free · Where: Bushwick, Brooklyn

17. Whitney Museum

American art at its finest. Great views of the High Line from the rooftop garden.

Price: $25 · Where: Meatpacking District

18. Comedy Cellar

World-famous comedy club in Greenwich Village. You might catch a Netflix special or tomorrow's biggest star.

Price: $20-30 · Where: Greenwich Village

19. Jazz in NYC: Village Vanguard, Blue Note, Smalls

The birthplace of jazz. Visit Village Vanguard, Blue Note, or Smalls Jazz Club for live music.

Price: $20-50 · Where: Greenwich Village

20. City Climb at Edge

Scale the outside of Hudson Yards-1,200 feet in the air. Not for the faint of heart.

Price: $200+ · Where: Hudson Yards

21. Rock Climbing at The Cliffs

Indoor climbing at its best. Great for beginners and experts alike. Located in Long Island City with stunning Manhattan views.

Price: $25-35 · Where: Long Island City

22. Brooklyn Botanic Garden

Especially stunning during cherry blossom season (usually April). The Japanese Garden is a peaceful escape.

Price: $18 · Where: Prospect Park

23. Kayaking on the Hudson: Hudson River Park, Downtown Boathouse (free)

Free kayaking at multiple locations along the Hudson River. Incredibly fun with amazing skyline views.

Price: Free · Where: Various

24. Winter Ice Skating: Wollman Rink, Brooklyn Bridge Park

Central Park Wollman Rink or Brooklyn Bridge Park. Classic NYC winter experience with hot cocoa after.

Price: $10-20 · Where: Central Park / Brooklyn Bridge Park

25. Graffiti Class

Learn the art of graffiti from street artists in NYC. Create your own piece to take home. Studios like Graffiti NYC and Street Works offer workshops for beginners.

Price: $50+ · Where: Various locations

25. Sleepy Hollow Halloween

The most immersive Halloween experience in America. Haunted houses, cemetery tours, pumpkin blasters.

Price: $40+ · Where: Sleepy Hollow, NY (October)

27. New Year's Eve in Times Square

Watch the ball drop in person. It's cold, crowded, and you'll wait for hours-but it's a once-in-a-lifetime NYC experience.

Price: Free (or $500+ for bleacher seats) · Where: Times Square

28. Pride Parade

The largest Pride celebration in the world. Every June, millions line the streets for this incredible display of community and love.

Price: Free · Where: Various (June)

29. 9/11 Memorial & Museum

A profoundly moving tribute to the victims of September 11. The memorial pools are especially powerful.

Price: $24+ · Where: Lower Manhattan

30. Comedy Cellar

See rising comedians in an intimate setting. You never know who might pop in.

Price: $20+ · Where: Greenwich Village