After living in New York for 5 years, I’ve loved exploring every nook and cranny of the city that never sleeps. Each area has something new to offer which makes it impossible to get tired of exploring! One of the best ways to get to know the streets of NYC is by just walking them. Since we all have been spending more time at home, I know we’re all looking for safe ways to get outside and stretch our legs. If you’re in the NYC area, here are some of my favorite bucket list items that are outdoors. So grab a map and a mask as you get ready to check these off, one at a time!
New York City Travel Guide: Outdoor Activity Bucket List
- Sunrise at the Empire State Building 🌅
- Book a VIP 6 AM tour to watch the skyscrapers peek above the clouds on the top of this iconic building.
- Walk the Brooklyn Bridge 🌉
- Enjoy well-deserved dinner after a long walk at Cecconi’s. Bolognese with a view of Manhattan skyline? What could be better?
- Afternoon in Chelsea walking the High Line & grabbing a drink 🍺
- End your stroll at the The Standard Biergarten to play some ping-pong as you Prost!
- Snap a photo at Bow Bridge in Central Park 🌳
- On your way back, grab some coffee at Bluestone Lane on the Upper East Side. Located in an old abbey, it’s one of the coolest coffee shops I’ve ever been
- Get the best view of Central Park from the Top of the Rock 🏙
- Once you’re done, you need to try the world famous banana pudding from Magnolia Bakery. And, if you’re in New York during the holiday season, you can’t miss the Rockefeller Christmas Tree
- Brunch and Window Shop in SoHo 🥑
- Mini-SoHo Brunch Bucket List: Jack’s Wife Freda, Nomo Kitchen, Little Prince, and Two Hands
- Ferry View of NYC Skyline 🛳
- Catch a boat ride from the East 34th Street to Pier 11 near Wall Street to enjoy a peaceful ride for less than $3. Psst… don’t forget to say hi to the Statue of Liberty when you’ve made it Downtown!
- Enjoy a morning on the Upper West Side 🖼
- Explore the latest exhibit at the Museum of Natural History and then walk around the streets hitting some local favorites: Strand Bookstore, Jacob’s Pickles, and Levain Bakery to name a few…
- Head to the Rooftop at Eataly Flatiron 🍝
- Feel transported to Italy as you enjoy pasta and the elevated ambiance of open-air dining in Flatiron. Pro tip: if you’re here in winter, they have the best mülled wine in the City!
- Watch performers at the Washington Square Park fountain ⛲️
- After you’ve enjoyed all that fresh air, make your way to Rosemary’s in Greenwich for dinner
*Bonus Winter Activity
Ice skating rinks are opening up in Bryant and Central Park! For endless fun or a romantic date, show off your skating skills or glide holding hands with a loved one before cuddle up with some hot cocoa from the Christmas Markets after.
MY NYC EXPLORING ESSENTIALS
SWEATER WEATHER FAVORITES – UNDER $100
How many of these bucket list items have you checked off?
