Your Ultimate NYC To Do List — Destination Dreamer Diaries

I’ve been to New York City at least ten times in my life.

I’ve made trips with my family, with friends, and completely solo before.

I know the ins and outs of Manhattan like the back of my hand, by this point.

Whenever I think (and realize) that someone has never been to New York City before, it blows my mind – because it’s always been in my backyard as long as I’ve lived in the Washington D.C. area.

I have to remind myself to be cognizant that the city (that’s what us hip, cool, daughters-of-New-Yorkers [and actual, legitimate New Yorkers] call Manhattan) isn’t a four-hour bus drive away for the majority of people.

Especially for people coming to see the city for the first time from abroad.

Walking the streets of New York City; July 2019

I couldn’t imagine only having four (or maybe even less) days to see New York City for the first time… it’s simply not enough time.

One of the many things that’s so great about New York City, is that you can keep visiting and never be bored.

There will always be something else to do.

If you’ve never been to Manhattan before, I already know what’s running through your mind…

… I need to see the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, Times Square…

…and yes – you should see all of those things, but you need to know that there’s so much more to do in this city besides the cliché places garnered towards tourists.

You’re not going to check every single one of these off of your list on your very first trip (and if you do, please let me know what kind of coffee you’re drinking and where you bought it in the city so I know for next time), but nevertheless…

… here it is.

My ultimate list of things to do in New York City:

1. Empire State Building

You can decide to go up the Empire State building, but I’ve got a better idea (and a better view) for you…

2. Top of the Rock

I went up the observation deck in March of 2018 before I was 21…

View from the Top of the Rock; March 2018

… and just now this past July the night I turned 21.

Top of the Rock from the ground; July 2019

I recommend making a reservation at one of the bars at the top; that way – you get the view and a drink for less than the price of the ticket for observation deck alone.

The smartest way to go to the Top of the Rock.

View from the Top of the Rock at night; July 2019

After all, isn’t the view of the city better when the Empire State building is in it?

3. Central Park

Not my favorite park in the city, but you should walk it at least once.

The skyline from Central Park; March 2018

4. Bryant Park

Now, this is my favorite park in the city. It’s charming, full of vibrant florals, music festivals, cute little cafes…

… when I took one of my friends to it for the first time, she said,

“It’s kind of like a European park…”

It’s in that moment that I realized she was right, and that that was why I had always liked it so much.

5. New York Public Library

You can go inside for the bookstore, which does have really quirky things to scope out: pocket dictionaries for foreign languages, laughable how to books… you get the picture.

Or, you could go in to see the actual library…

… but I’ve always found that my favorite thing to do here is to take a picture from the steps.

Street view from the New York Public Library; July 2019

6. Be in the Audience of an Early Morning Show

My mom and I went to both the Today Show and Good Morning American in 2016.

You do have to wake up early (you have to be at the studios at either five or six in the morning), but it’s worth it – in fact, my mom and I got picked to go inside for a live performance at Good Morning America.

No one knew the band playing, but I did…

… let’s just say, I got to talk Fitz and the Tantrums in person and the camera men filmed me multiple times as I was the only one dancing.

7. See a show on Broadway

My mom and I saw the Gloria Estefan show, On Your Feet! in 2016 and I loved it.

You don’t have to do this in advanced; just go to the TKTS booth in Times Square and pick from your wide array of options.

8. Eat a Slice of Cheesecake at Junior’s

My mom is from Brooklyn; which is where this cheesecake is from.

Classic slice of Junior’s Cheesecake from the 45th street location near Times Square; July 2019.

I tried it in 2016, and my best friend just tried it a few weeks ago when I took her to the city.

She concurred as well that not only was it the best cheesecake she’s ever had, but that it’s one of the best things she’s ever had… period.

9. Rockefeller Center

It’s prettiest during Christmas time when the tree is lit up…

The Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Center; December 2014

People skating at Rockefeller Center during Christmas time; December 2014

… but it’s worth a walk to see “the rink” any time of year. In the summer, it becomes a café.

F.A.O Schwartz is here if you have kids, and if you’re a teenage girl...

… check out the Free People. It’ll probably be the biggest one you’ve ever seen; in true New York fashion.

10. Walk down Wall street

There’s not much to do there unless for some reason you really want to see the stock exchange; which you totally can.

It’s mostly office buildings, but I have found that this is my favorite place in the city (so far) for a good cup of black coffee – even the ones from the carts…

… and I don’t think it’s a coincidence that it’s on this street!

11. See the Two Bridges

The view of the two bridges; March 2017.

Makes for great pictures.

Other side of the “two bridges”; March 2017

12. Tompkins Square Park

When I came here in October of 2017, we ran into a Halloween costume competition…

… for dogs.

You will absolutely never know what ridiculous, entertaining things you will stumble upon in this city.

13. Greenwich Village

The ice cream at Van Leeuwen, man…

Ice cream from Van Leeuwen in Greenwich Village; October 2017. They carry both dairy and non-dairy flavors! — Ice cream from Van Leeuwen in Greenwich Village; October 2017. They carry *both* dairy and non-dairy flavors!

… that’s all I’m going to say.

14. Ride the Subway

It’s absolutely, without a doubt, the worst subway system I have used in the world.

In the New York Subway Station headed towards Washington Square Park; July 2019

It’s muggy down there year-round, the trains can be late, the signage is confusing, and the railways make that awful, shrill sound when the train-tricks make metal-to-metal friction.

My mom, a native New Yorker – doesn’t even ride the subway.

She prefers to walk… as do I.

Ride the subway once, just so you can see what I’m talking about.

15. Grand Central Station

Gossip Girl? Friends with Benefits?

Odds are, you’ve seen a movie that’s been filmed here at least once.

16. St. Patrick’s Cathedral

I can’t help but think of the one I’ve seen in Dublin, now – but this one is still worth a peek inside.

St. Patrick’s Cathedral in NYC; December 2014

17. Radio City Music Hall

There’s just something about the way the sign lights up against the rainy pavements of New York City, every time…

Radio City Music lit up hall at night, especially in the rain, always captivates me for reasons (still) unknown; July 2019 — Radio City Music lit up hall at night, *especially* in the rain, always captivates me for reasons (still) unknown; July 2019

18. See a Late-Night Show

I haven’t done this one yet but I’m dying to.

Specifically, I’d love to see a taping of Jimmy Fallon. I will report back once I’ve done so because it’s high on my list for next time!

19. Eat at a New York Deli

Everyone’s always talking about the pizza, the pretzels, and the hot dogs… but do you know what else New York is famous for?

Its Deli food.

Eating at the 2nd Avenue Deli; December 2014

I’ve been to 2nd avenue Deli a few times and can vouch that it’s as good as it looks.

You just haven’t lived until you’ve had a DIY open faced sandwich in the city.

20. Peruse Fifth Avenue

My mom is a big fan of window shopping at Saks and Bergdorf Goodman… so, evidently, every time I’m with her in the city, I tag along.

It is fun to see all of the high-end fashion… and the horrifying price tags that come along with it.

I will say, it’s the most entertaining to do during Christmas time.

Window shopping on Fifth Avenue in New York City during Christmas time; December 2014

21. Trump Tower

Walking around midtown for hours at a time, you’re bound to have to use the bathroom at some point.

Once upon a time, my mother lived in Brooklyn and worked in Manhattan.

She quickly discovered that Trump Tower was open to the public, and that there was a bathroom inside that she could easily use instead of having to ask at a different café or bar each time.

Thus, it’s become a tradition over the years – I’ve taken my friends inside for fun, and I always make a point to pee in there every time I’m in the city.

22. Columbus Circle

It’s the coolest traffic circle I’ve ever seen, in the States.

23. Walk the High Line

In my (and my mother’s) opinion, it’s kind of overrated – because the views of the city aren’t that great, but you should do it at least once if you’ve never done it before.

Street view from the High Line; August 2018

24. Times Square

If you’re taking non-New Yorker’s with you here: be careful that you don’t lose them.

It can get packed here.

View of near Times Square from the H&M; August 2018

There’s not much to see; you’re just going to be amazed by the over stimulation.

Personally, I like to hop into the Forever 21 in Times Square every time because it’s one of the biggest ones you’ll ever see– it’s got four massive levels inside.

25. Eat a Slice of New York Pizza

Another thing you must consume while you’re in the city.

If you’ve found an authentic slice, it should be bigger than your face.

26. Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island

This usually eats up a whole day, but it’s something everyone should do at least once.

You can catch the ferries to Ellis Island at Battery Park.

27. Washington Square Park

My second favorite park in the city. Much quieter than the ones in midtown; usually filled with younger kids as NYU is around the corner.

Get ready for all of your Friends dreams to come true.

28. Madison Square Garden

Around the corner from the Fashion Institute of Technology; it’s fun to say you’ve walked by where all musicians dream of playing.

29. Eat from a New York Food Cart

My personal favorites have always been the hot nuts and pretzels; but these days… they’ve got anything and everything.

Heck; I’ve been walking by more Indian and Greek food carts the past couple of years than I have hot dog stands.

30. Shop at the Market at the Theater District

I bought the cutest “pocket clock” necklace here one time.

Great if you’re looking for a non-touristy souvenir.

31. Explore the West Village

Really, one of my favorite parts of the city.

Walking around the West Village; October 2017

The ladders of the brick buildings, the quieter streets… it’s one of the only places I’ve found in NYC that has some character, to it.

Be sure to walk down Bleecker street, while you’re here!

P.S. – while you’re here – eat baked goods from Sweets by Chloe. and nothing else.

My favorite plant based bakery (so far) in the city; July 2019

32. 9/11 Memorial & Twin Towers

I went to the memorial in March of 2017; it’s actually quite beautiful and worth the trip downtown for.

33. The Brooklyn Bridge

I finally did this for the first time this past July.

Me at the Brooklyn Bridge on my 21st birthday; July 2019

We didn’t walk it all the way across because it was humid and hotter than hell – but it is awesome to see in person.

34. The Chelsea Market

We all know I’m a sucker for a good food market hall, and this one is nothing short of excellent.

P.S. – be sure to have an oat latte from Bluebottle coffee while you’re here.

An oat milk latte from Bluebottle coffee inside the Chelsea Market; March 2018

P.S.S. – be prepared to never want to drink a latte from anywhere else ever again.

35. DUMBO

It’s a neighborhood in brooklyn that’s a short train ride away from downtown with a stellar view.

The view of NYC at night from DUMBO; March 2018

I’ve seen several views of New York City at night several times – but this just might go down as one of my all-time favorites.

36. Hudson River Park

My cousin who lives in the city took me here in October of 2017.

I had never quite seen the city in this light (both metaphorically and physically) before.

The view of Manhattan from Hudson River Park; October 2017.

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