10 Things You Have To Experience In NYC Before You Die

There are so many things you have to experience in NYC before you die. If you're working on your Big Apple bucket list, make sure you accomplish these ten things before you die!

New York City is the epitome of culture, business, cuisine, fashion, and technology. It’s one of the greatest cities in the world, and for good reason – you’ll never get bored! There’s always something to do, eat, or see. There are so many things you have to experience in NYC. If you’re working on your Big Apple bucket list, make sure you accomplish these ten things before you die!

1. Ride in a yellow taxi

You’ve seen it in all of your favorite movies and shows – riding in a yellow cab is mandatory. Taking an Uber just won’t give you the same experience as you’re cruising through Manhattan. You need the guys that have been in the business for decades – and you might get some great stories out of it too!

2. See the lights of Times Square

While every native New Yorker avoids Times Square like the plague, it is undoubtedly one of the prettiest places at night. Seeing all the billboards and signs lit up just screams NYC. There’s no place on Earth as magnificent and timeless as Times Square.

3. Pay a visit to the Statue of Liberty

Whether you see Lady Liberty while passing on the ferry or by actually setting foot on her island, make sure you see the woman that has greeted millions of travelers and immigrants and will continue to greet millions more.

4. Get lost in Central Park

Out of all the parks in the Big Apple, you can’t forget about the one right in the heart of the concrete jungle. There’s a zoo, several lakes, some Insta-worthy bridges, and tons of animals. Have a picnic with your friends, take a boat out on the lake, or spend the day wandering through the forest that’s right next to Fifth Ave.

5. Walk the Brooklyn Bridge

If you want to get a really great street view of Manhattan, do it while you’re standing over the river! Make sure you steer clear of the bikers and tourist crowds – try going early in the evening to catch the sunset. While you’re at it, make sure to stop in DUMBO to grab some Grimaldi’s Pizza on the Brooklyn side.

6. Take in the city from Top of The Rock

While you can see the skyscrapers from the top floor of the Empire State Building, the Top of the Rock lets you get the Empire State Building in all your selfies and IG pics. If you want a more downtown view, you can even try looking at the city from the One World Observatory – over a thousand feet into the New York sky.

7. Travel to the past at the Met

Channel your inner Gossip Girl at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on the Upper East Side, but make sure you also walk up the steps and look at the amazing works inside. If you want to be blown away even more, take the A train uptown and visit the Met Cloisters, an abandoned monastery now full of medieval artwork and architecture.

8. Never forget the 9/11 Memorial

Stop next to the One World Trade Center so you can have a moment of silence in front of the fountains that stand where the Twin Towers used to. Step into the 9/11 Museum to experience more of an unforgettable piece of NYC history.

9. Barter in Chinatown

You can’t visit the Big Apple without haggling for a knock-off designer bag on Canal Street. Grab some bubble tea or dumplings and get some discounted purses, watches, or phone cases. Don’t forget to reward yourself for your thrifty finds by hopping over to Little Italy for some pasta!

10. Have a REAL slice of New York pizza

Don’t even THINK about going to a pizza chain restaurant while you’re in NYC. Some of the best spots in Manhattan are Lombardi’s, Ray’s Pizza, Prince St. Pizza, and Artichoke Basille’s Pizza, one of the best pizza spots in the world. Even if you’re vegan or can’t have gluten, make sure you do your research to find the perfect slice.