I’ve been living in NYC for almost a year and six months. HOLY COW. I’ve seen a lot of the city and shared it on the blog with all of you. I have a whole series on here that is an in-depth review of every restaurant and experience I’ve had in the city. But, I wanted to do something a little different for you today. Today, I’m sharing my NYC Bucket List for 2020!
It might be hard to believe, but there are still so many things that I have yet to get around to doing in the city. It’s hard because I have to balance this idea that I have so much time to live and work in the city, but also making the most of my time here. We love balance.
So, I poured through my favorite NYC website, nycgo.com, to find some fun things to do for every season in the city. The nice thing about NYC is that there is always something new that pops up.
The 2020 NYC Bucket List
Winter Bucket List
Go to a New York Knicks / Brooklyn Nets game.
I severely miss a good basketball game live. I am an alum of one of the best basketball schools in the US and it’s hard to walk away from the premium experience of college basketball in person. Luckily, NYC has not one, but two, professional basketball teams and I really want to go to a game.
Visit the Guggenheim museum.
Huge museum girl. Art museums are definitely my favorite. Wildly, I have not been to the Guggenheim yet. And, I really need to go ASAP. I don’t know much about the exhibits/collections, but a huge draw is the architecture of the museum building itself. The minimalist, geometric style is definitely my vibe. From Saturday 5-8 pm, they do a special pay-what-you-wish entrance fee. It’ll be that nice early evening activity one weekend.
See a live taping of a nightly talk show.
This one is kind of a random thing I found while perusing the NYCgo website and its list of fun things to do when you visit NYC. I hadn’t really thought much about going to a live taping of one of the many shows filmed here in the city. But, I think Jimmy Fallon or SNL would be really fun to go to. Tickets for these things move quickly, so if I don’t tackle this one in Winter, I’ll keep my eye out for Spring and Summer too.
Spring Bucket List
Visit The Vessel and explore more of Hudson Yards.
When The Vessel opened up last year, I was so excited to visit and get some fun pictures. The structure itself is so cool looking. But, I underestimated how hype in NYC is different and can last for months. The ticketing procedure is still complicated, but I want to explore more of the Hudson Yards area and finally sneak a peek at the inside of The Vessel. There is apparently the yummiest Spanish style tapas market that I want to try in the area too!
Go to Top of the ROck and get some epic pictures.
Yes, I know. It’s kind of insane that I still have never been to the Top of the Rock. There are several reasons for that though. One, it’s a tourist’s haven and it’s rather pricey. Two, it easily falls into the category of “I’ll get to it one day”/”I need the perfect outfit”. I’m honestly just waiting for someone to come to visit me who also wants to go to Top of the Rock. But, the pictures here are always epic and I want some!
See A Play on Broadway.
I’ve given the musical productions a whirl. But, I’d love to diversify my live theater resume and give a play a try. There’s the Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, To Kill a Mockingbird, and a new production called The Inheritance. Any and all of these look super interesting, so I think I’ll have to take a swing at a play in the spring this year.
Summer Bucket List
Take a guided tour at The Met and then grab a drink on the Rooftop Terrace.
I wrote a post about putting yourself out there and making friends when moving to a new city and one of the suggestions that I made for my audience and myself was to explore things that interest you. So, I want to jump on one of The Met guided tours that are free with admission (!!) and then treat myself to a drink on the rooftop. I think its a great solo activity but can also be great with friends.
Make a trip out to coney island.
I know it’s probably one of those gross tourist attractions, but I really want to see what the famous Coney Island is all about. Plus, experimenting with a colorful ootd and indulging with a trashy hot dog will make the trek all the way worth it, right? I think it’s one of those things we all have to do once, but will probably never do again. Kind of like going to Times Square willingly!
Find a good rooftop spot in every neighborhood.
One of the best things about summer in New York City is the superb collection of rooftop bars and restaurants. I already know I want to make it to the likes of Mr. Purple, Westlight, Lemon’s, and Jimmy at the James. I think a summer night spent sipping on overpriced rosé with my favorite people is the way to go.
Autumn Bucket List
Find some new coffee shops and brunch spots.
Michelle and I found ourselves in a little bit of a rut when it came to finding some new brunch spots to try. Sometimes, I really just want to head back to Juliette or Bubby’s and get the usual. But, NYC is always seeing restaurants turn over and so I definitely want to explore more restaurants all over Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens. Also, I love the coffee shop atmosphere and there may be nothing better than finding a yummy latte and strolling through one of the many exquisite NYC parks.
Visit storm king and see the fall foliage.
Last year, I ventured out to Fishkill Farms for some light apple orchard-ing. We were at the same train stop as the Storm King visitors. It was a pretty easy commute and I would love to go out there to see the large art installations. It’s a really nice day trip for that weekend where your mind needs a break from the buzzing of NYC.
Attend a viewing during the New York Film Festival.
This one might be a long shot, but I’m keeping my eyes open for information on the New York Film Festival that comes around every fall in the city. I’ve realized that I absolutely love seeing and discussing films. It’s one of my true hobbies. I also wouldn’t mind hitting up the New York Wine and Food Festival in October too. I just want to get out in the city and participate in some of the organized activities!
Holiday Bucket List
See the Nutcracker by the new york city ballet in Lincoln center.
I have been talking about going to the ballet for years now. Okay, only one and a half but you get my point. I really want to see The Nutcracker! I saw it as a kid in Virginia, as a college student in Chapel Hill, and now it only seems right to see it in my third home. The shows always run the duration of the holiday season, so I have plenty of time to see it! I just need to remember to buy tickets early!
Go To the Saks Display at night and pop by Bryant Park for A Tasty holiday treat.
This year, I pretended to be a season New Yorker who didn’t need to indulge in all the NYC holiday cheer. OVERRATED. I can’t wait to bee-bop around 57th. I want to make sure to see The Rockefeller Tree, Saks Fifth Avenue, and all the Fifth Avenue light displays at night early in December to really get in the Christmas mood. Also, I did not have a chimney cake and that really needs to improve in 2020. I’m gonna be all geared up with Christmas spirit this year because I was not prepared at all in 2019.
Get a real Christmas tree for my NYC apartment.
I haven’t had a Christmas tree in my apartment for the past two holiday seasons and I am over it. I always pass the little tree stands after Thanksgiving and always think about how nice it would be to have a little guy in the living room. I definitely want to get one for the next holiday season and decorate it with cute little ornaments and string lights. I just want to really experience that holiday feeling this year. I really felt like I missed that.
What’s On Your 2020 Bucket List?
Okay, that was my 2020 NYC Bucket List! Are you visiting NYC this year? Do you have any things that are on your must-do, must-see list? Anything I should add to my never-ending list of things I want to do in this magnificent beast of a city?
Let me know in the comments down below!
Keep on keepin’ on,
