a new york city bucket list that goes beyond the bright lights

People spend a lifetime living in the Big Apple without crossing every item off from their bucket lists. This is a crucial detail to keep in mind when crafting your own New York City itinerary. With so much pressure to “see it all” when visiting NYC, it can be hard to know where to start. I’m sure you’ll have no trouble finding your way to spots like Central Park, Rockefeller Center and Times Square. That’s why I want to introduce you to some “hidden” NYC gems that I think deserve to make your bucket list.

FINANCIAL DISTRICT/ DOWNTOWN

Covering Manhattan’s southern tip, the financial district is populated by skyscrapers and waterfront views. This is where the National September 11 Memorial and Museum is located. Here’s a look at other must-see items when touring the Financial District: • Enjoy the waterfront area at

Battery Park. This is also the place to catch a ferry to the

Statue of Liberty. • Walk through Wall Street to look at key attractions like the New York Stock

Exchange, 40 Wall Street and the Charging Bull statue. • Enjoy shops and restaurants along the cobblestone walkway at the South Street

Seaport.

LONG ISLAND CITY

Located along the East River, Long Island City is unbeatable if you’re looking for wide, sweeping views of the Manhattan skyline. This is an excellent place if you’re picturing riverfront walks, art galleries and trendy bars. Do yourself a favor and grab a room at the Aloft Long Island City. The big draw of this hotel is that it offers incredible views of the Queensboro bridge. Here’s a look at the best spots to visit: • View the Manhattan skyline from across the river at

Hunter’s Point South Park. • Sit with a coffee for relaxing views of Midtown on a bench inside manicured, beautiful

Gantry Plaza State Park. • Pose for a photo in front of the famed Pepsi Cola sign that can be seen from

Manhattan. • Enjoy rotating exhibits set against the city’s skyline at

Socrates Sculpture Park. • Tour art exhibits at MoMA

PS1. • Stop for coffee at ETTO

Espresso Bar to sip worldfamous brews.

GREENWICH VILLAGE

A haven of artists, Greenwich village retains the independent spirit of New York associated with folk music and bohemian living. Once home to Edgar Allen Poe, the village now boasts a list of residents peppered with Hollywood stars and musicians. This is one of the better spots in the city for “bumping into” celebrities. Here’s a look at how to spend your time in the village: • Visit Washington Square Park to cover more than 9 acres of space housing attractions like the Washington Square

Arch. • Check out some jazz clubs. • Tour streets lined with brownstones.

ASTORIA

Nestled beside the East River in Queens, Astoria is a hip neighborhood with a very downto-earth vibe. The neighborhood is known for its excellent nightlife scene, buzz-worthy restaurants and edgy art galleries. Here’s a look at what to cross off your list while in Astoria: • Tour the Museum of the

Moving Image to take the deepest dive into the worlds of screen and cinema in the world. While the museum is temporarily closed due to

COVID, you’ll want to be first in line to see the new exhibits when it reopens. • Enjoy a sunset walk to enjoy views of Manhattan from the

East River.

BROOKLYN

With iconic neighbors like Brooklyn Heights and Park Slope, Brooklyn manages to be a homey slice of the city that does a great job of maintaining its artsy edge. Today’s Brooklyn is known for its youthful population, experimental restaurants and high walkability score. Here’s a look at the top picks for visiting Brooklyn: • Explore 52 acres of flowers and plants at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. Get great views of the waterfront area spanning the Manhattan skyline to the Brooklyn Bridget at Brooklyn Heights Promenade. Check out the independent boutiques and restaurants at Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass (DUMBO).

CHELSEA

A wonderland of factories turned into luxury high-rise condos, Chelsea offers a taste of real Manhattan living. This is a lowkey spot with lots of culture. Here’s what to enjoy while in Chelsea: • Walk the 1.45 miles of linear, elevated green space at the

High Line. • Spend a morning shopping the stalls at the famed

Chelsea Market. • Take a catwalk tour through fashion history at the

Museum at FIT. • See groundbreaking contemporary art exhibits at the David Zwirner Gallery. • Witness up-and-coming comedy stars as they work on material at Amy Poehler’s

Upright Citizens Brigade.