9 Cool Things To Put On Your NYC Bucket List

Are you searching for some exciting ways to compile and complete a New York City bucket list? Check out the following nine ideas. From parks to skyscrapers, NYC offers lots of amazing activities and attractions for anyone.

 

1) Explore Nature And Animals In Central Park

Designed by some of America’s most prominent landscape architects in the late 19th century, Central Park adds some scenic appeal to the heart of NYC. Centrally located in Manhattan, this historic park has an intricate network of well-manicured landscapes and some stunning manmade landmarks.

You can enjoy scenic strolls around Turtle Pond, the Lake, and Onassis Reservoir. Don’t forget to bring along some snacks and meals, which can be enjoyed at the Great Lawn and other wonderful picnic spots in the park.

In addition to hosting a variety of wildlife, the park has its own zoo. Covering about 6.5 acres, this popular zoo is split into several themed exhibits.

  • Tropic Zone: The Rainforest – Home to exotic frogs, birds, and mammals.

  • Polar Circle – Home to several species of penguins.

  • Temperate Territory – Home to red pandas and snow monkeys.

Central Park Zoo, New York City

 

2) Panoramic Views From The Top Of The Empire State Building

Constructed in 1931, the Empire State Building was the world’s tallest building for nearly four decades. This Art Deco skyscraper still offers some of the best overhead views of New York City. You can buy a ticket to the main observation deck on the 86th level, which includes an outdoor viewing area.

If you’re a history buff, you can check out some permanent and rotating exhibits on the 80th floor. Additionally, this historic high-rise building has a smaller observation area on the 102nd level.

Empire State Building, NYC

 

3) Explore The Historic Battery Park

Situated on the grounds of the earliest European settlements of modern-day Manhattan, Battery Park offers plenty of history and great views. Castle Clinton National Monument pays tribute to the historic significance of this district in Lower Manhattan.

You can also board a cruise to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island from the docks at the park. Additionally, this green space offers great views of One World Trade Center, one of the most important skyscrapers in NYC.

Battery Park City, New York

 

4) Feel The Energy Of Times Square

Times Square is without a doubt the heart and soul of Midtown Manhattan. This iconic square offers some of the best entertainment in New York City. In fact, dozens of Broadway theaters are located within or just outside of the square. From comedy clubs to souvenir shops, you’ll find plenty of touristy venues in this part of the Big Apple.

You can easily take a commuter train or subway train to Grand Central Terminal, which is one of the main gateways to the square. Your ultimate NYC bucket list should include a stroll through the square at night. You’ll see some of the largest illuminated billboards in North America in this vibrant district of Manhattan.

Times Square, NYC

 

5) Spend An Afternoon In Bryant Park

Covering roughly 10 acres, Bryant Park is one of the most popular green spaces in New York City. The grounds allow you to admire several architectural landmarks, including the iconic New York Public Library and the Bank of America Tower.

Charming fountains, cozy dining areas, and a lush lawn are some of the main highlights of this legendary park in the heart of Midtown Manhattan. You can also walk between Grand Central Terminal and this highly urbanized park.

Bryant Park, New York City

 

6) Relax At The Brooklyn Bridge Park

The Brooklyn Bridge Park occupies former docks and other industrial sites along the East River. This waterfront green space offers amazing views of New York City, including the legendary skyline of Manhattan.

Several piers and lots of esplanades dominate the scene at this park. You’ll also find plenty of spots to view the historic Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan bridge. Several public ferry routes conveniently stop at the DUMBO terminal near the park.

The Brooklyn Bridge Park, New York

 

7) Discover The Hidden Gems Of Staten Island

Situated on the New York Harbor, Staten Island is sometimes neglected by tourists. You can easily get to this New York City borough via the legendary Staten Island Ferry.

In fact, this ferry operates daily without charging any fees for the trip. Here are some of the island’s hidden treasures that should be on your New York bucket list:

  • Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Garden

  • Garibaldi-Meucci Museum

  • National Lighthouse Museum

  • Historic Richmond Town

  • North Shore Waterfront Esplanade Park

Staten Island, NYC Bucket List

 

8) Feel The Hip Vibe Of Washington Square Park

As the heart and soul of the historic Greenwich Village neighborhood, Washington Square Park is a popular gathering spot for the LGBTQ+ community.

This park has inspired countless artists and entertainers throughout the centuries. The urban park is renowned for its Bohemian vibe with plenty of street entertainment and other organized events throughout the year.

Washington Square Park, New York

 

9) Take A Cruise On The Hudson River

You can admire the NYC skyline from the comfort of a cruise on the Hudson River. This major waterway offers great views of the entire west side of Manhattan. You’ll clearly see NYC’s tallest skyscrapers, redeveloped piers, and other waterfront features.

Depending on the route, you can also see the scenic Palisades Cliffs and other natural areas of New Jersey and the Lower Hudson Valley.

We can help you complete your unique NYC bucket list with a private cruise. You can reserve a private cruise around New York City during the day or night.

You can also make your NYC bucket list more memorable with a private dinner cruise or fishing charter through our LGBTQ+-friendly tours. Reserve a New York City cruise with Monty’s Ark Adventures today!

The Hudson River

Duration
4 hours
Group Size
3 to 6

Fishing Charter

The fish are biting and Monty's Ark Adventures can bring you to them. Come book a spot on our open boat fishing charter. Tickets are available and sold on a per person basis. Charters are available mornings, afternoons, and evenings.

Duration
Group Size
Up to 6

Manhattan Skyline Tour

Enjoy a view of the Manhattan Skyline that can only be experienced from the water. Tours will embark from and return to Pier 25 in Manhattan, the Town Dock in Port Washington, NY, Worlds Fair Marina in Queens, or Jersey City, NJ and are three to four hours in duration depending on embarkation point. Embarkation point is one per tour and on a first come basis. Cruisers can enjoy the sights on both sides of each river, the Hudson, East, and Harlem Rivers. Pricing is per charter with a maximum capacity of 6 passengers.

Duration
4 hours
Group Size
Up to 6

Port Washington Dock and Dine

Enjoy a great meal at Louie's Shore Restaurant

This is a 1 and a 1/2 hour ride to Port Washington where you can enjoy a great meal at Louie's Shore Restaurant. Pricing reflects a maximum of 6 passengers. For smaller groups, call for a quote.

Departures are from Pier 25 in Manhattan and provide a scenic view of the skyline of Manhattan, New Jersey, Brooklyn, and Queens. See airliners landing and departing from LaGuardia. Cross under the Whitestone and Throgs Neck Bridges and into Long Island Sound. Pass City Island to Port and Stepping Stones Lighthouse to Starboard and onward to Manhassett Bay. Louie's dock is at the east end of the bay.

Roosevelt Island
Duration
4 hours
Group Size
Up to 6

Manhattan Skyline Tour

A four-hour circumnavigation of Manhattan

Enjoy a view of the Manhattan Skyline that can only be experienced from the water. Tours will embark from and return to Pier 25 in Manhattan, the Town Dock in Port Washington, NY, Worlds Fair Marina in Queens, or Jersey City, NJ and are three to four hours in duration depending on the embarkation point. The embarkation point is one per tour and on a first come basis. Cruisers can enjoy the sights on both sides of each river, the Hudson, East, and Harlem Rivers. Pricing is per charter with a maximum capacity of 6 passengers.

Duration
4 hours
Group Size
Up to 6

Plan Your Own Excursion

A half-day or full-day excursion tailored for you. Call for a quote!

Duration
4 hours
Group Size
Up to 6

Professional Development and Recognition

Employee team building and recognition. Call for Quote!

Monty's Ark Professional Development and Recognition cruises offer a unique opportunity for executives and managers to bring their team to a secluded environment to discuss and plan for ways to enhance team performance. Bonding with teammates outside of the workplace is a recognized way of successful professional development.

You can also reward team members by offering this unique opportunity for a day on the water.