Besides the usual tourist attractions such as the Empire State, Central Park, Lady Liberty, Radio City Hall and Ground Zero, all of which I’ll be paying a visit to during my 3 month stay in New York, there’s a few less publicised places that I personally feel drawn to. These places are a little more off the typically tourist beaten track, but I just know they’ll be well worth it. Here’s my New York Bucket List for 2017:
The Giant Piano from ‘Big’ the Movie
Yes, the iconic scene with Tom Hanks from the movie ‘Big’ is an absolute priority when I go to the Big Apple. Although originally located at FAO Schwarz, this toy store (the oldest in New York dating back to 1862), recently closed down. Thankfully for us, the giant piano is still available for movie fanatics to see at its new location, Macy’s.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
The largest museum in the United States, with the most diverse collection of ancient art. You name it and they’ve got it – Greek, Roman, Middle Eastern… Also any ‘Gossip Girl’ fans will recognise those familiar steps leading up to the museum where Blair and Serena spent most lunchtimes of their teenage years.
Cycle across Brooklyn Bridge
No bike ride could possibly compare to the one that awaits anyone travelling to New York. I cannot wait to hire a bike and cycle right across Brooklyn bridge (better wait till the temperate isn’t in the minus region though).
Grimaldi’s Pizza, Brooklyn
Opening in 1990, the original reasoning behind the restaurant being located in Dumbo, Brooklyn rather than Manhattan is because coal-fired brick ovens were illegal in Manhattan, and this is the process of cooking pizza that Grimaldi believed to produce the best result. Going here though, you have to be prepared to queue for a long while – at least you’ll have worked up an appetite!
Bleeker Street Records
The famous Bleeker Street Records in Greenwich village is the ultimate spot for anyone like me, who loves music from every era! They even have their very own wall of fame after being super popular with celebrities. If Leonardo DiCaprio, Johnny Depp and Jimmy Page thought it worth a visit, I’m pretty certain it’ll be good enough for me.
Jekyll and Hyde Restaurant & Club
Based on the gothic novel by Robert Louis Stevenson, this restaurant is full of horrific souvenirs and artefacts associated with the tale. The creatures come alive as you eat your meal and you get to experience a huge array of special, spooky effects. As a big fan of the book (and anything gothic related in general), I will definitely be going for a Jekyll and Hyde themed meal during my stay in New York. The restaurant even warns its guests that every 10 minutes something ‘unusual’ happens, so I’ll just make sure I’m careful not to order anything that will stain because I will undoubtedly spill it in fright!
Serendipity 3
For anyone who’s seen the movie ‘Serendipity’ with the wonderful Kate Beckinsale and charming John Cusack, going for a frozen hot chocolate at the cafe Serendipity 3 is absolutely vital. I’ll be thrilled to finally tick this destination off the bucket list!
Finally, I would love to see a FLASH MOB.
A flash mob consists of spontaneity, diversity, movement, electricity and vibrance, things which I believe perfectly capture the essence of New York City. Hopefully the next time I experience this scene from ‘Friends with Benefits’, it’ll be in reality and not through a screen!