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"Let Me Tell You" is a series of columns from our expert editors about NYC living, including the best things to do, where to eat and drink, and what to see at the theater. They publish each Tuesday so you’re hearing from us each week. Last time, Things to Do Editor Rossilynne Skena Culgan shared why going to see "Suffs" is a must-do.
The glittering New Year's ball has dropped. The confetti has been cleaned from Times Square. Some resolutions have been made and already forgotten, but there's always time to start anew.
In that spirit, allow me to present 25 resolutions I hope New Yorkers will adopt for 2025 to live their best lives, make the most of the city and be better neighbors. Now, let's try to keep these resolutions, shall we?
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1. Let people exit the train first
We begin with a perennial New York City complaint. Let people off the subway train before you try to push into the door. Let's do it this year. Please. Pretty please.
2. Get active with a new skill
Getting active is always a common New Year's resolution, and though local gyms are great, why not try something a little more adventurous? You can learn to surf in the Rockaways with Locals Surf School or channel your inner Katniss Everdeen with Wild Captives in Brooklyn.
3. See at least one Broadway show
You're living in the center of the theatrical universe (don't come for us, West End theater), so make the most of it and go see a show on Broadway. Yes, it is possible to get cheap tickets; here's how.
4. Attend an unconventional show
Broadway is all well and good, but what about a pole-dancing/comedy show called Schtick a Pole In It? Or Books & Burlesque, a performance that pairs book readings with incredible dance? You're only gonna get shows like this in New York City, baby, so go see 'em.
5. Laugh out loud
One thing we all need right now: First, a stiff drink, unless you're doing Dry January. Second, a laugh. Luckily for us, our fair city is packed with comedians who want your attention. Here are a few of our favorite comedy clubs to check out.
6. Take some me-time
You deserve it, your majesty! Schedule some time for Y-O-U this year. Whether that's an outdoor sauna experience, a spa day or a facial, put your phone on silent and take some time to decompress.
7. Remember that tourists save money to see the streets you take for granted
I saw this sentiment on social media recently, and it really resonated. Yes, it can be frustrating to fight the crowds of slow-walking tourists blocking the entire sidewalk, but remember that they're trying to experience the places we get to see every single day.
8. Keep it moving
On that note, y’all. Stop abruptly walking backwards on the sidewalk. Stop pausing at the top of the subway stairs. Stop it!
9. Walk left, stand right
Speaking of keeping things moving, remember the rules of etiquette on escalators. If you're standing, stay on the right side, leaving the left side as a fast lane for walkers.
10. Get outside
Don't spend your days exclusively cooped up inside. Get outside and enjoy the city even when it's cold outside with ice skating or sledding.
11. Read The Power Broker
A must on every New Yorker's bookshelf, the massive tome by Robert A. Caro is as relevant as it was in 1974. If you haven't read it yet, now's the time. Bonus points: Go see the exhibit at New-York Historical Society about the book and its 50th anniversary.
12. Learn some local history
Speaking of history, learn it! The Historical Society is an excellent choice, as is the Tenement Museum where I'd recommend the tour titled "A Union of Hope."
13. Get into a museum for free
Don't let price be a barrier to visiting New York City's incredible museums. Nearly two dozen museums around town offer free days or are always free. A few top picks: The always-free Hispanic Society Museum and free first Fridays at Neue Galerie New York. Here's our full list to peruse.
14. Visit a quirky museum
After you've checked all the big museums off your list, how about a museum dedicated to math? Or city ephemera? Or skyscrapers? We've got 'em all, and these quirky museums are worth your time.
15. Stop gridlocking!
There's a special circle of hell for drivers who gridlock intersections. Also bad: If you're honking the horn trying to convince the driver in front of you to gridlock. As the campaign goes, don't block the box.
16. Better yet, stop driving altogether!
Try it, it's fun! (And more affordable thanks to the new congestion pricing.)
17. Go island-hopping without ever leaving the five boroughs
Sure the waters of the Caribbean are bluer than the Hudson or the East River, but you can island hop without boarding a flight. Governors Island and Roosevelt Island offer peaceful oases easily accessible via public transit. This year, resolve to explore these beautiful places in our city's backyard.
18. Save some cash at a sample sale
If you're looking to save money this year but are still craving the latest fashions, NYC's sample sales are where it's at.
19. Shop sustainably
Better yet, dedicate your budget to sustainable shopping this year by shopping second hand. These thrift stores are a great place to start.
20. Stand clear of the closing doors, please
Just do it! And while you’re at it, take off your backpack.
21. Advocate for more accessible, clean public restrooms
We've got a public restroom crisis in this city. Thankfully, Theodora Siegel is our collective fairy godmother of toilets. She runs Got2GoNYC, which shares tips on public restrooms around town and advocates for more bathrooms for all.
22. Go all the way up
At our city's overlooks! Take it to the top to see incredible views at these gorgeous spots that are not just for tourists.
23. Sleuth for some secrets
Dig into our city's secrets, no detective cap or magnifying glass required. Hundreds of secrets are hiding in our city, often in plain sight. I even wrote a book about them! I hope Secret New York City: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure, can inspire you to find some off-the-beaten-path spots in our city to spark your sense of adventure this year.
24. Eat local
Shop at local farmers markets to support local agriculture and get the freshest produce around. The Union Square Greenmarket is a fan favorite, but there's undoubtedly a farmers market in your neighborhood. Here's how to find one.
25. Let your freak flag fly
In 2025, be unapologetically YOU. If you need some inspiration, look to these creative forces documented by the New York Times late last year. As Broadway's Cole Escola told the Times in that piece, it's "longevity" that makes a New York freak. "It takes a lot to stay in New York," they continued. "The city separates the freaks from the wannabes."