New York City was my home for over a decade so it’s difficult to write about and provide recommendations because, well, where does one begin? I will attempt, though, to at least capture some of my favorite places and things to do. These suggestions are based both on the twelve years I lived there and the countless trips we have taken to visit family with our kids since then. So, queue up Taylor Swift’s 1989, and start blasting Welcome to New York.    

The Practical Takeaways

• It’s a lot easier to visit with kids when they are old enough to walk on their own – NYC public transit is not exactly stroller friendly (kudos to the NYC parents out there who do this every day!). For each point of interest, map out where the closest park or playground is to take a break. Remember, if you can make it here (with kids) you can make it anywhere.
• To fully see and appreciate New York, plan your visit around three perspectives: 1) move with the crowds through the sidewalks and subway, 2) sit on a bench or at a coffee shop and people watch, and 3) step back or above to see the skyline from a distance.

Things to See and Do

Central Park

I can’t imagine what my life would be without Central Park. My first job out of college involved driving a pick-up truck around the Park. There was a time I knew every hidden nook, all the dedicated benches, and the people that keep it clean and green. The experience led me to a career in urban planning and a love for city parks. It’s probably deserving of its own post, but for now, here are my favorite places within the Park’s 843 acres:

• Sheep Meadow, Bethesda Fountain, The Mall, and Strawberry Fields: If you only have a short time to visit Central Park, these are the four places to see. You can visit them all by entering the Park on either the East or West side of 72nd Street and taking a meandering walk across. 

• Alice In Wonderland and Conservatory Water: If you have more time, visit the Alice in Wonderland statue and rent a model boat to race in Conservatory Water, just like Stuart Little. These are also near 72nd Street. 

• The Great Lawn and Turtle Pond: Enter the park anywhere from 79th to 85th and head straight to the center of the Park. This is where, it seems, the world comes to relax. Pick any bench around the lawn and sit there to watch it all. The Great Lawn is behind the Metropolitan Museum of Art on the east side. The Museum of Natural History on the West. You can walk over for a rest after a visit to either destination.
• Conservatory Garden: At 104th street and 5th Avenue you are transported to a French, Italian, and English garden. You can pair this visit with a trip to the Museum of the City of New York, which is across the street. The Dana Discovery Center at the Harlem Meer is also near, offering urban nature programs.

• The Pool and Great Hill: If you really want to be adventurous you can find the 100th street pool which has a hidden waterfall and then have a picnic at the Great Hill. You won’t believe you are in New York City. 

And here’s a helpful hint: You can never get lost in Central Park. Just look at any lamppost and you will find a series of letters and numbers. The first letter will be “E” or “W” to indicate if you’re on the east or the west side. The next two numbers will tell you the street and the last two numbers indicate which lamppost it is within that street. As an example, E7201 means you are at East 72nd Street and it’s the first lamp post within 72nd street.

Midtown

• Ellen’s Stardust Diner: This may be super touristy, but it’s just so fun. All the servers are aspiring Broadway stars and break out into song while pouring your coffee. Be prepared for long lines to get in. It’s open 24hrs – I recommend going for an early morning breakfast. I’ve walked right in at 7:30am, but by 8am there is a line.
• Improv4kids: This is a fun, unique, and affordable experience for families. It’s very interactive and each show is custom for the audience. 
• Bryant Park: There is so much to do in this most urban 9-acre park. My favorite time to visit is during the holidays when market stalls, lights, and ice skating make it feel magical.    
• Grand Central Terminal: In Life and Death of the Great American City, Jane Jacobs refers to the sidewalks of New York as a ballet. While this is a train station, not a sidewalk, I love coming here and watching the movement of people under the turquoise and gold ceiling – “the ballet is never at a halt, but the general effect is peaceful and the general tenor even leisurely.”    

• RiseNY: If you’re a fan of Soarin’ at Epcot in Disney World, you will enjoy RiseNY. The interactive exhibits lead to a 4D ride lifting you on a flight through New York City. 
• Burger Joint at the Parker Meridian: In my 20’s my friends and I referred to this as “the secret burger place” because its hidden behind a red curtain in the lobby of a fancy hotel. In reality, it may be hidden, but its not a secret, as evident by the long line. The burgers are delicious and worth the wait. On a recent trip my kids enjoyed adding their names to the wall.

• Alice’s Tea Cup: This whimsical tea house has scones, tea sandwiches, and hundreds of teas. Fairy wings and pixies dust are provided upon arrival.
• Rockefeller Center: Year after year I make my way through the crowds to see the holiday lights projected on Saks from Rockefeller Center. I always find it spectacular. Somehow I’m able to tune out the hundreds of people around me as I watch. We also often go to 30 Rock to shop at FAO Schwarz, the Lego Store, PIQ, the Nintendo Store, and NBC Store.   

Below 42nd Street

• Chelsea Market and the Highline: Chelsea Market is a food hall in the former Nabisco factory. I love sampling from each of the shops and especially enjoy when it’s decorated for Halloween. Pearl River Mart is always fun to visit there. The Market is just below the Chelsea section of the Highline Park. Hop up there for a view from above in a park developed on a former freight line.
• Flatiron District: Yes, Shake Shack is everywhere now, but there is still something special about having a burger at the original location in Madison Square Park. Follow it up with a trip to Eataly, the Flagship Harry Potter Store, Paragon Sports, and ABC Home. 

• The Village: Set aside time to peruse the 1.8 miles of books at the Strand Bookstore. Afterwards walk down to Washington Square Park and get lost in the web of streets in the Village. A few of my favorite destinations include Mamoum’s Falafel, Arturo’s Pizza, and Corner Bistro. All of these are on interesting streets with unique shops and active sidewalks. 

• Lower East Side Tenement Museum: The interactive guided tours take you through the apartments’ of immigrants and refugees from the 1860’s to 1960’s, telling the stories that connect their lives to present day New York. You can continue your Lower East Side experience with a corned beef sandwich at Katz’s Deli.
• Brooklyn Bridge: As an 18-year old student in New York, I walked across the Brooklyn Bridge for the first time. It was late at night in the Fall and the experience has been seared into my brain for a lifetime. No matter how many times I have been since, I never get over the sheer marvel of the bridge’s cables and the view when you turn around at the halfway point. It’s breathtaking (at any time of day….no need to go in the middle of the night!).  

Beyond Manhattan

There is so much to explore beyond Manhattan, particularly if you are interested in international flavors. It can be a bit overwhelming, so I will just mention two places that I always recommend and leave it there. 

• Transit Museum: My favorite thing about this museum is that it is underground in a decommissioned subway station. You can climb (and swing) on twenty different historical subway cars and see how they have changed since 1901. It’s great for adults and kids. You can pair it with a walk through the Brooklyn Heights neighborhood to Brooklyn Bridge Park.

• Coney Island: The long subway ride to Coney Island is worth it for a Nathan’s hot dog, a walk on the boardwalk, and a ride on the iconic Cyclone roller coaster (built in 1927). It’s a weird and only-in-New York experience. 

Accommodations

• Someone special once told me “I want to be pampered for the rest of my life,” and then she checked into the Palace Hotel. This luxury hotel is in the perfect midtown location – close walking distance to all the tourist sites, though being between Madison and Park, it’s quieter. There is an outdoor courtyard and you never know what VIP’s you may find there. Also, on Friday and Saturday nights there is a mind-blowing magic show at the hotel (tickets and cocktail attire required).
• If traveling with (or without) kids, try the Moxy Chelsea or Moxy Village. Both are fun and in great locations. 

A Few Extra Tips

• Get a New York bagel. I’d argue that Murray’s is the best there is. Here’s the tip: do not ask for it to be toasted or you will get dirty looks.    
• I typically consult with Mommy Poppins to see what events and exhibits are occurring while we are there.
• If you’re looking for a free activity, take a ride on the Staten Island Ferry, from which you have a perfect view of the Statue of Liberty. 
• There is no need for a Fitbit. Just know twenty New York blocks equals one mile. You’ll hit it quickly.
• If you have more time and want to tack on some adventure, 90-minutes north of the city, read about our trips to the Rocking Horse Ranch in the Hudson Valley.
• To plan for another City trip, visit my post on Montreal.