I'm off to New York with DC. What should we do?

[MintIcecreams]

After having to cancel and rebook twice we are finally going to NYC for 4 nights. DC are 7 and 10. What do we need to see?

We're thinking top of the rock, statue of liberty and some shopping. Would love to hear about some great things to do with kids.

Also, my DD is coeliac so any recommendations for food would be great. We are staying in a tiny apartment.

Top of the rock has a better view in my opinion than empire state because obviously at the top of the ESB you can’t SEE the Empire State Building if that makes sense?

YES to Ellen’s, it’s really fun.

Do the sights and then properly explore if you have time. The West Village is wonderful. I love New York.

There’s a new massive Toys R Us in Macy’s although I know with luggage restrictions you might not be able to by them anything so might be a bit cruel to parade them around all the toys lol

Are you guys fans of chocolate? Check out Max Brenners Chocolate restaurant. Perfect place to go for a hot chocolate if it’s cold

Walk on the high line, really fun and quite unique I think!

And baseball definitely!

Start on the hop on hop off bus …great way to orientate you to the city.
It really is fab . M and M shop a must
Central station is crazy but beautiful
Broadway show
Statin island
9/11 memorial..beautiful
Central Park and so I could go on .
Rockerfellar Building so you can see Empire State

Ellen’s Stardust Diner - although I don’t know how well they cater for a coeliac. Empire State Building, see the Statue of Liberty from the ferry, Central Park including the zoo, pop into Grand Central, M&M World, 9/11 memorial

I forgot how much I loved watching ice hockey when I lived in the states. Definitely recommend this. It’s face paced and exciting.

I’ve loved reading all these, thank you!

Saving this thread for a planned trip next year. Have a great time OP, I haven't been to NY for a long time but agree with recommendations to go with the classics - Central Park, Times Square, history museum is fab. Keep your eyes peeled for celebrities, we saw a a few just wandering around town.

Also Madison square gardens for basketball, we saw the women's team and it was brilliant

We've been twice with our 3 kids. The one thing they all loved was Spyscape - it's a really interactive museum of spying with loads to do.
Also we took the subway to Brooklyn and after being in Times Sw it felt so peaceful. We did the Zoo there, and had amazing pizza then walked back over Brooklyn bridge. I'm coeliac and it's pretty good there, but u often need to ask.
I asked for Gluten free food Recs before I went and got these:-

Senza gluten
Melt shop
Smorgasbord food market in Williamsburg
NoGlu
Erin McKennas bakery, Broome st
Fresh & Co
Luke’s Lobster
Baked by Melissa
Ottos Tacos
Keste Pizza
Only tried Melt shop but that was amazing!

@shoes4life thats a great list thank you! I must admit I’m very worried about getting safe food

Honestly I found it better there than in London. Burger places offered gf buns, lots of chains same as here (itsu, pret) and also Whole foods - we ate lunch there a few times as it was easy

Ah that's lovely you are taking your children. I know someone that just got back today from NYC, but she left her 5 year old at home, which I thought was awful.

@MintIcecreams where are you staying/ how did you find somewhere nice for the kids?

I'm desperate to go! But either DC (similar ages to yours!) - I keep worrying, going around in circles and then failing to book x

We’re hoping to go next year with similar aged kids, so would love to hear what you do end up doing/enjoying when you go.

We’ve been before, just me and DH, but I know my younger DD will love the American Girl shop, hoping to do a broadway show and the zoo too.

We are just back.

id say don’t under estimate the walking from a to b. Google will say 10 minutes but the reality is 20 minutes or more by the time you cross roads and get past people.

Take your time and don’t try do too much.

If you were to 2 viewing platforms I’d say TOTR and the Edge. We didn’t manage summit one. ESB is iconic but I’d say one of our least favourite.

Madison Square Garden is a great tour for an hour.

We bought passes via Groupon. Our attractions ended up being £16 each. Well worth it in our opinion. If you are on Facebook then New York for a Brits and NYC the place to be are a must.

A pedicab tour of Central Park is great fun.

Ellens stardust diner was disgusting. Food was dreadful and the staff were constantly asking for money in their tins. Honestly, much better places to eat.

Times square, grand Central station and take a trip to the suburbs, Brooklyn, central park, use the subway, that's an adventure itself.