NYC - tips for one day, two nights?

[BronnauMawrion]

I'm visiting NYC in July with older parents (not exactly elderly, but not as mobile as they once were!).
We have 1 day (2 nights) spare in the city and I'd love some recommendations of something to do and any lovely hotels you've stayed in.
Flying in to JFK if that makes any difference

Sorry to jump on your thread but do you know how you are getting from JFK to your hotel? I can't face a bus/train journey but have nightmares of paying $$$ for a taxi

you are looking at about 80$ in a taxi or a car service versus about 20$ on the air train to jamaica station then the long island railroad to penn station or grand central the
train is likely to be quicker depending on when you land and where you are staying

What would your parents enjoy? Don’t stay at Times Square. Try mid town or the financial district.

Do you want to do 9/11 or any of the viewing platforms such as the Empire State Building? Staten Island ferry is free so you can see the Statue of Liberty.

If you’ve only got one day then an idea on what you’d like to do then advice can be given on areas to stay. No point in being in the Financial district if you want to walk Central Park.

The airtrain is easy but we did it leaving the city, not coming in as I just wanted the ease of airport to hotel so got a car and driver. A taxi would be £80 + depending on what you tip.

9/11 is a must see for me!

1 day then what? Amtrak? Flight?

If you need to get to Penn station then I'd stay nearby, you wouldn't be too far from
The highline and Chelsea market as well as empire state and Bryant park, New York library for sightseeing.

Highline and Chelsea market definitely - it's beautiful in spring / summer. The food at Chelsea market is delicious, and there's a subway stop a few minutes from it to take you back uptown 😊

I'd get a cab from JFK, it's a base fare + tolls and tip, I think it was $100 for us last week.

The Met is amazing too for a relaxed stroll, or go into Central Park and have a walk about the turtle pond. 9/11 is good to see if you have time, but I found it really hard to go and see tbh. 5th ave is good for a wander if you want any shopping too! Time Square is a classic but so crowded, but I kinda think it's one of those things to see at least once.

Hotel wise - The Plaza, Langham, Kimpton Eventi and NoMad are all fab. Depends on the sort of location you're after imo!

City bus tour?

Thank you for your advice so far. We are heading to a family wedding near Roslyn and have a hotel there for the weekend, but will be flying in on the Thursday so was looking for something to do on the Friday.
We've been to NY before and "done" the major sites like Statue of Liberty, Empire State, and my parents were actually at the World Trade Centre a week before 9/11.
Because they are older now I feel a bit of responsibility to organise something that won't involve too much walking but will still be a great experience.
I thought if we pin down what we want to do, then I can look for accommodation nearby.

Boat trip around Manhattan island? You'd get breezes from the water if it's hot, and it could well be in July.

The Whitney museum and the Edge, walk between them on the high line? Stay at Gansvoort Meatpacking maybe.

Or stroll around Tribeca art galleries, visit 9/11 memorial, stay at the Beekman.

Or Moma, walk in central park. Not sure of hotels up there.

Tenement museum is always fascinating but I might not pick a hotel on the lower east side with older relatives. Beekman again.

What do you and your parents enjoy?

I was going to suggest that but an evening cruise to see the city lights.

Broadway show?

A specific tour to cater for their interests eg food, movie locations.

I'd do the Met and walk around Central park. Boat cruise at night is a good suggestion

Soho or noho for food