If you’re looking for a concise, practical New York City travel guide, I’ll be honest: the city is vast and ever-changing, and no single list can capture everything. I don’t live in NYC, but I visit frequently and have a set of favorite places I return to. Below are my go-to hotels, restaurants, and family-friendly activities, followed by reader recommendations you shared. Use this as a starting point to plan your trip—mix and match neighborhoods, and give yourself time to wander.
Where to Stay
My top pick for a downtown stay is The Bowery Hotel. It strikes a balance between sophistication and personality: comfortable, stylish rooms, a striking lobby bar, and a prime location in SoHo. Staying here feels a little glamorous, and the neighborhood is perfect for shopping, dining, and walking. From SoHo it’s easy to reach Tribeca, the Financial District, Chelsea, Little Italy, and Chinatown.
The Plaza Hotel is ideal if you’re after that classic, luxurious New York experience. It sits directly across from Central Park and is close to Rockefeller Center and Broadway—an especially festive option for families visiting the park or seeing a show.
Other well-loved hotels recommended by readers:
- Ludlow
- ACE Hotel
- 1 Hotel
- The Mark
- The Refinery
- The Edition
- Marlton
- The NoMad
Where to Eat — My Favorites
New York is a dining capital, and below are restaurants I’ve tried and loved. Many of these require reservations or patience for a wait, so plan ahead.
- Rubirosa Pizza – Thin-crust, family-style pizza that’s worth a wait. If you can’t get a reservation, put your name on the list and explore Nolita before dinner. For families, an early dinner helps avoid long lines.
- Joe’s Shanghai – Famous for soup dumplings and consistently solid Chinese dishes. Great for a Chinatown meal with bold flavors.
- L’Artusi – Contemporary Italian with excellent service and a strong wine list. A top choice for date night; bar seating is particularly good for two. Not the best pick for very young children.
- The Polo Bar – A Ralph Lauren restaurant with a refined, classic atmosphere and attentive service. Polished and welcoming for a special dinner.
- Le Coucou – Upscale French with timeless execution: candlelit tables, excellent service, and memorable food. Book well in advance for celebratory meals.
- Cafe Habana – A lively Cuban spot in SoHo known for its grilled corn, tacos, and sandwiches—great for a casual lunch.
- Bond St. Sushi – Elegant sushi for special occasions.
- Gemma – The restaurant at The Bowery Hotel; their truffle pizza (with prosciutto and arugula) is a favorite for cocktails and a light meal.
- Russ & Daughters – Classic bagels and lox; pick up a sandwich to enjoy in the park.
- Barney Greengrass – A century-old deli with traditional flavors—excellent for a Upper West Side breakfast.
- J.G. Melon – A classic Upper East Side burger joint with old-school ambiance and loyal fans.
- ABC Kitchen – Beautifully designed, seasonal menu; ideal for a leisurely brunch followed by shopping at the connected ABC stores.
- Hu Kitchen – Great for healthy, simple meals that feel fresh and nourishing.
- Bluestone Lane – A reliable spot for coffee and a relaxed breakfast.
- Grand Banks – A seasonal oyster bar on a boat—perfect for a sunny afternoon drink and oysters.
- Mission Chinese – Bold flavors and inventive dishes; we usually go for the wings and share a few plates.
- Arthur Avenue (Bronx) – More of a neighborhood food stroll than a single restaurant: excellent Italian markets, fresh cured meats, and authentic storefront restaurants—my pick over Little Italy for serious Italian food shopping and tasting.
Other Reader-Recommended Eateries
- Uncle Boons (Thai)
- Estiatorio Milos (seafood)
- The Spotted Pig
- The Meatball Shop
- Pio Pio (Peruvian)
- Sara Beth’s (brunch)
- Levain Bakery (famous cookies)
- Rosemary’s (casual dining)
- The Mermaid Inn (seafood)
Good for Kids
Below are family-friendly restaurants and activities. Some restaurants mentioned earlier also work well for children—I’ve noted the best options for families.
Kid-Friendly Restaurants & Treats
- Serendipity III – Iconic spot known for frozen hot chocolate and over-the-top desserts; great for a whimsical afternoon treat.
- Ellen’s Stardust Diner – Singing waitstaff and a lively atmosphere—perfect for kids who love performance.
- Victor’s Cafe – Cuban music and food near Times Square make it fun before or after a show.
- Sarabeth’s – Reliable brunch near Central Park.
- Levain Bakery – Must-try cookies kids adore.
- Alice’s Tea Cup – A whimsical tea-house experience designed for children.
- Rubirosa Pizza and Joe’s Shanghai – Both family-friendly if you time it right or take early reservations.
- Eataly – Market-style dining with lots of kid-friendly choices.
Kid-Friendly Activities
- Central Park — visit the zoo, ride the carousel, explore Bethesda Terrace, and picnic at the Great Lawn or The Boathouse.
- Battery Park — Seaglass Carousel and playgrounds; close to the Staten Island Ferry for a free view of the Statue of Liberty.
- Times Square — Bright lights and street performers make for a thrilling walk-through.
- See a Broadway show — family-friendly productions offer unforgettable memories.
- FAO Schwarz — The iconic toy store at Rockefeller Center is a magical stop.
- American Girl Store and Eloise at The Plaza — special experiences that many kids love.
If you have favorites I didn’t list, please share them—NYC is always evolving, and reader recommendations are the best way to discover new gems. Tell us your go-to restaurants, hotels, and family activities so everyone can benefit from local tips and fresh ideas.
