As someone who has visited New York City five times—four of those in the past four years—I’ve had the chance to explore so many of its amazing neighborhoods, landmarks, and hidden gems. NYC is one of my favorite destinations because it truly has something for everyone. Whether you’re into food, shopping, arts, theatre history, or just soaking in the energy of the streets, this city never disappoints. Here are my top five areas in NYC that I think you and your teen will love too!
1. Chelsea & West Village
Chelsea and the West Village are perfect for anyone who loves iconic photo spots and amazing food. If you’re a Swiftie like me, you MUST stop by Cornelia Street for a fun photo op, as this street served as the inspiration for Taylor Swift’s song of the same name. And for fans of Friends, the famous apartment building from the show is right here too!
When it comes to food, this area is unbeatable. My absolute favorite spot is L’industrie Pizzeria. Their Fig Jam & Bacon pizza with a drizzle of hot honey is life changing. Magnolia Bakery is another must-visit for their famous banana pudding, as it’s the perfect sweet treat to eat while wondering around. If you have a sweet tooth, like me and my mom, Bon Bon is a Swedish candy shop where you can fill a bag with all your favorites.
*Pro Tip*: They offer samples of anything you’d like to try. Go easy with those scoops…it’s easy to go overboard and spend $40 on sugary goodness!
2. Greenwich Village, East Village, Noho, & Soho
These villages are near each other, and personally, they are my favorite hoods in NYC. If you love shopping, Soho is a dream come true!! Broadway Street is packed with stores like Brandy Melville, Aritzia, Edikted, and MUCH more, so you can shop until you drop! Just be prepared for crowds and potentially queues to get into stores, especially on weekends. Personally, I spend a full day in these areas when visiting NYC, and it’s still not enough!
For food, Tompkins Square Bagels is a must. Their bagels are loaded with toppings, and the Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough cream cheese is a life altering. For an afternoon pick me up, head to Dominique Ansel’s for their famous cookie shot (a warm cookie cup filled with milk) or Levain Bakery for their thick, gooey cookies. If you’re looking for a sit-down meal, Au Cheval has the best burger and baked mac and cheese…don’t be shy about adding the egg…it’s delicious!!
*Pro Tip*: Book a reservation early if this hot spot is on your list (the NYC location accepts reservations up to 21 days in advance and they are released daily at 9 AM Eastern Time)!
3. Financial District
The Financial District showcases its rich history through iconic landmarks that command your attention at every turn. Bowling Green Park is home to the Charging Bull statue, and nearby, you’ll find the Fearless Girl statue. Both are great for photos but be ready to wait in line!
The 9/11 Memorial is a must-visit. The memorial is a moving tribute to the lives lost on September 11th, with reflecting pools and engraved names. There is a nearby museum with artifacts and details of that fateful day, so if time allows, check it out.
While in this area, you can explore the Westfield World Trade Center Mall, which is another great shopping spot, particularly if it’s raining. Last, but not least, add a visit to the Statue of Liberty to your list, and catch the ferry from Battery Park.
*Pro Tip*: Buy tickets in advance, particularly if you want to visit the crown of the Statue. I personally love the Pedestal Access tickets. The views from the crown are nice, but I prefer the view from Top of the Rock. There are also many kid-friendly rooftop bars that allow children during the daytime (230 Fifth Rooftop is a favorite of mine).
4. Central Park
Central Park invites you into a living museum, where iconic landmarks and hidden treasures reveal themselves at every turn. Exploring it feels like a treasure hunt, with something new around every corner.
Some of my favorite stops include the whimsical Alice in Wonderland statue and the Hans Christian Andersen sculpture, which are perfect for photos. The Bow Bridge is another must-see—if it looks familiar, it’s probably because you’ve seen it in Home Alone 2! The Mall, with its canopy of trees, leads to Bethesda Fountain and Terrace, one of the most picturesque spots in the park. And, of course, you can’t miss Strawberry Fields, a peaceful tribute to John Lennon.
*Pro Tip*: If you’re short on time, renting a bike (regular or electric) is the way to go. You can take a lap or two around the park, stopping along the way for a classic New York pretzel or an ice cream bar. It’s the perfect way to soak in the beauty of Central Park while covering a lot of ground, because Central Park is quite large!
5. Theatre District & Midtown
This area is all about the energy of Times Square and the magic of Broadway. Times Square is especially cool at night with all the lights but prepare yourself for crowds and random street performers soliciting you. It’s worth seeing, but it’s very touristy and kind of dirty, so I never linger too long.
If you’re into musicals, seeing a Broadway show is a must. I saw Hamilton here, and it was incredible! For food, Los Tacos is my go-to for quick, authentic Mexican street tacos. If you’re in the mood for something more relaxed, Din Tai Fung is amazing for Taiwanese food. Their Xiao Long Bao (soup dumplings) and Chocolate & Mochi dessert dumplings are a must-try!
*Pro Tip*: If you’re planning to eat at Din Tai Fung, go early for dinner or on a weeknight. Get reservations or join the waitlist real time (…do not wait until you are hungry because the wait is often 1-3 hours on a busy weekend night)!
Closing Thoughts
NYC is such a vibrant city, and these are just a few of my favorite neighborhoods and spots along the way. Whether you’re here for the food, the shopping, or the history, there’s always something new to discover. If you’re looking to travel to NYC with tweens or teens, this list is bound to have some winning options that allow you to look cooler than your kids…for once!
If you need a travel advisor to help make your experience in New York City seamless and tailored, contact WonderCrafted Travel. They bring real-world experience and can match you to the perfect hotel and “must-dos” to fulfill YOUR wish list!
