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A Mother-daughter weekend in New York City is both magical and memorable. There’s something special about witnessing the mature, thoughtful and insightful human your adult daughter has become. Staging the story line for that realization in New York City, engaged in some one-on-one Mother-daughter time exploring the city, is like a reward for years of teen parenting.
The Big Apple vibes year round, with no true low or shoulder season. But nothing delivers the opportunity for great sightseeing and fewer crowds than winter. Bundled up like a local for the crisp cold weather, you may be lucky enough to see the city and Central Park blanketed in snow too.
I’ve experienced the charms of this world class city before, so this year, after attending a conference there, I flew my daughter out to join me for a mother-daughter weekend in New York City. This is our list of things to see and do in NYC, courtesy of a Gen X/Boomer cusp Mom and Gen Z daughter, sprinkled with notable generational insights, to help you plan your own girl’s long weekend.
We’ve included a sample 4-day itinerary at the end of this post which assumes you arrive ready to hit the pavement Thursday morning, after an early morning flight from the east coast, or a red eye from the west coast, and are willing to pack a lot of living into the weekend, then head to the airport for an early Sunday evening flight home. Yup, it’s a fully loaded Reuben Sandwich of fun that only NYC could offer. The stuff mother-daughter memories are made of!
Hot Tip
My City Pass New York. We used this attractions APP and it was fantastic. It allows you to purchase entry to five attractions, saving you both money and time, since you get to select advance reservations and timed entry, making you feel like a rock star (important for Mom credit with Gen Z daughters), especially if there is a skip the line scenario. My City Pass New York Tickets are issued with QR codes and can be saved to your phones Apple Wallet, and can easily be time/date modified online if your plans change. For the low tech, all of this can also be done in advance online from home, and you can present printed tickets if you wish.
Sights to See on your Mother-Daughter weekend in new york city
This is our list of things to see and do in New York City. A sample itinerary is at the end of this article.
Empire State Building
A symbol of the city since its inception in 1931, this soaring Art Deco edifice is the most famous skyscraper in New York. While riding to the 80th floor, visitors watch an animated dramatization on the elevators ceiling, depicting the construction of the building. Views from the 86th floor open-air observatory, 1050 feet (320 meters) above the city, attract more than 4 million visitors annually. There’s also homage to the countless movies featuring the Empire State Building, such as King Kong, Superman, An Affair to Remember, and Sleepless in Seattle.
Gen Z thought the movie prop stuff was a bit kitschy but loved the history and craftsmanship of the building. What can I say? May daughter has always been into rocks and marble! I loved the view and got lost in movie memories of Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan meeting atop the building at the end of the 1993 romantic comedy, Sleepless in Seattle. The New York State Building is one of the attractions available on My City Pass New York.
North View
South view
East view
West view
Top of the Rock Observation Deck at the top of the Rockefeller Center
The Top of the Rock Observation Deck is at the top of the Rockefeller Center, a National Historic Landmark, and the hub of midtown New York. The Rockefeller Center is home to Radio City Music and NBC Studios. It is also where Saturday Night Live is filmed. Rockefeller Center also has a small outdoor ice rink in the winter, and a large well-lit Christmas tree if you’re visiting in December.
But at the top of the center is the Top of the Rock Observation Deck. This three-level observation area offers 360 views of the city, with the top level unencumbered from glass or fencing.
Pro tip: be sure to time your winter visit for late afternoon so you can experience dusk and a New York City sunset. Then after a beverage at the bar, or something hot to drink if it’s really cold, emerge outside again to view the twinkling city lights.
This one got both the Gen X and Gen Z stamp of approval, especially on a crisp clear night. Top of the Rock tickets are included in the My City Pass New York.
Circle Line Sightseeing cruise
The Landmarks Cruise allows you to see NYC landmarks, the Statue of Liberty, and amazing views of New York in 1.5 hours. This was one of the site seeing options we accessed through My City Pass New York. The tour departs in midtown at Pier 83 and travels down the Hudson River, past One World Trade Center, Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty, hugging the waterfront of Lower Manhattan. It slips under the Brooklyn, Manhattan and Williamsburg bridges journeying up the East River, before returning at sunset for a magnificent view of the Statue of Liberty up close, and then back to port. An animated tour guide narrates the history of New York and some fun back stories sure to make you laugh.
Broken ice in the harbor, but open water away from the port.
Gen Z groaned at all the appropriate places during the delivery of “Dad Jokes” by our guide, but genuinely enjoyed the experience. Heated inside viewing is available, but we bundled up and loved the roof top unencumbered views. Gen Z even thanked Gen X Mom for encouraging her to wear wool socks, hat and scarf. I guess you never stop mothering, even when they’re in their 20s.
Statue of Liberty
A gift from the French to America, “Lady Liberty” has symbolized the beginning of a new way of life for generations of immigrants fleeing poverty and hardship. Today, the statue embodies the US founding ideals of liberty, equality and opportunity.
Gen Z’s liberal views provoked a great discussion later about human rights, freedom and equality in the current political climate. A mature and informed adult conversation with Mom. Another Gen X win.
9/11 Memorial and One World Trade Center
Opened on September 11, 2011, on the 10th anniversary of the terrorist attacks, the memorial features the names of every person who died, inscribed in bronze panels around two memorial pools that sit where the towers once stood. It’s both grand and understated, and definitely sobering. Framed with the backdrop of the new One World Trade Center rising behind, it really does put in perspective what once was, as well as the rebirth of Lower Manhattan after 9/11. Worth noting is the height that the new One World Trade Center stands at: 1,776 ft, reflecting the year of America’s declaration of independence.
While my daughter was only months old when 9/11 took place, it helped make the story real to her. And it allowed me to relay where she was that morning – breast feeding with me in bed very early morning on the west coast. That brought a laugh, but it also drew to my attention there being an entire Gen Z adult generation who couldn’t answer the question, “Where were you when the towers fell on 9/11?”
9/11 Memorial Museum
The museum contains artifacts, memorabilia, photographs and video from 9/11. The meticulously documented timeline, and stories thoroughly document the day, while also offering an educational look at what lead to the terrorist attack, and the longer term impacts. Photos are prohibited in the main exhibit. But this column artifact, revealed in the underground foundation of the original structure certainly puts some of the destruction and memories in perspective.
Inside the museum
I teared up on a number of occasions, listening to the voices of cell phone calls to loved ones, imaging being on the receiving end. And in re-watching clips of people jumping to their deaths, it brought back memories of how networks stopped showing those scenes, because they were so troubling – especially for family members. But the sight and sound instantly brought me back to the morning of Sept 11, 2001 – in a raw and very real way.
The museum is full or artifacts from first responders, those who perished and those who survived. Exhibits of photos, and news footage, guiding viewers along a timeline of the days events are tastefully documented.
A history lesson
Curiously, my Gen Z daughter knew only of the two planes that had hit the towers. Knowledge of a third plane hitting the Pentagon, and the forth aircraft which crashed in a Pennsylvania field, which was destined for the Whitehouse, was new to her. This was not part of her history lesson in school. She also remarked, “Well that pretty much debunks any conspiracy theories out there on social media.” Yet again, a lesson to Gen X, never assume history is being preserved as we remember it.
I had spent quality time at this exhibit previously, and it was at my urging that my daughter go again with me. She got so into it, she found a part of the exhibit I had missed on my first visit – a film about how volunteer mariners helped rescue over 500,000 people off the island of Manhattan in less than 9 hours that day, with the subway and bridges being closed. That operation eclipsed war time records for the movement of people by boat. Ever so briefly, in a divided country currently, it restored our faith in Americans, and the power they yield when people all come together united for a cause. Tickets to the 9/11 Museum can be purchased through the My City Pass New York.
Central Park
There’s lots to see in Central Park, even if it’s blanketed in snow. Gen Z had thoroughly researched this one ahead of time, mostly via Instagram posts, so I let her take the lead, which took us much deeper into the park than I had ventured previously.
Strawberry Fields
Strawberry Fields is a peaceful garden area created by Yoko Ono in memory of John Lennon. They lived in the nearby Dakota apartments. While I remembered clearly the day Lennon was shot in 1980, music and history transcended on this one, with my daughter filling me in on the IMAGINE circle memorial details, based on her Instagram research.
Bethesda Arcade and Terrace
The Arcade was another site Gen Z had researched, and wanted to visit. Overlooking the Ramble and the Lake, this terrace and its fountain form the focal point of the park. The arcade is an arched, interior walkway in the center of the park linking the Mall to Bethesda Fountain. Created in the 1860s, the arcade features a stunning Minton Tile ceiling designed by Jacob Wrey Mould. It was the tiles and the acoustics that my daughter most wanted to experience.
The acoustics in the arcade are amazing. The day we visited, there was a fellow playing saxophone, which was remarkable not only for the music, but the fact that his fingers functioned in -15C (5F) weather.
My Gen Z daughter is a singer, so hearing her voice amplified in the arcade was quite amazing. Another priceless Mom-daughter moment to remember.
the Mall in Central Park
The Mall and Women’s Rights Monument
Adjacent to the arcade is the elm tree-lined mall, affectionately known simply as “the Mall.” While experiencing the elm trees in their leafy glory would be a site, seeing them stripped down to limbs, with the ground covered in white snow, was a striking contrast to the towering skyscrapers in the distance. The Women’s Rights Pioneers Monument also provoked some interesting Mom-daughter conversation, relating history to current events, as we walked in the snow.
Delacorte Theater
Home to “Shakespeare in the Park” during the summer, and Summer Stage music and dance series performances, this stage sits starkly empty in winter. But all the better for creating your own memory of standing on it!
The Great Lawn
This 13 acre oval lawn hosts free concerts by the Metropolitan Opera and the New York Philharmonic in the summer. In the winter it’s just a big snow covered field, but a great place to watch birds and squirrels scamper about. Why do squirrels cling to trees, facing head down, defying gravity in Central Park? Some questions remain unanswered!
The great outdoors in midtown Manhattan?
The Lake
Central Park actually has five lakes, but the Reservoir is the largest. All bodies of water are off limits during the winter for fear of people falling through the frozen ice. Curiously, they do have ladders, poles and life rings posted close to all water areas, to serve as rescue equipment.
Outdoor skating rink
There are actually two outdoor skating rinks in Central Park – Wollman Rink, and Lasker Rink, providing the opportunity to skate during the winter (late Oct – early April, weather dependent). Skate rentals are available, and admission is paid. As a Canadian with years of skating outdoors on lakes and ponds, and a hockey playing Gen X momma, I gave this one a miss, but it would no doubt be a unique experience for anyone who has never ice skated, especially outdoors.
As you can see, there’s a lot to see in Central Park. It really does offer a stark contrast to the buildings of Manhattan rising all around it. Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, it is an oasis jewel for New York City, with its areas for active and passive recreation, and green space plantings designed to shut out the city.
Times Square and the theater district
Known as the “Crossroads of the World” Times Square is New York’s most famous intersection and center of live theater. Located at 42nd and off Broadway, the square draws visitors for its bright billboards, flagship stores, and world-class theater performances.
Gen Z declared Times Square as “lit” – quite literally, since it is bright 24/7. Since we were staying in the Times Square area, we passed through it at all hours of the day. Always bright, always busy, it’s a great place to people watch.
Broadway show
Upon a friend’s recommendation we went to see “& Juliet” at Stephen Sondheim Theater. The show was a playful musical romp on a contemporary story line, questioning what might have happened, had Juliet NOT killed herself in Romeo and Juliet. We absolutely loved the female empowered plot, which was perfect for a Mom-daughter outing.
Gen Z provided additional intel that I had not been aware of when purchasing the tickets.
Charli D’Amelio, of TikTok dance fame, was one of the cast members in this show. And 1990’s NSYNC Boy Band star, Joey Fatone was also making his Broadway debut that night. Gen Z and Gen X struck Broadway bragging rights to their respective peers.
Last year I saw Hamilton, which is another amazing show. The history and context of that performance shine a poignant light on current political affairs in the US.
Criterion Ticketing is a reputable online platform to order tickets in advance. E-tickets are accessible the morning of your show and can be saved with their QR code to your Apple wallet. Same day tickets are also available if you’re open to being flexible on what show to see.
For last minute Broadway show deals, be sure to check out Todaytix.com. Savings are significant for same day shows. And usually all the top ones have some tickets being sold off. What better serendipitous moment for a Mother-daughter weekend in New York City, than attending a Broadway show?
The Met
My daughter went to Metropolitan Museum of Art on her own the day I was at the conference. She absolutely raved about it.
Founded in 1870 and housed in an imposing Gothic Revival building, The Met is home to one of the most prestigious art collections in the world. There are more than two million treasures, spanning 5,000 years of culture from across the globe.
It was a Gen Z anthropology major’s candy store of art, artifacts and knowledge. This Gen X Mom will make a point of visiting on the next trip!
Grand Central Station
A stunning high ceiling atrium marks the meeting ground for arrival and departure points on New York’s extensive subway transit system. One of the world’s great terminals, this Beaux Arts building is the most visited in New York, with 500,000 people passing through it daily.
While serving as a transit hub, Grand Central Station is an attraction in its own right – simply to walk through and be one of those half million daily people!
New York City Public Library
The epitome of Beaux Arts elegance, this 1911 landmark features marble halls, ornate wood paneled ceilings, a grand reading room, and several exhibit rooms. Entrance is free.
My daughter had seen an Instagram video about “The Adventures of the Real Winnie-the-Pooh” exhibit, currently on display as part of the Polensky Exhibition of the New York Public Library’s Treasures. It was a great Mom and daughter moment to reflect on reading this childhood favorite together, and reminisce on other artifacts of her childhood. Who knew a Mother-daughter weekend in New York City could provoke such memories?
The other treasures in the Polonsky Exhibition tell the stores of people, places and moments spanning 4,000 years – from the emergence of the written word through to the present day. Manuscripts, artwork, letters, still and moving images, and recordings bring vividly to life voices of the past.
The writings of activist James Baldwin, and the desk where Charles Dickens wrote Hard Times, were just a couple examples.
Fifth Avenue
Synonymous with opulence and wealth, Fifth Avenue is New York’s best known boulevard. While it used to house the city’s rich and famous in mansions built in the late 19th century, it’s now best known for its luxury brands such as Tiffany and Co., Cartier and Louis Vuitton. Trump Tower is also on Fifth Avenue, with the elevator and atrium where Donald Trump famously launched his political ambitions. We gave that one a miss out of principle, but did marvel at the extent of Trump memorabilia for sale in Times Square.
Wall Street
The Financial District of Lower Manhattan, known as Wall Street, runs eight city blocks between Broadway in the west and South Street and the East River in the east. Wall Street is a symbol of the financial markets and New York Stock Exchange. Did we feel richer walking there? No, but the vibe was hectic.
The Oculus
The Oculus is a transportation subway hub by the One World Trade Center and 9/11 Memorial Museum. It was part of the city’s plan to rebuild after September 11. The Oculus was designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava to resemble a dove taking flight, a hopeful symbol, rising from the tragedy.
Marveling at architecture and design was frequently a focus for my daughter while in New York. She was also reflecting on a “design thinking” course she was taking at university, so the feast that was New York, served up some interesting discussions on designing healthy spaces, sustainability, and how to promote human interaction in public areas to combat the loneliness epidemic. To say we had some thought provoking conversations on our Mother-daughter weekend in New York City would be an understatement. In addition to all the fun and foolishness, isn’t that one of the wonderful things about experiencing travel with an adult child?
St. Patrick’s Cathedral
We’re not Catholic, but we happened onto St. Patrick’s Cathedral while in the area of 5th Avenue. I suggested we go inside – partly to warm up, but also to view the interior.
The last time we had been in a Catholic church together, was in Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, before the big fire. On that occasion we had lit a memory candle for my Mom who had recently passed away, but accidently dropped it into a place without a candle holder, forever losing her to a black hole of non-Catholic forgiveness. While that story remains legend in our family, a quick glance between us as we passed the candle display in St. Patrick’s, quickly confirmed we would not be repeating the exercise.
St. Patrick’s was absolutely spectacular, and rivaled some of the cathedrals we’ve visited in Europe. It is located at 5th Ave between 50 and 51st Street and is America’s largest Roman Catholic cathedral. The Neo-Gothic style cathedral was built between 1858 – 1879, and serves as an active church to a large New York City congregation.
Summit One Vanderbilt Observation Deck
My daughter suggested this one after seeing a cool video filmed there on Instagram. There is a glass reflective room observation area, offering 360 views of the city, and a light infused elevator, all leading to the viewing deck, similar to Top of the Rock. Unfortunately, this attraction was closed for maintenance the week we visited, but it is highly recommended to check out.
Food for your Mother-Daughter weekend in new york city
My daughter is a bit of a foodie, so she was the primary researcher for authentic New York eating experiences. The following are Gen Z recommended. But I would add, Gen X endorsed!
Leo’s offers had rolled, kettle boiled bagels, and authentic deli style cuisine in the heart of NYC Financial District. Our recommendations: toasted cinnamon raisin or everything bagel with cream cheese. For a sandwich on the go, try NY deli style corned beef. Servings are fresh and generous.
Inspired by the food halls and markets of London, Paris, Italy and Spain, Eli’s has become an institution on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. A New York neighborhood grocer, their deli serves up mean pasties and macaroons according to my daughter.
One of many pizza by the slice places in NYC, but this one is iconic, and located on 42nd Street close to the theater district. Be sure to try a slice of “the Zillionaire.” Huge slices, reasonable prices.
Serving pasties, coffee and Italian ice cream goodies to NYC since 1910. The cakes, cookies, pastries, sandwiches and coffee are all awesome. Be sure to try their cannoli.
Rosetta is an upscale authentic Italian bakery. Serving coffee, pasties and sandwiches in a bright, open atmosphere, with a sunny table on a cold winter day, makes it a perfect rest stop to fuel up and warm up.
The perfect 4-Day Itinerary for your Mother-Daughter weekend in new york city
The days in this itinerary are packed like a NYC Rubin sandwich, but isn’t that why you came to the city in the first place – to do it all?
The assumption is you are physically fit and game. Adjust as you see fit, but this itinerary will allow you to take in all the sites noted at the beginning of this article, giving you a pretty amazing taste for New York in a short period of time on your Mother-daughter weekend in New York City.
Day 1
Arrive on an early morning flight, and ride the Air Train the Jamaica Station, then take the subway to Mid-Town, 42nd Ave or Times Square. Check bags at your hotel (or early check in if you’re lucky!)
Get a coffee at Rosetta Italian Bakery and head out sightseeing. Check out Times Square, Central Park – walk The Mall, an elm tree lined pedestrian boulevard, visit Strawberry Fields, the John Lennon dedicated garden and IMAGINE memorial marker. Check out Bethesda Arcade and Terrace, the Dela Corte Theatre and stage, reservoir lake and the outdoor ice skating rink.
Then head to the Top of the Rock Observation Deck for sunset, at the top of the Rockefeller Center, have a beverage at the restaurant, and wait for the city lights to glow all over Manhattan before departing.
Return to your hotel to check in if you haven’t already, and then grab a slice of Zillions Pizza for dinner. Depending on how cold it is, you will likely punctuate this with coffee stop warm ups traversing Manhattan. Be sure to bundle up in a warm winter coat, hat, scarf, gloves and flat sole boots for walking. Gen X Momma says cover your butt and head to stay warm. Gen Z daughter recommends Bloodstones and wool socks.
Day 2
Give yourself several hours at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. The reality is you could spend days at the Met, but pick several exhibit halls to focus on and immerse yourself for the morning.
Then check out the 9/11 Memorial where the former World Trade Towers used to stand, right beside the newly construction single tower One World Trade Center.
Grab a late lunch at Leo’s Bagels in the financial district of Lower Manhattan, and sit by waterfront watching ferries arrive and depart. Walk around Wall Street, then return to your accommodation in Times Square area by subway. Grab a treat at Eli Zabar pastries – because why not eat dessert before dinner?
Day 3
Return to Lower Manhattan to spend several hours in the morning touring the 9/11 Memorial Museum. Check out the Oculus transportation hub, between One World Trade Center tower and the 9/11 Museum on your way in. The large white bird-wing building is hard to miss.
Then return to Mid-Town by subway to catch the Circle Line boat cruise tour departing from Pier 86. The tour takes you on the Hudson River, along Lower Manhattan, the bridges, and the Statue of Liberty at sunset.
Return to your hotel, change up, grab a quick bite to eat and cocktail (may we suggest a Manhattan?) and head out to Times Square to catch your Broadway show of choice. Hit Carlos Bake Shop for a late night treat.
Day 4
This is your departure day, so check out and store your bags at the hotel, then head to the Empire State Building for a morning view of Manhattan. Then check out Grand Central Station, the New York City Library, St Patrick’s Cathedral, and Fifth Avenue in the afternoon, before departing by subway for airport late afternoon for an early evening flight.
Where to stay on your Mother-Daughter weekend in new york city
There are countless options for accommodation in New York, but the city has recently cracked down on Airbnb rentals, so you’re likely best to stick to hotels. That said, the large name brands come with an equally inflated large price tag. Here are a couple options we found and have stayed at, which are great – plus affordable!
The Pod Times Square
We stayed at The Pod Times Square, 400 West 42nd Street, New York. It was central in the Mid-Town theatre district, accessible by transit, and affordable. They offer luggage storage for arrival, as well as after check out (12 noon), but often also allow early check in. The rooms are basic – queen size bed, desk, TV, safe and an unusually large bathroom compared the rest of the room. All rooms have city views. The Pod felt safe, clean and was all you really need if the goal is actually spending time out seeing New York.
The Yotel Times Square
In the past I have stayed at The Yotel Times Square, also in the same area. 570 10th Ave and West 42nd Street, New York. The Yotel is also an affordable alternative to big name hotels. The rooms are small, with queen size beds that collapse up into a couch for more space during the day. Nice city view, all the amenities you’d expect in a hotel. Clean, safe and comfortable. A little more edgy design oriented than The Pod, but I would classify them as comparable for a good night’s sleep at a reasonable price.
Transit Tips
The NYC subway is an incredibly efficient underground rail system that will get you pretty much everywhere you want to go. You can load a transit card, or just use your credit card to tap and go at the turn styles.
Cabs are easy to flag in NYC, and if you’re out in Queens or one of the other suburbs and want a quick ride, Uber’s are readily available. We ended up grabbing one in Queens to the airport, after transit line work diverted our planned route. Be sure to download the app and update your payment info for quick and seamless access.
Do you have more time on your Mother-daughter weekend in new york city?
If you’ve got more than a long weekend, you may wish to add these activities and attractions to your wish list.
NBC Studios at the Rockefeller Center
Get tickets for the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon or Saturday Night Live. If you added this for Saturday night to our above itinerary, grab that Broadway show Friday night!
ABC News Good Morning America
Watch ABC News Good Morning America live in studio, viewed through the window from street level at 1500 Broadway between 43rd and 44th Streets.
Ellis Island Immigration Museum
Make this a half day or full day trip on its own, and potentially combine it with seeing the Statue of Liberty up close with that boat ride to Ellis Island. Ellis Island was once the busiest immigrant inspection station in the United States. In operation from 1892 to 1954, this historic depot saw more than 100 million people first set foot on US soil here. Today it is home to a museum, tracing the experience of migrants.
Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
Affectionately known as MoMA, this modern art powerhouse contains one of the world’s most comprehensive collections of late 19th and 20th century art. 200,000 paintings, ranging from Post-Impressionist classics to contemporary masterpieces, are in the Museum of Modern Art.
Venturing further afield with more time on your hands
Soho, Greenwich Village, Chelsea, the Bronx, Staten Island and Harlem are other areas of New York worthy of exploration with more time. Or you could consider venturing to Brooklyn and the outer boroughs of Jersey and Queens.
You could spend a solid week and only scratch the surface of what greater New York City has to offer. There’s a reason why people love living there.
Mother-daughter travel inspiration beyond the USA
Hiking in Italy – Two hikes in the Dolomites not to be missed
An adventure in Prague, Czech Republic – Mom joins Prague’s mother of all pub crawls
Hiking and wine tasting in Lillooet, BC, Canada – Epic Lillooet Roadsurfer road trip: Magic things to see