Tentative Itinerary for New York 2026

                        

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4-Day NYC Itinerary (April 15–18)

Home Base: Theatre District (Times Square/Broadway area)

Transportation: Walking, subway, bus, a few cabs

Travelers: You (58), son + wife (30s), grandson (14)

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DAY 1 — Tuesday, April 15

Morning — Times Square + Non-Touristy Midtown Wandering

You wake up early — perfect for beating the crowds.

• 6:30 AM — Quiet Times Square walk (best time; nearly empty and magical).
• Walk to Bryant Park & New York Public Library (free, peaceful, very photogenic).
• Grab breakfast:
  
• Zucker’s Bagels (NYC classic — salmon bagel, or bakery options)
• Leonelli Bakery (Italian pastries, not super touristy) 

Late Morning — Empire State Building

• Prebook tickets for around 10:00–10:30 AM
• Expect 60–90 minutes.
• Great for teens and adults — amazing photos.

Lunch Nearby

• Black Tap for burgers + crazy shakes (fun for your grandson).
  or
• Keens Steakhouse (historic, amazing lunch prix fixe).

Afternoon — Explore Chelsea + High Line

• Subway to 34th St–Hudson Yards
• Walk the High Line south: gardens, art, great Hudson River views
• End at Chelsea Market — grab snacks (doughnuts, tacos, gelato).

Early Evening — Rooftop Bar

Pick one very close to you and not overly intense:

• 230 Fifth Rooftop Bar (iconic Empire State Building views, chill atmosphere)
• The Skylark (classy, not rowdy, views of Times Square area)

(Your son & daughter-in-law can join; minors allowed in early evening at some rooftops — 230 Fifth usually allows 14-year-olds before 8pm.)

Dinner Options

• Bea (cozy, great cocktails, American comfort food)
• Totto Ramen (popular but not overly touristy)

                                    

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DAY 2 — Wednesday, April 16 (Hamilton Day!)

Keep the day flexible so you’re rested for Hamilton.

Early Morning — Central Park Solo Walk

Your early start is perfect.

Enter at Columbus Circle, wander to:

• The Mall
• Bethesda Terrace
• Bow Bridge
• Conservatory Water (tiny sailboats in summer)
  Optional non-touristy add-on: the Hallett Nature Sanctuary — quiet, forest-like area.

Late Morning — Museum Time

Choose one depending on what you prefer:

1. The Met (classic, huge)

Beautiful art, historic rooms, Egyptian temple.

2. The Museum of Natural History (grandson-friendly)

Dinosaurs, space, giant whale.

3. The Whitney Museum (modern art + rooftop views)

Near the High Line.

Lunch Near Your Museum Choice

• Upper East Side: Pastrami Queen (excellent but simple)
• Natural History area: Jacob’s Pickles (comfort food)
• Whitney/Chelsea: Bubby’s (NYC pancakes!)

Afternoon Rest / Light Exploring

Because your evening show is big, keep it simple:

• Wander 5th Avenue shops
• Grab a pastry at Lady M (famous mille crêpe cake)
• Return to hotel to relax, freshen up

Evening — HAMILTON (7 PM or 8 PM depending on date)

Head to the Richard Rodgers Theatre early.

Grab dinner near the theatre beforehand:

• Carmine’s (family-style Italian)
• Junior’s (NYC cheesecake!)
• Bond 45 (right on Broadway)

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DAY 3 — Thursday, April 17

This is your big sightseeing day for Statue of Liberty and Jersey Shore.

Option A (Best): Statue of Liberty + Ellis Island + Jersey Shore sunset

This is doable but requires timing.

Early Morning — Statue of Liberty Ferry (8:30–9:00 AM)

Leave from Battery Park (subway: 1 train to South Ferry).

Book the Pedestal or Crown tickets if you want a more immersive experience.

(Optional)

 Ellis Island

If your group likes history, spend 60 minutes here.

Lunch in Lower Manhattan

• Eataly Downtown (Italian)
• Leo’s Bagels (local favorite)

Afternoon — Jersey Shore (Non-Touristy Treat)

You mentioned you want to see Jersey Shore.

Closest + easiest access from NYC:

Hoboken, NJ

 (Absolutely gorgeous waterfront + very local)

• PATH train from World Trade Center
• 10 minutes travel
• Stroll down the Hoboken waterfront — amazing Manhattan skyline views
• Non-touristy, relaxing, perfect for your age and pace

Grab a snack:

• Carlo’s Bakery (Cake Boss — touristy but fun)
• Blue Eyes (waterfront Italian, beautiful views)

Dinner back in NYC

• Artichoke Basille’s Pizza
• OBAO (Thai/Vietnamese near Theatre District)

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DAY 4 — Friday, April 18

Last full morning to explore, shop, wander.

A

Early Morning — Solo Walk on the Waterfront + Pier 84

Take the short walk to Hudson River Greenway.

Peaceful, breezy, locals walking dogs and running.

Great sunrise views.

Late Morning — Non-Touristy Option

Choose one:

1. Roosevelt Island Tram

Ride the aerial tram over the river — gorgeous views, zero crowds.

Walk around the island or visit the lighthouse.

2. Greenwich Village wandering

Quiet streets, small coffee shops, bookstores.

Explore Bleecker Street, Washington Square Park.

3. Upper West Side

Calm, pretty streets, great bakeries.

Lunch (NYC Staples)

To get a few must-have foods checked off:

• NYC slice pizza — Joe’s Pizza
• Bagels — Ess-a-Bagel
• Hot dog — Gray’s Papaya (cheap and iconic)

Afternoon — Last-Minute Shopping + Souvenirs

• Rockefeller Center shops
• Macy’s Herald Square
• Times Square souvenirs for grandson

Evening (If time before departure)

• Relax in Bryant Park
• Light dinner at The Smith or Friedman’s

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NYC Must-Have Foods Checklist

Here are the essentials you’ll want to try at least once:

✔ NY-style slice (Joe’s Pizza)

✔ Bagel with cream cheese (Ess-a-Bagel or Zucker’s)

✔ Hot dog (Gray’s Papaya or Nathan’s)

✔ Cheesecake (Junior’s)

✔ Deli sandwich (Katz’s Deli — if time allows)

✔ Ramen or Asian fusion (NYC is fantastic for this)

✔ Italian pastry (Ferrara or Angelina Bakery)

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Non-Touristy Ideas (Easy Add-Ons)

• Hudson Yards Public Square (not crowded in mornings)
• Morgan Library (quiet, stunning)
• Walk Riverside Park (Upper West Side)
• Explore DUMBO early morning (Brooklyn)
• Go to a local bookstore: Strand or Housing Works
• Visit Chelsea art galleries (free)