At the beginning of 2022, Covid restrictions are still very much in place: PCR test before leaving, purchase of entry tickets with a set time slot or risk not being able to enter museums (mask on nose), health passport check before eating, etc. But no matter, a mother-daughter citytrip for my eldest is well worth going through. But no matter, a mother-daughter citytrip for my eldest’s 13th birthday is well worth getting through…
As soon as the plane lands, we head for Ground Transportation to catch a bus into Manhattan. It may not be the quickest or cheapest solution, but it’s ideal for immediately immersing yourself in the hustle and bustle of the city.
At the beginning of January, with a 13-year-old daughter, it was out of the question to stay too far from the must-see sites. I want to be able to get around easily, avoid the cold as much as possible, and be able to grab a bite to eat in the neighborhood without worrying about having to walk home for too long. So I chose the Riu Plaza New York Times Square, ideally located in the heart of Manhattan. At $85 a night, breakfast included (a real bargain given the prices in 2024!), it’s a great find. The hotel is close to several subway lines (ideal for getting around easily, see the
Day 1 – Chelsea, via Times Square and the Empire State Building
As soon as we’d settled in, we headed for Chelsea on foot. A pleasant stroll of less than an hour takes us past a few must-sees: the famous
In the evening, we head to theArtecHouse for the exhibition Machine Hallucination: NYC, a breathtaking immersive experience, before concluding this first (very) long day with a breathtaking view from theEmpire State Building.
>> Full details of this itinerary can be found in the article dedicated to our first day in New York: New York | From Times Square to the Empire State Building
Not to be missed in the area
- Chelsea Market, for local specialities
- The Whitney Museum of American Art
- The High Line, a suspended park overlooking the city
Day 2 – Central Park to Hudson Yards
We take advantage of a magnificent blue sky to bundle up and set off on a stroll to Central Park. We pass a number of iconic landmarks: the Chrysler Building and its 56-metre-high stainless steel spire, Grand Central Terminal and its frescoed ceiling, not forgetting the helical silhouette of the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum. At the Metropolitan Museum of Art, take time to admire their magnificent collection of ancient Egyptian art.
We take time to stroll through Central Park before heading to Rockefeller Center and its Christmas tree, before ending the day at Hudson Yards with The Vessel and a spectacular panoramic view from The Edge observatory.
>> Details of this itinerary can be found in the article devoted to our second day of sightseeing: New York | From Central Park to Hudson Yards
Not to be missed in the area
- The rooftop of The Edge at Hudson Yards for a breathtaking view
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art
- 5th Avenue, with its iconic boutiques
Day 3 – Liberty Island to Arcadia Earth
We set off to discover the Statue of Liberty on Liberty Island, a must-see symbol of New York. The ferry takes us through the icy waters, offering a breathtaking view of Manhattan, which looks even more majestic under the winter mist. Given the rather gloomy weather, we opt to stay on board to admire the statue from the ferry. It’s a comfortable choice, but it is of course possible to disembark for a closer look, or even stop off at nearby Ellis Island to learn more about the history of immigration to the United States.
After the ferry crossing, we head for Skylight on Vesey, where we immerse ourselves in the world of Van Gogh through the spectacular 360° projections of Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience. It’s a truly sensory journey, where the master’s canvases come to life around us, enveloping us in a whirlwind of color and movement.
Lunch is at Brookfield Place, a modern shopping mall with a soothing view of the marina. Then take the metro to the Westfield World Trade Center, where the iconic silhouette of theOculus is an immediate eye-catcher.
Change of atmosphere with a stop at the Harry Potter Store, a must-see for fans of the magical universe (you can read about it here), before ending this busy day with the Arcadia Earth exhibition, an immersive journey that raises awareness of the need to preserve our planet, while offering an impressive sensory experience.
>> All these activities are detailed in the article devoted to the third day of our city-trip: New York | From Liberty Island to Arcadia Earth
Not to be missed in the area
- The Staten Island ferry, for a beautiful view of Manhattan
- The World Trade Center & the Oculus
- The September 11 Museum
Day 4 – From Michelangelo to Brooklyn
On our fourth day in New York, the return of the sun and milder temperatures invite us to explore Brooklyn on foot. On the way, a stop at the Sistine Chapel Exhibition allows us to discover the genius of Michelangelo through life-size reproductions of the Sistine Chapel frescoes. A fascinating immersion in Renaissance art.
We continue towards Brooklyn along the Brooklyn Bridge walking trail, which offers a spectacular view of Manhattan and the East River. Photo breaks abound as we try to capture the beauty of the panorama…
Once on the other side of the bridge, it’s the DUMBO district that seduces us. Formerly an industrial district, it has preserved its red-brick buildings while becoming a trendy, bohemian yet modern area.
Lunchtime arrives, and we treat ourselves at Time Out Market, a lively food court where we sample a wide variety of dishes, while enjoying a breathtaking view of the Manhattan skyline from the rooftop terrace.
The afternoon is spent strolling between the charming, colorful brownstone facades of Prospect Heights, a typical Brooklyn residential neighborhood. The day ends with a magical stroll through the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens. During the Christmas season, the Lightscape festival transforms this place into a veritable light show, creating a magical atmosphere…
>> For full details of the day’s itinerary, click here: New York | From Michelangelo to Brooklyn
Not to be missed in the area
- The Brooklyn Museum
- Brooklyn Bridge Park
- The Williamsburg district for its friendly cafés and local boutiques
Day 5 – Summit Vanderbilt to Museum of Arts and Design
This morning, surprise: New York woke up under a thick white coat, transforming the city into a magical winter wonderland. We equip ourselves as best we can to face the polar cold and get to our first activity: Summit One Vanderbilt. The 20-minute hike seems endless, but once we arrive, we’re rewarded with a breathtaking view! At 335 meters above sea level, the Summit One Vanderbilt observatory offers a spectacular panorama of the snow-covered city…
We continue our walk in the welcome sunshine. We head for Central Park, transformed by the snow. It’s hard to believe this is the same place we discovered two days ago, bathed in sunshine and teeming with life. This winter version, calm and soothing, has a unique charm.
To round off the day, we take refuge in the warmth of the Museum of Arts and Design (MAD), located in Columbus Circle. This museum, where contemporary art meets design and craft, lets us discover the exhibition Carrie Moyer and Sheila Pepe: Tabernacles for Trying Times, illustrating how Moyer and Pepe influenced each other while preserving their distinct identities as artists, researchers, women, lesbians and activists. A great way to warm up while feeding our artistic curiosity.
>> For more details on our last day’s program, click here: New York | From Summit Vanderbilt to the Museum of Arts and Design
Not to be missed in the area
- 5th Avenue: For a shopping spree or simply to admire the Christmas windows, including those of Saks Fifth Avenue, true works of art.
- Grand Central Terminal: An architectural icon and a must-see place to admire its majestic lobby, elegant chandeliers and starry ceiling.
- Bryant Park: This charming park is even more magical in winter, with its free skating rink and seasonal stalls.
- New York Public Library: Just off Bryant Park, this iconic library is well worth a visit, if only for its grandiose reading rooms.
- Rockefeller Center: A must-see during the holidays, with its famous ice rink and giant illuminated Christmas tree.
It’s time to head back to the hotel to pack our bags, with our heads full of memories and our shoes slightly soaked… New York under the snow is an experience in itself, between winter poetry and urban effervescence. Every corner of the city offered us unforgettable moments, reinforcing the idea that this city never ceases to surprise. A mother-daughter city-trip, rich in emotions and discoveries, to be repeated without hesitation, whatever the season 🙂
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