The Perfect Mother-Daughter Weekend in NYC

You’re planning the perfect mother-daughter weekend in NYC and don’t know where to begin?

I’ve got you! I literally treat every visit to my daughter in NYC like a getaway. I can say, without any hesitation, that NYC is one of the best places on earth to spend a mother-daughter weekend getaway.

Whether you’re coming from the perspective of a daughter or a mom, you know you’ll want activities that you’ll both love and adventures you’ll both cherish. And of course, brunch, drinks, and dinners are a critical part of the fun! And did I mention brunch?

This guide is a conglomerate of some of our best days together in the Big Apple. These days include gallery hopping, speakeasy crawls, Broadway shows, bookshops, brunch, and Central Park time. I’m organizing your days by neighborhoods so you can spend less time underground on subways and more time enjoying the city buzz!

I’m going to give you all the deets so you can make this itinerary a successful one. Feel free to rearrange the days in whatever order works for you. 

Your Perfect Mother-Daughter Weekend in NYC

The weekend has to begin with you dropping off your bags at the hotel.

For this itinerary, I’ve chosen the Hotel Indigo Lower East Side as your home base. I recently stayed there, love the neighborhood, and the price is right! The Lower East Side has a completely different vibe from Uptown or Midtown hotels. It’s a grittier, more creative side of New York. It places you just steps from the best restaurants, is walkable to SoHo and Tribeca, and close enough to subway stops so getting around is a breeze.

Mother-Daughter Weekend in New York City Important Tips

Follow these Pro Tips before you go:

1. MAKE DINNER RESERVATIONS! If you do one thing before you go, it should be to make some dinner reservations. I have many recommendations here and below. You can always cancel them, but it’s stress free to know where you are dining in advance. 

2. BUY THEATER TICKETS! Make decisions about which Broadway show, comedy show, or Lincoln Center performance you want to see and reserve seats online in advance. I use the Today Tix App.

3. PACK FOR COMFORT! The temptation for mothers and daughters is often to pack for fashion, especially when going to the Big Apple. You don’t have to sacrifice fashion for comfort these days. Cute outfits can and must include great walking shoes, layers, and a fun big purse to carry your portable charger and said layers.

Now lets dive in!

Day 1 of Mother-Daughter Weekend in NYC: SoHo, Tribeca & a Hidden Speakeasy Crawl

This is a downtown day. Lower Manhattan is packed with so many sites and activities that your mother-daughter team would be happy spending the whole trip down there!

Brunch

Lucien
14 1st Avenue
Lucien is a charming French bistro on the edge of the East Village, very close to the Hotel Indigo Lower East Side. It feels like it was teleported directly from a Parisian side street. I promise this will set you up for a great first day. 

Walk to SoHo & Tribeca: Shopping, Galleries & Architectural Gems

After brunch, walk toward SoHo and Tribeca. Aim for Broadway, Prince Street, and Spring Street as your main arteries. The whole area is lined with small boutiques, big name stores, art galleries, and some of my favorite architecture in the city; the historic and beautiful cast-iron buildings.

A few stops not to miss:

• Cafe Lyria
  166 Crosby Street. Tuck in here for a mid-afternoon coffee. It’s charming, intimate, and exactly what you need to recharge before the next stretch.
  
• McNally Jackson Books
  134 Prince Street. This is one of New York’s best independent bookstores. The curation is excellent and the atmosphere is just lovely. I guarantee you’ll walk out with something.
  
• Staple Street Sky Bridge
  9 Jay Street. One of Tribeca’s most photogenic spots, a narrow pedestrian bridge connecting two old warehouses. A quick detour that’s absolutely worth it.
  
• Ghostbusters Firehouse
  14 N Moore Street Hook & Ladder Company No. 8, the iconic firehouse, built in 1903, featured in the original Ghostbusters film. Even if you’re not a Ghostbusters fan, it’s a great photo op and a fun piece of New York history.
  
• Harrison Street Row Houses
  23 Harrison Street. A beautiful, quiet block of Federal-style townhouses, built in 1820’s. An interesting historic site in this eclectic neighborhood. 
  
• Jenga Building
  56 Leonard Street. You’ll see it when you look up pretty much anywhere in the area. But when you get to the building, you can have fun taking photos of your reflection in the giant bean!
  

Dinner

So many choices in these neighborhoods! Here are some of our top restaurant choices to pick from:

• Bubby’s
  120 Hudson Street.
  Bubby’s is a Tribeca institution known for its comforting American food and warm, relaxed atmosphere. Think roast chicken, mac and cheese, pies. You’ll understand why it’s so popular.
  
• Beauty & Essex
  146 Essex Street
  Beauty & Essex is a hidden speakeasy restaurant with an interesting Asian fusion menu and very cool atmosphere. You’ll think you’ve entered a pawn shop when really you’ve walked into one of the most elegant dining rooms in the city. 
  
• Cafe Cluny
  284 West 12th Street
  Cafe Cluny is charming French American bistro in the Village with delicious brunch and dinners, a quaint atmosphere, and really great service! The wait staff even wear classic French stripes!
  
• Lure Fishbar
  142 Mercer Street
  Lure Fishbar has become a staple of our NYC visits. The dining experience is great because the restaurant is designed as a ship with gorgeous wood and lots of space. While always busy, it’s not too loud to be able to have a conversation, and as a huge sushi fan – it’s amazing!

Hidden Speakeasy Crawl

Speaking from experience, a mother-daughter speakeasy crawl in lower Manhattan at night could be the most fun you’ve ever had. The Lower Manhattan neighborhoods are full of speakeasy bars tucked behind unmarked doors, inside phone booths, behind bookshelves.
Here are a few of our favorites:

• Please Please Don’t Tell (PDT)
  113 St Marks Pl
  You think you’re going for hot dogs, but…Enter through a phone booth at Crif Dogs to start your  NYC speakeasy night at one of the coolest bars in town.Reservations are highly recommended. 
  
• The Back Room
  Location – 102 Norfolk St.
  Look for The Lower East Side Toy Company sign on a little gate, walk down the steps into the alley and then up a staircase with toy cars displayed on the landing. Look for Laurel & Hardy telling you to Be Quiet in the Alley. This door is the same hidden entrance from the original 1920’s speakeasy. You’ll enjoy your cocktails in tea cups while you sit on velvet sofas and listen to music. 
  
• The Garret West
  Location – 7th & Bleeker
  Walk into the Five Guys Restaurant but don’t order anything because you’re looking for the hidden staircase in the back. There you’ll find a beautiful speakeasy club famous for its delicious cocktails.

Day 2 of Mother-Daughter Weekend in NYC: Upper East Side, 5th Avenue, & a Broadway Show

After your late night, take your time getting up and then make your way all the way uptown for a day of art and the park.

Brunch

Cafe Commerce
964 Lexington Ave
(make a reservation) Cafe Commerce is a classic New York spot with delicious cinnamon buns automatically delivered to your table. Order the eggs, have a Bloody Mary, take your time. 

Upper East Side Gallery Hopping

The Upper East Side has some of my favorite galleries because they are housed in stunning locations, are small and manageable, and are like going to a museum for free! These great spots are all in the Upper East Side near Cafe Commerce.

• Lévy Gorvy Dayan
  19 East 64th Street
  Free to visit, Tuesday through Saturday, 10am to 6pm.
  This is one of the most prestigious contemporary art galleries in the world, and the art is always perfectly displayed in the sunny 1923 townhouse with its gorgeous floors, molding, and staircase.
  
• Di Donna Galleries
  744 Madison Avenue
  Free to visit Monday through Friday, 10am to 6pm.
  Di Donna was a recent find for us with its fascinating Dali exhibit. Di Donna specializes in European and American art of the 1900’s.
  
• Peter Harrington Rare Books
  35 East 67th Street
  Peter Harrington is the renowned London rare book seller who has a small shop tucked into a lovely Upper East Side building. It’s very fun to take a look at the unique collection of first editions, signed copies, and rare manuscripts. Check online – open hours vary.

Museum Time

Of course, you have many choices for art museums on the UES, but I’m going to suggest this mother daughter day continue with a visit to The Frick. This is as much about visiting the mansion as it is seeing the art. And if it gets too crowded or busy, just sit by the fountain in the courtyard and people watch for a bit.

The Frick Collection
1 East 70th Street
This gilded age mansion, built by Henry Clay Frick in 1914 is now the Frick Collection, a museum with works by Rembrandt, El Greco, and Vermeer.

Central Park Walk

After the Frick, step directly into Central Park for a wander. Take your time, get lost. Central Park is one of the New York experiences that never gets old. Look for the iconic spots like the Bethesda Fountain and The Mall, or sit by the lake, or picnic on the Great Lawn. Join the people of New York in their cherished park.

Drinks at The Boathouse or Tavern on the Green

Head toward the Boathouse or meander to the West Side and wind down at Tavern on the Green for a drink before dinner. Both Tavern on the Green and The Boathouse are iconic Central Park historic spots for many reasons.

The Boathouse sits right on the lake with some of the loveliest views in the park and was recently renovated and reopened. Get a table or just a drink at the bar and definitely rent a row boat for an hour! You’ll love it!

Tavern on the Green has a different New York vibe, also beautiful and elegant. If the weather is nice, sit outside and order drinks and apps at the bar, or head inside to sit by the fireplace for some truffle fries and a drink.

5th Avenue Stroll

Exit the park and walk down Fifth Avenue to soak it all in. If you’re a first timer, be sure to check out the storefronts like Louis Vuitton, stroll into Bergdorf’s, especially the top floor, and wander into Rockefeller Center to watch the skating rink and fountain for a bit. This is a classic NYC bucket list stroll!

Dinner

Dos Caminos Times Square
1567 Broadway
Keep walking toward 42nd Street and into Times Square. Then sit down to an inexpensive, and fabulous Mexican dinner at Dos Caminos. This is our favorite pre-show meal because we can always get a table and it is literally minutes from whatever theater you’re going to.

Broadway Show

I have seen A LOT of Broadway shows. They’re always amazing, but for a mother daughter date, I recommend one of the following:
Death Becomes Her
&Juliet
Six
All are spectacular options with completely different experiences. Broadway theaters are pretty intimate, so even if you have the less expensive seats far from the stage, you’ll be able to see the stage very well. It might feel like a splurge, but trust me, it’s worth it. It’s a true NYC experience!

→ Download Today Tix app on your phone and start your search to book your seats in advance. 

Pro Tip: When exiting the theater, it will be crazy crowded, so have a plan to get on the subway at Times Square, or to walk east a few avenues before trying to catch a cab or call for a ride share.

Day 3 of Mother-Daughter Weekend in NYC: Chelsea, the High Line, Midtown Treasures & Jazz

Day 3 is the grand finale of your mother daughter NYC getaway. So, let’s pack in some New York highlights that my daughters and I always love. You can’t go wrong with great food, cute shops, views, art, and music.

Chelsea Market

75 Ninth Avenue (between 15th and 16th Streets)
Start the morning at Chelsea Market, one of my favorite spots in the entire city. It’s the converted Nabisco factory building that features a hip collection of food vendors, boutiques, and bakeries, all under one roof. Grab breakfast, browse, wander. Take your time. There’s no rush..

Little Island

Pier 55 Hudson River Park
Walk to the Hudson River where you’ll discover Little Island. This is a quirky man made island and public park that juts out over the water on tulip-shaped concrete pillars. It’s totally free, very unique, and has become a staple of the Chelsea landscape. Walk the winding paths up the hill, find a bench, and just hang out for a minute.

Lunch

Picnic at Pier 57 Rooftop
Just next to Little Island are all the Pier Buildings. Pier 57 has a full food court and a rooftop garden. So, take advantage and grab a snack and head up the stairs to the roof for awesome views and a quiet respite.

The Whitney Museum of American Art

99 Gansevoort Street
Head to The Whitney, one of the great American art museums with a focus on 20th and 21st century American art. I LOVE this museum because it is so manageable and I never feel overwhelmed there. Be sure to enjoy the outdoor terraces and sculptures.

Shop at Hudson Yards

10th Avenue & 30th Street
The High Line deposits you directly into Hudson Yards. There, you’ll see the Vessel, a massive 16 story, honeycomb looking structure that you can climb. It’s just 2500 steps! Then head into the mall filled with high-end shops and restaurants. It’s particularly festive and fun during the holidays.

Bryant Park, Angelina Paris, & the NY Public Library

From Hudson Yards, begin to head east toward 5th Avenue and 42nd Street, the Bryant Park area. This part of the day might be one of the most satisfying of the entire trip.

Angelina Paris
1050 6th Avenue & 42nd Street
Go to Angelina’s for the atmosphere, but mostly for their famous hot chocolate. It’s thick, rich, and honestly life-changing. If you’ve had it in Paris, you already know. If not, you’re in for something special. 

New York Public Library

The New York Public Library, with its lion statues in front, has one of the most breathtaking entrances in the city. Head upstairs to the Rose Main Reading Room on the second floor. You may have to wait in a line to enter as it is very popular. You’ll understand why once you see the ceiling, the wood, and the oak tables.

Head downstairs to the Room of Treasures (the Polonsky Exhibition), where you can see original handwritten manuscripts, a Gutenberg Bible, and other astonishing artifacts. It’s free, it’s small, and very cool!

Pro Tip: A tour of the library is highly recommended if you have time. See if you can find the staircase where Carrie Bradshaw first learns that Big is not showing up to their wedding!

The Whispering Gallery at Grand Central

A short walk brings you to two more New York secrets that most visitors walk right past.

If your mother daughter team has not seen Grand Central, I insist you step inside the grand hall. Find the whispering gallery, the arched walkway just outside the Oyster Bar in the lower level. One of you stands at one corner, the other stands diagonally across. Face the wall and whisper to each other.  You’ll hear each other perfectly across the room. It’s a little bit of architectural magic that never fails to delight.

The Chrysler Building

405 Lexington Avenue
Now head to the Chrysler Building, which is most New Yorkers’ favorite piece of Art Deco history. The Art Deco grandeur is simply jaw-dropping: the eagle-head gargoyles, the murals, the elevator doors inlaid with exotic woods. It’s one of the most beautiful interiors in the world and almost nobody walks in. The guards will keep you on the perimeter of the floor, and be sure to look up. 

Dinner & Music

Head back downtown for your final night. Choose from one of these restaurants for dinner before going to hear some music at one of the famous clubs.

Back to your neighborhood, back to where the trip began. Have a relaxed dinner somewhere you love, and then end it all at a jazz club. The Village Vanguard, Smalls, or Mezzrow in the West Village are all legendary. There’s something about sitting with your mom or daughter, in a small, room with live jazz that will get you nostalgic for this trip and inspire you to plan another one soon.

Where to stay in NYC

I’ve done a lot of research for you, regarding the Safest Places To Stay in NYC. There are many choices in different neighborhoods throughout the city. 

I’m suggesting The Hotel Indigo Lower East Side for this weekend itinerary. Its nice, safe, hip, and super convenient for walking destinations and subway.

Here are some additional recs for a budget hotel downtown, a mid-range hotel uptown, and a luxury hotel in midtown.  All these spots have great reviews.

Note that prices fluctuate A LOT, depending on when you go. Prices might look affordable one day and then suddenly it’s Fashion Week and everything is outrageous!

→ Best Budget Spot – Arlo Soho -231 Hudson St. 

Arlo Soho is in the heart of Greenwich Village, has a rooftop bar, and views of the river. 

→ Best Mid-Range Spot – The Hotel Beacon – 2130 Broadway

The Hotel Beacon is a historic building on the Upper West Side with apartment style rooms near Central Park. 

→ Best Luxury Spot – Lotte New York Palace – 455 Madison Ave.

Lotte New York Palace was formerly the historic Villard Mansion, on Madison Avenue. 

Getting Around NYC

New York City feels massive and overwhelming to some, but it’s actually pretty easy to get around and to figure out. These are my pro tips for the best way to travel around the concrete jungle.

Walking Around NYC

Walking is my favorite way to get around NYC. It’s more fun, safe, and gives you more experiences in the city. This itinerary gives you a lot of walking options. See how much of the 13.4 miles of Manhattan you can cover on your trip!

NYC By Subway

Subways are definitely the most common and convenient way to get around NYC. A lot of the trains have been updated, which makes it a bit cleaner. 

PRO TIP:  Download the official MY MTA App (Metropolitan Transit Authority) on your phone.  You’ll find maps and schedules for all the subways, bus, and rail systems.

PRO TIP: With your Maps/GPS App on your phone, use the “transit” view to find exactly where the closest subway station is and which train to take to your destination.

PRO TIP: Make sure you have your credit card loaded on your phone in your “wallet.” When you open that card, simply TAP the OMNY screen at the turnstile of the subway stop and it charges you. Just like that!

• Each ride costs $2.90. The easiest thing is to TAP TO PAY with your smartphone, credit card, or OMNY (One Metro New York) card.
• If you tap with the same device within 7 days, you’ll be capped at $34 and ride free the rest of the 7 days! If you spend less than $34, you’re only charged for the rides you take.
• You can tap in up to 4 people on your same device or card.
• Note: if it’s your first time tapping, it takes a few minutes for your bank to approve a new user, so you might not be able to tap in others on your first time.
• Subways and bus fares are $1.45 for 65 or older and those with disabilities – if you have applied for the reduced fare program. More info here.

NYC By Uber, Lyft, Revel, or Taxi

Ride share apps are a huge help in getting around NYC. More expensive by yourself, but with a group of people it’s often more cost effective than paying for separate subway fares.

PRO TIP:  Load all the apps onto your phone in advance. Check prices for Uber, Lyft, and Revel to compare. Prices will vary a lot at different times of the day. Taxis are also available everywhere, but you have to hail one from the curb. If the cab light is on that means it’s available. There’s a Curb App available for download, but I’ve been told the cabs don’t come as quickly as the other ride shares do.

NYC By Ferry

The NYC Ferries travel from Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island along the East River and Hudson River. It’s really great to see the city views from the water. 

PRO TIP: If you plan to do some ferrying, then download the NYC Ferry App by Hornblower onto your phone. You can buy ferry tix on your phone and get a QR code to be scanned as you board the boat.

Best Time To Go To New York City

New York is always a great idea, but if you have choices of when to go for the perfect mother daughter weekend, consider these tips. Remember, you don’t have to wait for Mother’s Day or Daughter’s Day to take this NYC trip!

Mid June through Early July and Mid August through September are very popular times to visit NYC. You get the warm, but not too hot weather. (The middle of the summer can get pretty steamy with the heat coming off the streets like an oven!)

Fall in NYC is perfect with temps in the 60’s and 70’s. The crowds have died down, the sun is shining, the trees are turning, and the air is crisp. 

November and December are also favorite moths to visit New York. The holidays make New York even more festive than usual. And what a great gift for mothers and daughters to give to each other! Enjoy all the winter pop-up activities, decorations, and of course, the New Year’s Eve extravaganza!  Check out The Things To Do In New York City At Christmas here!

February and March are also fun because it’s snowy, not very busy, and the prices are better! Bundle up with layers, and be prepared with umbrellas and all-weather shoes!

Now you’re ready with The Perfect Mother-Daughter Weekend in NYC

In a nutshell…

Here’s the thing about a mother-daughter trip to New York City. “It’s not just a vacation,” my daughter said when she was the ripe old age of 10, “It’s a sophistication!”

The mother-daughter memories are above and beyond the best, and a mother-daughter getaway in New York City is legendary.

New York has the power to make moms feel younger and daughters feel more grown up. It’s the perfect combo!

Each neighborhood in New York tells a different tale, and we’ve only scratched the surface with this trip! If you have more time than a weekend, check out the 1 Day in NYC Itinerary, 2 Day in NYC Itinerary, 4 Day in NYC Itinerary, and 5 Day in NYC Itinerary!

Message me if you want any extra recs. I’m always happy to share more. Now go book that trip!

xx,
Carrie