Our first trip of 2026 took us to the iconic Lotte New York Palace, perfectly positioned in the heart of Manhattan and famously featured in Gossip Girl. Visiting over February half-term, we were lucky to arrive just after a snowstorm had passed — greeted instead with crisp air, blue skies, and ideal sightseeing weather.

Why Location Matters in New York

Before I dive into our itinerary, a quick note (and one I always tell my clients): where you stay in New York really does make or break your trip.

Whilst Times Square is a must-see, it’s not somewhere I recommend staying — especially with children. It’s loud, chaotic, and overwhelming. A central Midtown base like the Palace gives you easy access to everything, without the sensory overload.

Day 1: Downtown & Brooklyn Highlights

We kicked off our trip at the incredibly moving 9/11 Memorial & Museum before hopping on the subway over to Brooklyn.

Exploring DUMBO, Brooklyn Bridge Park and grabbing lunch at Time Out Market New York was the perfect introduction to the city.

We then walked back across the iconic Brooklyn Bridge — those Manhattan skyline views never disappoint — before heading back out in the evening to see Times Square lit up.

A busy first day, but totally worth making the most of those early mornings thanks to jet lag!

Day 2: Midtown Magic

Day two was all about classic Midtown.

We started with bagels from Liberty Bagels Midtown before heading to The Plaza Hotel — a must for any Home Alone 2: Lost in New York fans!

From there, we wandered into Central Park and jumped on a pedicab tour — such a fun (and warm!) way to explore during the winter months.

We strolled down Fifth Avenue, spotting famous landmarks like Trump Tower and St. Patrick's Cathedral, before heading to Rockefeller Center to watch the ice skaters.

A quieter mid-afternoon visit to Times Square meant we could actually enjoy the street performers, character photos and a bit of people-watching from the famous red steps.

Day 3: Views, Experiences & Hidden Gems

We started the day exploring Grand Central Terminal — and if you didn’t know, the lower level is packed with great food spots (the garlic knots are a must!).

Next up was SUMMIT One Vanderbilt — hands down one of the most unique experiences we’ve ever done. Interactive, immersive, and incredible views… this is a must-do.

We then headed down to Battery Park for a ride on the SeaGlass Carousel before hopping on the Staten Island Ferry — completely free and offering amazing skyline views and a glimpse of the Statue of Liberty.

A sunset walk across the Manhattan Bridge (a TikTok-inspired request!) was absolutely worth it — those golden hour views were unreal.

We finished the day with dinner at Dos Caminos — the perfect end to a packed day

Day 4: High Line & Hudson Yards

Our final full day started with Pancake Day — and the biggest pancakes the kids have ever seen at a local Midtown diner.

We then explored Little Island — a hidden gem that must be beautiful in the summer months — before heading to Chelsea Market for a wander and lunch.

From there, we walked the High Line, finishing at Hudson Yards to see Vessel and head up Edge for the most stunning sunset views over Manhattan.

The perfect way to round off our trip.

Final Day & Honest Thoughts on Times Square

Before heading home, we squeezed in a bit of shopping — including stops at Target, Sephora and some classic American treats.

And then… back to Times Square.

Yes, it’s iconic. Yes, you should absolutely visit. But the reality? Shoulder-to-shoulder crowds, constant noise, and total sensory overload — especially with children.

We lasted 10 minutes before the kids asked to leave!

My advice?
✔️ Visit early morning for the best photos
❌ Don’t stay here

Planning Your Own New York Family Trip

New York is one of those destinations that truly has something for everyone — but having the right itinerary (and the right location) makes all the difference.

If you’re thinking about a family trip to NYC, I can help you plan it properly — from choosing the perfect hotel to mapping out your days so you make the most of every moment.

Because trust me… this is a city you want to experience, not just tick off 🇺🇸✨