Get tickets to the Today show plaza

It will definitely be an early morning; you have to arrive by 6:30am but what an unforgettable experience. Especially for any family who counts Hoda, Savannah, Craig, Al and Dylan as household names.

Visit the Central Park Zoo

We sort of stumbled upon this darling and fairly small zoo right in the center of the park on the perfect sunny March day. While not the largest zoo around, there is something to be said for watching bears play surrounded by skyscrapers in the center of the city.

Brooklyn Bridge

Walk the Brooklyn Bridge, a truly iconic New York experience. Plus makes for dreamy family photos with the entire city skyline in the background.

Walk the High Line

A unique public park built on an elevated historic freight rail line above Manhattan's streets with breathtaking views. Make sure to time your stomach just right to grab lunch at Chelsea Market. The market consists of eclectic shops and dining. We spent a tad longer in line at Very Fresh Noodles, but trust me, it was worth it for the la mei taiwanese beef noodle soup!

Summit One Vanderbilt

Pre-book a ticket to the top of Summit One Vanderbilt. Located on the top three floors of one of Manhattan's tallest skyscrapers, the views are next level. It is not just a standard observation deck, though, it truly is an immersive, multi- sensory experience with art installations and floor-to-ceiling windows. Truly incredible to be on top of the world.

Bagels

Grab a classic New York bagel at Ess-a-bagel. Indulge in the world's best chocolate chip cookies at Levain Bakery.

Filming locations

Wander the neighborhoods to see famous movie and television spots. We swung by the Friends building in the Village, Carrie Bradshaw's stoop from Sex and the City and the Ghostbuster firehouse in Tribeca.

For the Hamilton musical fans in our family, we had to walk through Trinity Church to see Alexander and Eliza Hamilton's graves. While down south, make sure to visit Wall Street and see the famous Charging Bull and New York Stock Exchange.

Visit The Strand Bookstore

My 14-year-old and I could have been in here for hours browsing every book you could ever dream of. A true classic bookstore.

See a Broadway Show

There are more incredible performances than one could see on a visit. Check out the Today Tix app for rush tickets or last-minute deals.

New York Public Library

Visit the New York Public Library and then grab a cocktail in Bryant Park. Kids can ride the carousel, play ping pong or giant jenga. The perfect pit spot to rest your feet with all of the city sightseeing.

Museums

Visit any of the city's incredible museum offerings. Our family favorites are the American Museum of Natural History, Museum of Modern Art and the 9/11 Memorial and Museum.

Grab a bagel at Ess-a-bagel. You can’t go wrong with the signature: slices of nova on a bagel with scallion cream cheese, freshly-sliced tomato, lettuce, onions and capers.

Cozy Italian dinner in the East Village at Lavagna. Can’t miss their wine selection or pizza of the day.

Ellen’s Stardust Diner is super fun for kids. Super talented Broadway talent with diner fare.

Jack’s Wife Freda: An easy American-Mediterranean bistro where we stopped in for brunch and a late afternoon cocktail and french fries.

Catch NYC: A rare dressed-up evening out after very long days of sightseeing. We still talk about the seafood tower.

Minetta Tavern - Can’t miss the minetta burger.