Click here for a map that includes all of our picks.

Restaurants

While the main hall, famous for its constellation-studded ceiling, is well worth a photo, the food court downstairs contains all local New York chains, including Two Boots Pizza, Dishes, and The Little Pie Company.
87 E. 42nd St., Lexington Avenue and 42nd St.

Known as a power-lunch hub in the 1990s, China Grill still has outstanding food (try the duck salad and the Great Wall ice cream dessert). It's loud and cavernous enough that kids can yell over their chopsticks while still feeling a little bit fancy.
60 West 53rd St., (212) 333-7788

Freshness is everything at this local burger chain. The ingredients are delivered daily, and each burger is grilled to order and contains no preservatives or artificial additives.
636 Lexington Ave., (212) 838-6000

A great grab-and-go option, the chain touts all-natural food, great turkey club sandwiches, fresh soups, and organic hot chocolate.
For locations, click here.

Eschewing the idea of takeaway coffee, Zibetto is a proper espresso bar, where each perfectly crafted cup comes standing up with a glass of ice water. It also has a good selection of quick paninis, mini pastries, and Italian sodas.
1385 Sixth Ave.

Shops

Step in for jewel-like Japanese jellies, supersweet rice-based cakes, and smooth custard treats.
608 Fifth Ave., (212) 489-3747

This jam-packed store has every bead, bauble, button, and trim and is absolutely a sash above the other bead-and-trimmings stores in the neighborhood.
1008 Sixth Ave., (800) 965-8746

Activities

Duck into New York's most iconic church to grab a moment of peace and quiet amid bustling Fifth Avenue. Look around at the sweeping architecture and stained-glass windows, or perhaps take in a choir or organ concert.
460 Madison Ave., (212) 753-2261

Once the private library of J. Pierpont Morgan, the museum now exhibits an eclectic collection containing everything from Bob Dylan paraphernalia to Thoreau's manuscripts to original Reubens paintings. The building itself is beautiful and has a lovely café downstairs. 225 Madison Ave., (212) 685-0008

This small museum of textiles and drawings is an easy alternative when the line at MoMA is impossibly long.
45 West 53rd St., (212) 265-1040

Beginning in late October, kids can whirl around Bryant Park's ice-skating rink for free while parents browse through the holiday market. The park's public bathrooms, located on the northeast side, close to the public library, are also squeaky-clean. During the warmer months, take a breather next to the pétanque pitch on the northwest side of the park to watch the best of them roll.
42nd St. and Sixth Ave.

Next Page: New York Guide: West Village/Meatpacking District