Spellbound in the City: A 3-Day Girls’ Getaway in New York with My Teen Daughter

We kicked off our trip with a smooth, stress-free Amtrak train ride from Washington, D.C.’s Union Station to NYC Penn Station—just over three hours of comfortable travel in business class. The seats were clean and spacious and I recommend bringing your own drinks and snacks. Pro tip: If you’re prone to motion sickness, double-check your seat to make sure it’s forward-facing.

From Penn Station, it was a short 15-minute cab ride to our hotel, The Times Square Edition. After check-in, we jumped right into the energy of the city with a late lunch from the famous Halal Guys food truck. Their chicken platter and gyro were delicious—flavorful without being greasy, and definitely shareable!

We walked off our lunch with some shopping and sightseeing along 5th Avenue, stopping by FAO Schwarz to dance on the iconic piano from Big. We also passed The Plaza Hotel (currently under renovation) and took in the buzz of Rockefeller Center, where food trucks and outdoor seating make for a lively lunch scene.

Later, we ventured to the Harry Potter New York store in the Flatiron District to set the tone for the evening. But first: matcha! Cha Cha Matcha across the street was the perfect stop for a mid-day pick-me-up. Try the strawberry matcha or the tropical Cha Cha Colada—you won’t regret it.

Back at the hotel, we got ready for the highlight of our day: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child at the Lyric Theatre. From the moment we walked in, it felt like stepping into Hogwarts. The custom decor, interactive patronus experience, and spellbinding special effects made this a truly unforgettable show. Whether you’re a lifelong Potter fan or simply love great theater, this production is an absolute must.

To close out the night, we grabbed classic NYC slices at Pizza Foto near Times Square. Our pepperoni and Hawaiian slices hit the spot—and came piping hot. A delicious and low-key end to a magical first day.

We started the morning on a sweet note at the Museum of Ice Cream in SoHo. With unlimited samples and whimsical photo ops, it’s the ultimate treat-yourself stop. My favorite flavor was Super Berry Acai Oat Amazing, while my daughter loved the Dark Chocolate Raspberry Truffle. Don’t miss the spiral slide on your way out—it’s as fun as it is Instagram-worthy.

Next up: Brunch at Lafayette, a stylish French café in NoHo. While the ambiance was chic, the service left room for improvement. I had the Brisket Burger Dijonaise with caramelized onions and comté, while my daughter went lighter with housemade granola and fresh berries.

After brunch, we browsed local shops in NoHo and took a coffee break at Blank Street Café on Broadway. Re-energized, we strolled over to Canal Street, where sidewalk vendors sell knockoff designer bags and accessories. It’s an experience—and not for everyone—but worth seeing once.

Dinner that evening was at the beloved Frenchette in Tribeca (reservations required). Between the two of us, we indulged in a feast: salted cod beignets, garlic mussels, soft scrambled eggs with escargot, and our favorite—Agnolotti with petit pois, pistou, ricotta, and walnut. It was one of our most memorable meals and the perfect way to wrap up a packed second day.

A little rain couldn’t dampen our final morning in NYC. We headed to Ess-a-Bagel on 32nd Street for their signature lox bagel with scallion cream cheese, capers, tomato, red onion, and lettuce. Huge, flavorful, and worth the wait—we each saved half for our flight home.

Before heading back to pack, we made one last delicious detour: Milk Bar on Broadway. We stocked up on a box of nine cookies to take home—including their cult-favorite Compost Cookie, loaded with chocolate chips, potato chips, pretzels, and butterscotch. It’s salty-sweet perfection and the ultimate NYC souvenir.

For our return to JFK, we had pre-booked a taxi through the Curb app, but traffic delays made the pickup a bit stressful. Next time, I’d recommend simply having the hotel bellhop flag down a cab when you’re ready to leave. With so many taxis nearby, it’s the fastest option in the heart of Times Square.