To help you explore the Big Apple at your own pace, we've grouped the highlights so they connect smoothly with nearby tips.

Dessert Dreams Since 1954 – Serendipity 3 

Serendipity in German refers to the phenomenon of coming across something positive by a happy coincidence that you were not looking for before. Luckily, we don't have to leave the visit to Serendipity 3 – a New York restaurant world-famous for its "Frrrozen Hot Chocolate" – to chance. If you come to the Upper East Side for a sweet surprise, you will find yourself in a kind of land of milk and honey. Not only the menu is opulent, but also the décor. The portions are generous, the dessert menu long. It is worth making a reservation in advance. There  is a second branch  at Time Square.

Other highlights nearby:

The traditional New York department store Bloomingdale's is just around the corner. Shoppers will find designer clothing here, but also the in-house Bloomingdale's collections, which were created in collaboration with famous designers.

The Roosevelt Island Tramway takes you across the East River from Manhattan to Roosevelt Island for $2.90 (one-way).  For anyone with a valid MetroCard, the ride is free.

The Central Park Zoo is a welcome change where exotic animals can be observed in Central Park from a safe distance. Part of it is Tisch Children's Zoo, a petting zoo with goats, sheep, zebus and other child-friendly animals.

 

Local, cool, family-like – Brooklyn 

If you want to experience New York from its relaxed and, above all, familiar side, go to Brooklyn or spend the night right there. The rooms at the Boutique Hotel Ace Brooklyn are cozy and stylishly furnished. Through the floor-to-ceiling windows, you can even see the Statue of Liberty in the distance on a clear day. The Ace Hotel is located in Boerum Hill, a stone's throw away from playgrounds, cafes and family-friendly restaurants. Fulton and Smith Street are particularly charming and recommended. If you prefer to spend the night in the middle of New York, you will find the Ace New York in Midtown, which even has rooms with bunk beds. 

Other highlights nearby:

The Leland Eating & Drinking House is a cozy meeting place in the Prospect Heights district. The cuisine is regional and the ambience informal. Brunch and homemade pasta specialities on Mondays are particularly recommended.

Books Are Magic is written in pink letters on the wall of the house, in front of which book enthusiasts should definitely take a picture. The colourful wall belongs to the independent bookshop of the same name. A visit is worthwhile. Here you will not only find books by small and large authors, but also merchandise products. In addition, events also take place regularly in the shop.

A ride on one of NYC's beautiful carousels is well worth it. Jane's Carousel in Brooklyn Bridge Park is open every day except Tuesdays in summer. The ride costs three dollars for adults and children from one meter tall – smaller children travel free of charge when accompanied by a paying adult.  

 

Statue of Liberty for Free – Staten Island Ferry 

The orange Staten Island Ferry runs between Manhattan and Staten Island, offering excellent views of the Statue of Liberty, the Lower Manhattan skyline, and Ellis Island. If you want to take souvenir pictures, you have plenty of options and different angles to choose from during the 25-minute crossing . It's best to drive in the morning during the week, when it's quieter. Either you take a walk on Staten Island or take the next ferry back. The ferry is free of charge and runs 24 hours a day. 

Other highlights nearby:

IIn Lower Manhattan in the south of the city, lies Battery Park. There is a playground (underground: South Ferry) with playhouses, slides, climbing wall and lots of greenery. Not far from there is the Imagination Playground with huge building blocks.

As the name suggests, the Skyscraper Museum uses models to show  how the skyscrapers have developed and which are the tallest in the world. Admission is free, reservation is recommended.

If you're already in the area, be sure to  stop by the Milk Bar Take-Away. We can recommend, among other things, the Cereal Milk soft ice cream, the confetti cake or the Classic Cookies! The Milk Bar flagship store is located on 29th Street on Broadway.

 

Kneading fun for everyone – Sloomoo Institute

In New York City, one superlative chases the next. This is also the case here. At the Sloomoo Institute on Broadway, everything revolves around slime - and in masses. This is far less disgusting than it sounds. In this interactive experience museum, parents and children can mix, knead and make their own slime. With glitter, scents and charms. The rooms are colorful and full of surprises. The entrance fee includes its own take-away slime. Again, be sure to reserve online in advance.

Other highlights nearby:

Very photogenic and original is the Museum of Ice Cream. The interactive stations are spread over three floors. The pool full of colourful sprinkles and the banana swing are particularly great. But the ice cream hot dog is also unique. So it's the perfect Instagram world – but even without social media, the museum is worth a visit.

If you like rice pudding, Rice to Riches is  the right place for you. In all kinds of flavors (and colors) that are made fresh every day. The designs of the Tupperware boxes in which the rice pudding is served are reminiscent of UFOs.

Shopping in SoHo is especially fun. One store you shouldn't miss is the BAGGU SoHo Store. The playful patterns, bright colors and smileys are striking. There are bags, socks and accessories. We especially liked the travel collection.

 

Change of perspective – The Edge

In just 52 seconds you can take the elevator to the 100th floor of The Edge. The triangular viewing platform protrudes 24 meters from the building's façade and has a transparent floor, so that you feel like you are floating above the city. If you book online, you will find various options: Early in the morning it is not so crowded, sunset times cost extra. Children under the age of five can enter for free when accompanied by a paying adult. This also applies to other viewing platforms such as the Empire State Building, that One World Observatory, that SUMMIT One Vanderbilt and that Top of the Rock Observation Deck.                                                                                     

Other highlights nearby:

The historic Chelsea Market offers street food, bagels, tacos and even Berlin currywurst - ideal for small or large appetites and some relaxation after the high-altitude flight. If you feel like shopping, you will also find original shops here, such as the Pearl River Mart.

The High Line is a disused freight train line that has been converted into a park, allowing visitors to walk on an elevated level above the city. Along the 2.33 m long route, there is not only nature but also art to discover.

Little Island is a park and forms Pier 55, which can be reached via the North and South Bridges. Especially from a distance, it looks spectacular with its tulip-shaped islets. There are free audio tours  and interactive play stations for children in the park.

 

Good to know: 

To enter the U.S., a valid passport and a ESTA permit required. On Visit the USA you can find more information.                                                              

Swiss flies to New York three times a day. Two times to John F. Kennedy Airport and once to Newark. The flight takes about 8 hours and 50 minutes.

More helpful tips for your travels can be found in the SWISS Travel Briefing.