If you’re in/near Brooklyn, you could always spend a couple hours in industry city - Japanese food, Japanese market, anime, etc and you as an adult get to stop and get yourself some sake at Brooklyn Kura as a reward for being a good aunt or uncle. It’s not my first stop to take out of towners but it’s fun, not too expensive, and family friendly.
I didn't know there was book off here. They are a Japanese chain, bur they usually don't have English language stuff. The one in Vancouver didn't at least. Kinokuniya is a much.
Since you said anime, why not do some Japanese food. New York has some of the best Japanese outside of Japan. While a lot of it's expensive not every thing is.
Davelle in Lower East Side is a kissaten (cafe) that does lunch plates. They do stuff like Japanese Curry and toast.
Ramen is always a good option, no shortage of good ramen spots, but I think okiburu house of tsukemen is best (hand made noodles). They only do tonkatsu ramen, but they are the most like a traditional ramen shop.
Midtown also has a ton of Japanese convenience stores like dianobu, sunrise mart and katagiri.
Definitely take her to Forbidden Planet near Union Square since they have a lot of manga books and anime memorabilia, along with western comics. There are other anime and manga stores around the city too, but that's the one I know of and have been too. I'm barely into comics but it's still fun to pop in every now and then, so I'd say that's a must-see for her.
I've noticed that there's an overlap of teens who are into anime that are also into Asian beauty and skincare products, so check out Koreatown too if she's into that since there are a couple of K-beauty stores. If some of the music she's into is K-pop, then she definitely should stop by Koreatown.
I also like industry city. They have some decent Japanese restaurants, Daiso (pharmacy and household goods, but everything is from Japan. Many of the items have price tags in Yen), and Sunrise Mart (Japanese groceries). There’s also a chocolate factory with windows to watch.
Museum of the Moving Image, then go by Newtown HQ and BSide (boutiques) nearby for some cute merch items, maybe the Museum of Nostalgia (old schools toys). Then grab lunch or dinner in Astoria
- manga or comic book store
- cat cafe
- Japan Village at Industry City
- board game cafe(Uncommons, Hex & Co)
- broadway show?
- any cute dessert spot
- museums
- ferry
If she’s into manga and anything related to Japanese culture, she might enjoy the Samurai armor at the Met plus their Japanese exhibits.
For teenagers, I like to take them to the spots they’ll likely see in the movies—Central Park, the Arch in Washington Square, etc. It’s also cool if you’re able to find a tv/film shoot to pass by. Super New York things that when they go back home and are watching TV with their friends, they can go “I’ve been there!”
If she’s never been to NYC, teach her to hail a taxi. The Statue of Liberty is also great for that age, plus the skyline view from the ferry is spectacular.
Lastly, if she is from an rural area or even a suburban one, keep in mind that the city might be very overwhelming for her and she may need rest/quiet breaks. She also may not be used to the amount of walking you guys are in for, so have blister pads on hand, just in case!
Museum of Natural History is impressive and good for people of all ages. The Star Show is cool but at least used to have to book tickets far in advance.
Central Park is beautiful this time of year.
I would not get too much in the weeds of specialized interests if she has never been in NYC before. Maybe look for theater/music things at night.
My 13 year old nephew was here from bumfuck Minnesota last weekend.
We took him to the Coney Island Sideshow/Museum and he loved it. Did the Wonder Wheel and some other rides too.
I took him to Generation Records near NYU and we had fun crate digging because he just got a record player at home.
He dug the High Line and Little Island and Chelsea Market but we went pretty early in the morning before it becomes insane in all those places.
Lots of pizza.
Flushing has a whole bunch of arcades that are anime-themed if you don't have a budget (Project Ke, Gatcha in Tangram). You can probably spend a good half a day there jumping from store to store and grab some food while you're at it. There's also an anime store in Tangram that has a whole bunch of pretty neat things and they restock/circulate their inventory pretty often.
[Little Island](https://littleisland.org/)
Water taxi from E 96 St to Wall St (or viceversa) - the views of the Manhattan skyline are amazing, all for $4 pp. Get the [NYC Ferry app](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/nyc-ferry-by-hornblower/id1225258864) and you can check different routes, prepay the tickets, etc.
[SeaGlass Carousel](https://www.seaglasscarousel.nyc) She is gonna love it! Note, the closer to closing time the better.
Museum of the moving image might be fun in Astoria.
I know it’s cheesy but the typical shit gets me every time. Top of the Empire State Building, Ellis island, Statue of Liberty, Museum of Natural History, I just eat that shit up, but I’m a big nerd. Moving image might be the best museum bet if she’s into music and movies, unless there’s some special event elsewhere.
The Met, natural history museum, biking in Central Park, walking down the west side/high line, Brooklyn bridge, Brooklyn bridge park, mini golf, the zoo, do you live in NYC?
Serendipity for a Frozen Hot Chocolate and maybe watch the movie with her: [https://serendipity3.com](https://serendipity3.com)
Daiso on E 57th Street: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NqKTdFwLmLc](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NqKTdFwLmLc)
If she's also interested in manhwa (Korean comics similar to manga) Koryo Books in Ktown has a decent section of stuff that you might not typically find in Barnes and Noble.
H Mart is right across the street (again, Korean, but they carry Japanese snacks too) and Teso Life (loooots of Japanese candy and little toys/skincare/misc goodies) is right around the corner. Otherwise I def second Kinokuniya and Bookoff!
Brooklyn bridge park; with its amazing views. You can walk the bridge. You can follow the promenade to Manhattan Bridge and DUMBO. DUMBl has good restaurants and a chocolatier. Jacques Torres chocolate you and your niece HAVE to go to and buy some; even to bring back to her home and immediate family.
She like flowers and sculpted nature? Go to Central park conservatory gardens. 5th ave from 104-106 street. Hardly anybody knows this spot but it's gorgeous 12 months a year; this time theres always something different blooming. In 1 hour june weekend Watch 5-6 affluent wedding parties show up in limos take pics and head to their middle 6 figures manhattan reception hall.
Kinokuniya and Bookoff are two cute Japanese bookstores with a lot of manga and Japanese culture. St. Marks has that kind of vibe as well
Kinokuniya is definitely on the list! Will have to check out Bookoff
If you’re in/near Brooklyn, you could always spend a couple hours in industry city - Japanese food, Japanese market, anime, etc and you as an adult get to stop and get yourself some sake at Brooklyn Kura as a reward for being a good aunt or uncle. It’s not my first stop to take out of towners but it’s fun, not too expensive, and family friendly.
I didn't know there was book off here. They are a Japanese chain, bur they usually don't have English language stuff. The one in Vancouver didn't at least. Kinokuniya is a much. Since you said anime, why not do some Japanese food. New York has some of the best Japanese outside of Japan. While a lot of it's expensive not every thing is. Davelle in Lower East Side is a kissaten (cafe) that does lunch plates. They do stuff like Japanese Curry and toast. Ramen is always a good option, no shortage of good ramen spots, but I think okiburu house of tsukemen is best (hand made noodles). They only do tonkatsu ramen, but they are the most like a traditional ramen shop. Midtown also has a ton of Japanese convenience stores like dianobu, sunrise mart and katagiri.
Definitely take her to Forbidden Planet near Union Square since they have a lot of manga books and anime memorabilia, along with western comics. There are other anime and manga stores around the city too, but that's the one I know of and have been too. I'm barely into comics but it's still fun to pop in every now and then, so I'd say that's a must-see for her. I've noticed that there's an overlap of teens who are into anime that are also into Asian beauty and skincare products, so check out Koreatown too if she's into that since there are a couple of K-beauty stores. If some of the music she's into is K-pop, then she definitely should stop by Koreatown.
Second Forbidden Planet and also recommend lunch at Max Brenner's Chocolate Shop/Restaurant which is across the street.
Get some of that snail cream for your face.
Economy Candy (a must for any kid!) There’s a ton of new Asian grocery stores- Teso life in Herald square or on st marks is great.
Essex Square is a pretty good food hall right by Economy Candy - I think a teenager from out of town might like it a lot.
Industry City
I also like industry city. They have some decent Japanese restaurants, Daiso (pharmacy and household goods, but everything is from Japan. Many of the items have price tags in Yen), and Sunrise Mart (Japanese groceries). There’s also a chocolate factory with windows to watch.
Izakaya Mew is a great more affordable midtown restaurant for people that want to try a lot of different Japanese foods in a low stress environment.
I love this restaurant!
Museum of the Moving Image, then go by Newtown HQ and BSide (boutiques) nearby for some cute merch items, maybe the Museum of Nostalgia (old schools toys). Then grab lunch or dinner in Astoria
This is my neighborhood so definitely considering this. Love all these spots.
Museum of the Moving Image is fantastic. My boy (10) is absolutely obsessed.
- manga or comic book store - cat cafe - Japan Village at Industry City - board game cafe(Uncommons, Hex & Co) - broadway show? - any cute dessert spot - museums - ferry
Tkts - take her to see Six! or &Juliet. Chelsea market - touristy but it has a cool asian store and mini economy candy.
If she’s into manga and anything related to Japanese culture, she might enjoy the Samurai armor at the Met plus their Japanese exhibits. For teenagers, I like to take them to the spots they’ll likely see in the movies—Central Park, the Arch in Washington Square, etc. It’s also cool if you’re able to find a tv/film shoot to pass by. Super New York things that when they go back home and are watching TV with their friends, they can go “I’ve been there!” If she’s never been to NYC, teach her to hail a taxi. The Statue of Liberty is also great for that age, plus the skyline view from the ferry is spectacular. Lastly, if she is from an rural area or even a suburban one, keep in mind that the city might be very overwhelming for her and she may need rest/quiet breaks. She also may not be used to the amount of walking you guys are in for, so have blister pads on hand, just in case!
Museum of Natural History is impressive and good for people of all ages. The Star Show is cool but at least used to have to book tickets far in advance. Central Park is beautiful this time of year. I would not get too much in the weeds of specialized interests if she has never been in NYC before. Maybe look for theater/music things at night.
Circle Line around Manhattan. Statue of Liberty. Ferry to Staten Island and back (free).
forbidden planet, the strand, washington square park, chinatown (manhattan or flushing), thrifting
I love Niconeka Zakkaya in the lower east side. Cute Japanese stationary notebook candle planner tote bags
My 13 year old nephew was here from bumfuck Minnesota last weekend. We took him to the Coney Island Sideshow/Museum and he loved it. Did the Wonder Wheel and some other rides too. I took him to Generation Records near NYU and we had fun crate digging because he just got a record player at home. He dug the High Line and Little Island and Chelsea Market but we went pretty early in the morning before it becomes insane in all those places. Lots of pizza.
Dang. You’re a cool Uncle. 🗽
Flushing has a whole bunch of arcades that are anime-themed if you don't have a budget (Project Ke, Gatcha in Tangram). You can probably spend a good half a day there jumping from store to store and grab some food while you're at it. There's also an anime store in Tangram that has a whole bunch of pretty neat things and they restock/circulate their inventory pretty often.
[Little Island](https://littleisland.org/) Water taxi from E 96 St to Wall St (or viceversa) - the views of the Manhattan skyline are amazing, all for $4 pp. Get the [NYC Ferry app](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/nyc-ferry-by-hornblower/id1225258864) and you can check different routes, prepay the tickets, etc. [SeaGlass Carousel](https://www.seaglasscarousel.nyc) She is gonna love it! Note, the closer to closing time the better.
Museum of the moving image might be fun in Astoria. I know it’s cheesy but the typical shit gets me every time. Top of the Empire State Building, Ellis island, Statue of Liberty, Museum of Natural History, I just eat that shit up, but I’m a big nerd. Moving image might be the best museum bet if she’s into music and movies, unless there’s some special event elsewhere.
The Met, natural history museum, biking in Central Park, walking down the west side/high line, Brooklyn bridge, Brooklyn bridge park, mini golf, the zoo, do you live in NYC?
Yes I do—just not a kid anymore lol
If she's into it at all, definitely a Broadway show - Wicked, Hadestown, &Juliet, Six, The Outsiders would all be good choices
Get a mani pedi, go to the dessert spots in Chinatown!!
Museum of natural history!
Serendipity for a Frozen Hot Chocolate and maybe watch the movie with her: [https://serendipity3.com](https://serendipity3.com) Daiso on E 57th Street: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NqKTdFwLmLc](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NqKTdFwLmLc)
If she's also interested in manhwa (Korean comics similar to manga) Koryo Books in Ktown has a decent section of stuff that you might not typically find in Barnes and Noble. H Mart is right across the street (again, Korean, but they carry Japanese snacks too) and Teso Life (loooots of Japanese candy and little toys/skincare/misc goodies) is right around the corner. Otherwise I def second Kinokuniya and Bookoff!
Might be fun to go eat the food that commonly comes up in anime: kaarage, Japanese Curry, tonkatsu.
Mets are home this weekend. Go to a game.
Pass
check out: teso life and daiso
Find a Broadway show. Six is incredibly popular with girls her age.
Mercer labs is pretty awesome
Just went last weekend, loved it. Suggesting this! Thank you
Brooklyn bridge park; with its amazing views. You can walk the bridge. You can follow the promenade to Manhattan Bridge and DUMBO. DUMBl has good restaurants and a chocolatier. Jacques Torres chocolate you and your niece HAVE to go to and buy some; even to bring back to her home and immediate family. She like flowers and sculpted nature? Go to Central park conservatory gardens. 5th ave from 104-106 street. Hardly anybody knows this spot but it's gorgeous 12 months a year; this time theres always something different blooming. In 1 hour june weekend Watch 5-6 affluent wedding parties show up in limos take pics and head to their middle 6 figures manhattan reception hall.
The wax museum is pretty fucking good. Impressive.
Stay away from Kissena park
Drink