The m15 bus goes down and up 1st avenue and is great for the east side. The bus that goes down Broadway is as good as a tourist bus. Please don't be stupid and buy your metro card in advance of boarding the bus. Also don't block the sidewalk. It's annoying.

OP, can you define "won't break the bank"? NYC can be pretty pricey in the summer, at least for someone like me who sometimes goes in January and February, when it is much less so.

What sorts of things does your granddaughter like? For history, try the Tenement Museum, the Merchant House Museum, or Fraunces Tavern.

For art, the Cloisters/Met (one ticket gets you into both), MOMA, or the Frick (small and packed, so good if you only want a couple hours of culture).

When I lived on the upper west side, my parents would stay at the Hotel Newton on Broadway when they visited. I think it's reasonably priced and it's clean and reliable. It's also in a great neighborhood.

If I were you, I would pick general geographic areas to spend half days in, particularly if you don't mind walking. So, the suggestion to do the High Line and Chelsea Market for lunch was a great one, and you could add some shopping in the West Village (probably good for a 16 yr old!). Another combo of things could be Fifth Ave, Rock Center, and MOMA (and Central Park if you're really ambitious). I would do MOMA over the Met because it's such a cool building, even if the art isn't really the draw. Great gift shop too. If you want to see the 9/11 Memorial, you can then walk down to Battery Park from there. There's a great Chinese restaurant down there.

Don't be afraid of the subway. Get a map and ask for directions if you need. New Yorkers get a bad rap for being unfriendly, but they'll gladly help you if you ask. Also, consider the bus. It's above ground so gives you a bit of sight-seeing and can help you get oriented, and on a weekend it's not that much slower than the subway.

If you post other specific interests, I'd be glad to make more suggestions!

Blue Man Group is great but you might want to also see about a more typical or traditional Broadway play two if you can swing it you can always try and get last minute cheap tickets

Anonymous wrote:NYC is surprisingly boring.

Don't listen to this PP. NYC is awesome! And there is great food to be had at any price point. The East Village and near NYU have a lot of fun and affordable options. Don't stay or eat in midtown. Rent an Airbnb in a fun neighborhood like the village. And there are fabulous food trucks too.

Second the recs for high line, Chelsea market, Staten Island ferry, and the Met. MoMa is free on Fridays but crowded. Also check out the summerstage concerts in Central Park, Shakespeare in the park, and Lincoln center out of doors festival for free events.

You could also take the train to Brooklyn heights for some skyline views, then walk across the Brooklyn bridge into Manhattan.

If you both like dessert, a stop at chikalicious dessert bar or Dominique ansel bakery will be fun.

Really, there is so much fun to be had there! Enjoy your trip!

NYC is surprisingly boring.