Chicago or New York?
 

We are looking for a fun, urban family vacation for my wife and I and 11 year old daughter. We are considering Chicago or New York.

What would you recommend?

Without knowing anything about what time of year, I am going to assume you are leaving this summer and in that case (heck, in ANY case) I toss my hat into the ring for New York.

New York is not just a visit, it is an entire experience. Start with the basics, in New York you are forced to resort to bipedal transportation, and thus will get to see the real New York by default. The sights, the sounds, the feel, the tastes, the smells will surround you in a cocoon of cultural and artistic inspiration. One day you will walk out your day to head "that way" and will have pictures and experiences you will remember for a lifetime, everything from getting lost on the subway to striking up a conversation with the street merchant to that treasure of a bistro found on the corner. These are experiences that are found in no guide book and can only be had in the safest large city in America.

But let's talk practicality, you have an 11-year-old daughter, and for you and your wife to have a good time, she will need a good time. New York is beyond perfect for this, no matter what the tastes. What 11-year-old girl would not want to be a Rockette for a day? How about the inspiration she will get from seeing her first Broadway show? Of course, nothing will get her more excited than standing outside MTV studios on a weekday afternoon screaming for her favorite pop star, holding her sign and saying hi to her friends. But more importantly, she will gain a wealth of cultural experience that will translate into real life experiences that will prove invaluable.

Just in case you have not already booked your tickets and are not already counting down the days until you leave, New York also has more museums to cater to every possible taste than one visit could ever see. Therefore, you will keep coming year after year, season after season to truly taste the Big Apple.

No question, New York.

New York, of course.

New York, New York. Need I say more!

Start spreadin' the news and be a part of it. If you can make it there you'll make it anywhere! It's up to you....

If you've never been to either city, GO TO NEW YORK. It's just that simple. Great town, everything you could possibly want to do!

Having said that, Chicago is a great town. I love it almost as much as New York, the Art Institute is one of my favorite museums in the world, it has great nightlife, it's beautiful too.

But wait a minute. How about Boston? Great walking town, full of history, incredibly fun!

As one who was born in Queens and now lives within driving distance of Chicago, I can understand what a dilemma this presents! I love Chicago and New York. How to choose?

I choose New York, because those poor people have suffered so much because of the World Trade Tower bombing. Tourism has been down so much. It has made life very hard for New Yorkers in different walks of life--from the shopkeepers who don't have as many tourists buying their goods to the restaurant workers who face empty tables...the list goes on.

Visit New York for all the wonders this vibrant city has to offer. Visit New York as a tribute to all those who are with us no more.

New York. Chicago is fun, but New York is quite a feast for the senses, and one of the world's most famous cities.

I agree with rjw_lgb_ca. If you've never been to either, absolutely go to New York.

I've been to both several times and NYC wins hands down. Check out the "best in 3 days itinerary" here on Fodor's. This is a great place to start. Also, check out the Circle Line cruise around Manhattan and the sightseeing bus tours which leave from the port authority terminal on 42nd St.

Yes, Boston is a great walking city with so much history. And for a change of pace there's the M

Oops, my mouse slid over "post my reply" while I was typing.

Yes, Boston is a great walking city with so much history. And for a change of pace there's the Minneapple (the city of lakes) midway between the Big Apple and LA, just west of Chicago.

I've lived in Phoenix, Honolulu and Tokyo as well and NYC is the most interesting of all because of its multicultural diversity and vibrant energy.

I'll never forget my first Broadway show which was "Grease." A Broadway show is a must. Take your daughter to the Lion King.

HI everyone,That's funny...I'm suprised at the responses to your question.I just got back from Chicago.Now I've been to Chicago,New York,and Wasington DC. My first choice would be Washington DC.,then Chicago,and last (but certainly not least)New York City.Don't get me wrong,I'd go back to any of them in a second but out of the three I'd have to say New York is the last place I would consider for a family vacation.
Please New Yorkers don't get offended,I live in Upstate New York!

Been to both and although I absolutely love Chicago, if you have never been I would recommend New York over Chicago ... and do it up ... shows, museums, sight-seeing, restaurants ... it will be quite an experience

You cant lose with either choice. Your 11 year old daughter might love the American Girl Store in Chicago-the only one in the country-she can bring her American Doll in for a new harido, repairs, new clothes, have tea at their restaurant, also buy matching girl and doll outfits. If she's into the dolls, she will love the store.

I'm guessing Rachel doesn't have any 11-year-old daughters. The ones I've seen are (sadly) more into Brittany Spears than American Girl dolls.

Anyway, Chicago is great, but NY is better.