NYC with teen daughter

With your limited time, you should plan on only one of skyscraper observation decks. The three of them are the One World Observatory in the Freedom Tower, Top of the Rock at the Rockefeller Center, and the Empire State Building.

If you are already going to do the 9-11 museum, then you will be right at the Freedom Tower, and so I would choose that one instead of making a separate trip across Manhattan to the ESB.

EDIT: Of course, you are also planning to spend time on 5th Ave, where the ESB is. Personally, I like the view from Top of the Rock, as it shows off the ESB and Central Park.

Thanks everyone! Great info. Exactly the kind of stuff I needed to hear.

A day before the show, we walked to the theater where Wicked was showing and bought tix in the lobby. Did the same for others. Easy. You might want to buy online ahead of time if her heart is set on it and you don’t want to risk a sell out.

ESB is the iconic big building, so I’d do it over the other options. When you see it in a TV show or movie, it’s cool to recall being up there. They sell skip the line tickets, not cheap, but we beat the system by being there as soon as the doors opened. Whisked right to the top. When we came down about an hour later, the line was out the door and down the street. Saved hours by being there when it opened.

The weather in April should be nice. Take a Circle-Line boat cruise around Manhattan.

Hit one major museum: Metropolitan, Modern or Nat. History if art's not her thing. Whichever, do some online research about temporary shows. That way you can narrow your visit.

Any of the double-decker bus tours is a good introduction to the city. They typically make a big loop.

If your daughter hasn't visited a cathedral, St John the Divine on Upper West Side is quite impressive.

Lower-cost dining is hard. On a trip in Jan breakfast for 2 at small places ran about $50. See if any Papaya King hot dog and juice places are still open.

Pizza places like Lombardi, St Joe, or Prince St are good iconic places that won't cost much. I would do Wicked, it's better than most of the shows that I've seen and perfect for a 15 year old. I always like the food tours. I've done the one in Greenwich and Meatpacking. Gives you a nice tour of the neighborhood and you get to try a bunch of different things. The Starlight cafe is also fun but you'll wait in line to get in.

Times square is a total waste of time. As other have suggested, take the Staten Island Ferry. You have to get off the boat upon arrival in Jersey but you should be able to get right back on. Walk over the Brooklyn bridge. I have taken my kids on the subway on every visit and never had an issue. If you use the subway get the MTA app. If she likes fashion or shopping then take her to soho.

9/11 museum is very well done but at her age she may not appreciate it as she didn't live it. If you feel like you're short on time then skip it. Now, walk the memorial and the foot print of the towers and go to the catholic church across the street.

ESB has always been enjoyable to me. Seems like the Rock might have a better view though.

Get a map together and create an itinerary. You don't have as much time as you think for all you're wanting to do.

There are kiosk that you can use near the broadway district to get on sale tickets - usually these are for the non popular but still quality shows

Wow! Great advice here. Looks like I’ll put Top of the Rock on the list. 9-11 memorial is really for me. We’re going next week. I’ll report back.