— By Bethany Kandel —
Who hasn’t had to “go” when they’re on the go while traveling? It may feel particularly stressful when you have young kids who need a bathroom when it’s almost too late, and they’re already doing the “gotta-go dance.” When it comes to public bathrooms in New York City, it’s even more of a challenge as you traverse the many sights and busy streets. Finding a public bathroom is something even locals worry about, since, unlike cities in Europe, there aren’t many here.
So, what do you do?
NYC Bathrooms: Planning Ahead and Setting Expectations
New York City bathrooms for public use may feel like an enigma, but they’re out there. Like a Girl Scout, always be prepared. Start by following @got2gonyc on Instagram for videos of the best bathrooms around the city and make note of the ones in areas you’ll be visiting. You can also refer to this map of local restroom locations with the slogan, “Peace of mind is just a click away.”
You can usually pop into a store or diner to use the restroom, but often you’ll be met with a sign stating, “Restrooms for customers only.” If you are desperate, buy a cup of coffee or a snack. At Starbucks and Chipotle, you may even need a code for the commode post purchase.
Most museums will require paid admission to use theirs. Hotels are a good bet, as you’ll often find available restrooms in their lobbies. So long as you walk in and confidently look like you are staying there, you’ll quickly find a sign for the restrooms and can go about your business.
You will find relief in most popular tourist areas. Hudson Yards has nice, clean bathrooms, as does the new Moynihan Train Station. You’ll even find some along the High Line. There are lots of stalls at the Shops at Columbus Circle, on both the second floor and down the escalator in the Whole Foods store. There are also many Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s locations around the city that have available toilets for public use, no purchase required.
If you’re in Rockefeller Center to skate, eat, or see the tree during the holidays, look for restrooms on the concourse level. There are also dozens of restaurants and take-out spots that may work. In lower Manhattan, you’ll find them in the Oculus World Trade Center or Winter Garden at Brookfield Place.
A Closer Look at Public Bathrooms in New York City
Bryant Park Restroom
While some of these general tips should act as a good starting point as you explore the city, it doesn’t hurt to be extra prepared for if and when you need to find a bathroom.
Check out some more of our favorite places to go when out and about in the Big Apple:
Department Stores
Most department stores around town have clean available bathrooms, though you may have to travel a few floors to find one. Saks (with a bathroom on almost every floor), Bloomingdales, and Macy’s are a few of our top choices.
We also highly recommend the seventh floor bathroom at the Bergdorf Goodman luxury store on 5th Avenue and 58th Street. It’s next to the café, where you can stop in for some afternoon tea and enjoy great views of Central Park. There’s even a lounge area with comfy chairs and aromatherapy diffusers if you need a rest stop. On the way, you’ll pass a gallery of historic photos and memorabilia related to the iconic store. If you’re visiting during the December holidays, be sure to check out the store’s street-front windows, which are among the city’s best.
Tiffany’s
Even if you’re not having “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” (which you can now have in their Blue Box Café), you might want to check out their bathrooms. Beyond the gems and baubles, you’ll find all-gender single stalls on the third floor and above. The pale pink rooms are immaculate, and the best thing about them is the heated toilet seats. It was particularly appreciated on a recent, freezing cold day.
Louis Vuitton
There are public bathrooms on the second floor of the store’s temporary location on East 57th Street while their flagship store undergoes renovations across the street. They aren’t too exciting, but they serve their intended purpose. The fun part is perusing the fancy wares and artistic displays on your way there, though to protect your pocketbook, it’s best to pretend you are in a museum when visiting here.
Trump Tower
Although our current president reportedly has gold faucets in his apartment above, the bathroom on the lower level of Trump Tower on 5th Avenue and 56th Street is not nearly that fancy. Head down the escalator — past Trump Pizza, Trump Grill, and stores with ample MAGA products — and you’ll find a bathroom with eight stalls. It’s even open when the president is in town, though there may be extra security.
Bryant Park
Don’t be surprised if you see a line on East 42nd Street outside Bryant Park, especially during the holiday season. It’s not for a concert or other event; it’s just to get into some of the most famous and luxurious public bathrooms in New York City, which are modeled after luxury hotel facilities. After undergoing putting nearly $300,000 toward renovations in 2017, the Beaux Arts building is one of a kind. Its dedicated attendant keeps the property super clean, and there’s also piped in classical music, hanging artwork, and fresh flowers. It’s well worth the wait.
Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library
If you’re near 5th Avenue and 40th Street, take the elevator to the seventh floor at this branch across the street from the main library featuring the famous stone lions, Patience and Fortitude. You’ll not only find clean stalls — as a the bonus, you can also access a unique rooftop garden with amazing views of Midtown. Come to sit, study, read, eat, and/or pee. It’s open seven days a week (sometimes till 9 p.m.), and you don’t even need a library card to stop in.
Times Square
In Times Square, your best bet for a public restroom is in one of the restaurants or large touristy stores or restaurants, like the M&Ms and Disney stores. At the Hard Rock Hotel, don’t worry about shopping or securing a reservation; simply walk past the gift shop, downstairs, and you’ll find a bathroom to your right. You’ll also find clean, accessible restrooms on the fourth floor of the Marriott Marquis Hotel, despite their sign claiming there are “no public restrooms.”
Tiffany’s Restroom
Final Thoughts
With a bit of extra planning and know-how, finding public bathrooms in New York City is far from an impossible task. While you may want to limit you fluids or map out some potential spots along your route just in case, there’s always somewhere you can find to do your business.
Just remember, if you’re hoping to find a public restroom during the New Year’s Eve ball drop or any other major city events, you will probably be out of luck!
Photos courtesy of Bethany Kandel
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About the Author: Bethany Kandel is a New York City-based journalist who has written for hundreds of national and local publications. Her primary focus lately has been travel, both near and far, and she’s always looking for the offbeat gem to share with her readers. She is also the author of a parenting resource book, “The Expert Parent” (Pocket Books), and founder of breastcancerfreebies.com, which helps breast cancer patients and survivors find free resources.
