Finding Restrooms in NYC
Why is finding a basic necessity so difficult in New York City? You manage to find that t-shirt you’ve been looking for, and you successfully navigate the subway system without getting lost; however, finding a clean restroom while exploring the city can be an arduous task.
When you get the urge to go and you’re on the go, try one of these options:
- Starbucks
With locations on nearly every New York City block, this is an always popular option. The popularity means there might be a line, but the baristas are happy to give you the key whether you make a purchase or not. - Barnes & Noble
Barnes & Noble has locations throughout the city. - Bryant Park
Located near the library on 42nd Street between 5th & 6th Avenues, this public bathroom is surprisingly clean thanks to an attendant. - Grand Central
Grand Central, located off 42nd Street between Park and Lexington Avenues, has public restrooms located downstairs near the food court. - Police Stations
Any police station will happily let you use their bathroom. They are located throughout the city. - Angelika Film Center
Located at Mercer and Houston, you can access the restrooms in the café area, which is open to everyone regardless of whether you are a ticket holder. - New School & Foundation Center
Both located on Fifth Ave. between 13th and 15th St., these are a hassle-free choice when you’re in the area. - Bed, Bath & Beyond and Old Navy
Both located on 6th Avenue near 18th Street, they offer a clean respite in the vicinity. - NYU Buildings
Other than the dorms, any building with an NYU flag in the Washington Square area will have accessible facilities. These work best if you can blend in as a student. - Plaza Food Hall
Located below the Plaza Hotel (entrance on 58th Street just west of Grand Army Plaza), there’s an easily accessible and well-kept restroom. - Modells Sporting Goods
There are locations all over NYC, but the one near Brooklyn Bridge/City Hall at 55 Chambers Street is often recommended. - LBGT Community Center
The large, clean, and gender-neutral bathroom is a great option on West 13th Street. - Bloomingdale’s SoHo
Head to the 2nd floor on the right as you exit the escalator for the women’s bathroom. - Time Warner Center
This upscale shopping mall features luxurious public restrooms. - Rockefeller Center
They have well cared for public restrooms — surprisingly so, given the vast number of tourists that frequent this area.
Hotel Bathrooms in NYC
- Waldorf-Astoria Hotel
At 301 Park Ave, the art deco decor is worth a peek, and it’s a good choice for restroom access between 49th & 50th Streets. - Marriot Marquis
Located in the heart of Times Square at 1535 Broadway, the bathrooms here are top-rate (located on the 2nd floor) if you can blend in with the business crowd. - The Royalton Hotel
Although the doors can be tricky to open, these bathrooms are modern works of art well worth a visit. - Soho Grand Hotel
Located on Grand and West Broadway, where public toilets are scarce. Walk past the front desk and continue down the back corridor to find the bathrooms. - Grand Hyatt
You may have to wait for someone with a room key to go in or out, but once inside, you can freely use the facilities.
