Not everyone likes the same sort of places. Will they like a fancy afternoon tea or do they prefer some place more "homey" (you'd say homely)? Where are they staying? What places have they liked in the past if you know. That will help us help you.

Rivercafe.com

Just reopened after being closed due to damage from a hurricane. Its been everyone's favorite special occasion place with a view. Book quickly.

Bateauxnewyork.com

Is very popular for a meal on a cruise.

Sail-ny.com

Shearwatersailing.com

Are also good.

Strusserslimousineservice.com

Is a first class car service and will also give them a tour if you want.

Give them a nice guidebook on New York City so that they can immerse themselves in the feel for it and can plan what they really want to do. Hard to recommend as people have varied tastes and travel styles. I'd suggest high tea at the restaurant on the top floor of Bergdorf Goodman, IMO better food than the Plaza. Or if they are "hip" oldsters and are heading towards Soho, at the Crosby Hotel.

That's great. Thank you.

For a lovely afternoon tea with a fantastic view you should consider the Mandarin Oriental Lobby Lounge. It's on the 35th floor with incredible views of Central Park and Columbus Circle. It's a nice lounge space and the tea and food is delicious as well. It's a bit pricey though.

How about the boathouse with lake view in central park? Famous restaurant

They might enjoy sipping some Malbec and watching a tango show at the Malbec Tango house in Noho. A lovely spot , interesting menu and talented local dancers from NYC and Buenos Aires

Malbec House - New York City

www.Malbec House - New York City

www.malbechouse.com/

Malbec and Tango House recently opened in NoHo as a shrine to two of Argentina's greatest cultural treasures.

Another spot for a view - the aerial tram over to Roosevelt Island (you can you your Metro card on the tram as well as the trains and buses). Go on a day when the FDR Four Freedoms Memorial Park is open to see it and the wonderful view to the south of Roosevelt Island.

I would second both afternoon tea options already suggested - Mandarin Oriental and Bergdorf Goodman's....the latter especially if you ask for a table with the shell chairs by the window to see the view.

Have they been to the Highline in previous visits? That's a place for another interesting view - approx 3 stories up and views across the city and over the Hudson and to the Statue of Liberty.

Happy to give other suggestions when we know more about their interests.

PS What a wonderful wonderful present.

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