“New York, like London, seems to be a cloacina [toilet] of all the depravities of human nature.”
As a kid my mom always told me to go to the restroom before we left the house. Even if we were only gone for 5 minutes.
Mom, I’m blaming you for always needing to go ;). You might think it’s funny, but even not knowing where the toilet is, makes me need to go.
Crazy! I know, but I’m not the only one…
Or am I?
Anyway, let’s talk restrooms! Cause a prepped girl will not waste time looking for one. We better look for bargains! Wouldn’t you agree?
So bathrooms, restrooms, toilets, the ladies, powder rooms. Whatever you want to call them. We need them. And sometimes urgently :).
Tip 1: Excuse me, where is the nearest Starbucks?
Obviously. Coffee shops, restaurants & bars are the most predictable solution.
Starbucks, your best friend in times of need. Or Whole Foods.
Just check the for-customers-only-sign first (or ignore it).
Tip 2: Hotels & department stores
It wouldn’t be the first time I enter a hotel pretending to be a guest so I can use their toilet. Walk like you belong there. It’s all in the confidence walk my love.
But I’ll admit…I’m more at ease to enter a big hotel like The Plaza than a little boutique hotel ;).
Department and larger book stores (think Barnes & Nobles) will have toilets too.
My favorite?
The one in Bergdorf Goodmans basement. On the way over you pass their amazing beauty product assortment. A candy store for beauty addicts! Oh, don’t forget to indulge in their great smelling handlotion before moving on. A real treat!
PS: yes, this is the gorgeous store where Stanford & Anthony registered in Sex And The City: The Movie 2.
Tip 3: Museums, attractions & stations
Be like my mom. Tell your party to use the toilet before leaving. You are here now anyway, so better use the amenities.
I’ll admit…I’m even worse than my mom. I’ll tell my party to use the toilet when we enter AND when we leave…oh my…I need toilet therapy.
Those in Grand Central are crowded and busy most of the times. Not always the cleanest, but you can be creative, no?
I always thought the stall doors had an opening so you wouldn’t get too comfortable.
The real reason? The opening makes it notable when someone passed out. I never thought of it that way…
Tip 4: Like a walk in the park
Go for a walk to the park. Yes, it can be that easy!
A complete list of parks & their public bathrooms is available on NYC Parks. The most spectacular ones are at Bryant Park. Best rating EVER. With classical music taking you away from the buzz & fuzz from the city and delicious smelling fresh flower I can see why.
There are only a handful of automated toilets all over the city (most are still in a Queens’ warehouse…). You can find one in Madison Square Park if you would love to test it yourself.
Tip 5: Technology helps nature
Download Flush and easily find the nearest toilet in your area.
So, now you know all about toilets.
Let’s focus on the more important stuff! Wining & Dining! Shopping & Spending!
Always in an Empire State of Mind,
xoxo,
B
PS: You can also open up Dr. Wansoo’s map with restroom locations. It is categorized into 6 sections to give you an easy location overview; public, coffee shop, book store, hotel, fast food chain and other.
PS 2: Can’t get enough ;)? Read this interesting piece in Curbed on the need for more public restrooms.