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. Starbucks NYC Locations. - Barnes & Nobles
Barnes and Nobles has locations throughout the city. - Bryant Park
Located near the library on 42nd Street between 5th & 6th Avenues, when the park is open, I've found this public bathroom to be surprisingly clean, because there is always an attendant. - Grand Central
Grand Central is located off 42nd Street between Park and Lexington Avenues. You can find the public restrooms downstairs near the food court. - Police Stations
Any police station will happily let you use their bathroom. They are located throughout the city. - Angelica 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 area. - Saks Fifth Avenue
A user writes: "Has a great ladies room -- It has a nice mirrored area to refresh your make-up and telephones and couches too." - NYU Buildings
Other than the dorms, any building with a NYU flag, which you can't miss when you're in the Washington Square area, will have accessible facilities. These work best if you can blend in as a student.Hotel Bathrooms
- Waldorf-Astoria Hotel
At 301 Park Ave the art deco decor is worth a peek, and if you are looking for a bathroom, it's a good choice 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 businesspeople and tourists that stay here. - The Royalton Hotel
Although it's rumored the doors aren't the easiest to open in these bathrooms/modern works of art, they're well worth a visit. - Soho Grand Hotel
Located on 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 have to wait for someone with a room key to go in or out and casually catch the door, but once inside, you can use the facilities.
If you have a favorite "public" restroom in New York City, you can email me at gonyc.guide@about.com and I'll add it to the list!
