We touched down in NYC full of excitement for our visit and maybe a little nervous about navigating the subway with kids. But honestly? It was so much easier than I expected. (Hot tip: Download a Subway app like Subway Time and if you have an iphone the maps app works great with the option of transit and map out what trains you will need and make a notes app of them…this helped me a ton!). We hopped on the Subway from the airport, picked a central stop in Manhattan to get off, and even made a few detours before heading to the hotel — just to get our first taste of the city.
Our first official meal? Bill’s Burgers — and I’m not exaggerating when I say they were incredible. Bellies full, we strolled over to Rockefeller Center, just in time to catch workers putting up the iconic Christmas tree. We couldn’t have planned that if we tried.
We rode the elevator to the Top of the Rock for those postcard-perfect skyline views. On our walk back, we stumbled onto a parade-slash-protest, which is exactly the kind of random surprise you should expect in New York. We felt very safe and sat to watch it and talk about our right to protest and free speech.
Our hotel, the Hilton Garden Inn Times Square, turned out to be the perfect location. After checking in, we ventured to Times Square, stopped inside the breathtaking St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and then hopped on a pedicab to Central Park. (Pro tip: be very careful with pedicabs. Ask for the price upfront and look for posted rates inside the cab. There are amazing drivers — and then there are… others.)
We ended the night exactly how a NYC night should end: with classic New York pizza, eaten cross-legged in our hotel room.
Packing Tip: Wear comfy walking shoes and keep your bag light — you’ll be weaving through crowds, hopping in and out of subways, and possibly chasing kids through parks.
Budget Notes:
- Subway: $2.90 per ride (there are package options available to get multiple rides on the card so it makes it easy and you don’t have to refill)
- Burgers: $15–$25 each
- Top of the Rock: $40–$45 adults, $34–$38 kids
- Pizza dinner: $2 per slice
- Plane Tickets: $200 round trip! We found an amazing deal for the 4 of us round trip!
- Hotel: $250/night…this varies with time of year and demand
Family Pro Tip: Build in a “hotel downtime” window — kids love having a snack in the room, and you’ll all recharge for the evening.
