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Holidays

Use our Travel forum for recommendations on everything from day trips to the best family-friendly holiday destinations.

Original poster

NY with teens. Is 7 night too long?

111 replies

LavenderLxx · 04/02/2026 11:19

I’ve inherited some money and I’d like to treat my family to a special holiday. We were thinking a week in New York. It would have to be in the summer holidays which I know can be hot but we can’t make it work at any other time of year.

We were thinking of 7 nights and being able to walk/visit sights in the morning and then have lazier afternoons. A few friends have suggested that a week is too long; but they are also friends without children so har probably been happier/more able to squeeze more into their days.

Our children are 13 and 16 - the 16 has Autism. She is fine with crowds/lots of walking but would feel better with a chance to build in a bit of downtime back at hotel in the afternoons.

We were also wondering about a day trip out to Long Island and another to Hudson Valley to escape the city for a bit.

I just wondered if anyone had any thoughts about a week being too long? Thank you

OP posts:
Gonnagetgoingreturnsagain · 04/02/2026 13:37

Do an on off tourist bus ride. They’re very good. Also Top of the Rock (Rockefeller Center) is good. I’m lucky in that I saw most of NY with natives. Consider a trip out to Flushing if you’re there for the US Open.

christmaspudding43 · 04/02/2026 13:59

Check out the normal commuter ferries, the views are great, they're a nice change from the subway and they're just fun! I could easily fill a week and that's having been several times. My advice would be to do lots of research so you have multiple options wherever you are for good coffee shops/diners/somewhere to take the weight off etc and make sure to leave room in the schedule for serendipity. I would strongly advise against staying in Times Square and while I understand going to see it (or doing broadway) I wouldn't otherwise spend any time there.

Another accommodation suggestion would be Hotel Beacon, location is great and rooms very spacious.

RatherBeOnVacation · 04/02/2026 14:11

Food is extremely expensive. A bagel and coffee can set you back over $20 after tax and tips. If you can get an apartment then being able to just self cater breakfast can save heaps. A sit down pizza restaurant will be $25 each just for a pizza and no drinks. All the “cheap eats” places we were coming out with a bill of $150 to $200 for a family of four.

Plumpciousness · 04/02/2026 14:25

Definitely not too long. Metropolitan Museum of Art can take a whole day as it's so big.

Hudson Valley: I was part of a group (a Ramblers holiday - lots of walking!) and we did a day-trip by train. Can't remember the exact details because the tour leader organised everything but the train goes up the eastern edge of the Hudson River and we visited the former home of the author Washington Irving (who wrote The Headless Horseman - the town of Sleep Hollow is a bit further north) which is in Irvington, then we walked to a different station which was probably in Tarrytown and got the train back from there. Looking at Google Maps there's a green line which is a footpath called the "Old Croton Trailway State Park" which I think is the path we walked along. You can start and end at stations in small towns and then walk between them through countryside (there are photos on Google Streetview). I don't remember it being particularly strenuous, not a full-on hike, but you might want to check the distances.

Original poster
LavenderLxx · 04/02/2026 14:52

christmaspudding43 · 04/02/2026 13:59

Check out the normal commuter ferries, the views are great, they're a nice change from the subway and they're just fun! I could easily fill a week and that's having been several times. My advice would be to do lots of research so you have multiple options wherever you are for good coffee shops/diners/somewhere to take the weight off etc and make sure to leave room in the schedule for serendipity. I would strongly advise against staying in Times Square and while I understand going to see it (or doing broadway) I wouldn't otherwise spend any time there.

Another accommodation suggestion would be Hotel Beacon, location is great and rooms very spacious.

I really like the idea of the ferry trips. That seems like a great way to see the city but not be trapped if that makes sense! Apart from the obligatory Times Square photo it doesn’t really appeal!

OP posts:
Original poster
LavenderLxx · 04/02/2026 14:53

RatherBeOnVacation · 04/02/2026 14:11

Food is extremely expensive. A bagel and coffee can set you back over $20 after tax and tips. If you can get an apartment then being able to just self cater breakfast can save heaps. A sit down pizza restaurant will be $25 each just for a pizza and no drinks. All the “cheap eats” places we were coming out with a bill of $150 to $200 for a family of four.

Thank you - that’s really useful

OP posts:
Original poster
LavenderLxx · 04/02/2026 14:55

Plumpciousness · 04/02/2026 14:25

Definitely not too long. Metropolitan Museum of Art can take a whole day as it's so big.

Hudson Valley: I was part of a group (a Ramblers holiday - lots of walking!) and we did a day-trip by train. Can't remember the exact details because the tour leader organised everything but the train goes up the eastern edge of the Hudson River and we visited the former home of the author Washington Irving (who wrote The Headless Horseman - the town of Sleep Hollow is a bit further north) which is in Irvington, then we walked to a different station which was probably in Tarrytown and got the train back from there. Looking at Google Maps there's a green line which is a footpath called the "Old Croton Trailway State Park" which I think is the path we walked along. You can start and end at stations in small towns and then walk between them through countryside (there are photos on Google Streetview). I don't remember it being particularly strenuous, not a full-on hike, but you might want to check the distances.

Thank you - from my limited research it looked like a nice way of getting out of the city and exploring somewhere a bit different

OP posts:
sleepy77 · 04/02/2026 15:00

We are going for 6 nights at Easter . Similar reason to you but also need to spread activities over more days as my 14 year old son is autistic and needs that downtime every day to cope. We’re staying at Hotel Beacon - kitchenette for him and 2 rooms so lots of space to be apart!

Vdlormp · 04/02/2026 15:01

Since cannabis was legalised in NYC there is a permanent stink of people smoking weed on the streets, even early in the morning. It’s hard to explain but it is just really horrible (I don’t have a problem with cannabis use per se btw). Be prepared for flooding in the summer. Unless you all have a really burning desire to see the sights, I would avoid NYC. That said, the high line, Bryant Park and the museums are good. Book lots in advance eg shows, restaurants, site seeing tours.

twilightcafe · 04/02/2026 15:05

Try Radio City Apartments. Our family of four stayed in one a couple of years ago. It's 5 minutes from Times Square (which may or may not be your cup of tea) but it is central.

Whatever your budget is - double it. Everything in NYC was eye-wateringly expensive.

TreadSoftlyOnMyDreams · 04/02/2026 15:20

No recent experience but have stayed in Manhattan in July and August. Was in no way expecting the sort of humidity so you will need to prep your teens to expect that jeans will be absolutely stuck to them.

Indoors everywhere has air con so clothing that you can layer.

Everyone I know that's visited recently has been staggered at the cost of eating out so self catering is likely to be your friend. Also means you can take advantage of the great take out restaurants and the enormous portion sizes. A single order of chop suey came in an 8inch tall pot and lasted me 3 meals.

You can easily fill a week. There is so much to do. I know someone who worked there for a summer as a student recently and worked giving Segway tours - those scooter things you stand on. He said they were very popular.

My only reservation would be whether your social media as a family will get past border control. That would be very stressful for an autistic child.

Original poster
LavenderLxx · 04/02/2026 15:25

TreadSoftlyOnMyDreams · 04/02/2026 15:20

No recent experience but have stayed in Manhattan in July and August. Was in no way expecting the sort of humidity so you will need to prep your teens to expect that jeans will be absolutely stuck to them.

Indoors everywhere has air con so clothing that you can layer.

Everyone I know that's visited recently has been staggered at the cost of eating out so self catering is likely to be your friend. Also means you can take advantage of the great take out restaurants and the enormous portion sizes. A single order of chop suey came in an 8inch tall pot and lasted me 3 meals.

You can easily fill a week. There is so much to do. I know someone who worked there for a summer as a student recently and worked giving Segway tours - those scooter things you stand on. He said they were very popular.

My only reservation would be whether your social media as a family will get past border control. That would be very stressful for an autistic child.

The social media check would be stressful for anyone surely?! I don’t think we’ve got anything to hide!

OP posts:
Numberwang66 · 04/02/2026 15:26

That sounds amazing. Can I come?!

Original poster
LavenderLxx · 04/02/2026 15:26

twilightcafe · 04/02/2026 15:05

Try Radio City Apartments. Our family of four stayed in one a couple of years ago. It's 5 minutes from Times Square (which may or may not be your cup of tea) but it is central.

Whatever your budget is - double it. Everything in NYC was eye-wateringly expensive.

Thank you - I’ll have a look

OP posts:
Original poster
LavenderLxx · 04/02/2026 15:27

sleepy77 · 04/02/2026 15:00

We are going for 6 nights at Easter . Similar reason to you but also need to spread activities over more days as my 14 year old son is autistic and needs that downtime every day to cope. We’re staying at Hotel Beacon - kitchenette for him and 2 rooms so lots of space to be apart!

Yes downtime and space is very much needed so I think an apartment would be a good bet!

OP posts:
VacayDreamer · 04/02/2026 15:50

I LOVED nyc both in July and August! Hot and busy and fantastic

on my second trip I was staying Meat packing …i remember one evening the grid went down and during the blackout all the hotel and restaurant and workers went out in the streets, we all just sat there in the broiling heat on the pavements chatting - it was such a weird and memorable experience!

Shittyyear2025 · 04/02/2026 15:52

A week would be amazing, I hope you have deep pockets though - so much to see and do, we would do it ALL if we had a full week!

Grapejam · 04/02/2026 16:30

Hi there
Just come back from there. You will have a amazing time.
Things are expensive for sure but if you think ahead you can save some money. When we arrive we go to the local shops ie cvs /duanne reade etc and buy the big packs of water ie 24 pack and also get a hotel with fridge etc so you know you have something to drink. As just popping to the shop for a drink etc can be costly roughly 4 dollars for a bottle of soda. If you can get a hotel with breakfast included it saves a fortune as you can take fresh fruit and muffins away with you after filling up which will help for snacks.
If you are a coffee drinker etc download apps once you are there. Ie I downloaded starbucks app( obviously other coffee shops are available !) And u get a free coffee when you sign up . I also downloaded the target app and you get better prices etc when shopping. The nyc ferry is a brilliant way to see the city it cost $4.50 each trip per person but you can buy 10 tickets for 29 dollars. Some trips are like 10 mins ie wall street to dumbo but you can also go on a ferry that takes over a hour for the same price. Also if you use a ticket and then wish to go on a different ferry again within 2 hours you can use the same ticket.
Also if you are planning on doing any shopping download any of the apps when you arrive for discounts etc. Ie bath and body works if you sign up can get a item worth $10 free so you could all sign up seperately. Ambercrombie gives you $10 off your first shop at $60 dollars etc lots of fast food app give you free stuff. Also if you birthday happens to fall when you are there😉 lots of american companies give you free stuff on your birthday
The transportation is amazing in nyc. We bought the omny card which was $1 each and then just put money on a card at the local cvs etc. If everyone has there own card once you have paid for 12 trips the rest of the trips in a 7 day period are free which is great if you get lost or find a particular area isn't what you thought it would be and want to move on.
Make sure you have a raising canes. OMG !!
Have fun x

fuuuuckthis · 04/02/2026 16:59

I came on to recommend Hotel Beacon as well! Great place

Original poster
LavenderLxx · 04/02/2026 17:10

VacayDreamer · 04/02/2026 15:50

I LOVED nyc both in July and August! Hot and busy and fantastic

on my second trip I was staying Meat packing …i remember one evening the grid went down and during the blackout all the hotel and restaurant and workers went out in the streets, we all just sat there in the broiling heat on the pavements chatting - it was such a weird and memorable experience!

I can imagine this with the water pipes swirling skywards!

OP posts:
Original poster
LavenderLxx · 04/02/2026 17:11

Grapejam · 04/02/2026 16:30

Hi there
Just come back from there. You will have a amazing time.
Things are expensive for sure but if you think ahead you can save some money. When we arrive we go to the local shops ie cvs /duanne reade etc and buy the big packs of water ie 24 pack and also get a hotel with fridge etc so you know you have something to drink. As just popping to the shop for a drink etc can be costly roughly 4 dollars for a bottle of soda. If you can get a hotel with breakfast included it saves a fortune as you can take fresh fruit and muffins away with you after filling up which will help for snacks.
If you are a coffee drinker etc download apps once you are there. Ie I downloaded starbucks app( obviously other coffee shops are available !) And u get a free coffee when you sign up . I also downloaded the target app and you get better prices etc when shopping. The nyc ferry is a brilliant way to see the city it cost $4.50 each trip per person but you can buy 10 tickets for 29 dollars. Some trips are like 10 mins ie wall street to dumbo but you can also go on a ferry that takes over a hour for the same price. Also if you use a ticket and then wish to go on a different ferry again within 2 hours you can use the same ticket.
Also if you are planning on doing any shopping download any of the apps when you arrive for discounts etc. Ie bath and body works if you sign up can get a item worth $10 free so you could all sign up seperately. Ambercrombie gives you $10 off your first shop at $60 dollars etc lots of fast food app give you free stuff. Also if you birthday happens to fall when you are there😉 lots of american companies give you free stuff on your birthday
The transportation is amazing in nyc. We bought the omny card which was $1 each and then just put money on a card at the local cvs etc. If everyone has there own card once you have paid for 12 trips the rest of the trips in a 7 day period are free which is great if you get lost or find a particular area isn't what you thought it would be and want to move on.
Make sure you have a raising canes. OMG !!
Have fun x

Thank you for all the top tips!

OP posts:
oneoneone · 04/02/2026 17:24

I'm from New York and I don't think a week is too long.

When you say, Long Island, do you mean Montauk/the Hamptons?

Crushed23 · 04/02/2026 17:57

RatherBeOnVacation · 04/02/2026 14:11

Food is extremely expensive. A bagel and coffee can set you back over $20 after tax and tips. If you can get an apartment then being able to just self cater breakfast can save heaps. A sit down pizza restaurant will be $25 each just for a pizza and no drinks. All the “cheap eats” places we were coming out with a bill of $150 to $200 for a family of four.

You can get your bagel and coffee to take away and pay $12.

A (large) slice of pizza from the hundreds of to-go pizza places is around $6.

If you insist on a sit-down meal 3 times a day, you will of course spend a fortune, but if you do a mix of restaurants and more casual places, you should be fine.

Grapejam · 04/02/2026 18:01

Forgot to add if you are after souvenirs avoid the tourist shops and head to either entrance at brooklyn bridge as keyrings $1 magnets $2 hats $5

Talkinpeace · 04/02/2026 18:13

1 day : Ground Zero, Ellis Island, Wall street
1 day : Brooklyn and the bridge
1 day : Cloisters and the top of Manhattan
1 day : Central park and the Guggenheim and the Natural History museum
1 day : circle line / staten island ferry
1 day : Greenwich village and the High line
1 day : Empire state and mid town incl Momath
1 day : Intrepid museum and Hudson Yards
1 day : MMA / MoMA