8 Days in New York City:
Yankee Stadium, Citi Field & Baseball Travel Guide
It has been a little while since my last blog post, but for good reason! We’ve been out exploring some more incredible cities and checking off five new Major League Baseball stadiums on our bucket list.
Our latest adventure took us to eight unforgettable days in New York City, followed by three days in Milwaukee and four days in beautiful Chicago. Each city was amazing in its own way, and I can’t wait to share them all with you. But first, let’s start with the city that never sleeps, New York!
We visited in the middle of May. We had a couple of rainy days, but honestly, it didn’t matter. Nothing was going to dampen our spirits. As soon as the sun came out, the city came alive. People were everywhere—walking through Central Park, sitting on patios, grabbing food from a street vendor, or simply soaking up the sunshine.
New York has an energy unlike anywhere else. There is always something happening. Whether it was early in the morning with commuters filling the sidewalks or late at night when Broadway let out and Times Square was buzzing with people, the city never seemed to slow down.
We packed so much into our eight days, from watching the famous Subway Series at Citi Field and finally checking Yankee Stadium off our bucket list, to exploring Central Park, visiting the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, seeing two incredible Broadway shows, and, of course, finding more than a few great Irish pubs along the way.
If you’re thinking about planning a trip to New York, I hope this post gives you some ideas, a few helpful tips, and maybe even inspires you to book that baseball vacation you’ve been dreaming about.
Why We Chose Midtown Manhattan
Before we even left for New York, we spent way too many evenings researching hotels. If you’ve ever planned a trip to New York, you already know choosing where to stay can feel overwhelming. There are so many neighbourhoods to choose from, every hotel claims to be in the perfect location, and, let’s be honest, nothing is cheap!
After reading what felt like hundreds of reviews, we finally decided on The Jewel Hotel, right across from Rockefeller Center. Looking back, I can honestly say I don’t think we could have picked a better location.
Almost everything we wanted to see was within a 10 to 15-minute walk, including:
- Rockefeller Center
- Empire State Building
- SUMMIT One
- Fifth Avenue shopping
- Times Square
- Central Park
- Multiple subway stations
- More Irish pubs than we could possibly visit (although we certainly tried!)
The room itself was exactly what you’d expect in Manhattan. It wasn’t huge, but it was clean, comfortable, quiet, and had a great bed. Since we spent most of our days exploring the city and only came back to sleep, it had everything we needed.
One thing I would recommend to anyone visiting New York is to stay in Midtown. Being so centrally located meant we could walk almost everywhere, and when we couldn’t, the subway was never more than a few minutes away.
The New York Subway System
I have to admit, I was a little intimidated by the subway before we arrived. It looked confusing on the map, and I wasn’t sure how easy it would be to figure out. But after a day or two (and with the help of Google Maps), it became one of the easiest ways to get around the city. We loaded it on our phones in advance. It was inexpensive, fast, and we felt completely comfortable using it throughout our trip.
Paying was just as simple. We didn’t have to buy subway tickets or a transit card. We simply tapped our credit card or used Apple Pay at the turnstile, and we were on our way. It was quick, convenient, and honestly one of the easiest transit systems we’ve ever used.
By the end of the trip, taking the subway had become second nature, and we never thought twice about hopping on to get wherever we wanted to go.
Starting Our Trip with the Subway Series
I honestly can’t think of a better way to kick off a baseball vacation than with the Subway Series.
If you’re not familiar with it, the Subway Series is the rivalry between New York’s two Major League Baseball teams—the New York Yankees and the New York Mets. They play two three-game series each season, with one played at Citi Field and the other at Yankee Stadium.
The rivalry gets its name because fans can easily travel between the two stadiums using New York’s subway system… which is exactly what we did!
Our first game was at Citi Field in Queens, and I honestly don’t think we could have asked for a better way to start our New York adventure. There is just something so exciting about arriving at a new ballpark for the first time. No matter how many we’ve visited, that feeling never gets old.
Citi Field
Our first stop was Citi Field, home of the New York Mets, located in Queens beside Flushing Meadows–Corona Park.
As always, we arrived early to explore the stadium before first pitch. If you’ve read any of my baseball posts before, you’ll know this is one of our favourite parts of every game. There is just something about walking around a new ballpark before it fills up with fans. It gives you a chance to take everything in, wander through the team store, grab some food, and really appreciate the stadium before the excitement of the game begins.
The first thing that caught my eye was the outside of the stadium. The brick exterior, large arched windows, and classic design gave it so much character. Built in 2009, Citi Field still feels modern, but it also has that timeless baseball feel that I really like.
Inside, I was impressed by how open it felt. The concourses were wide and easy to navigate, the scoreboard was massive, and there wasn’t a bad view anywhere we walked. If you’re travelling with kids, there’s also a great play area in centre field and plenty of family-friendly activities before the game.
Personally, I love outdoor ballparks. There is just something about sitting in the sunshine with a hot dog in one hand, a cold beer in the other, and watching baseball that never gets old.
We were sitting in the first row of the third deck behind home plate, and I have to admit, we were a little unsure when we booked the seats. “Third deck” sounds high! But once we got there, we were pleasantly surprised. Because of the way Citi Field is designed, it actually felt much closer to the action than I expected.
An added bonus was that our seats stayed shaded for almost the entire game, and in the plus 30°C heat, we were very thankful for that!
The atmosphere was incredible. Being the Subway Series, both Mets and Yankees fans came ready to cheer, and there was plenty of friendly banter between the two fan bases throughout the game.
To top it all off, we got an amazing game! It was tied and went into extra innings, where the Mets walked it off in front of an electric crowd. We definitely picked the right game!
If you’re planning a baseball trip to New York, I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend spending a day at Citi Field. It was a fantastic way to kick off our trip.
Don’t Skip the Food!
One thing that really surprised me at Citi Field was the food. I expected the usual hot dogs, burgers, and popcorn, but there were so many more options than I imagined.
Whether you’re craving classic ballpark food or something a little different, you’ll have no trouble finding it. We saw everything from brisket nachos, pulled pork sandwiches, and gourmet sausages to street tacos, curry dishes, pizza, burgers, ice cream, and, of course, plenty of cold beer.
I had a hot dog because, for me, it just isn’t baseball without one.
There really is something for everyone, so don’t settle for the first concession stand you see. Take a walk around the stadium before the game starts and check out all of the different food options. You might be surprised by what you find!
One thing is for sure—you definitely won’t go hungry.
Exploring New York Beyond Baseball
As much as baseball is the reason we travel, it’s never the only reason, we love exploring the cities, and New York has so much to explore! One of the things I loved most about was that every day felt completely different.
One morning we were wandering Central Park, the next we were visiting the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, and by that evening we were sitting in a Broadway theatre and walking Times Square. Every day brought something new, and that’s what made this trip so special.
There is so much to see and do in New York that you could spend weeks here and still not experience it all. These were some of the places that stood out to us and that I would absolutely recommend adding to your itinerary.
Visiting Ground Zero
If there is one place I believe everyone should visit while in New York, it is the 9/11 Memorial & Museum.
I wouldn’t call it a tourist attraction. It’s an experience, and one that stays with you long after you leave.
Standing beside the two memorial pools, built in the footprints of the original Twin Towers, was incredibly emotional. It’s hard to imagine everything that happened there on September 11, 2001, and seeing the names of those who lost their lives was a powerful reminder of the tragedy.
Inside the museum, you learn about the events of that day through personal stories, artifacts, photos, and videos. It isn’t an easy place to visit, but I really appreciated that the museum doesn’t just focus on the tragedy. It also tells the story of the courage, resilience, and strength of the people of New York and the many first responders who came together in the days that followed.
As we walked back outside, the city just felt a little different. We left with a deeper appreciation for New York, everything it has been through, and the strength and resilience of the people who call it home.
If you’re planning a trip to New York, I highly recommend setting aside a few hours to visit. It isn’t the happiest part of the city, but I truly believe it’s one of the most important.
A Walk Through Central Park
I absolutely loved Central Park. One minute you’re surrounded by skyscrapers, traffic, and the hustle and bustle of New York, and the next you’re walking beneath huge trees with wide open green spaces all around you. I honestly couldn’t believe how peaceful it was.
It’s hard to believe you’re still in the middle of one of the busiest cities in the world. Everywhere we looked, people were walking, relaxing on the grass, reading on the park benches, riding bikes, or simply enjoying a beautiful day in the park. It felt like the perfect place to slow down for a little while before jumping back into the excitement of the city.
If you don’t feel like walking the entire park, horse-drawn carriage rides are a great option. They take you past many of Central Park’s famous landmarks, including Wollman Rink, which movie fans will recognize from Home Alone 2.
Irish Pubs Everywhere
If you’re anything like us and enjoy finding a great Irish pub when you travel, New York won’t disappoint. We found so many welcoming pubs throughout the city, each with its own personality, friendly staff, and great atmosphere. Here are a few of our favourites:
- Sean’s Bar & Kitchen – I loved the unique liquor bottle chandeliers, and it had a fun, lively atmosphere.
- Pig & Whistle – A cozy pub with lots of character and a perfect place to relax after a day of sightseeing.
- The Perfect Pint – Great location, friendly service, and exactly what you’d hope for in a traditional Irish pub.
And one more recommendation—if you see Irish curry on the menu, order it! I tried it at several different pubs during our trip, and every one was delicious. It’s comfort food at its best after a long day of exploring the city.
Broadway Is Worth Every Penny
Broadway is incredible. With so many shows, musicals, and performances to choose from, it was hard to pick just one… so we ended up seeing two! No matter what you’re interested in, there’s truly something for everyone.
We saw Death of a Salesman, and although it was emotional, it was absolutely incredible. The acting was outstanding, and it was one of those performances that stayed with me long after we left the theatre.
We also saw Fear of 13, starring Adrien Brody and Tessa Thompson. It was such a powerful story that had us emotionally invested from beginning to end. Adrien Brody’s performance was nothing short of incredible, and if you have the chance to see it, I highly recommend it.
Whether it’s your first Broadway show or your tenth, I really think it’s something everyone should experience at least once when visiting New York. It ended up being one of the highlights of our trip.
Experiencing Times Square
Times Square is exactly as crazy as everyone says it is… and I mean that in the best way possible!
The giant digital billboards, the flashing lights, the music, the street performers, and the thousands of people all come together to create an atmosphere unlike anywhere else I’ve ever been.
We even got to see the famous New Year’s Eve Ball above One Times Square, which was really neat to see in person after watching it on TV for so many years.
If you’re planning to catch a Broadway show, don’t be surprised when you step outside afterward and find yourself shoulder to shoulder with thousands of people. The streets come alive as the theatres empty, and although it’s busy, it’s all part of the New York experience.
I absolutely loved taking it all in. It’s loud, bright, busy, and full of energy
One of My Favourite Things About Staying in Midtown.
One of my favourite things about staying in Midtown was that we were so close to many of New York’s famous landmarks. Every morning as we headed out to start our adventures, and every evening as we walked back to the hotel, we found ourselves passing places I’d only ever seen on TV or in movies.
Rockefeller Center was right across the street from our hotel, and I never got tired of seeing it. It looked just as impressive at night as it did during the day. Across the street was the stunning St. Patrick’s Cathedral. If you’re in the area after dark, take a few minutes to see it all lit up—it really is beautiful.
Fifth Avenue was also just a short walk away. The shopping is unbelievable, with just about every store you can imagine, whether you’re looking to shop or simply window shop.
It was also really neat to see Radio City Music Hall in person. Knowing that so many famous performers have been there and that many of the late-night shows are filmed nearby made it feel pretty special. We didn’t happen to see any celebrities… but I’m sure if you timed it right, you probably could!
The Empire State Building was only a short walk away, and so was SUMMIT One Vanderbilt. We also wanted to visit Eataly, but with so much to see and do in New York, we just couldn’t fit everything into one trip.
I guess that’s just another reason to go back.
Yankee Stadium!! The One We Were Waiting For
This was the stadium we had been looking forward to the most and one of the main reasons we planned this trip. Seeing a game at Yankee Stadium had been on our baseball bucket list for years, so to say we were excited would be an understatement.
Just like our trip to Citi Field, the subway was a quick, safe, and easy way to get there. As soon as we stepped out of the station, you could feel the excitement. There were sports bars with outdoor patios, places to grab a bite to eat before the game, and lots of shops selling Yankees gear if you wanted to pick up a jersey or a souvenir.
The stadium itself is every bit as impressive as you would expect. It looks grand from the outside, and once you walk through the gates, that feeling continues. Everywhere you look there are photos, memorabilia, and reminders of the incredible history of the New York Yankees.
If you’re going to a game, I definitely recommend arriving early so you have time to visit Monument Park. It doesn’t take long to walk through, and it’s filled with plaques honouring some of the greatest players in Yankees history. For any baseball fan, it’s a must-see.
We were sitting in the first row of the second deck, and overall I thought the seats were great. The only thing I would mention is that if you’re on the shorter side like me (I’m only 5’3″), some of the signage at the front of the section can block part of your view. I found myself sitting right on the edge of my seat at times so I could see the field. It certainly didn’t ruin the experience, but it’s something worth keeping in mind when you’re choosing your seats.
The atmosphere was so much fun, and just like Citi Field, there were plenty of great food options throughout the stadium. It was everything I had hoped visiting Yankee Stadium would be.
A Few Tips Before You Go
If you’re planning your own baseball trip to New York, here are a few things that made our trip even better:
- Stay in Midtown Manhattan. It was the perfect home base and made getting around the city so easy.
- Don’t be afraid to use the subway. We found it safe, inexpensive, and much easier to navigate than we expected.
- Arrive at both stadiums at least an hour early. Some of our favourite memories came from exploring the stadiums before the games started.
- Leave time for Monument Park at Yankee Stadium. If you’re a baseball fan, it’s a must-see.
- Don’t overbook your days. Some of our favourite moments came from simply wandering through the city and seeing where we ended up.
- Bring comfortable walking shoes. We averaged more than 20,000 steps a day without even realizing it!
- Treat yourself to a Broadway show. It was one of the highlights of our trip.
- Set aside a few hours for the 9/11 Memorial & Museum. It’s an emotional experience, but one I think every visitor should have.
A Couple of Restaurants We Loved
New York has no shortage of incredible places to eat, but these were two of our favourites:
- Osteria La Baia – If you want to eat here, make a reservation well in advance. It’s very popular, and after eating there, we completely understood why.
- Morton’s The Steakhouse – A great choice if you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want an excellent steak after a long day of exploring the city.
Final Thoughts
Yes, it’s busy.
Yes, you’ll walk more than you ever imagined.
Yes, it’s loud.
But that’s exactly what makes it unforgettable.
Some of our favourite memories weren’t planned at all. They were the walks back to the hotel after a Broadway show, finding another great Irish pub around the corner, sitting in Central Park watching people enjoy the sunshine, or stumbling across another iconic landmark as we explored.
Of course, seeing the Subway Series and finally checking Yankee Stadium off our baseball bucket list made this trip unforgettable. But New York turned out to be so much more than baseball.
It’s one of those cities that leaves you feeling like you’ve only scratched the surface, and I already know we’ll be back to discover even more.
If you’re thinking about planning a trip, I hope this post gives you a few ideas and helps you build an itinerary that includes not only the baseball, but everything else that makes New York such an incredible city to experience.
Game Days. City Stays. 
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