Random Thoughts and Tips
Here are some random thoughts in no particular order:
- I go to NY twice a year because there are two theatre seasons: Fall and Spring (this is especially true for plays). If you go only once as year, I recommend from middle to the end of May. This way, you see the shows BEFORE the Tony Awards. This has a two advantages: 1) When watching the Tonys with friends, you can be a pretentious jerk because you've seen all the shows; (great fun, that one) 2) You will have a chance to see the winning show BEFORE the prices goes up because it won the Tony.
- Area wise, Manhattan is pretty small (at least the interesting parts). It's possible to walk all over New York. As long as you don't go into dangerous areas, it's a fabulous thing to do. Make sure your shoes are comfy because the whole damn city is paved and your feet really take a pounding.
Outside of New York Public Library, there are NO PUBLIC WASHROOMS in New York (I'm sure there are exceptions, but certainly they are not around when I have to go). At least none that are available to the untrained (and probably desperate) eye. When in midtown, you either have to buy something at McDonald's (at least the bathroom is clean -- it really is), eat at a Deli (check the bathroom first, some are just disgusting) OR --- this is the secret, go to the 8th Floor of the Marriott Marquis Hotel (45th and Broadway. The hotel rooms start at $450 US a night, and there's no way you LOOK like one of their guests. On the other hand your "Canadian accent" kinda says you're not a Nooo Yawker either. (If you can fake a British accent, even better.) Anyway, the lobby for that hotel is on the 8th floor and they have lovely bathrooms there. They have “smart” elevators that are weird to figure out. Go to the control panel and punch in the number “8” (see photo on the left). What will come back is the letter of the elevator (A to P) and an arrow pointing you in the direction of that elevator. Go stand in front of that elevator and it will magically know you need to get off on the 8th floor. In fact, "I need to Marriott" became our euphemism whenever we had to go! Go to the bathroom before you leave your hotel, otherwise, you could be SOL. There are bathrooms at the theatre, but you have to BOLT out of your seat at intermission and run like hell (you will take out a few old ladies but this is an emergency). The line up will still be insane, but at least your eyeballs will not be swimming in Act 2.
Typical Theatre Bathroom Line
Typical Deli Food
- Food can be pricey. I tend to steer away from restaurants. (I am NOT a foodie). There used to be a LOT of delis. They have hot and cold food, and they sell by the ounce. It's very reasonable. You can get a fair meal for between $9-15. Very tasty. The further AWAY from midtown you go, the cheaper the food. (Last trip I found it ranged from $48.50/ounce to $9.99 -- for the same food!). However, these are now harder to find. That being said, if you have a little bit of extra cash, you can get a very nice meal in the mid-range of prices. And look for coupons in midtown (esp around the TKTS area). They are plentiful and worth it.
Restaurant Row (46th Street)
- Restaurant Row in mid town (46th street west of 8th) is nice area to check out pre-show. A bonus, the restaurant knows you are going to a show so will hustle with your bill.
- Broadway (the street) is not straight up and down. It runs on a diagonal and crosses over 7th Avenue in the Times Square area. This makes for very confusing navigating when you think you're on Broadway and you're actually on 7th. Make sure you know whether your subway follows 7th or Broadway or you'll never find the subway hole late at night when you're trying to get home.
- Canadian cel phone companies are a rip off. If you think you will use your cel a lot (why?!! you're in New York -- look up!!), then either buy a roaming package before you leave (AND READ THE SMALL PRINT) or buy a "burner" phone when in NY. (its a pay as you go phone -- the term burner is a term used by cops for an untraceable cel phone -- clearly I watch too much crime tv). A burner is a good idea if you travel the states a lot. You will find that texting and calling while in the US will add up to a small fortune if you are using your Canadian phone.
- East and West. You will notice that all address have either a "west" or "east" in them. Manhattan is divided down the middle. 5th Street is actually the middle (or zero). The numbers get bigger the further you go out from 5th street (many people think Broadway is the "middle" street -- its not)
Shows start way earlier than at home
FYI, most weeknight shows now start at 7:00 pm. Yes, you heard that right. If it is a two show day and the cast has a matinee (Wed, Sat, Sun), then the evening show might start at 7:30 or 8:00. But that 8:00 pm start is rare. I personally love it (and wish they would do that back home), but it means you have to eat dinner earlier (or after the show). Anyway, be aware of this and plan ahead
Since this is the page of random stuff, let's put Johnny T's tribute to NY here.
The Barb's Guide to New York Page Links