A Theatre Lover's Guide To Visiting NYC Like A New Yorker

Hello Reader,

Although we haven't met, I already know we'd get along swimmingly. You see, you're on BroadwayWorld.com and you're browsing a travel article, so I can already tell we have so much in common. And while I'm currently writing to you from Dallas, Texas, it feels like only yesterday I was juggling jobs to cover the rising rent on my New York City apartment. Although I'll forever miss the energy of a busy life in the city, a visit or two a year is all I need to feel at home again in the Big Apple.

Since living in New York, I've relocated to Boston, Phoenix and Dallas. No matter where I go, hardly a few weeks pass by without me lending suggestions to friends eagerly planning their big city adventures. And, now that we're friends, let me share with you some of my favorite tips for the theatre-loving jetsetter heading to Manhattan.

Where To Stay

Perhaps the most important (and expensive) part of your vacation will be the place you hang your hat for the night. If you can help it, steer clear of budget hotels or cramming into your friend's already-too-small pad. Visiting New York can be physically and mentally exhausting (especially if you're in town for some of New York's extreme weather: rain, snow, or high heat), and you'll need the opportunity to appropriately recharge if you want to maximize your time in the city.

If you're looking for something centrally located, beautiful and welcoming, look no further than the Hilton Times Square. Not only does the Hilton Times Square literally sit atop every single subway line, giving you easy access to the entire island, but it's also steps away from many of my favorite places, which I'll talk more about below. When you reserve your room, definitely splurge for a suite overlooking the Empire State Building. The view at night is priceless; and it might be the only way to impress your jaded New York friends. Until my visit last January, I'd crashed in every "affordable" overnight option, but after being wined and dined by all the Hilton had to offer, I can't imagine a better night's sleep in the city.

How To Get Around

There are several ways to travel around New York, and they're all much easier than you might guess. The preferred method for the average city dweller is by foot. With the city laid out in a basic grid (most streets build numerically as you travel north), getting lost by foot is almost impossible. If you need directions, don't be afraid to ask. Even locals travel to neighborhoods they're unfamiliar with, so you won't blow your cover asking which way is east, or for directions to the nearest sandwich shop.

If you're traveling more than a dozen blocks, be brave and hop on the subway. It's not as scary as it may seem. The standard subway fares are designed to leave you with some spare change on your MetroCard. (They're hoping you don't spend it and they get to keep it.) But, check out the chart to the right, and you'll be able to purchase just the right amount for your stay in New York. If you somehow haven't already found a free subway map before heading through the turnstile, the majority of subway platforms will display a map, so you shouldn't ever get lost - and it is also displayed inside each train car. Again, don't be afraid of asking another passenger for help. Be aware of the differences between express and local trains, but rest assured that no train will take you to any destination that it can't bring you back from.

Unless you're in a hurry or looking to unload some of your hard-earned dough, avoid taking a cab. (My one exception to this rule would be in heavy rain: navigating the subway stairs with an umbrella can be quite hazardous.)

How To Eat Like A New Yorker

Here's where things get a tricky. There's nothing worse than a bad restaurant! Luckily, the city is full of incredible dining options (and I could list options for days). In my opinion, the best tip when it comes to dining is that if there's nobody in a restaurant- no matter how charming it might look- this is not a find, but a dive. There's rarely a time of day people aren't sitting down somewhere eating a good meal. Below are a few of my favorite spots:

Breakfast:

Sure, there's a Starbucks on almost every corner, but some of the finest small businesses in town are the independent coffee shops. In any local joint, you're sure to find actors reviewing scripts before auditions, writers penning their next few pages, singers sipping on tea and excited, eccentric friends catching up over a mug. When I visit New York, I get my daily fix (usually an almond chai or zebra mocha along with one of their fresh pastries) at Kahve on 9th Ave between 51st and 52nd street. I've yet to visit their new location (10th Ave between 46th and 47th), but judging Stephen Colbert's recent post on Facebook, it's worthy of a visit.

If you're looking for a quick, but tasty bite, every corner deli sells gigantic New York bagels with dozens of schmears and toppings to choose from. If there's one thing consistent about New York, it's the quality of the city's famous carbohydrate.

Lunch/Casual Dinner:

Taking a stroll down 9th Avenue (just west of the Times Square chaos) will find you virtually any flavor you're craving. No matter how often I visit, or whom I'm with, I march up to Blockheads on 50th St between 8th and 9th Ave (behind New World Stages, a popular off-Broadway performance venue). My meal of choice, a toasted tofu burrito, might not appeal to everyone, but their "San Francisco-style Mexican food" has never disappointed anyone I've sent their way. If you're in the mood for a cocktail, try their Black Flower margarita and thank me later.

Some other favorites in the Midtown scene are Vynl, on 9th Ave at 51st Street, Eatery on 9th Ave and 53rd Street, and Daniela Trattoria on 8th Ave between 45th and 46th street (make sure to taste their penne alla vodka).

Formal Dinner:

When you're all dressed up and heading to a show, it's a great time to sit back and relax over a nice meal. Thalia (on 8th Ave at 50th Street) has an impressive menu that ranges from pastas to burgers to seafood, and also has a pretty respectable raw bar. Although they're always full of upscale and trendy patrons, their happy hour (3pm-6pm and 8pm-10pm) offers 50% off beers and cocktails, with food menu options priced at only $7-$10.

If you have time to walk a few extra blocks, 44 & X Hells Kitchen (on the corner of 44th Street and 10th Ave, appropriately) boasts a seasonally inspired menu of reinvented American classics. Since you're sure to get your cardio in on the streets on New York, the creamy Vermont cheddar macaroni and cheese at 44 & X is essentially guilt-free.

Sightseeing

If you took my advice about staying at the Hilton Times Square, you've already caught the best view in town. Skip the Top of the Rock or Empire State Building lines full of tourists, and hop on the 1, 4, 5, J, Z or R train and ride on down to the Staten Island Ferry (more travel details here!). The ferry is a 25-minute boat ride, running every thirty minutes between Manhattan and Staten Island. As you leisurely cruise across the Upper Bay, you'll not only have the best views of southern Manhattan, but make sure your camera is ready as you pass by Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. The best part about the ferry is that, unless you choose to purchase a beer on board, the entire trip is absolutely free.

In warm weather, Central Park should also be on every New York itinerary. Whether you jog through the trails, or take a walking tour towards the Alice in Wonderland statue (there are several free apps available), you should consider grabbing a picnic lunch and lounging in Sheep Meadow, located on the southwest side of the park. Sheep Meadow is a sort of backyard for the native New Yorker. On any given day, you'll see locals flying kites, throwing Frisbees or working on their tans. The surrounding view of the city is also remarkable.

Also, make sure to put aside some time to wander through a less touristy neighborhood like the Upper West Side, SoHo or the West Village. All visitors flock to Times Square, Herald Square or China Town, but these other neighborhoods have some amazingly unique shops and lesser visited, but equally impressive sights at nearly every corner you turn. Last but not least, do yourself a quick favor and google "The Highline".

Catching A Show

Now, I'm not going to attempt to suggest what show(s) you should see, but I do have some great tips for finding the best deals! First of all, most shows offer discounted seats for students/younger theatre goers, for those willing to stand in a designated area, to the first who "rush" the box office when it opens or via a lottery system. Before you make any major ticket buying decisions, check here.

Perhaps the best-known discounted ticket option is the TKTS Booth, where tickets are sold same-day at a reduced price (generally 25-50% off). Although TKTS will rarely offer tickets to the hottest show in town (sorry, Hamilton fans), the selection varies daily, and tickets are always available to several exciting Broadway and off-Broadway plays and musicals. Check here for more information.

Well, new friend, those are all of my suggestions for today. New York is also an impossibly dense little island, and impossible to ever fully explore. Luckily, we both know you've received tons of suggestions from that aunt who grew up outside of New York, who rode the subway alone back in the days when they were covered in graffiti and the fare cost a quarter!

If you have suggestions for my next trip, leave a comment below!