This is the OLD out of date page. The most recent version of this guide is at: The Barb's Unique Guide to New York

The Barb's Unique Guide to New York

A very cool picture of Barb in New York

The Barb on 42nd Street in New York

Be Warned: Barb's Approach to New York
May Not Be Everyone's Cup of Tea!

Police Warning Sticker on a Room at the Y

This police seal warning people not to enter was on the door of room next to us at the YMCA where we stayed one year. We figured that someone had been axe-murdered in there. This is the type of accommodation and the part of New York I'll be guiding you through. If you had envisioned a slightly more "upscale" guide to New York, or are faint of stomach, perhaps this is not the guide for you. For everybody else.....
The Barb Presents New York
(or more accurately, Manhattan)

Overview
Before You Go
Where to Stay
Where to Shop
What Shows to See
How to Get Tickets
Cheap Tourist Stuff (especially for the Performing Artsy Types)
Getting Around
Danger and Other Miscellaneous Topics
Some Final Words

Overview
New York is my favorite city to visit. It's loud, it's exciting, loud, strange, and did I mention loud? There are a million things to see, buy, do and eat. It's full of strange sights, wonderful shows, fantastic shopping, snarky people, and no trees or greenery in sight. In short -- paradise.

It can also be a bit scary and intimidating if you don't know your way around. Since I've been going to New York on an annual basis since 1986, I figured I would share the New York that I know with you! So come along and experience the unique sights (mile high neon billboards), sounds (honking, yelling, gunshots -- I kid you not), and smells (usually urine -- I didn't say it was pretty!) of New York.

Stick with me and we'll try not to spend too much money (you're gonna have to spend SOME, it's very expensive) and we'll try to avoid those muggers and scam artists (yes, they ARE out there).

Before You Go
There are a few things to do BEFORE you go.

  1. Make sure you have a place to stay. You ain't gonna find a place easily once you get there. Or, if you do, it'll cost you BIG TIME!
  2. Make sure you get the tickets for the shows you HAVE to see ahead of time (see How to Get Tickets or you will be very disappointed.
  3. Make sure that your ATM card is in working order. And that you have the money you want to spend in NY stashed in that account. If you have an AB Treasury Branch card, be aware that these suckers go down at the most inconvenient times.
  4. Bring $200 cash American. If you MUST use Travelers cheques, make sure they're in US dollars. I personally find these things a pain in the butt. If you must -- bring several forms of PICTURE ID and make sure you cash the cheques at a bank NOT the cash exchanges set up for tourists.
  5. Bring credit cards.
  6. Pack comfy runners/walking shoes
  7. Dressy items are not necessary (unless you want to treat yourself one night to a taxi to and from the shows -- do NOT dress up if you're doing the subway!)
  8. Bring an umbrella. (I have bought so many umbrellas in New York... you'd think I would learn).

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Where to Stay
Well, as you may have noticed, New York ain't cheap. Your average flea bag hotel will run you at least $100-$200 night and anything with running water and a toilet about double that. The first step is to cultivate a friend in New York. Failing that, my favorite affordable place to stay is at the YMCA. There are three of them in Manhattan. Two are withing walking distance of all the "good" stuff. Believe it or not. You need to make reservations ahead of time. A double at the "Y" will run you about $60 US/night. A triple about $80 US and a quad (23rd Street only) will run you approx $100 US.

Bonus: if you stay at the 23rd Street Y (the YMCA McBurney), you'll be staying at the one made famous by the Village People in their song (it's in Chelsea, the heart of the gay district). Also, if you stay at the Y, you can use their fitness equipment for free (not that you'll have the time or anything....)

A good travel agent will also be able to dig out all sorts of good deals -- if you ask the right questions. I personally can recommend Robin Hutnan from Wallace Travel (403) 424-6140. She knows EXACTLY what you mean by mega-budget trip. And she seems to know how to get the cheap flights and stuff. She's actually a goldmine of information about all sorts destinations other than New York.

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Where to Shop
Oh my God! Shoppers' Paradise! Where to Start?

Clothes
The clothes currently in the New York stores will show up in Edmonchuk approximately two years later. As a general rule, clothes are NOT cheap in New York, they're just different -- IF you know where to look. However there are bargains to be had.

You will want to go to the fashion district and yes, just like in the movies, there are racks of clothes being wheeled in the streets. You will find this area between 7th (Fashion) Avenue and Broadway and between 35-38 Streets. This is where the wholesale district is. All the stores look like really disorganized minature warehouses and all the doors are locked and say "Wholesale Only". That's okay. What you do is go up and down the streets until you see a door that's open and a hand-made sign that says "sample sale". What they're doing is clearing out the current season stock and moving onto the next season. They are selling both left over stock and client samples. If you happen to be a size 5, 7, or 9 -- you'll be in major luck. That's the size samples come in. You can find some real steals at these sales. We're talking $10 for some major pieces. We're also talking some truly ugly stuff sometimes (why do you think it didn't sell). But some nice bargains to be had.

Also, shops along 34th Street tend to be cheap little boutiques where you can find some interesting stuff.

By way, Macy's is on 34th & 7th, Bloomingdales is on 61st and Lexington.

Shoes!
I have a thing for Shoes. They have Payless Shoe Stores in the States. The one I like in New York is on the corner of Broadway and 34th. The "regular" store is on the South East Corner, the "clearance" store is on the North West corner. If you like bargain shoes, OR if you have a wide, hard to fit foot -- this is the place to go. This is the only store I know that regularly carries a wide width in shoes.

Dance Clothes and Shoes Okay, for this stuff, you can't beat Capezio's. The big store is on the 2nd floor (look up or you'll never see it) on 47th (I think, maybe 48th) between Broadway and 7th. They usually have some mega shoe sale on of some kind. I'm addicted to buying tap shoes there. There's also another one on Broadway (again 2nd floor) and 56th. This one used to be called "Taffy's" before Capezio took over, so many people still refer to it as Taffys. This selection is not as big, but if you can't find something in the main store, go here.

If you want major quality and are willing to pay the big bucks, Freeds of London has a store on 61st Street (I'm pretty sure it's there) and just west of Broadway (I think it's 6th). Fabulous jazz boots that last an eternity. They'll run you close to $85 US (before taxes -- which is 8.5% last time I was there).

Drama/Theatre
I'm talking books, scripts, plays, etc. The best place is The Drama Book Shop. Most people refer to it as "Drama Books". This place is pretty invisible, but if you know where to look, it's easy to find. It sits on the 2nd floor (again!) of a building on the corner of 47th and Broadway Northbound (Broadway splits in the Times Square vincinity). There's a TINY sign in an upper window. This place has plays arranged both alphabetically by author and by title. The staff can find you anything. In addition to plays, there's also a fabulous selection of monologue collections and books on other theatre related topics.

You may also want to check out Barnes and Noble. This is a large book chain (similar to Coles and WH Smith), but much bigger. They have one store specially devoted to arts topics -- a four storey wonder right by Lincoln Centre (Broadway and 65th Street). This place is cool because they often have author/composer signings and readings (I personally got Terrance McNally's autograph and just missed composers Kander and Ebb by one day -- I had to fly home!). Very comfy with lots of chairs to just lounge and read in. I've spent entire afternoons browsing in there. Also, bestsellers are 20% off, and hardcovers are 10% -- and you don't have to have a "membership". The selection of playscripts is not as extensive as Drama books, but still very good. The final place for theatre related books, etc. is Applause Theatre Books. The last time I found it, it was located at 72st and Amsterdam Avenue. This one tends to move around a bit, so you may have to hunt. I usually find what I want/need in the other two stores.

Music/Sheet Music/Cast Recordings
If you're looking for sheet music (specifically Show tunes), one word: Colony. This store (Broadway and 51st) has every song and score currently published and a few hard to get a hold of items. You can get anthologies, scores, musical selections, individual sheet music -- the whole shooting match. But beware, they're pricey! They usually mark up the suggested retail price by $1 or $2. If what you're looking for is really popular (e.g. "Rent" musical selections), get it elsewhere. Only buy at Coloney if it's not a common item. They also carry Karaoke tapes/CD's (if you must), rare cast recordings (you'll pay premium for it) and show and movie posters.

Sheet music and Musical Selection books are available at all the mega music stores: HMV, Virgin and Tower.

If it's cast recordings you're looking for, New York is an absolute mecca of shopping. The mega stores (listed above) have HUGE Musical Theatre areas! It's not just one small rack in the corner -- we're talking aisles and aisles. Heaven!!

If you are trying to locate the cast recording of a currently playing musical, it helps to price shop. The mega stores are very competitive. The difference is usually $4 or $5 (that's US$) on a CD but can be as high as $8. The problems is that different stores discount different albums. It also helps to buy the CD in the first two weeks of release (and you'll know, mega cut-outs and chalk boards throughout the stores announce release dates). What's also cool about the mega stores is that sometimes the casts of the Broadway shows come in to sign the CDs in the first week of release.

A word about cast recordings do not buy them at the theatre! We're talking top price -- hike yourself over to Tower after the show (open to midnight) and get it then. Even if it's not on sale at Tower, it's still $5 cheaper than what they're charging at the Theatre. Also do NOT buy cast recordings at Colony. Very overpriced. The best stores to check are: Tower Records, (72nd & B'way), HMV, (65th & B'way -- across the street from Barnes & Noble -- also 34th & B'way), Virgin Mega Store (Times Square)

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Souvenirs
I personally go bananas. T-shirts can be had 3 for $10 or 4 for $10 (depending on how far out of Time Square you go). These are for the ones out on the street. Inside the stores, they're a LOT more expensive (and slightly better made). Depends on what you want it for. I buy the cheapies so that I can bring some back for gifts, but not spend too much -- thought that counts and all that jazz.

Theatre Souvenirs. You want to go to One Schubert Alley which is in the Theatre district just off Times Square. The little store is in the Alley between 44 and 45 Street. Cute little thing. Also, you MUST take your picture standing next to the posters advertising the currently running B'way shows. I do that every year with whoever I'm travelling with and I can tell the year from the posters of the shows behind me. There's also a nice theatre gift shop in the Mariott Marquis complex (just across the street, 45 Street and B'way).

Laura, Terri and Barb vamping in Schubert Alley

The Barb, Terri and Laura doing their thing in Schubert Alley

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What Shows to See
Tons of shows. You gotta decide for yourself. It helps if you read the reviews -- you can either check out my opinion: The Barb Reviews Broadway or any number of other sources (I trust the reviews in the magazine "Time Out New York". Broadway shows are the big extravaganza's. This would be your Lion King, Ragtime, Rent, etc. The price per show is horrific (up to $85 for musicals, $65 for plays). Slightly cheaper for the maintinees.

Off-Broadway is still expensive theatre. Shows are in slightly smaller venues, tickets are about $20 cheaper -- plus they tend to play for shorter runs. I have personally found that the plays seem to be better Off-Broadway than on.

Both Broadway and Off-Broadway shows are listed in the little "Theatre Listing" Guides that come out every week and are free (go to any box office lobby in New York and pick one up).

Off Off Broadway. Anything that's playing in New York that's not officially Broadway or Off Broadway. Can't guarantee the quality (course you can't guarantee the quality anywhere, but in off off you really take your chances -- read the reviews!!). Stuff is mondo cheap (sometimes are low as $10 bucks).

I have found that the best thing to do is pick up a copy of Time Out New York. They come out every Thursday and list EVERYTHING playing in town from shows, to music, to bands, to dance companies and have reviews and everything. Go to any Newsstand and ask for one -- for some reason they keep them hidden!

You can check out a couple of sites as well:
What's Playing Off Broadway
What's Playing On Broadway
This is also a really good site: www.sidewalk.com

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How to Get Tickets
Cheap Methods

Rush Seating/Special Offers:

Students/Seniors:

Low-Price ($15) Rear Mezzanine seats:

Normal Ticket Buying (vs. Desperate Ticket Buying)

Desperate Ticket Buying
This is for the mega popular shows that have been sold out for YEARS in advance and you left it too late. We're talking Lion King, Ragtime, Cabaret, etc.

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Cheap Tourist Things to Do
The most fun thing (and most free) is just to walk around looking. It's a pretty stimulating city. Lots to see. However, if you actually want to DO something:

Gail Olmstead WITH the Statue of Liberty
Look how small the Statue of Liberty is next to Gail Olmstead.
Not so very impressive is, it?

Either Mujibur or Sirajul. I can't tell them apart

Either Mujibur or Sirajul, I can't don't know who is who
Fountain at Lincoln Center
The Barb at the "Fame" Fountain at Lincoln Center

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Getting Around
It's very easy to get around New York. The whole place is small enough to walk (the blocks are small and you're on holiday anyway, what's the rush?).

I highly recommend the subway (no it's not dangerous as long as you're not stupid) or the bus. Until recently, you couldn't transfer from subway to bus and vice versa, but now they have something called a "Metro Card". It acts like a credit card. Get one (and start with 15 "rides" on it). You'll be putting between 20 and 40 rides on that sucker eventually. Or, you can always just buy subway tokens ($1.50 each -- also accepted on the bus). Those you can buy in handy packs of 10. Have your change ready. Both subway workers and subway riders are REALLY SNARKY if you don't have the correct amount of the money.

The bus is MUCH slower, but you get to see the City as it goes by. Make sure that your bus has a big black solid grill on the back of it (it means it's air conditioned -- you don't want the alternative!!!).

Taxi ONLY if you have to. The ride in from La Guardia should only be about $20. You can also "taxi share" (12 per person, if there's two of you, don't share, you still have to pay per person -- get your own cab). Make sure you're at the CAB STAND because New York has what they call "Gypsy Cabs". These are NON-OFFICIAL cabs. They look just like yellow cab, but you'll find very quickly they have no meter!!! These are NOT dangerous, but be sure to negotiate your fee AHEAD of time. If you can't guess-timate your fee, get a real cab (at the Taxi stand at the airport). I only Taxi if I'm getting out from a show VERY late (after 11:30) and am by myself and in a dangerous part of town (very uptown or very in the village). Otherwise, I walk or subway.

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Be Careful
Okay, it's relatively safe, but not THAT safe. The tourist areas (Times Square) are all fine. They have a bloody policeman every three feet. You can't help but be safe. There are always a number of scam artists working. If someone comes up with a sob story needing help (even they offer to PAY YOU), just direct them to a policeman. (I personally had a scam tried on me, except I tend with argue with everyone, including helpless looking little old ladies -- and at the time I didn't know it was a scam, I only found out later).

It's really common sense. DON'T go walking around Harlem (125 St and up). Outside the tourist area, be very aware of what's happening around you. Be assertive but not pushy. Don't walk down side streets in Little Italy or Chinatown (what there is of it). Stay on the main roads in that area. New York is funny that way, one block in the wrong direction and you're suddenly in a very dangerous area. For some reason, they "bad guys" don't tend to cross certain boundaries. Be careful in the village at night (although it's always very crowded). Don't stand too close to the tracks at the Subway station, and after hours, stay in the "safety zone" (they're marked -- they're safety zones because you're on video). You WILL hear at least one gunshot, usually at night, (if you're there for longer than 5 days anyway). Hey, it's New York. Shots happen. Don't let it freak you.

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Some Final Words
Here are some random thoughts in no order:

Well, that's about all I have to say on the topic. If I've made any boo boos, please let me know. Otherwise, have a good time and send me a postcard!

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Back to the Main Page
Barb's Excuse of a Life
The Barb Reviews Broadway
Thanks for Helping Pick Out a Headshot
Other People's Headshots, Barb's Portfolio
Attend the Sterling Awards with The Barb