• I like to go to New York at 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.

  Also I like May because it's neither too hot nor cold in New York at that time of year (it just rains a lot).

• Area wise, Manhatten 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 the Times Square Visitors Centre, there are NO PUBLIC WASHROOMS in New York. 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), eat at a Deli (check the bathroom first, some are just disgusting) OR --- this is the secret, go to the 8th Floor of the Mariott 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. In fact, "I need to Mariott" became our euphemism whenever we had to go! Go to the bathroom before you leave your hotel, otherwise, you could be SOL.
• Food can be pricey. I tend to steer away from restaurants. I eat at 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 $5-7. Very tasty. The further AWAY from midtown you go, the cheaper the food. (Last trip I found it ranged from $3.50/ounce to $5.99 -- for the same food!).

One of the zillions of delis in midtown.
• For all you playwrights, check out Playwright's cafe on 46th and B'way. Highly pretentious, slightly overpriced. ($10 US for a burger). It was worth it just to say I ate there.

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

Overview/Introduction
Before You Go
Where to Stay
Shopping!
How to Get Tickets
Choosing Shows
Cheap Tourist Things to Do
Getting Around
Being Safe
Random Tips/Thoughts
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