The Barb's Guide to New York

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. Buy a copy of the magazine "Time Out New York". This magazine is a weekly listing of EVERYTHING that is going on in New York right from Broadway shows to coffee house poetry readings to visual art shows to who is playing at the different cafes. It's mind boggling. They also have very interesting New York-centric articles. They carry Time Out New York at the bigger newstands. It will be two weeks out of date, but still fairly relevant to you as you research what you want to do.
  4. 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.
  5. 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. However, if you insist, then bring several forms of PICTURE ID and make sure you cash the cheques at a bank NOT the cash exchanges set up for tourists.
  6. Bring credit cards.
  7. Pack comfy runners/walking shoes
  8. 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!)
  9. Bring an umbrella. (I have bought so many umbrellas in New York... you'd think I would learn).
When You First Get There After you have recovered from the taxi ride (taxi chicken is a very common practice) and have dumped your suitcase in your cell, I mean, hotel room, get yourself mid-town and visit the "Times Square Visitor Center". It's located on Broadway and 47th. You can't miss it. Garish signage (next to the McDonalds and across the street from the TKTS booth).


The Times Square Visitor Center

There you should pick up:


And while you're in the building, you may as well check out the bathrooms. They are the only public bathrooms in Manhattan (although there are ways when one is desperate)

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
The Barb's Broadway Reviews

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