I have just read the points I did above a few weeks ago having just come back from New York, I agree with all I wrote and this will stand you in good stead?
Even though you haven't had a holiday for 5 years, I imagine being young money will be tight for you?
It helps to be savvy when going to New York, as it can be expensive, the only way you get clued up is by learning by mistakes, like I did, but it was still fun, or take advice on people who have been there.
Hotel
One great point to save money is on hotels that are expensive, I see both and you and Mark are going in August, if you are both going alone, why don't you both hook up and share a twin room? If this is not possible while you are young stay in a hostel.
Theatre
I cannot advice you on plays, off Broadway or lotteries, I do not do these.
As you are young and virile unlike myself, you are best to enter lotteries, cheapest way to see shows for you. I would certainly do all lotteries on your first week, then buy from tkts or box office tickets you didn't win.
The internet is your friend for tactile planning.
3 great sites to help your planning;
http://www.playbill.com/celebritybuzz/article/82428-Broadway-Rush-Lottery-and-Standing-Room-Only-Policies http://www.playbill.com/features/article/138284-Broadway-Grosses-March-22-28 http://www.entertainment-link.com/tkts.asp Use the above sites, to plan your shows, I would do the lotteries for the most popular shows first to give yourself a better chance of winning, if you don't you cannot hot foot it to tkts and get tickets that are up for sale, which you can plan from the links I attached.
Obviously while in New York you would want to see Wicked a couple of times, being such a big fan that has seen the show 22 time! I would put this first on my lottery, then Billy Elliot, worth seeing in New York.
Other shows worth checking out.
A little Night Music (If Catherine Zeta Jones and Angela Lansbury are still in).
Addams Family
American idiot
In The Heights
La Cage Aux Folles
Memphis
Next to Normal
Promises, Promises
Sondheim on Sondheim
South Pacific
West Side Story
Phantom of the Opera (I know you are not a fan, but cool to see longest running show on Broadway and looks stunning in the Majestic Theatre).
So 14 show already.
Omitted.
Fela, Mary Poppins, Rock of Ages, Hair, The Lion King, Mama Mia, The Lion King, The Jersey Boys as already in London or coming soon, but if at a loose end go and see one, I would see Next to Normal again though.
Airline
BA and Virgin do a sale in June, so good time to get your ticket.
Subway
Easy to use, cheap a two week adult metrocard cost $51.50.
Trains generally go uptown or downtown, normally each side has its own station, e.g. to go from one side to the other is done via the street. The side you want to go is marked above the stairs, it be either marked uptown or downtown, if there is no marking means you can either way.
Be careful you have local and express trains, so make extra sure you get on the correct one.
Attractions
Can be very expensive. Times Square and Central Park are free though so is Staten Island Ferry for great fews of the Statue of Liberty.
I love going to the Met Gallery in New York, what they do not tell you though you can enter by donation instead of paying $20, I found it cool when all these Americans ahead of me were paying full price to get in and I just paid $1.
Last bit of advice, stick this thread in your favourites and ask when a question comes to mind, I will do my best to answer if I can, if not one of the other board members can give you advice.
Updated On: 4/1/10 at 04:30 PM
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