New York for the somewhat crowd-phobic

I'm a Californian who gets to go to New York a few times a year to see shows. I get a bit overwhelmed and sensory overloaded by crowds in busy places. Not so badly that I can't get through Times Square, but it definitely drains me over the course of a day.

The next time I'll be in New York will be a long weekend in mid-July, where I'll be staying with family in New Jersey and doing four shows in three days. I'm really excited, but also wary of conserving my energy.

In the trips I've taken over the years I've learned NOT to walk directly through Times Square if I can avoid it, and to avoid touristy restaurants around dinner time. I'd be curious if anyone in the same boat has tips on how to enjoy midtown New York theater (e.g. less crowded places to retreat to, etc).

Love hourglass!

you can avoid time square for a length of blocks by crossing through the Minskoff theatre, the marquis hotel, and the Edison hotel

If you're attending even one Broadway show your phobia will be tested to the max. But for a break you might hang around Sutton Place on the Upper East Side. Or perhaps Little Italy on a weekday afternoon, or evening.

MarkBearSF said: "If you have any shows at the Booth, Schoenfeld, Jacobs or Shubert (and probably Broadhurst) - instead of dealing with the insane crush of the colliding queues on Shubert Alley, you may want to bide you time at the Shake Shack, the food court at the Row Hotel or some place nearby until 5 minutes before posted curtain when the lines should be diminished. "

This person is trying to limit exposure to crowds and you recommend Shake Shack??

The Signature Theatre Complex is the place to hang out at. Sit on a sofa or a seat by the window and relax. On 42nd between 9th and 10th. Air conditioning and wifi tables and chairs in huge sitting area near bar and food area and great bathrooms make this your haven. Frank Gehry design houses four theatres. I love the place.

Updated On: 7/1/18 at 04:29 AM