Post-Theatre Walk Back to Hotel

[kade.ivy]

Posted: 12/18/16 at 12:37am

Hi all,

I'm preparing for my Broadway Binge coming up December 27-30! This is my third time to NYC but my first trip that I've planned/organized entirely on my own. It's also my first trip without traveling with a large group (this trip is just my mom and me). We're very excited as this has turned into a DREAM trip, but we are conflicted as to whether we should plan to walk or taxi back to our hotel from the theatre district at night. We are staying at ink48 at 48th and 11th, about a 10-15 minute walk through Hell's Kitchen depending on which theatre you come from. Is a walk through that part of Hell's Kitchen at night considered "safe?" I ask this with the full knowledge that "safe" is a relative term, and bad things can happen anywhere. However, should we expect there to be people out and about? Will businesses/restaurants be open? Would you guys recommend a taxi instead?

Thanks a bunch! 

Updated On: 12/18/16 at 12:37 AM

[Broadway Joe]

Posted: 12/18/16 at 12:51am

You'll be absolutely fine. 

[RippedMan]

Posted: 12/18/16 at 12:54am

You'll be fine! Hells Kitchen is the younger, gayer part of town. 9th Ave is full of people and bars and 10th has plenty of bars and restaurants! It will be very much alive and busy! If you have any time during the day, def walk over to the river - 12th Ave - there is a park, etc. Very pretty and nice for a walk! Enjoy!

[kjck89]

Posted: 12/18/16 at 12:59am

A Broadway Binge sounds exciting! How late your walk would be varies depending on the show you're seeing and whether or not you stage door etc. but walking will be fine! You will see lots of people out and about, but of course always be mindful of your surroundings. But during this time of the year, a cab would be great for keeping warm and toasty :) 

[Robbyne]

Posted: 12/18/16 at 1:53am

You will be fine. Just be cautious of your surroundings, which is always a smart idea in the city anyway. Have a wonderful trip and enjoy making memories with your mom!

[dramamama611]

Posted: 12/18/16 at 2:33am

Chiming in with the same reaction.  I've walked these streets with both my teenage son, or my daughter as well as alone.  

As in any city, you want to keep your wits about you, but PTHESPIAN is right...you should worry more about bundling up warmly.

 

Have a great time.

Updated On: 12/18/16 at 02:33 AM

[yankeefan7]

Posted: 12/18/16 at 8:31am

Walk is fine and I actually like walking in the cold weather this time of year, just adds to the joy of being in NYC during the holiday season. Hell's Kitchen is "safe" part of NYC to walk around .

[ArtMan]

Posted: 12/18/16 at 10:21am

Kade, I would recommend taking a cab, at least once, and if you feel then the walk at night, is safe, then indeed walk.  I don't live in NYC, but I have taken that exact walk at night, at least to 10th avenue.  Although there were people around 9th avenue, there were some spots after 9th, on the way to 10th, that were dark and people free. And you still have to walk another avenue. I felt comfortable walking...but I'm a 6'3 male.  I 'm not so sure about a young girl and her mother.  Like I said, take the designated route at night by cab once, then you both can decide for yourselves if it is safe enough to walk.

[ArtMan]

Posted: 12/18/16 at 10:21am

double post

Updated On: 12/18/16 at 10:21 AM

[Melissa25]

Posted: 12/18/16 at 12:55pm

I work near Ink48 and the walk can be brutal because you are walking into the wind coming right off the Hudson.  It's almost a mile from Shubert Alley.  Cabs are hard to find after theater so I would also recommend the M50 crosstown bus.  You can get it every 20 minutes on 49th St between 7th and Broadway right across from the Playwright Celtic Pub.  Have a great time!!!

http://web.mta.info/nyct/bus/schedule/manh/m050cur.pdf

[kade.ivy]

Posted: 12/18/16 at 1:41pm

Thanks for the feedback, guys! Sounds like most of you find it a pretty safe walk. 

ArtMan, I'm actually a twenty-something male, but....not 6'3". :) I'm thinking we might make the walk during the day to see what we think or, as you suggested, take a cab the first night and try to scope out. 

Melissa25, I remember cabs being difficult to find post-theatre. We might try Uber or Gett if we go the cab route. 

As far as the cold, we're (trying to be) prepared. My last visit was in January 2015, so I remember the cold. It's actually colder here in Tennessee right now than it will be when we're in NYC according to the current long-range forecast, albeit that's not considering the wind from the Hudson or through the city streets.

 

Thanks again for the responses! 

[Mr. Nowack]

Posted: 12/18/16 at 3:39pm

Never underestimate the wind off the Hudson. It felt at least 10-15 degrees colder out there than the rest of town when I was there.

[OKBroadwayFan]

Posted: 12/18/16 at 4:01pm

Double post.  

Updated On: 12/18/16 at 04:01 PM

[OKBroadwayFan]

Posted: 12/18/16 at 4:01pm

I agree with the comments about the cold!   Of course, you can also catch a cab during the walk if it is too cold.    My daughter and I go around this time each year as well.  We are going the week after New Year's.


What shows are on your list?

[perfectlymarvelous]

Posted: 12/18/16 at 4:04pm

You'll be absolutely fine, just cold. I've walked in NYC and taken the subway alone at pretty much all hours and there's always people around, especially in midtown. I went to college in the city and I'm a relatively small girl, and I've been doing it since I was in my late teens. 

[ArtMan]

Posted: 12/18/16 at 4:10pm

Sorry about that Kade.  I have you mixed up with another poster with a similar name.  I should always check the profile, if unsure, before posting.

[KathyNYC2]

Posted: 12/18/16 at 4:20pm

Melissa25 said: "I work near Ink48 and the walk can be brutal because you are walking into the wind coming right off the Hudson.  It's almost a mile from Shubert Alley.  Cabs are hard to find after theater so I would also recommend the M50 crosstown bus.  You can get it every 20 minutes on 49th St between 7th and Broadway right across from the Playwright Celtic Pub.  Have a great time!!!

http://web.mta.info/nyct/bus/schedule/manh/m050cur.pdf

I take the M50 bus crosstown in the other direction after the theater a number of times a week..and while it actually comes every 15 minutes during the day, it then cuts to every 30 minutes (not 20) in the evening. It goes on 49th street to the west side and on 50th Street to go east.

I also agree if it's particularly cold and windy, the walk can be brutal. On a nice day/night, it's fine...but otherwise, it's difficult. I live on the east side and once you cross 6th Avenue to the west, it almost feels like you are in a different city...it gets colder and windier quickly. And yes, taxi's are often hard to find right after a show but there are also other services like "Via" where you can check and find out where a Via car might be available and how much it will cost before you get in.  It's often cheaper than a cab or Uber and you can download it to your phone for details.

"

 

Updated On: 12/18/16 at 04:20 PM

[Robbie2]

Posted: 12/18/16 at 4:20pm

You'll be fine walking on 48th Street...taking a cab is a waste of $ after a show unless it's really cold but it will probably be in the 40's during the day, and only in the 30's at night depending on the wind chill factor off the water walking back. Have FUN!

ink48 is a great hotel!

What shows are you seeing?

Updated On: 12/18/16 at 04:20 PM

Posted: 12/19/16 at 2:41am

Here's an idea I haven't seen posted -- instead of walking back to your hotel, go to Birdland on West 44th between 8th and 9th -- they have live jazz that goes late and the kitchen stays open til 1 AM.  Lots of cabs know that Birdland has an after-theater crowd so getting a cab outside of Birdland shouldn't take too long (though the traffic on that street runs east -- but the cab just goes up 8th Ave one block, then turns down 45th so it's not much out of your way). Gianni Valenti, the owner, has live music there SEVEN nights a week -- on Fridays around 5:30 they have a big band made up of Broadway pit players who love big band music -- the food is very good and you're right in the heart of the theater district. 

If you haven't been to Joe Allen's -- it's on West 46th Street also between 8th-9th Avenue -- it's a favorite after-theater haunt, too, and always has an omelet on the menu (because show folk eat breakfast at strange hours).  Plus there's the posters of only Broadway flops, and the NYTimes recently wrote a really interesting story about the owner -- let's see if I can find the link -- here it is: http://www.nytimes.com/2016/05/11/dining/joe-allen-restaurant-nyc.html

Since you're not part of a large group I'd say maximize your time after theater by staying out later, having a late dinner or dessert at one of the unique New York eateries in the area. Go ahead and splurge.  You deserve it! 

[GhostXmasPast]

Posted: 12/19/16 at 7:09pm

You should have no issues as long as you are mindful of the time of night.  (Pretty much that applies to all of NYC...) Some are put off by the name "Hell's Kitchen" - which is why many have rechristened the area "Clinton."  Many - (But no doubt not all...) consider that an upgraded moniker.  The area has seems lots of new development.

[Mike66]

Posted: 12/19/16 at 7:54pm

1.  You'll be fine

2.  Treat every part of NY as a big town with a few bad people.  So tuck any purses under your shoulder with the clasp in, and don't stroll without paying attention.  Walk or gawk, as the old NYers used to say -- don't amble. 

3.  If you are at a theatre west of Times Square (as most are) -- don't walk back thru Times Square to your hotel.  You are fine walking up 8th or 9th instead.  (And there are a lot fewer people, and no Elmos).

4.  ENJOY

[pushdabutton]

Posted: 12/19/16 at 9:15pm

Safety won't be an issue. Plenty of people around and despite the name "Hells Kitchen", it's a "safe" area. Enjoy your trip and let us know what shows you see!

[macnyc]

Posted: 12/19/16 at 9:23pm

You can also download the MTA's Bus Time app, which will show you exactly where buses are on their routes. That way you can plan to either wait for the bus or figure something else out. 

[KathyNYC2]

Posted: 12/19/16 at 10:48pm

macnyc said: "You can also download the MTA's Bus Time app, which will show you exactly where buses are on their routes. That way you can plan to either wait for the bus or figure something else out. 

 

"

Yes I use that all the time but reminding mysel it's not always accurate. Just now I got a M 50 bus after checking the app where there is NO bus shown on the route and no indication that it's coming or going. 

[ChiTheaterFan]

Posted: 12/20/16 at 12:35am

I am a single woman in my thirties and I walk around New York by myself at night all the time. There are always people around. I am easily safer walking around there than at home in Chicago...  that's not saying much though...