New York Advice - Holidays, Money, Food and Shows

KayleighIsGoingFatToFit

Hi *waves*

Me and the hubby are going to New York for Christmas and New Years this year...woohoo, we have accommodation, breakfast (included in accommodation) and sight seeing and shows booked...BUT we dont know how much spending money to take...

We wont do a huge amount of shopping, so it will be mainly food, drink (neither of us drink alcohol so will mainly be water and pop etc), tips and travel we need money for...has anyone been there on holiday?

Our accommodation has a kitchenette area so we don't need to go out and eat all the time

How much would you recommend for 10 days...including Christmas day (I think we would go to a shop the day before and just pig out watching tv) and New Years? Is $1500 enough or not enough?

We would mainly go to deli's, bakeries etc and go out out for dinner once or twice max

Also before I forget we are staying just South of Times Square

Thank you

Also we are thinking of seeing the Blue Man Group..Would anyone recommend this? It looks fun but would like to get peoples opinions

eyleene

the food is HUGE and bloody delicious so if you eat out , you may be able to " doggy bag " leftovers for later . i went there when staying with friends a couple of years ago so didnt have to worry about travel costs . Tipping money you should have a stack of ones , and pay tips according to how much service you get . I think at least $1500 should be enough but if you can , get a prepaid travel card as well and use it like a visa / mastercard plus you can get cash at atms as well , that way you are not carrying wads of cash around ?

* waving back *

ThePhoenixIsRising

That's 150 a day? I would budget 250 a day at least, you can always bring home any excess. A nice dinner out will cost 150-200.

KayleighIsGoingFatToFit

Yeah I have been told food is bigger etc haha, $1500 is what we have saved so far but we still have a couple of months to save for more
We have 2 pre paid card things and some cash
I over think things way too much and have made so many lists and how much I think things are lol

KayleighIsGoingFatToFit

See that seems crazy to me because $150-$200 is £91-£122 here and I would never spend that on a dinner...including drinks and tip.
Never mind...I guess we will have to be cheap for the last few days haha

Chalk_Slinger

I am a native New Yorker. Ha. Need help? Call. Look into Living Social and Groupon as there are some sweet deals on the cheap. My wife and I did the Russian tea Room, normally a 500 dollar tab or so for only 100 for the pair. There are ALL kinds of food listed too. PLUS entertainment and even shows. amazon.com has those kinds of deals as well. if you want a Broadway show check broadwaybox.com for discounts and NEVER pay what the box office asks. finally, be sure to get out to Brooklyn as it is replacing Manhattan as the epicaenter of cool. Oh, and pick up an issue of TIME OUT NEW YORK that week for all there is to do on a day to day basis or check their website

Chalk_Slinger

BLUE MAN GROUP is brilliant and popular with tourists. If you like music, check out nearby Joe' Pub (close to Blue Man's theater). For cheaper food tehre are dollar pizza joints all over your area, but Times Square is expensive for even delis. Time Out New York magazine and website has a feature called Cheap Eats. Check it out. Aw hell, PM me and I will draft an intinerary for you. Ha. I may even show you around! I love my city.

KayleighIsGoingFatToFit

OMG I didn't realise Groupon had other sites other than the UK - this has actually made my day haha

Thank you for your advice

anashnyc

Hi. I have lived in New York my whole life, currently living in Williamsburg Brooklyn. You will need to have at least 250 per day. Now for some advice. Take the subway everywhere. It is by far the fastest way to get around and the cheapest. Buy a 1 week unlimited pass and you will save big if you take it more than 2x per day. You will each need one as once you swipe the card at the turnstile, it does not work for another 7 minutes. (This prevents someone from just buying one card and swiping an entire family through). Next, its great you are doing shows (Broadways rocks), but definitely try and get away from the Times Square area. No New Yorker goes there! Be a little adventurous and go to Brooklyn. There are so many things to see and do. Of course, never eat in a times square restaurant or chain restaurant. Seek out some local places and you will have a blast. Watch this video
https://youtube.com/watch?v=8LmPBPWHJu4