Chelsea
 

Hi, All... I sent another message earlier, but it didn't post, so will try again. According to the map, Chelsea looks like a good area to stay. It's close to Greenwich Village, and doesn't look too far from Times Square or Central Park. We also want to see a Broadway show. We'll be taking some public transportation, but would like to walk most places. Is Chelsea as well located as it looks?

Best,
Sandy

I would suggest staying a little closer to Times Square if you really want to be in the center of things. Also later at night, after a show, it would be easier to get back to your hotel.

The city is very walkable and most of the parts of the city that you will want to see are not that far apart. If you figure that a mile is 20 city blocks, and you are probably doing a 20 minute mile you can judge how long it will take to get somewhere.

Manhattan seems big but it is only a mile wide and 11 miles long (if I remember correctly). Most visitors don't generally go north of 96th St, north of 96th there is less to see and is all residential. (We live in Washington Heights, way north of there).

The subway runs all night, but later there are fewer trains so you will have to wait longer.

Have a great time and enjoy the city.

Thanks.. I wondered how centrally located Chelsea was. I'll keep that in mind about having to wait longer for the trains at night, though I imagine we'll probably take a cab at night, as we're not familiar with the subways, and if we're to get lost, we'd rather it be during the daytime. We plan to walk and take public transportation during the day. We also may catch a hop on/hop off tour to orient ourselves to the city.

Sandy

Personally, I'd rather stay in Chelsea than Times Square, but it really depends on what you want to do. Chelsea is more of a neighborhood, where people actually live, so it has markets and shops and lots of restaurants and a more residential feeling.

Times Square is, well, just what you see on television and in movies. Bright, crowded, noisy, bustling. Very convenient for transportation, but so overwhelmingly geared for tourists.

I agree w/Marilyn...Times Sq. is a touristy area and Chelsea is a real neighborhood w/real NYers but I guess it depends on what you want from your trip. If you are planning to see more than a show or two perhaps Times Sq. might work better for you. I like Chelsea better personally...

Logistically, Chelsea is a great area. You are within walking distance (i.e.,a mile/mile and a half) of most of the tourist sites--Greenwich Village, Times Square, Rockefeller Center, Fifth Avenue, Empire State Building.etc., etc., etc.

Another vote for Chelsea.

It's an easy walk from the theaters or a five minute ride on the subway.