My husband,13 year old daughter and I are going to New York March 19-23. We're staying at the W Times Square. We're interested in shopping (the classics - Bloomingdales, Barneys, etc., Canal street) a couple of shows and fun restaurants. Any suggestions would be appreciated. I'm especially confused in the world of Braodway shows. They are expensive, I know that I need to commit to a show and a date/time asap, and I don't have a clue what to see and how to choose. Advice on this or any other suggestions on what to see, tours, food, would be much appreciated.

Suzannek

If you go to a couple of the Broadway web sites: playbill.com, broadwaybox.com, theatermania.com - you can get infor on the shows, reviews and and idea of which ones are currently offering advance discounts.

You can get day of show discounts at TKTS - but there is no guarantee which shows they will have or how good the seats will be.

As a 1st-timer and with a teenager, you'll probably do better seeing a musical show rather than drama. You can check the TKTS website where they post the shows that were on offer the previous week, to get an idea of what's available. Be advised, TKTS only accepts cash. You'll also be near one of the NYC & CO stores. That's the NYC tourist bureau. I think they're on Broadway around 49th st. They have what we call twofers for some shows - discount tickets. You may be able to email them from their website to see which they have available. Another possibility is the box office on day of performance. Many shows sell student tickets (if you have ID) and $15 seats - usually high up in the balcoy, but you're still inside. One of the long enduring hits is Phantom of the Opera - just wonderful. And I'm sure you can get discounted tickets.

Here are some links:
http://www.tdf.org/
http://www.nycvisit.com/home/

Enjoy your visit!

We're going to NYC 3/18, for a week. Since my kids are 9 & 11, we purchased tickets to the Lion King for the Wednesday matinee. It isn't the most critically acclaimed or challenging show, but it is a SURE THING for families. We planned on hitting a TKTS while there to see something else.

I would get your tickets soon if you are planning on seeing a show and don't get to the city regularly. Popular shows and times sell quickly.

I picked up a couple of books for the trip: NYC for Dummies and NYC with Kids. There are others. Most helpful is information regarding the purchase of tickets for tourist venues online so you avoid lines on the day of your visit. The books also help you plan your itinerary so you are not running around crazy and can plan your days into areas of interest.

Have fun.

For shopping with a 13 yr old Macys has a whole floor dedicated to them. Shoe departments for them also. Also if you go to their visitor center and show that your from out of town they give you a bag. The museum of natural history is great too! The statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.
Wicked is a great show if you can get tickets. Beauty and the Beast also Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is also opening up. If you have a clear night go to the marriot marque and go to have a drink. It circles the area and you get to see the whole city lit up at night. If you want you can have their buffet, it was 20/person last year. Carmines in theater district is a family style resturant and is always crowded but fun.

carmines is a fun place and easy on your wallet . they have 2 locations near time square. they usually take early reservations. beware servings are large, most people share all the courses.