Chera

Hello,
My girlfriend and I (from Uruguay) would stay in NY between 13th and 20th of March. I have found this forum very useful and I would like to post some questions to make our stay more enjoyable as possible.

1- We would go some days before NY to Boston and Washington, wich way do you think is the best (leaving from NY), bus or train, and maybe wich would be better to enjoy the views in the trip.
2-How many days do you think that are suitable to stay in NY, and where, considering that our budget is limited because we are students. We are thinking on 5 or 8 days. Our trip in total would be of 13 days.
3-Which of the plays that are currently presented in Broadway and have translation in spanish would you recomend? what about the tickets, do you think that we could get them?
4-Do you think that would be difficult to find tickets to see the Knicks?

Thanks a lot for your help, we are very excited about the idea of going to NY and enjoy our stay.

howard

To answer your questions:
1. Boston and Washington are in opposite directions for New York. So, it would not be the easiest to do both cities. Both are excellent places to visit. If I had to pick one for a visitor from another country, I think I'd recommend Washington.
2. Since you are on a budget, I would recommend the bus over the train. It would be cheaper. Unfortunately, the entire trip takes you on major highways and the sights are not that attractive.
3. It's a tough answer as to how many days to spend in New York. You can do a lot in 5 days. Obviously, you can do more in 8! (If you did only five, then perhaps you could spend 4 days each in Boston and Washington. In that case, start your trip in either one of those cities and make New York the second stop.)
3. I don't know of any service that offers simultaneous Spanish translations of plays. The least expensive way to see plays is to stand in line at one of the half-price booths called TKTS that are Times Square and in the World Trade Center.
4. It's tough to get tickets for the Knicks games. And, if you are lucky to get them, they might be too expensive for you!
Good luck in your planning.

tc

I agree with Howard. Go to Washington. Plan on 4 or 5 days in Washington. Much more to see then Boston. You can take either the train or bus from NYC. IF you are on a budget you will be limited to hotels in manhatten. Stay there if you can afford one.. expect $250+ per night.

There is lots to do in NYC...use the subway, visit the downtown, statue of liberty, the village, SOHO, Central Park, Empire state or World trade. Spend more time in NY vs DC. Go to or call Madison Square garden to see if they have any Knicks tickets and go to TCKTS for 1/2 price play tickets. You can also go to the box office on the night of a popular show and see if there are any unclaimed tickets... expect to pay $80 a seat for these.

Steve

You might consider an "open jaws" ticket, meaning a flight into New York and a return to Uruguay from Washington DC. That way you can save on the one way between the cities and you don't have to return to a city you already visited. As for plays, I would choose a musical because the dialogue is usually not as important. If you are REALLY short of cash you can do what I used to do in my poorer days. You can second act a show. Go to the show between 9-9:15, wait with the people smoking cigarettes during intermission and go back in and stand in the back or find seats for the second act. It almost always worked. Musicals are good to do this with since the plots are usually secondary. Bring comfortable walking shoes because both Washington and New York are great walking cities. The train in between Washington and New York is the fastest and most comfortable, but the bus is cheaper. Hope you have a great time.

Travelman

To be brutally honest the weather might not cooperate with you.It gets mighty raw in march in these parts.Anyway, base in NYC train to Boston for few days than Washington, comeback to NYC enjoy it. Check out new small hotels in Chelsea or SOHO. good luck .T

John

Hi:

Just a reminder. March 17th is the Day of the Irish! If you dont know about it...you better ask!! ALSO..for information about NYC ask Howard (previous post) Although I work in NYC and know most of the places...Howard has the "particular" about the City that no on can match!
JOHN

brianh

Try to get hold of the Rough Guide to New York or have a look at their website for ideas on cheap hotels in NYC. Hotel 17 looks to me like a good place to stay - have a look at their website. I think low cost hotels do exist in NYC but you have to work just a little harder to find them. Enjoy New York - its a marvellous city.

Kathy

Since you are students, you should look into staying at hostels in both NY or DC/Boston. In most muesums, etc, you should be able to get student discounts. There is also a book, "NYC for Free" that you can find at bookstores. It costs about $16, but tells you what days muesums are free and even gives you a list of what bars offer free food during happy hour (usually between 5-7). Have a good trip!