Okay, last post for tonight.
It's my first visit to New York City. I will be there for a week and of course I want to see everything. Can you give me some subway tips? It's seems like that is the quickest and cheapest way to get around if it's too far to walk (like from the financial district to the upper east side for example). I have been looking at maps and the metro website, but it seems to be really confusing trying to figure out which train to get on, and how do you know which direction it is going and which stations offer what routes? Help! Is it really safe? I have never used a subway system before.
Thanks again!

The majority of the subway stations have an attendant in a booth before you go thru the turnstiles on to the train platform. Ask them anything. There are signs. Uptown vs. downtown. Do not be afraid to ask anyone. If they are a true NewYorker, they will know the subway line.

Before you leave your hotel, plan the trip step-by-step. Write down the trains you will need. Count the stops. Get a Metrocard. And never be afraid to ask for help. We are a very friendly bunch here in NYC.

You will be very safe. Do not flash any fancy jewelry and money, use your Metrocard and put it in your coat pocket. Do not make a habit of keeping the card in your wallet and then showing the entire city where you keep your wallet....which pants pocket. Too many people make a big to do about pulling out their wallet . Be subtle and have a wonderful time.

My wife and I went to NYC in Sept. for the first time. We too had never been on a subway. Let me tell you it's EASY buy the all you can ride pass either for one day or they have a longer one not sure for how long. It really is easy, We stayed on 29th and Madison and went from there to Brooklyn to the Bronx and always felt safe. Mind you we didn't go late at night, we stopped going about 9:00 and that was in Manhattan. I bought Foders NYC book and yes that to contains the subway map along with bus routes too. the "fun" pass all you can ride also lets you ride the bus too. On the east side you take the #6 it stops at most stops #4 & #5 are express. Learn the words ...Uptown...Downtown.. and Crosstown. We found NewYorkers VERY helpful too, we got turned around and wanted to go uptown but we were in the downtown side of the subway. I went to look at the map and a guy came up and asked where did we need to go, I told him and he told us how to get to the uptown side, mind you he kept his distance but was polite. Alls I can say is try it and have fun hey the most you can do is get off at the wrong station. Ask someone or the attendent and get back one. Have fun and relax.

If you know where you are going, be sure to ask the concierge, doorman, or front desk of hotel. They should be helpful.

If you are just wandering, all of the advice above is great. The system is not that difficult once you get over the fact that there are so many lines. Have fun.

The advice above is good, however I would suggest that you not rely on the token booth attendants for much help as suggested above. I often see tourists asking them questions and more often than not they receive a curt or even surly response. They are not known for being particularly helpful. You'd do better to ask before you leave your hotel as suggested above, or ask a fellow rider in the subway station for directions.

I, too, used the subway system for the first time this summer. It is quick and fairly easy. Transfers were a bit confusing at times, but as others here have said, you can ask for help and New Yorkers are glad to give it. I would suggest the one week Metro pass. It is $17 and lasts for one week from the first time you use it. It is also valid for use on the bus.

The Metro Pass is a great idea. My suggestion is to go to someplace like Barnes and Noble and buy a pocket NYC subway map. The subway system can be quite confusing if you are not familiar with it. Every time I go to the City the subway map has been an invaluable resource. The subway system is quite safe because there are always people using it. Just remember that Uptown means north and Downtown means south, they do not refer to a specific location. Therefore, if you want to go from Union Square in Lower Manhattan north to Times Square in Midtown you would board an "Uptown" train. If you wanted to go to Little Italy which is south of Union Square you would take a "Downtown" train. Have a great time in NYC.

You can pick up a subway map from any manned token booth. Though I've been here 1/2 my life I still carry one. Subway stations are well-marked on the streets with green globe lights, and also signs showing what trains stop at the station. if it's an "Uptown Only" or "Downtown Only", it will be clearly marked on the black sign at the entrance to the station. If it doesn't say either, it means you can access trains in both directions from that entrance. If it says "Uptown" but you want to go downtown, just look across the street and there will be an entrance for downtown trains.

Ask NYers if you need help...you will find that we're very helpful. I give tourists directions nearly every day. As someone else said, the token booth clerks are often curt and annoyed by people asking for directions. Good luck!

You guys are so great! This is exactly the information I needed to clear up my confusion about the NYC subway. I was confused about how you knew which entrance was uptown versus downtown, and which trains stopped where. This helps so much. I will definitely venture in to the subway and will get a map and use it. If the New Yorkers we meet are this nice, I know we are going to have an awesome time! I also have the Fodor's 2003 New York City book and agree that it is very helpful. JAK