New York Attractions
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| Why the long lines? The TKTS booth offers same-day Broadway tickets for half price! (c)Mark Kahler 2001, Licensed to About.com |
Sightseeing costs can be staggering in New York. None of those costs will break the bank, but it all adds up and can come as a shock to those who aren't prepared.
But the Internet provides a chance to find savings before arrival. For those willing to look, there is CityPass, a one-time fee for visiting Empire State Building Observatory, Guggenheim Museum, Intrepid Sea Air Space Museum, Museum of Natural History, the Whitney Museum of American Art, and the Museum of Modern Art. You also choose one of two Circle Line Harbor tours: either the two-hour day cruise around the Statue of Liberty, or a city lights cruise of the Manhattan skyline.
The price is $38 USD for adults, $31 for ages 12-17.
Start doing the math, and this adds up to a bargain very quickly. One example: Adult admission to the Guggenheim is $12 USD; Combine that with just one other activity and you've just about paid for CityPass. Promoters say all the items would cost $85 a person if purchased separately.
Here's another potential budget-killer: Broadway tickets easily can run $60 USD or more. So visit the TKTS booth on Times Square and order discount tickets. Be prepared for long lines at times.
Why all the people waiting? TKTS scoops up unsold, day-of-performance tickets and sells them below box office rates. You are letting them choose your seats and even the show. In exchange, they offer Broadway seats at 25-50% below face value. Pocket the difference, or apply it to a second show on another day.
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| Where is Matt Lauer? You might find him at 49th and Rockefeller Plaza. The show there is free, but it isn't as solitary as this picture suggests. (c)Mark Kahler 2001, Licensed to About.com. |
Do you want to go off Broadway? Check out Keith Prowse and Company's Browsing New York site. Keith offers deals on a variety of productions in-and-out of the spotlight. He also puts together hotel/theatre packages.
NBC's Today is a fixture in the early mornings and a favorite of budget travelers, too. Their summer concert series provides name entertainment in open-air performances. Scrawl something on a sign, show up at the corner of 49th Street and Rockefeller Plaza, and hope for a brush with stardom.
For many other major TV productions, you will need tickets. Most are free, but they may involve standing in long lines. Consider how "free" these tickets are, given your length of time in New York. Time is money on vacation, too!
Nytix.com offers a nice list of shows and directions for getting into the audiences.
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