Traveling to New York for the first time! Any tips?

1) Don't limit yourself to Times Square. I know its sort of the epitome of NY's representation in movies, etc. but there's a lot more to the city than that. But, for a one-time visit, its definitely not a bad place to stay, because that is the largest concentration of tourist attractions etc. The reality is that Manhattan has become so safe that you would be hard pressed to find a really unsafe neighborhood to stay in. Basically, you'll be good anywhere south of Morningside Heights. Just read the reviews of the hotel you book and you'll be good.

2) If you plan to be moving around the city a lot then a Metrocard can be a good idea. It's a lot cheaper than using a taxi and for the most part NY subways are reliable, safe, and clean. The downside is that you do have to learn to read a subway map. It's pretty straightforward but there is a little bit of a learning curve. Right now, a subway ride is about $2.50 on any line and you can take it as far as the train goes, so just get a Metrocard and load it with maybe $10 or $20 at a time.

3)I'm not sure of your budget but two nice hotels are the Affinia Shellburne (303 Lexington Ave) and Hotel Pennsylvania (401 7th Ave). The Shelburne is in a nice neighborhood and there is a great restaurant in the lobby called Rare. Hotel Pennsylvania is right by Penn Station, Madison Square Garden, and lots of shopping. That are is more commercial and less residential. Average rate at Shelburne (4 stars) is $170 a night. At Hotel Penn (2 1/2 stars), its $139. You should be able to find something that suits your needs on any major hotel booking site (i.e. hotels.com etc.). Like I said, you'll be hard pressed to find a dangerous area in Manhattan. Just read the the reviews and look for red flags.

4)So many great places to eat! A great steakhouse is the Knickerbocker Grill (33 University Pl) near Washington Square Park; they have THE best creamed spinach. Also near there, is a great place for gelato called Amorino Gelato, its right up the block on University Pl from the Knickerbocker. If you like Japanese, there is a great ramen place called Ippudo (65 4th Ave); the place is always packed so you might only want to go there for lunch, but I think they might take reservations too. There is also a really cool restaurant in the area famous for its chocolate called Max Brenner's (841 Broadway); they're famous for their hot chocolate but they serve great dinner fare as well. The best bakery is definitely Magnolia Bakery (401 Bleecker St). Anyway, I could go on an on but those are some GREAT places.

5) The Phantom of the Opera is my favorite but some other great shows to see are: Wicked, Spamalot (really funny), South Pacific, The Fiddler on the Roof, Les Miserables. I'm not sure what will be on in August but a few of these definitely should. You couldn't go wrong with any of them.

6) Greenwhich Village is a really cool place to visit. It's really "neighborhoody" and it has a lot of history. There are tons of places to eat/drink, both casual and formal. Great delis, bakeries, bars, pizza, lounges, etc. Its also a good place if you're looking for nightlife that's a little cheaper than the pricey NYC clubs. Greenwhich Village is really diverse too; it contains the Little Italy, New York University, and a large bohemian community so its very cool, day and night. Chinatown can be fun too, but as first-timer's in NYC, I would only visit in the day as it can be somewhat dangerous at night if you don't know the area. Soho is a really cool neighborhood too with lots of shopping. Chelsea Piers is also nice on a sunny day. Also, if you get a chance visit the Met; the tickets are by donation so you choose how much you want to pay for tickets (as little as a penny); they don't advertise it and they will try and charge you a lot, but trust me they have to take whatever you give them.

Anyway, hope I helped! Have a good time and be safe!!

EDIT:

@C-Fleck -- I'm pretty sure that looking up the Broadway schedule online does not make you an expert. Plus, you don't live in NY and everything you suggested is concentrated in the Times Square area. While some of those tourist attractions are great, the city has a lot more to offer. I am definitely not an expert on NY, but I'm sure I have a better handle on it than you. Way to make a shameless grab at points.

Let's Go!

1. If you can find a hotel within your budget, you should stay in the midtown/times square area. Everything is so much easier to walk to, and you are closer to all of the thrills of times square. I would recommend staying withing 40th and 52nd St. The Convenience is all worth it (A huge plus if planning on seeing a play, easier to walk home from show late at night).

2. Yes. Yes. Yes. New York has the fastest and quickest subway service of most major cities. It is worth the money, but be conscious of over using it (Don't use it if where your going is within 10 or 15 streets.

3. There are so many hotels you can stay at, but few good ones are affordable. Personally, I have stayed at the Distrikt Hotel on 40th Street every time I am in New York. It is so close to times square, and one of the most affordable hotels in the New York area. You can look at good, reliable hotel ratings here:

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotels-g60763-New_York_...

4. John's Pizzeria is probably the best pizza in town. It also has a fantastic setting (Inside an old church). It is very Visually Appealing. If you are looking for a great casual place, The Heartland Brewery has some of the best burgers and wings i have ever had. The Bar at MoMa is also a very unique experience (I trust trip advisor for restaurants too)

5. Ok, now for my expertise, this is where I will beat Greg for best answer. Why? Because South Pacific, Les Mis, Spamalot, and Fiddler on the roof, are all NOT playing on broadway. Anyway, because you are going in August, if you act quick, you have a chance at Book of Mormon tickets. It is easily the best musical in town, and especially the hottest ticket. Because most of the spring/summer season has not come out yet, it is hard to judge, but the following are worth looking for: Nice Work if You Can Get it (Kelli O'hara, Matthew Broderick), Evita (Ricky Martin), Ghost the Musical, One Man Two Guvnors (Hilarious Play). All of these shows will be opening in spring, so you can take a look at those and more at http://broadwayworld.com/shows/shows.php.

6. Metropolitian Museum of Art, Top of the Rock, New 9.11 memorial (stunning).

Hope this was helpful!

Just my usual set of tips. Check www.mta.info for subway information. Don't go to Grand Central or the Staten Island Ferry during rush hour as thousands of commuters take the ferry and get trains to/from Grand Central going to/from work.

I went to NYC as a senior in high school for a field trip. We actually had a tour guide that drove us around. Not only did we get to learn about things we probably would have never known what it was, we also didnt have to drive in the big city :) 2 for 2!

New York is a a craphole filled with the most evil people. it has crap services and if something happens to you health wise you are doomed. The hospitals are worse than 3rd world ones.