Fun and entertainment New York (Manhattan)

Timetable

The city that never sleeps deserves its nickname! Whatever the date of your visit, you will find something to get out at any time of the day although, as you can imagine, it is after dark that serious things start to happen.hellip; Broadway shows generally offer two sessions per day, in the morning or early afternoon (called matinees) and in the evening, starting at 6 p.m.

Budget & Tips

New Yorkers go out several times a week, and whatever your budget, you'll have no trouble imitating them! Certainly, tickets for the best-known shows and concerts on Broadway or in well-known venues can easily be purchased for over US$100 per person, and the experience is often grandiose. But there's no shortage of intimate, off-the-beaten-track venues, and the performances are almost always top-notch. Push open the door of a small jazz club on a stroll through the West Village, and you might just see some virtuosos for the price of a single drink... The same goes for off-Broadway theaters, which can be full of surprises. At Comedy Clubs and certain jazz clubs, you'll often have to add two obligatory drinks to the ticket price (which is usually around US$10-15).

For those who are broke and absolutely insist on seeing The Lion King on Broadway, there are other solutions. The first is to line up at one of the three TKTS kiosks (in Times Square, South Street Seaport and Lincoln Center), which offer discounts of 25% to 75% on all Broadway and off-Broadway shows, depending on availability. It's a great deal everyone knows about, so plan to arrive before the kiosks open, and expect to wait in line for at least an hour!

The second option, little known to tourists, is to queue outside the theater where the play of your choice is playing to obtain rush tickets, often sold for as little as US$30. These are unsold tickets for the shows playing on the same day. In some cases, a handful of even cheaper tickets (from US$25) allow you to see the show standing up, behind the last row of spectators! Information on how to obtain these tickets varies from show to show, and can be found on the Playbill website(www.playbill.com). In any case, first come, first served!

The other way to get discount tickets for Broadway shows is to visit New York during Broadway Week! Thanks to this twice-yearly festival, you can buy two tickets for the price of one to a wide selection of shows. Broadway Week runs for two weeks in mid-January and early September. Tickets, which go fast, go on sale about two weeks in advance. So it's best to be quick on your feet!

Finally, the less courageous can buy tickets at reduced prices without lifting a finger, thanks to dedicated ticket resale sites: www.schooltix.com - www.bestofbroadway.com - www.stubhub.com.

To be booked

If going to a show is on your New York checklist and you don't plan on waiting in line for hours to get discounted tickets, it's imperative to make your reservation months in advance. That way you'll have more choices and get the best possible fare. This advice applies to Broadway musicals as well as to concerts in renowned venues and ballets at Lincoln Center.

Night transport

Good news, New York subways and buses are operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week! Day or night, they are perfectly safe because there are always people in the cars, late night parties or workers who get up early in the morning. From midnight onwards, the metro circulates every 20 to 30 minutes. Whatever the time of day, you will have no trouble finding a taxi, especially in Manhattan, or calling an Uber.

Age restrictions

Broadway shows are not accessible to children under 4, and some of them are clearly aimed at adult audiences, as in the case of Book of Mormon and Chicago. Conversely, musicals such as Frozen, Aladdin and The Lion King have been specially designed to appeal to younger audiences. With or without children, you'll be spoilt for choice.

Wherever alcohol is served, expect the minimum age to be 21, or 18 if there's an accompanying adult and the minor doesn't drink alcohol. This applies to bars where you can listen to jazz, and to venues where stand-up shows are performed.

What's very local

When it comes to dress code, what you wear depends on where you're going. Most of the time, your casual daytime attire will be just fine for an evening out, whether you're going to see a Broadway musical or a concert. Even at the Metropolitan Opera, you won't be refused entry if you arrive in jeans and sneakers - but you'll stand out from the other elegantly dressed patrons. An evening at the opera is the perfect opportunity to bring out your finest tuxedo or your most sparkling gala dress!

Smokers

Smoking laws in New York are strict and rather discouraging. Smoking is not allowed in any enclosed public space (with the exception of cigar bars), so you'll have to go outside if you want to light up a cigarette. Gradually, vaping laws are also getting tougher and in New York, e-cigarettes are now subject to the same restrictions as tobacco.

Tourist traps

Once again, we advise you to buy tickets for shows from street vendors, even if you are disappointed. You won’t be a winner, and if a salesman makes you believe in dreamy tickets and prizes, be sure it’s a scam.