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 no matter what your budget, you'll be able to emulate them! Certainly, tickets to the most famous shows and concerts, those held on Broadway or in famous venues, easily sell for more than US$100 per person, and the experience is often grandiose. But there is no shortage of intimate, off-the-beaten-path venues, and the performances are almost always top-notch. Drop into a small jazz club on a stroll through the West Village, and you might see some virtuosos for the price of a drink... The same goes for off-Broadway theatres, which can hold some great surprises. In comedy clubs and some jazz clubs, you often have to add two obligatory drinks to the price of the ticket (which is usually around 10-15 US$).

For those who are broke and want to see The Lion King on Broadway, there are 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 good plan known to all, so plan to arrive before the kiosks open, and expect to wait in line for at least an hour!

The second option, unknown to tourists, is to queue in front of the theatre where the play of your choice is being performed to get rush tickets, often sold for as little as US$30. These are unsold tickets for the shows that are playing that day. In some cases, a handful of even cheaper tickets (starting at US$25) allow you to see the show standing behind the last row of spectators! How to obtain these tickets varies according to the show, and information can be found on the Playbill website(www.playbill.com). In any case, first come, first served!

The other way to get discounted tickets for Broadway shows is to visit New York during Broadway Week! Thanks to this festival which takes place twice a year, it is possible to buy two tickets for the price of one on a large selection of shows. Broadway Week lasts for two weeks in mid-January and early September. The tickets, which go very quickly, are put on sale about two weeks in advance. It's best to be reactive!

Finally, the less courageous can buy tickets at a reduced price without moving a finger thanks to the websites dedicated to the resale of tickets: 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 years old, and some of them are clearly intended for adult audiences, such as Book of Mormon and Chicago. Conversely, musicals such as Frozen, Aladdin and The Lion King are designed specifically to appeal to younger children. 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 is an accompanying adult and the minor does not drink alcohol. This applies to bars where jazz is played and to venues where stand-up comedy is performed

What's very local

When it comes to dress code, what you wear depends on where you are going. Most of the time, your casual daytime attire will be fine for a night out, whether you're going to a Broadway musical or a concert. Even at the Metropolitan Opera, you won't be turned away if you arrive in jeans and sneakers - but you'll stand out from the crowd of smartly dressed patrons. An evening at the opera is a good time to bring out your best tuxedo or your most shimmering 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.