Visiting New York Summer 2019

You've probably been anticipating it for a while... visiting New York City! The Big Apple offers a lot to see, and this guide is designed to help you sort out what most consider the "must see" and "must do" activities in the city.

First things first, the weather in the summer in New York City is—in a word—hot! (Especially in the months of July and August.) Normal daily highs are in the 80s, and, can often spike into the 90s or higher. Also, be aware there is a chance of rain in any given week. Pack accordingly.

As far as cooling off in your hotel's pool... think again! Not all hotels in Manhattan offer swimming pools, in fact, they are are on the rare side. Some hotels that DO offer pools include—note this is not a complete list:

• Millennium Hilton New York Downtown (Indoor Pool)
• Dream Hotel Downtown (Outdoor)
• Sixty Les Lower East Side (Outdoor)
• The James New York SoHo (Outdoor)
• Royalton Park Avenue (Indoor/Outdoor)
• The Peninsula New York (Indoor)
• Crown Plaza Times Square (Indoor)
• The Travel Inn Hotel (Outdoor)

Secondly, like any vacation, you're visiting New York to go sightseeing, and, believe it or not one of the very best ways around town is one of the hop on/hop off tour buses available in Manhattan. These buses are specifically designed for tourists, include a guide, and, take your around the city to all the major tourist sights (not to mention saving yourself tired, aching feet!)

• Grayline offer a variety of options starting at $39 per person
• CitySightsNY also offers tours starting at $39 per person
• Big Bus New York offers tours starting at $49 per person

Now, if you plan to visit VERY popular spots such as the Statue of Liberty, it's recommended you purchase your tickets in advance, especially if you plan on climbing to the crown. Other popular attractions you may wish to pre-purchase include:

• Empire State Building
• 9/11 Memorial
• NBC Studio Tour
• The Beast

Next, you'll probably want to take in a Broadway show or two. Broadway tickets can be tricky. The most popular shows are hard to get and require an advanced purchase—sometimes months before you plan on seeing the show. The best seats for these shows always come with a premium price. For example, if you wanted to see Hamilton on July 3, 2019 at 8PM, ticket prices would be as low as $234 per person for rear balcony seats to a high of $1000 per person for premium, orchestra seats. On the other hand, if you wanted to see a show that has been running for a while such as Chicagoprices would be as low as $69.50 per person for rear balcony seats to a high of $189 per person for premium, orchestra seats (for the same date and time as "Hamilton").

There ARE discount tickets, however, be aware there are some conditions to these tickets. It is usually same day performances and your selections are usually limited to shows that have been running a while (although that isn't always the case.) One of the best, reputable discount sellers of Broadway tickets is TKTS, with booths located in Times Square, Lincoln Center, and South Street Seaport. (Tickets bought here must be done in person.) If you'd rather purchase your Broadway show tickets in advance try BroadwayBox.com they offer discount codes that you use at check-out. (They've been around for years and are reputable.)

After a day of touring and sightseeing you're going to want a good meal. Generally speaking you'll find chain restaurants such as AppleBee's in Times Square, but, you're in New York! Do you REALLY want to go to the same restaurant you can go to in your hometown? If that's what you know and are comfortable with—go for it! If, on the other hand, you want a true New York restaurant experience then do your research! Opentable.com and Yelp.com are two great places to start. You'll get reviews, a glimpse or more at the menu, and, you'll see prices or at least price ranges. (Plus, Opentable.com allows you to make reservations free of charge! Just be aware some restaurants require a credit card to hold your reservation and may charge a cancellation or no show fee.) It is recommended you call the restaurant of your choice to confirm the reservation and also to confirm any dress codes they may enforce. (And, yes, many of the best restaurants in town such as 21 Club, Le Bernardin, and Daniel do have dress codes they enforce. Don't try to argue, simply arrive in New York prepared.)

Most importantly while New York can be an intimidating city to many who visit, try not to let it overwhelm you. Take it one neighborhood at a time, and, soon you'll learn the difference between Midtown and Uptown, and using the subway just like the locals! Have fun and enjoy your New York City experience!