Hitting the Town
You made it to New York City -- now what?
Explore our favorite neighborhoods!
Brooklyn's evolving Greenpoint neighborhood is a residential area with hipster appeal. The streets are lined with trend-setting eateries, bars and live music venues. Galleries and artist studios are found in converted warehouses. The revitalized East River waterfront has parks and new high-rises with sweeping views of midtown Manhattan.
Williamsburg is a hip neighborhood in Brooklyn that draws the young and the fashionable to its chic boutiques, trendy cafes and buzzy restaurants. Street art brightens residential thoroughfares and repurposed factories, while the waterfront provides stunning views of Manhattan and seasonal venues for outdoor concerts and food markets.
Anchored by its namesake park, Fort Greene is a family-friendly, tree-lined neighborhood of Brooklyn, home to casual eateries, hip bars and indie shops. Locals and visitors throng the Brooklyn Flea's seasonal market, performances at the Brooklyn Academy of Music and main stage events at the nearby Barclays Center.
Set against a backdrop of shipping yards and pre-Civil War warehouses in Brooklyn, Red Hook has a laid-back seaside village vibe. A mix of homey eateries and quirky bars, plus edgy art galleries and boutiques proliferate along Van Brunt Street, the main artery. Several indie distilleries and a winery offer tastings and tours.
The East Village is known for its happening nightlife. Old-school bars, music venues, and performance spaces share the streets with inventive cocktail lounges and hip restaurants. Daytime sees a more laid-back crowd browsing boutiques, vintage shops and tattoo parlors. Once the center of the city's punk scene, St. Mark's now features street food and souvenirs.
The West Village draws fashionable crowds to its designer boutiques and trendy restaurants. Quaint streets, some still cobblestoned, are lined with brownstone homes and dotted with public squares. Notable venues include the Village Vanguard jazz club and the Stonewall Inn bar. The historically arty area also boasts piano bars, cabarets and theaters.
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While we love the subway, our favorite mode of transportation (certainly in the summer months) is Citibike. Renting is a breeze, especially if you have the Lyft app, and there are plenty of docks around the city for easy access and return.
The NYC Ferry is another fabulous way to sight see, for the same price as a subway ride. Beautiful views and the wind in your hair - what could be better? Click here for routes and schedules.
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Inventive cocktails & French-inspired classics, plus small plates & brunch, served in a chic bistro.
773 Fulton Street, Brooklyn
Hip new bar & bistro with elevated but accessible cocktails. Blends French culinary traditions with American influences and a touch of Caribbean flair.
780 Washington Avenue, Brooklyn
Relaxed pub serving burgers, fried bites, tacos & wings, plus margaritas, cocktails & draft beer.
71 Lafayette Avenue, Brooklyn
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When in doubt, always go to the box office!
Many shows offer same-day rush tickets— sometimes for as little as $30. Go to the theater's box office as soon as it opens on the day of the performance to inquire. If you don’t mind being on your feet, you can also try for standing-room tickets or partial view tickets (you never miss any of the important action). To find out which shows offer rush tickets and lotteries, consult the guide at Playbill.com or at BroadwayOnABudget.com.
Additionally, most Broadway shows now conduct digital lotteries on the day before each performance—or in some cases, the actual morning of the performance. Others have drawings once a week that cover the week ahead. Check the show’s page for up to date lottery information.
If you’d rather not risk a same day ticket, house seats are a great option too. These seats are higher in price than most of the same-day options, but are a great value for money spent.
