New York City DUers-can you give me advice?

[EstimatedProphet]

The Prophetess and I are thinking about going to NYC for the weekend of the 20th. Basically, just because I've never been, and eastern Ohio is only a few hours drive. Likely to save costs we'll stay in NJ and take the subway in, or something like that.
1) is that likely to be cheaper than trying to stay in NYC proper?
2) Likely we'll hang around Manhattan-what are the "must-sees" for a Sunday afternoon?
3) How can I find out about show tickets? Does anyone know any good all-around webpages for the shows?
4) Assuming we are able to do this, would anyone like to meet up Saturday night?

[Stephanie]

1. For shows:

www.broadway.com - or go to the listings at www.metrony.com or www.newyorktimes.com or www.nypress.com

You should spend the extra and stay in the city. There are some cheap places. Try the Gershwin Hotel or Soho Suites or look into youth hostels - I know there's one in Times Square.

[EstimatedProphet]

2. I don't think I'd qualify for a youth hostel anymore :)

but I will look into the other hotels. Thanks

[Stephanie]

4. Well I don't think it's really a "youth" hostel

My cousin stayed there and she's in her 40's. It was some kind of tourist hostel.

[Stephanie]

5. Try to see "Democracy" - just opening on B'way

There's a hotel that might be cheap - depends on the season - Chelsea Savoy Hotel.

[EstimatedProphet]

6. OK-What's it about?

I have to admit, I'd like to see Blue Man again too.

[no_hypocrisy]

8. 1/2 price + $10 theatre tickets same day performance at TKTS at 46th &

Broadway. But the more popular shows may be sold out there. Use this option with the advice in Message #1.

Believe it or not the tours on the English red double-decker buses are informational and fun.

[sir_captain]

3. Stay in the city

it'll be much less of a pain in the ass. There are some decent places (Quality Hotel comes to mind) that you can book for $100 per night. As far as the shows, what you want to do is go to the TKTS booth in the middle of about 49th and 7th avenue. They have half-price tickets day of for lots of shows. There's no telling what they'll have, though, so just go and see what you can get. They have a webpage you should google, because I don't remember what time they open...get there an hour early for the good stuff.

Go to Central Park--very pretty at the moment with the leaves changing. Other than that, I'd mainly suggest walking around rather than going to lots of tourist traps. Take a walk in the west village, maybe go to Chinatown for lunch, and just take in the sights. It's the best walking city in the country by far...

[silverpatronus]

7. NYC hotels are generally cheaper on the weekend

what with the businessmen who fill them up during the week spending their weekends at home out of the city.

[Shopaholic]

9. A friend of mine stayed at the HoJo in Times Square

Howard Johnson--she's used to staying in pretty posh hotels when she travels for business and she reported that it wasn't that bad at all. Check Expedia for deals--or if you're adventurous--check HotWire--you won't know what hotel you're getting until it's booked but I've heard friends say they've gotten great deals on really nice hotels there for far less than "rack" room rates. I love, love, love NYC. Just walking the streets is an adventure in its self. And by all means, stay in the city. I've done the NJ thing and it's a pain in the ass getting transportation in and out of the city. But the subway is the best way to get around once you're in NYC.