Subway maps, numbered streets, seas of taxis, and buildings that attempt to reach the sky make up an atmosphere all too familiar to UB's high population of New York City natives. The roar of the city that literally never sleeps is a definite culture shock in comparison to the timid streets of Lancaster, my home and quiet Buffalo suburb.
After toiling over textbooks, staying up late writing papers, and trudging my way through my first set of college exams, I decided to reward myself with a trip to New York.
I received no support for this somewhat spontaneous decision.
In fact, I was told many times by multiple people, "You're going to die."
My friends (except for the one who decided to take the risk and accompany me) and family had no faith in me.
I not only survived my first independent venture to the "Big Apple," but I also had an amazing time. Not to get down on myself, but I will say: if I managed to pull off this trip, anyone can.
This wasn't my first time in the city, and through a few years of observation I have picked up a few tips that can help ease some of the worries of a trip to the intimidating city.
If you're not working from budget, a flight from Buffalo into the city is definitely an appealing option because of the quick travel time. But – to avoid the hefty price tag, annoying security screenings, or a crammed, smelly bus – opt for Amtrak.
A round trip on the train from Buffalo to the city will run a little over $100, a price that can be knocked down if you're a "AAA" member.
The eight-to-nine-hour trip can be a little bit of a drag, but it's definitely the most comfortable and sleep-friendly traveling option.
Your first mistake in spending a weekend in New York would be actually spending a night in New York. If you're loaded, go for it. But for a girl on a budget, New Jersey was the obvious answer.
Hotels in the city are ridiculously expensive, and the cheaper options (which are still outrageous) typically don't stretch much bigger than the space allotted to the inmates at Attica Prison.
I'll be honest – I super bummed it this trip and took advantage of a free room at a relative's in Montclair. But a simple Google search can bring you to a New Jersey hotel that's walking distance from a bus route that runs into the city. The bus fare – under $10 each way – paired with a hotel outside the city is the best way to get the most for your money.
It simply isn't a trip to NYC if you don't see a Broadway show. Although, spending well over $100 on a ticket isn't an investment everyone is comfortable making, and waiting in line at TKT's booth in Times Square is a waste of precious time. The best way to snag discounted tickets is on broadwaybox.com.
I was able to score Billy Elliot tickets for $65 – a performance that was in the last weekend of the show's run.
Two huge mistakes tourists in the city make are either confining themselves to a few-block radius around Times Square or wasting gads of money on taxis.
The subway is a foreign concept to most and definitely not something Buffalo's metro prepared for me for. While I'm sure the map's letters, colors, and many squiggly lines make sense after continual use, the subway isn't something that is going to be completely comprehended in a single weekend.
However, I encourage the weary to utilize the mass transit system, especially if you have a "smart phone." There truly is an app for everything, including how to navigate the subway. Simply type in the desired destination, and the app provides idiot-proof instructions. The trains aren't anything to scoff at, and despite being asked if I wanted to buy body oil, the underground system provided smooth and cheap travel.
I was able stroll through Strawberry Fields in Central Park, drool over my dream graduate school, Columbia University, and snag a pair of "Fay-Bans" (knockoff Ray-Bans) on Canal Street thanks to the subway system.
Despite the harsh rep the city gets and all my naysayers, I had a trip that went without error. So if, as a Buffalo native, you have never taken advantage of our proximity to the city, I urge you to book your Amtrak ticket to the center of the universe. While a city swelling with a population of over 8 million is easily intimidating, it's nothing any Buffalonian can't handle.
Email: sara.dinatale@ubspectrum.com
