Hello, everyone, I am a Dive who is very happy to be attending the Newark concert in July! Hope you are also able to attend/have attended the concert nearest to you! However, for me to do this, I have to do something that I have never done before: concert tourism.
I currently live near Milwaukee, obviously nowhere close to the NYC metro area, so I absolutely have to turn this into a vacation where I fly in, book accommodation, etc. So, for anyone else who has had to travel such a long distance for a concert, how did you do it? And while we are on this topic, is anyone else traveling far for this concert, too? Perhaps more than 900 miles?
Regardless, I cannot wait to explore the NYC metro area for the first time and also enjoy seeing the girls with fellow Dives!
by Confident-Bike6927
9 Comments
I would do a lot of research.
Unlike Chicago, it looks like you’ll need to connect to the subway via bus. But all the connections are plugged into Google maps just like Chicago. Since you’re so close to Chicago are you familiar with using Google maps to navigate the public transit?
Figure out if you want to stay close to the venue and commute to the city, or stay in the city and commute to the venue.
r/asknyc will be more than willing to help.
Put together an itinerary. Map out your days.
Start out with airport, hotel, and venue. Figure out how to bounce around to each. Then what other activities are you interested in?
I usually try and find a place to stay that’s walking distance to the venue. Its convenient on the day of the show when it comes to getting there on time or if you need to drop anything off. Other than that, plan other locations you want to visit ahead of time. The distance, cost, safety, wether it’s easier to uber there or take the local transit. There’s also always free stuff to do around the city. You’re gonna have a great time.
I travelled to watch Blackpink and IVE. For Blackpink I stayed near the venue on the day of the concert (I arrived on the day but I recommend you arrive the day before) and changed hotel the next day to the city for sightseeing. I did that mainly because there’s no public transport near the venue and I didnt want to take a cab or uber after the concert
For IVE, I stayed in the city the whole time because the venue has public transport. Arrive early to the venue to soak the atmosphere and meet other fans
If you’re staying in NYC, you can take the train from Penn Station in NYC to Newark Penn station which is only one stop away. Then you would walk like a block or two to Prudential center, and same thing going back. You buy your train ticket on the NJ Transit app or in person, it’s like 6 bucks.
Groups never visit my state (VT) so we’d always have to go to Newark/NY for concerts. Personally I like staying near the venue on the day of the concert so we’d book a hotel in Newark. Then the following or prior days spend time exploring and staying in NYC. Something nice about going back to the hotel after the concert instead of traveling back to the city. But if you’re doing that it’s straightforward like Stu mentioned.
If staying in Newark, there’s a Courtyard just around the corner and a Double Tree a few blocks away. Nice interior walkway covers about two-thirds the path from Double Tree to Prudential. Those are the best for attending events at Prudential, but prices have been going up because of the concert.
NYC prices are always going to be high but you can find some deals. Subway and trains are easy to navigate, just know where you want to go and pay attention to the direction, schedule, etc. They are also good if you fly into EWR or JFK. Sometimes, you can save time with taxis/Uber/Lyft, but it’ll be more expensive. You’ll have to use one of those if you fly into LGA, regardless. Really, for all of it, you have to consider what your time is worth and how much you’re money willing to spend.
If you’re a light sleeper or don’t like much noise when you sleep, stay away from Times Square hotels. Earplugs can help if just really want to do it.
Times Square is one of those places you go, see the lights and crowd, then walk away.
Central Park is worth the walk and time. It doesn’t feel crowded even when it is.
USS Intrepid is nice.
Mets have a home game slate against the Dodgers. I’m going to a game the night before the concert.
Broadway shows are worth it.
WTC memorial is contemplative.
Just walking around the city to see the places you’ve seen through media all your life is its own adventure.
I traveled to Chicago for Blackpink with my friend. The most important thing is to get a feel for how to get around. We stayed at a hotel within walking distance to the venue. We took the bus a few times so we had to look up local transportation. We had a stop in front of the hotel. The people walking around were nice and helped us set up our passes on the phone. Super easy. I really enjoyed walking around exploring the city and I felt safe. This time around I’m traveling alone to see IVE! But I’m going to Texas lol I’ll be traveling from North Carolina.
I’ve traveled to Newark before for concerts from the west coast. Last time I stayed in Jersey City and enjoyed it. It’s a good middle ground between Newark and Manhattan, and has plenty of restaurants and shops nearby. Make sure to stay somewhere walking distance to a train line (likely PATH) if you do this. You can fly into EWR instead of to one of the New York airports too which makes it easier. Be sure to research how you’re going to get to/from places — as a last resort you can ride share anywhere, but the public transportation is so good that it’d be a shame not to save some money with it.
There isn’t too much around Prudential Center. As someone else mentioned there are close hotels if you do stay there (which I’ve done before), but it’s not a great location for going into Manhattan to sightsee since you’ll need to walk quite a few blocks to get to the train line.
Hi!!! I’m actually looking for a hotel buddy!! The double tree is the place to stay it has a tunnel that connects to the train station and it also Goes out to like a block away from the prudential! If you need a concert buddy I’ll be there! I’m always willing to make new friends!