In a previous post, we barely scratched the surface on affordable places to see and things to do in New York City. One or even two posts however, is hardly enough to cover the range of fun stuff you can do in this melting pot of a city. Which is why, we came up with a continuing list of on more inexpensive things to do in New York. Here goes-
Chicken over rice– – For chow that has been New York’s mainstay, the chicken over rice carts peppered all over New York you must check out at least once. Called “The Hallal guys”, the cart on 53rd and 6th Av especially has the reputation of being the city’s best.
For more information visit- http://thehalalguysny.com/
Wall street– Apart from the bull and Wall Street itself, there are tons of museums you can check out in the financial district including Fraunces Tavern Museum, New York Unearthed etc some of which have free admission. The World Trade memorial is just around the corner from Wall Street and passes are no longer required for entry. There is however, a charge if you want to combine the visit with Museum entry.
MOMA -Entry to the famous Museum of Modern Art is free on Monday between 4 to 8 p.m. Alternately, check out MOMA’s sister project MOMA PS1 that has in Queens a unique space devoted to contemporary art. Entry costs $5 for students and seniors and a full ticket costs $10. If you are a art aficionado buy a regular MOMA ticket. It includes a PS1 entry within 14 days of purchase. Student tickets cost $14 and general tickets are priced at $25.
For more details visit- http://momaps1.org/
Central Park– being a park, this beautiful lung space bang in the middle of the city is free at all times. Get your portrait sketched by street artists, run, tandem bike, get a drink, walk around the lake, check out the strawberry fields ( a memorial to John Lennon), marvel at the pretty Alice in Wonderland fountain and much more. Not only is it a fun way to explore, it is a perfect way to burn those extra holiday calories while on holiday. ( Also, the view of Central Park from the Top of The Rock is stunning. Tickets are priced at $ 30 for general admission)
For more visit- http://www.centralparknyc.org/
American museum of Natural History – is like the rest on the list here a must do. Adjacent to Central Park, quench your thirst for all things dinosaur for free here. A suggested donation of $22 is recommended for adults ($17 for seniors and students and $ 12.50 for children) but as it states it is not mandatory and you can visit for free if you wish or pay as you wish.
For more visit- http://www.amnh.org/
Bronx zoo– The Bronx zoo on Wednesdays is pay as you wish admission meaning you can pay what you want or just pay nothing at all. The large zoo is a fantastic way to spend sunny afternoons.
Visit- http://bronxzoo.com/
Grand Central station- This beautiful building doubles not only as a train station but also as a mall complete with restaurants, shops and even bars. Its central high blue and gold vaulted ceiling is its highlight. It is also a great place to just sit back and people watch. It has some pretty interesting hidden secrets too. If you spot someone whispering to the wall at an unmarked archway do not be surprised. Instead follow suit. Test out the grand old building’s whispering gallery. Ask a friend to hold her ear to an adjacent arch to hear your secret. To discover this and more try some of the free walking tours of the Grand Central that are on offer.
Cronuts– the unlikely but delicious combination of a croissant with a doughnut was the brilliant invention of chef Dominique Ansel. It was launched in May 2013 and continues to be a NEW York favorite.To snag one or two, it is customary for New York patrons to stand in line an hour before the bakery opens. On weekends, it is recommended that you arrive an hour and a half earlier ( Bakery opening hours Mon-Sat- 8.am. Sunday- 9.am). The cronuts retail at $5 a piece pre tax and there is a limit of 2 cronuts per person. Some controversy surrounded this delectable confection when some people tried to capitalize on its popularity and people’s lack of time. They began selling their cronuts to those who missed out for as high as a whopping $100. If anything, it goes to show how popular these little treats are. To avoid long lines, go early. Flavors change monthly.
Drunk Shakespeare– If you have some money to splurge, try splurging on almost half price tickets to Drunk Shakespeare. You can buy these ( usually priced around $ 30) at the discount Broadway ticket booth at Times Square. Shows run at different times in the evenings depending on the day. This is how the company describes itself, “ It’s like Drunk History meets Shakespeare… we’re a company of PROFESSIONAL drinkers with a serious Shakespeare problem”. At least one character drinks at least 5 shots of whiskey during a performance and show is known to take some seriously hilarious turns. It is engaging, experimental and seriously ( sometimes obnoxiously) laugh out loud funny if you know your Shakespeare well enough.
For more information and to buy regular priced tickets visit http://www.drunkshakespeare.com/
Feature Image- Grand Central station. Image Courtesy- mandritoiu / Shutterstock.com.
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