As near broke tourists in the Big Apple, here are things that were either recommended or that we found out about through a ubiquitous Google search. New York travel is an expensive affair, there is no doubt about it but it is also a city brimming with so much to see and do that it is easy to cut corners surprisingly in way more places than we expected. Here is a partial list of all the cheap ( or free) delights in New York we ourselves indulged in:
Broadway: Of course you must watch at least one Broadway show on a trip to New York but the tickets even on discount can be a little steep for those on tight budgets. What do you do then? Opt either for rush, student or standing room tickets. Prices start from upwards of 27$ per ticket. Check out broadwayforbrokepeople’s website for all options available. Standing room ticket involves standing first in line at least 3-4 hours before the show. Don’t be fooled, you are not done standing yet. As the ticket suggests the standing they are talking of involves standing for about three hours during the show (at the very back of the theater behind the last seats) to top all the standing you do to buy the tickets.
Go early if you don’t want to miss SRO tickets. There are very limited tickets available (about 20-30 tops). Other rush tickets are sometimes sold via lottery about two to three hours prior to the show.
We caught the brilliant Book of Mormon in standing row. With stellar performances and the hilariously brilliant screenplay, three hours went like a breeze. What we lacked in comfort we made up for in camaraderie with others standing in queue.
Statue of Liberty – Want to check out the must-see Statue of Liberty, the very symbol of NY and not cough up even a buck? Here is a cheat many tourists and New Yorkers use. Hop on the free of cost Staten Island Ferry to catch a spectacular and up close view of the grand lady. Take a subway either to Bowling Green or South Ferry to jump on to the Staten Island ferry for a free ride across New York Harbor.
The opera – Like Broadway, it is possible to get some super sweet deals with Rush tickets at the sumptuous New York Metropolitan opera. For 25$ you can catch most shows with prime seating. Tickets are usually available online on the day of the show.
Governors Island – Not only is admission to this gorgeous island and its vast estates free, so is the ferry over to Governors Island. Summer is the perfect time for a visit here and enjoy the island’s rich heritage. To get here take the Governors Island ferry from Battery Maritime building on 10 South Street. It is located right next to the Staten Island Ferry. Subways 1, 4, and R connect to the ferry terminal. Get off either at South Ferry/ Bowling Green/ Whitehall St.station depending on the subway you are using.
Shakeshack– a New York institution almost. Established in 2004 Shakeshack serves up some gastronomically delightful burgers. If you are vegetarian and are craving a burger, Shakeshack has a delectable shroom burger that goes perfectly with their local Weiss. Their frozen custard is another specialty that must be tried. Flavors change weekly.
Lists – And then if you want to experience artsy New York that a tourist would not normally be aware of, try subscribing to a list serve like NonsenseNYC. Subscribing allows you to figure out the gigs quintessentially NY that you could go to. Here is a related article in NY Times.
Greenwich Village – The bar, Off the Wagon in Greenwich Village was our find for getting high on on very little dough. On student nights you get draughts for as little as a dollar. Close to NYU, it is a magnet for students. While away the night playing beer pong with cheap beer and friendly but mildly unruly young people. And a really hot bartender who works the bar on the first floor.
New York Public Library – is one of the most beautiful libraries in the city. If not the books, it is the architecture that is its main draw. Guarded by two majestic lions, Patience and Fortitude who welcome you regally into the building, this public space hosts various exhibitions. Free one hour building walking tours through this old world space run Tuesday through Saturday at 11 am and at 2 p.m. and also at 2 p.m on Sundays.
For more information visit NYPL.
Feature image-Times Square, New York. Image courtesy – Stuart Monk / Shutterstock.com
Leave a Reply