I’m often asked, is New York City expensive?
Well, yes it is, if you go for haute couture or haute cuisine. But it doesn’t have to be. In a recent trip to NYC, I focused on discovering some free or relatively inexpensive things to do.
There is a litany of guided walks that you can get on the internet which describe the various New York districts. You can download free pod casts directly to your iPhone, iPod or MP3 player. One great site is Bowery Boys and has over 50 downloadable audio tours of neighborhoods, landmarks and historical sites in and around New York City.
NYC is a great walking city. Another way is to take the fast, efficient and inexpensive Metro transit system. Like the iconic city, the transit system never sleeps. The Metro runs 24/7, 365 days of the year. If you buy a $10 pass you get a 40 cent credit. Each ride is $2.25. Note that in the summer, there is a lot of construction and some stops are diverted. But it is still a great alternative to driving or cabbing it.
So now you’re on the Metro system. Where do you go? Try these:
1. An easy way to take in the spectacular view of the Manhattan skyline is to approach it by foot along the Brooklyn Bridge. From downtown Manhattan, take the Metro’s A/C train to High Street and exit onto Cadman Plaza West in Brooklyn. You will see the foot path (and many tourists and New Yorkers) leading to the Brooklyn Bridge. As you cross the bridge into Manhattan you will have amazing views of the Statue of Liberty and the NY Harbour. Watch out for the hundreds of pedestrians, cyclists and strollers crossing the bridge at any given time of the day.
2. Central Park is a beautiful green space in the centre of Manhattan. Its 843 acres boast the Jackie Kennedy Reservoir, thirty six bridges, a zoo, a playground, and so much more. There are also some events that are free and offered through Central Park Summerstage, including plays and musical performances. Entrance to the Park is free.
3. Visit The Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) on Friday nights after 4 p.m. Entry is free, compliments of Target, the American retailer. If you have backpacks or shopping bags you will have to check them at the door (that’s free, too). Caution: It gets very crowded, so get there as close to 4 p.m. as you can.
4. On the first Saturday of each month, the Brooklyn Museum is free from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Again, this is compliments of Target and gets very crowded.
5. For a shopping extravaganza, and if you don’t mind rooting through racks upon racks of discounted designer and brand-name clothing, housewares and shoes, then Century 21 is the store for you. It is located on Cortland street near the site of the former World Trade Centre area in Lower Manhattan. I find that the new Lincoln Square location can be less daunting with the same great prices.
6. So while you’re shopping in this part of Manhattan why not visit the 9/11 Memorial? Tickets are free, however, you need to reserve in advance. Go here to reserve your tickets which guarantees you entry. Some tickets are available near the site, but there are no guarantees that you will be admitted using this method. There is a strict entry policy and your bags will be screened. Don’t bring a Swiss army knife or anything that might be construed as a weapon as you will likely be denied entry. Water is permitted.
7. While there isn’t much to do on Staten Island, take the free ferry from Battery Park and you will be pleased with the ride along the Hudson River where you can have a different perspective of the Manhattan skyline and the Statue of Liberty.
8. Take a walk along the High Line Park in the Meatpacking/Chelsea district. An obsolete railroad has been transformed into an oasis above the city for the enjoyment of visitors and locals alike. The railroad, built in the 1930s, was once used to divert dangerous freight trains from the city streets. The tracks can still be seen and have been incorporated into the landscape. One can almost conjure up images of trains transporting supplies to the factories and warehouses in the area. There are many access points to the Park, including: Gansevoort Street, West 18th Street, West 20th Street, West 26th Street, and West 28th Street. Entrance to the Park is free.
9. Free tickets to a taping of the David Letterman Show. All you need to do is go online and order your tickets. The episodes are taped in the famed Ed Sullivan Theatre on Broadway. You do have to queue in on the morning or afternoon of the taping, but you will have an opportunity to see some well-known actors and musicians. I saw Uma Thurman and Tim McGraw.
10. Discounted tickets to Broadway and off-Broadway plays are available on the day of the show at the TKTS booths in several locations in Manhattan. Click here for more information. You can also download an app for your phone.
While New York can be expensive, there’s plenty to do that doesn’t cost much or is entirely free.
This article first appeared on What's Fab Magazine on August 17, 2012
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