NEW YORK FOR FREE
1.Staten Island Ferry
This ferry journey is one of the greatest deals the city of New York has to offer. You will see sweeping views of New York Harbor, the Statue of Liberty, and the glittering Manhattan skyline on its journey between Lower Manhattan and Staten Island – all to be enjoyed without paying a cent (for further details see Staten Island Ferry).
Glorious views across the water from the Staten Island Ferry
2.New York Philharmonic Concerts in the Parks
Jul–Aug • www.nyphil.orgEase yourself into the night with some soaring classical music, played in the open air during the New York Philharmonic’s annual summer concerts, which are staged in parks throughout all five of the boroughs of New York.
Philharmonic summer concert
3.Recording of TV Shows
The Late Show with David Letterman: www.cbs.com/shows/late_show • Rachael Ray: www.rachaelrayshow.comNew York City is the land of TV talk shows, from The Late Show with David Letterman to Rachael Ray. You can watch these shows being recorded for free as a member of the studio audience. Apply for tickets via the shows’ websites.
4.Downtown Boathouse Kayaks
Pier 26 & 96, Hudson River Greenway at North Moore and 54th Sts • May–Oct: 9am–5:30pm Sat, Sun, & public hols; Jul–Aug: 5–6:30pm Mon–Fri, 9am–5:30pm Sat, Sun, & public hols • www.downtownboathouse.org The Hudson River is ideal for kayaking and the Downtown Boathouse offers complimentary use of kayaks at a variety of locations on the river and Governors Island.
5.Chelsea Art Galleries
Between 10th and 11th Aves, from West 18th to West 28th Sts Saunter through Chelsea on a Thursday night, when many of the area’s formidable galleries have free art openings, along with complimentary nibbles and wine.
6.Open House New York
Runs over a weekend, October • www.ohny.comOpen House New York opens up the city’s most fascinating architectural structures, from churches to government buildings, to the public every October. Tours, talks, performances, and other special events also take place.
7.Brooklyn Brewery
79 North 11th St, Williamsburg, Brooklyn • Free tours 1–5pm Sat, 1–4pm Sun There are free tours of the handsome Brooklyn Brewery in Williamsburg on the half hour every Saturday and Sunday, when visitors can also sample some of the great brews made in Brooklyn.
Brooklyn-Brewery beer
8.New York Public Library
This stately library hosts all manner of free events, from lectures and readings to career-enhancing classes (for further details see New York Public Library).
9.El Museo del Barrio
1230 5th Ave • Free 3rd Sat of month • www.elmuseo.org Super Sábado is celebrated on the third Saturday of the month with free admission and entertainment at this colorful museum showcasing over 800 years of Latino art and culture.
10.Stand-up Comedy
307 West 26th St • Select nights free • newyork.ucbtheatre.com From Jack Benny to Woody Allen to Jerry Seinfeld, New York has a long comedy legacy, and the city continues to host regular comedy shows, many of which are free, including select nights at Upright Citizens Brigade, an improvisational and sketch comedy theater.
TOP 10 BUDGET TIPS
2.Free Museum Days
Includes Fridays at MoMA and first Saturday of the month at Brooklyn Museum. Check websites.
3.Farmers’ Markets
Try the Union Square Greenmarket for cheaper prices than at some supermarkets.
Union Square Greenmarket
4.Changing Money
Transaction fees are generally lower at ATMs than at currency exchanges.
5.Saving on Transit
Metropolitan Transportation Authority: www.mta.infoThere is a 5 per cent bonus on the $10 Pay-Per-Ride MetroCard; the 7-day one allows unlimited subway and bus rides.
7.Discount Passes to Sights
CityPass: www.citypass.com • New York Pass: www.newyorkpass.comCityPass ($114, nine days) covers 6 top sights; New York Pass covers 80 ($90, one day). Longer periods available.
8.Sale Periods
Coats are on sale in November and February, bathing suits after July 4, and everything before and after Christmas.
9.Free Happy Hour Nibbles
Many bars include snacks with a drink.
10.Discount Stores and Malls
From Century 21 to 200 outlets at Woodbury Common, an hour away (www.coachusa.com; tickets from $42).
