BootsnAll's Travel Community

My (reorganized) present to all super-budget-conscious travelers headed to New York City, because you shouldn't have to be rich to feel like you can afford to come for a visit to this great international city. My completely subjective, mostly Manhattan-centric list of free or very cheap ways to see, stay in, or eat your way through the Big Ugly. Feel free to add your own suggestions (targeted to shoestring budgets of course)!

TO AND FROM THE AIRPORT

There are several ways to go about getting to the city from the airports, but I'm presenting the cheapest way to do it, via public transport. If you have luggage that can be carried up a flight of stairs without giving yourself a hernia, this is a good way to go. If you do have hernia-luggage, or if you're arriving in the middle of the night, it may be worth it to splurge on a yellow cab, especially if you have some travel buddies to split the fare with.

From LaGuardia

$2 for the bus, another $2 for the subway connection (unless you have a Metrocard, which gives you a free transfer bus-to-subway, subway-to-bus, or bus-to-bus). You will need $2 in coins for the bus.

Take the M60 bus, which winds through the airport. Connections to the N,W trains at 30th St. & Astoria Blvd in Queens, and the 4,5,6 train at 125th St. and Lexington (125th St. & Lex is not the safest place to be in the late night, but in the daytime it's fine).

This bus will cross upper Manhattan via 125th St. & ends on Broadway and 106th St. If you are staying at the HI Hostel on 103rd St. & Amsterdam, this bus route ends 4 blocks from there.


From JFK
Airtrain - $5, Subway - $2

Heading to Howard Beach A train stop
Take the Airtrain from any JFK terminal to the Howard Beach subway stop for $5. Alternately, you can take the B15 public bus for $2 to the same subway stop (if you've got a Metrocard you can use for the bus, you get a free transfer to the subway, otherwise you pay another $2 to get on the train). From there, you can get the A train headed into Manhattan.

or

Heading to Sutphin Blvd (Jamaica, Queens) for the E, J, Z trains
Take the Airtrain from any JFK terminal to the Jamaica subway stop for $5. From there, you can get the E headed into Manhattan (or the J or Z if that's practical) for another $2. You can also pick up the Long Island Rail Road for a faster journey into Penn Station directly from AirTrain Jamaica stop in Queens, for $12.

More on the Air Train.

For maps of the NY bus routes or subway click here.


From Newark
(courtesy of lazyjayn)Going to Newark Airport:

Option 1) take the PATH train to Newark from the World Trade Center PATH station for $2.00. Then hop the NJTransit (airtrain) train between Newark's Penn Station and the airport for $7.50.

Option 2) There is a NJTransit train from NY Penn station for $14 you can get.

Option 3) Take the Newark Liberty Airport Express bus service for $13. It runs from about 5 a.m. to 1:30 a.m. daily. It drops at Newark on the one end and various Midtown locations on the other end, including Port Authority, Penn Station, and Grand Central. If you're not sure of exactly which street corner it picks up at for Grand Central and Penn, just go to Port Authority where you can ask information and there will be an actual marked terminal the bus leaves from.

LODGING

Since I live here, I'm clueless as to where to go for a safe room for less than $100 a night, but of course they exist! Take heart. There are suggestions here and here and here and here . My casual internet research seems to show several midtown/downtown hostels with dorm beds priced around $27-$35 a night. So there you are.

You might also want to check out craigslist to try to rent someone's apartment space while they're away. Or swap apartments -- I've rented my apartment once to a couple, and swapped once with a woman in Amsterdam, both times worked out great. But, as much as you can be online arranging keys & money to strangers, try to use some common sense caution.

CHEAP EATS

Vietnamese

Delicious, cheap food in non-glam surroundings. Nha Trang has the bigger menu variety. At either place, Vietnamese coffee -- espresso w/condensed milk, is just $1.75. A huge bowl of Pho (beef noodle soup with a generous amount of fresh basil) is $5.25, while an extra large bowl is $6.25. I like the Bun dishes (rice noodles with crushed peanuts, scallions, pickled garlic and lettuce and different toppings, like beef or shrimp or spring roll), which run from $5-$7. The pork chop plate at Pho Bang will fill you up for just $4.75.

Pho Bang

157 Mott St.
Between Broome St. and Grand St.
Subways: J, M, Z, N, R, Q, 6 to Canal St. B,D, to Grand St.
http://newyork.citysearch.com/profile/7113515/new_york_...bang_restaurant.html

Nha Trang
87 Baxter St., 2 short blocks south of Canal
Subways: J, M, Z, N, R, Q, 6 to Canal St.
212-233-5948
http://newyork.citysearch.com/profile/7113305/new_york_...rang_restaurant.html


Malaysian

Nyonya
194 Grand St.
Between Mulberry and Mott Sts.
Subways: B,D to Grand St. J, M, Z, N, R, Q, 6 to Canal St.
http://newyork.citysearch.com/profile/7113356/new_york_..._cuisine_penang.html


For Weekend morning/afternoon Dim Sum

Golden Unicorn
18 East Broadway
Between Catherine and Market Streets
Closest subways are the F train to East Broadway, D or B to Grand St.
212-941-0911
http://newyork.citysearch.com/profile/7084936/new_york_...corn_restaurant.html
(The reviews are mixed, but the food is really very good.)

There's also Jing Fong, which is an experience -- a giant pink dim sum palace, complete with chandeliers and carts (Golden Unicorn has better food). Just don't examine the carpets too closely.

Jing Fong
20 Elizabeth St., south of Canal St.
Subways: J, M, Z, N, R, Q, 6 to Canal St.
Tel: 212-964-5256
http://newyork.citysearch.com/profile/7113495/new_york_...fong_restaurant.html



Chinese (for dim sum or regular meals)

Dim Sum Go-Go
This is some of the best Chinese food I've had -- not strictly traditional. The pan-fried halibut is fantastic. Unlike most Chinatown joints, it's actually a little stylish inside, if you care about that. A little more than other Chinatown places -- not cheap, but not expensive either -- expect to pay between $12-$20 for a good meal.
5 E Broadway
New York, NY 10038
(212) 732-0796
Cross Street: Chatham Square
Closest subways: F to East Broadway, D to Grand, J, M, Z at Chambers St
http://newyork.citysearch.com/profile/11443782/new_york_ny/dim_sum_go_go.html



Filipino

Elvie's Turo-Turo
"Turo-turo" is Tagalog for "point-point". Elvie's is a little cafeteria-style restaurant in the East Village, with a steam table of various Filipino dishes you choose from. For about $6 you pick one dish and get a plate of rice with it, it's $8 for 2 dishes and a plate of rice. If you want to ease into Filipino food, try one of the adobo dishes (chicken or pork cooked in soy, vinegar, and garlic), or the BBQ sticks. Dinaguan (pig's blood stew) is delicious, if you're slightly more adventurous.
214 1st Ave betw 12th and 13th Sts.
L to 1st Ave.
http://newyork.citysearch.com/profile/7098610/new_york_...vie_s_turo_turo.html



Pizza

Lombardi's -- A New York institution! Great brick-oven pizza. You might not want to go if it's just you though, no single slices, you'd have to eat a whole pie.
32 Spring St.
Betw. Mulberry and Mott Sts.
212-941-7994
Subway: 6 to Spring St., R,W to Prince St.
http://newyork.citysearch.com/profile/7108110/new_york_ny/lombardi_s.html

Or for EXCELLENT pizza by the slice or pie, calzones, zeppoles, try...
Famous Ben's Pizza of Soho
Corner of Thompson and Spring
2 blocks from C, E to Spring
Very Italian-American authentic (they even have that Palermo slice, with no cheese just tomato sauce & breadcrumbs).


Polish/Ukranian
Also 24 hr.
Veselka's
Pierogis, kielbasa, stuffed cabbage, all day breakfast. Dinners are about $11. This is a cheerful spot in the East Village, inexpensive, tasty, and open 24 hours. Which might come in handy if you find yourself stuck late at night looking for somewhere to eat.
Corner of 2nd Ave. and 9th St.
http://newyork.citysearch.com/profile/7087313/new_york_ny/veselka.html



More of a location cheap eats because if you're in the neighborhood it's hard to find something cheap ....
Cheap Eats in Soho

Mooncake Foods
28 Watts St (betw 6th Ave and Thompson St.)
(212) 219-8888
Subway: 1 to Canal St, A, C, E to Canal St.
http://newyork.citysearch.com/profile/36918398/new_york_ny/mooncake_foods.html
A variety of delicious pan-Asian options. The entire menu comes in under $10 ($7-$9 for mains) except for the daily special and one other dish priced at $15. The staff is super-nice as well.


Cubana Cafe
110 Thompson St
Cross Street: Between Prince Street and Spring Street
(212) 966-5366
Directions: C, E at Spring St; N, R at Prince St
http://newyork.citysearch.com/profile/40049694/new_york_ny/cubana_cafe.html
Plates are about $9, drinks are cheap -- sangria is $4.50, cocktails are $6. It's a little small inside, but it's cute.



Ditto on the Upper East Side. If you're looking for cheap, you're kind of screwed ....
Cheap Eats in the Upper East Side

Barking Dog Luncheonette
In essence, it's good diner food in the UES for just under $10.
1678 3rd Ave., betw 95th and 94th Sts
http://newyork.citysearch.com/review/7200850



Indian

Tiffin Wallah
127 E 28th St, just west of Lexington Ave.
So damn good. I am not Indian, but it seemed authentic to me -- they have specific regional food (Gujarati, Southern, + others). From what I understand, when you order they cook your food fresh. It's all vegetarian. If you order a thali for about $13, it will be more than you can eat. Mains are around $6-8. The lunch buffet is $6. It's also BYOB, so pop into the nearest deli if you want beer.
http://newyork.citysearch.com/profile/45215590/new_york_ny/tiffin_wallah.html
Subway: N,R, or W to 28th St.


Sonali
326 E 6TH St, betw. 1 & 2 aves
The food is just average, but it's really cheap -- the early bird special (before 7:30 pm) is $12 for an app., meal, desert and coffee/tea.


for more

Just walk down 6th Street between 1st and 2nd Aves (Little India), or head to Curry Hill (Lexington betw. 29th and 27th Sts) for a plethora of inexpensive Indian/Pakistani places.


Italian

'ino
Teeny-tiny 'ino makes delicious pressed Italian sandwiches for under $10, with some well done Italian apps available too. They have a nice wine list as well.
21 Bedford St
Between Houston Street and Downing Street
Subway: 1 to Houston
http://newyork.citysearch.com/profile/11313370/new_york_ny/ino.html

Pepe Giallo
Cheap Italian food & wine in a pleasant setting. It's not the best Italian food in the city, but it is tasty & cheap.
253 10th Ave., corner of 25th St. (Chelsea)
Subway: C,E train to 23rd St.
http://newyork.citysearch.com/review/7079367


Middle Eastern

Moustache
In East Village: 265 E 10th St, between 1st Ave. & Ave A
In West village: 90 Bedford St, off Barrow St.
http://newyork.citysearch.com/profile/7098567/new_york_ny/moustache.html
about $10 for dinner

Jerusalem Restaurant
A hole-in-the-wall/take-out place (there is a counter & 3 small tables) with tasty falafel sandwiches, cardamon tea, shwarma... Also it's open really late (from 10 a.m. - 4 a.m. everyday) if you're looking for a snack in the area late at night. Close to the International Hostel on A'dam.
2715 Broadway, between 103rd and 104th Sts.
1 train to 103rd St.


Jewish Deli

Katz' Deli
A true New York Institution.
205 E Houston St, off Ludlow (near 1st ave & ave A)
http://newyork.citysearch.com/profile/7084968/new_york_ny/katz_s_deli.html

Ess-A-Bagel
THE BEST BAGELS IN THE CITY. You can get full for very cheap, these bagels are huge and classic and just 60 cents (last time I went). The guys behind the counter are salty as well.
359 1st Ave, off 21st St.
Subway: L to 1st Ave.
or
831 3RD Ave Ste 1, betw. 51st & 50th Sts.
6 at 51st St.; E, F at Lex.-Third Aves.
http://newyork.citysearch.com/profile/11536452/new_york_ny/ess_a_bagel.html



Latino/Spanish

Cafe Con Leche
Dishes are generally $10 or under, and it's REALLY GOOD Dominican food, rice n' beans, shrimp in garlic sauce, oxtails in sauce, ropa vieja, etc. A bit small inside. The 94th St. one is a few blocks from the International Hostel.
726 Amsterdam Ave., betw. 94th and 95th Sts. (Upper West Side)
1,2,3 train to 96th St.
or
424 Amsterdam Ave, corner of 80th St.
1 train to 79th St.
http://newyork.citysearch.com/review/7171395

El Castillo De Jagua
Cheap, delicioso Dominican food. I think the hearty plates are $7 and under, if I remember right. Not much ambience.
113 Rivington St., corner Essex (Lower East Side)
F train to Delancey
http://newyork.citysearch.com/review/7084960

Jubile
corner of Nagle & Broadway (Inwood)
1 train to 200th Street
Our own BnA Omie's pick for THE BEST Dominican in the city. And since he was born n' bred in Washington Heights, worth a peep.



Soul Food

Sylvia's
Another New York institution. Sylvia's has been around for 45 years. Some friends just ate here and raved about it (I've not been so I'm going on their feedback). The moistness of their Red Velvet Cake was especially worthy of mention apparently and the staff is really nice. It's reasonably priced as well, with big portions. They do a gospel brunch on Sundays, which gets packed, so make a reservation if you plan to go then.
328 Lenox Ave, between 126th and 127th Streets (Harlem)
2, 3 train to 125th St.
http://newyork.citysearch.com/profile/7173715/new_york_...ia_s_restaurant.html


Amy Ruth's
Deeelicious food at a neighborhoody joint. Try the "Al Sharpton" (fried chicken and waffles, mmmm). And watch out, Sylvia...
113 W 116th St, between Lenox and 7th Avenues (Harlem)
2, 3 train to 116th St.
http://newyork.citysearch.com/profile/7172976/new_york_...outhern_cuisine.html



Pan Asian

Republic
All kinds of noodle & rice Pan-Asian dishes for $7-$9. It's really really loud, often crowded. I don't think there's any vegetarian dishes BTW.
37 Union Square West (just below 17th St.)
N, R, W, Q, 6, 4, 5, L to Union Square
http://newyork.citysearch.com/profile/7087519/new_york_ny/republic.html


Vegetarian/Vegan

Zen Palate
All entries in the cafe area (front part) are under $11. There's more expensive items available if you sit in the restaurant part, but none of it is outrageous. It's vegetarian heaven. I am a carnivore myself, but even I enjoy some of the items. The little Basil rolls dipped in soy, yum. There are 2 other locations, but I don't think they have the cheap cafe section.
34 Union Sq. East (on the corner of 16th St)
N, R, W, Q, 6, 4, 5, L to Union Square
http://newyork.citysearch.com/profile/11350660/new_york_ny/zen_palate.html

Moaz Vegetarian Falafel
This is part of the chain that's in Amsterdam. In the range of $5-ish, you get a pita with falafel/hummus/fried eggplant and access to the salad bar to stuff your pita. Meal deals for about $8 include fries and soda, or a salad + juice combo. There's hardly anywhere to sit and it's tiny, so you'll be taking your food away most likely.
Just up the street from Zen Palate at Union Square
Park Avenue South, between 17th and 16th Streets
N, R, W, Q, 6, 4, 5, L to Union Square

Ayurveda Cafe
This is a set menu every night -- a vegetarian thali (balanced meal) for $13 (tax included, but not the tip), which will fill you up, it's a substantial amount. You sit down and they bring you whatever the thali is that day. The food is yummy (again, I say this as a carnivore).
706 Amsterdam Ave, corner 94th Street, Upper West Side
1,2,3 to 96th St
http://newyork.citysearch.com/profile/7171436/new_york_ny/ayurveda_cafe.html

Tiffin Wallah
see "Indian" above



Snacks!

Fried Dumpling
It's 5 juicy dumplings for $1 here. mmmmm.
99 Allen St. betw Broome and Delancey
F to Delancey

Dragon Land Bakery
A typical Chinese bakery. You can get 65 cent sponge cake, or a $1 beef curry pie, or a $3 chicken sandwich, etc etc.
corner of Walker and Baxter Streets, Chinatown
(it's just south of the corner of Canal and Baxter)
6, J, M, Z, N, R, Q to Canal
http://newyork.citysearch.com/profile/44538995/new_york...gon_land_bakery.html

Doughnut Plant
Eat these so you can die happy. Damnably good. Curse you, doughnuts. Curse you.
379 Grand St., on corner of Norfolk, Lower East Side
Subway: F to Delancey, D or B to Grand St.
http://newyork.citysearch.com/profile/11643804/new_york..._doughnut_plant.html

DRINKS


Mulberry Street Bar
176 1/2 Mulberry betw. Broome & Grand, Little Italy
6 to Spring
212-226-9345

Milady's
Corner of Prince & Thompson Sts, Soho
C,E to Spring St
212-226-9340
Average drink: $5
Open 11-4 a.m.
An old-school institution in the middle of trendy Soho. Inexpensive comfort food & drinks & a pool table.
http://newyork.citysearch.com/review/7109087

Rudy's
627 9th Ave betw. 44th & 45th Sts
A, C, E to 42nd St
212-974-9169
The infamous dive with free hot dogs & cheap beer.
http://newyork.citysearch.com/review/7186492

Winnie's
104 Bayard St off White St
(212) 732-2384
Directions: 6; J, M, Z; N, R at Canal St
Karaoke is cheap, the drinks are weird, and I believe they don't care if you bring in your own food at this Chinatown dive.
http://newyork.citysearch.com/review/7113432

TAKE A WALK
The very best way to enjoy New York, in my opinion, is just to wander around and enjoy the energy and people-watching of the place. Some random items to walk around, through, and hang out in.


Central Park
I think this is one of the best resources the city has. Picnic, walk around, rent a rowboat, watch the disco roller bladers, play chess, ice-skate, join in a game of pick-up soccer, people watch....
http://www.centralparknyc.org/


Prospect Park (Brooklyn)
All of the above, in the park that Frederick Law Olmsted (also designer of Central Park), considered his masterpiece (a holla for Brrrooooklyyyyyynnnn!). And it's bordered by the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens & the Brooklyn Museum of Art on the North side.
http://www.prospectpark.org/


Brooklyn Botanic Gardens
http://www.bbg.org/
$5 admission regularly, free on Tuesdays, also free on Saturdays from 10 a.m. - noon.


Fort Tryon Park (Washington Heights/Inwood)
Ditto the picnicking, etc. Some gorgeous views to be had of the Hudson River. Also, The Cloisters (look under my museums listing) is here too.


Walk the Brooklyn Bridge
You can begin either from City Hall on the Manhattan side or in Dumbo on the Brooklyn side. It's a beautiful bridge, with Chinatown on the one side and Dumbo on the other to hang out in.


Coney Island
A little grimy, but worth checking out for the energy of the boardwalk and the fun atmosphere. Watch yourself, especially at night (I've had my digital camera + cellphone stolen from my bag here ). You can go to the beach & swim -- a lot of people do -- but I got grossed out the one time I went in the water and promptly stepped on a plastic bag floating along the bottom. It's not the cleanest beach in the world, watch out for broken glass... ok never mind don't swim there. There's also Sideshows By the Seashore, a genuine old-time freakshow (only $5!), Burlesque at the Beach every Friday at 10 during the summer with a fireworks show afterwards. Or cheer on the Brooklyn Cyclones at the seaside stadium there. Bleacher seats are $5, I believe.
Subway: F,D,B,N to Stillwell Ave (last stop)


Chinatown
(In Manhattan) Chinese/Vietnamese. My all-time favorite corner of NYC. This is the biggest Chinatown in N.America. You can spend an entire day hanging out in Chinatown, I think, eating, getting a bone-crushing back massage, shopping for Hello Kitty stickers, sipping bubble tea, etc. If you're planning on buying any typical tourist things like the I heart NY tshirts and keychains, they're probably cheaper here than anywhere else in the city (I've seen the shirts as low as 3 for $10).
Here's one resource: Explore Chinatown. They have an info kiosk on Canal and Baxter as well.
And here's an awesome article from the NY Times: "In Chinatowns, All Sojourners Can Feel Hua". It's by a Chinese-American New Yorker on what Chinatown meant to her while growing up in NYC. A nice sense of the history of Chinatowns in general and the immigrant energy of such places.
Subway: N,M,Q,R,6 to Canal; F to East Broadway; D,B to Grand


Jackson Heights/Elmhurst
(In Queens) Indian/Pakistani/Colombian/Filipino/Chinese/Korean. This is THE most diverse zip code in the United States (as told to me with pride by a Greek-Swiss friend who lives there with his Chinese wife and new baby "Jeanne-Marie". LOL) It's a really fun neighborhood. If you are looking for bhangra cds, arepas to snack on, or want to catch the newest Bollywood flick in a movie theatre ...
Subway: E,F to Roosevelt Ave; 7 to Jackson Heights


Union Square Walking Tour (free)
Call 212-460-1280 for information
This historic tour is conducted by the Union Square Partnership. They give a free 90 min. tour of the area on Saturdays at 2 p.m. (I haven't been myself, hopefully they go through the farmer's market, cause that's a great market). They meet at the Lincoln Statue on 16th St. traverse. You can just show up, no need for reservations (I had it wrong earlier).
Subway: N,R,Q,W,4,5,6,L to Union Square


Brooklyn Brewery Tour (free)
Every Saturday at 1, 2, 3 and 4 pm. No reservations required.
#1 Brewers Row
79 North 11th Street, between Wythe and Berry
718-486-7422
Subway: L to Bedford, or G to Nassau


World Trade Center site
tk

ENTERTAINMENT (YEAR ROUND)


FIRST SATURDAY AT THE BROOKLYN MUSEUM
http://www.brooklynmuseumofart.org/visit/first_saturdays.php
Take the 2/3 train to Eastern Parkway on the first Saturday night of every month for a free (suggested donations are just suggested -- they have bloody Target sponsoring them after all) evening of dancing, film, music, family activity, and gallery viewing, from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. It's perhaps the only place in New York where you can watch little kids dancing with their parents on a Saturday night while the d.j. kicks it, hipsters & oldsters of all ethnicities & orientations getting their groove on too. Pretty damn fabulous.



RIFIFI/CINEMA CLASSICS
http://www.newyorkmetro.com/listings/bar/rififi_cinema_classics/
An East Village bar that hosts regular burlesque performances as well as comedy and revival/classic/camp films. They have $3 beers on tap and the shows are inexpensive (I think all performances are $5 entrance only).



UPRIGHT CITIZENS BRIGADE
http://www.ucbtheatre.com/ny/
This theatre hosts various improv groups and quirky shows every night of the week. It's a little hit or miss, but most of the shows I've seen had me in stitches. Only UCB could produce "Showgirls: the Best Movie Ever Made! Ever!." Edgier and funnier than Broadway. Some Saturday Night Live folks, like Amy Poehler (who is one of UCB's 4 founders), sometimes perform. Most tickets are a mere $8.
Here is the NYTimes writeup on their most interesting history: "Class Clowns".
“The theater is what New York is. It’s hectic, it’s a little dirty, it’s filled with a lot of different types of shows and people, it needs a little bit of repair. It’s also a little dangerous, and exciting.” -- Amy Poehler



NUYORICAN POETS CAFE
Nuyorican's been around for 30 years. They have performances and films, but I heard about them because of their Poetry Slams. I cannot guarantee that you will not cringe with embarrassment for some of the readers, but some are amazing. Or better yet, sign up to slam yourself. Hey if you're visiting nobody in the audience knows you, right? If you can catch a night of The Moth doing a storytelling slam there, I'd recommend that highly.
Event prices range from $5 to $15.
236 East 3rd St, bewteen Avenues B and C (East Village)
http://www.nuyorican.org/



ART, MUSEUMS & GALLERIES

Most major art museums host a free (pay-what-you-wish) evening once a week, usually on Friday. The MoMA, which is otherwise a backbreaking $20, is free on Friday nights.

MoMA: Fridays 4-8 p.m.
http://www.moma.org/

Whitney: Fridays 6-9 p.m.
http://www.whitney.org/www/information/index.jsp

Guggenheim: Fridays 5:45-7:45 p.m.
http://www.guggenheim.com/visit_us/index.shtml


The 2 major museums that are always free (though they try to trick you with the type size of "suggested donation" prices into thinking otherwise) are the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the American Museum of Natural History (special shows at AMNH are ticketed). I have no shame in paying 50 cents at the MET as they have plenty of patronage (unlike smaller museums & galleries, which really struggle for funding -- don't stiff the galleries! Or the NYC waitresses for that matter!). Both are wonderful, overwhelming places.

The Cloisters in Ft. Tryon Park is affiliated with the MET, and is also on suggested donation (free). This is a really cool museum -- the composite of several medieval European monasteries -- in a beautiful location with great views of the Hudson River. The famous Unicorn Tapestries are here.

P.S.1 in Queens is now also on a suggested donation basis (even if you pay full price it's just $5). This is a great museum in a former public school building, contemporary art, and well worth a visit (it's 3 stops into Queens, so not far).

Some other free museums worth checking out:

National Musuem of the American Indian
This is an excellent museum highlighting the culture of New York's first peoples -- mostly in the past tense, but sometimes in the present.
One Bowling Green (across from Battery Park)
Subways: 4,5 to Bowling Green, 1 to South Ferry, R,W to Whitehall St., M, J, Z to Broad St.

Museum of the City of New York
New Yawk is nothing if not colorful. Some great exhibits here on aspects of this multi-faceted city of cities. It is a suggested donation basis ($9 for adults, $5 for students/seniors), so give what you can. I don't think they have quite the entrenched support that the MET does, so, you know, donate appropriately.
Subway: 6 to 103rd St; 2, 3 to Central Park North/110th St.


Galleries
Most galleries around the city are free if you fancy art, just walk around and check them out (you can look up listings for them in Time Out New York or the Village Voice or online). There is a concentration of them in Chelsea and Williamburg. Soho has some still, but it's heyday of being a cutting-edge artist's haven has given way to it's heyday as a place to buy expensive jeans at Banana Republic.

ENTERTAINMENT (SEASONAL)



COLD WEATHER

Ice skating at Bryant Park
Okay, well the admission to the rink is free and so is locker use. BUT you will have to pay $10 for the skate rental and $10 for the lock rental, however (or $7 for bag check-in). Which, if you pay for the skates and lock rental is pretty much the same price as just going to the paid skating rink in Central Park, Wollman Rink! Anyway, if you have brought your own skates and don't need to check in anything, it is free.
Open daily October 26, 2007 through mid-January, 2008
Sun - Thurs 8am - 10pm
Fri & Sat 8am - Midnight
B,D,F,V,7 to 42nd St



WARM WEATHER

Summertime greatly increases the pee smell in the subway, the whole city in fact can be hellishly hot and stink in July & August, but it also astronomically increases the cheap & free event availability. There are tons of things available in the summer that aren't in the winter.


CONCERTS

Summerstage
The most well-known & highest profile free performance series, in Central Park. This year's lineup is really impressive, including Amadou & Mariam, Antibalas, Turntables on the Hudson, Cheb i Sabbah, Pete Rock, Jean Grae, Seu Jorge, & Upright Citizens Brigade (including SNL's Amy Poehler). The only drawback is, the crowds are huge so you have to go early if you want a decent spot, & they can get crowded inside. Also, they have a weird rule about NO open beverages going in -- so if you want to bring a bottle of water, make sure it's still sealed or they'll make you drink it before going in. Glass containers are not allowed in at all.
www.summerstage.org

Celebrate Brooklyn
Although it's gotten more crowded over the past few years, this free series in Prospect Park also has an impressive lineup and is much more laid back than Summerstage. $3 suggested donation. 2006's lineup includes Toshi Reagon performing with her mother Bernice Johnson Reagon (of Sweet Honey in the Rock), Laurie Anderson, Savion Glover, Yo La Tengo, and Angelique Kidjo with Vusi Mahlasela. No glass containers allowed in (a couple empty soda bottles will easily fit a bottle of wine, BTW).
http://www.celebratebrooklyn.org/celebrate/default.asp

Martin Luther King Jr. Concert Series
Another free concert series on Monday nights at Winthrop Field, Brooklyn. Through the summer with some big names in soul, r&b, gospel, motown, reggae and hip-hop. The 2006 lineup includes Angie Stone, LL Cool J, Maxi Priest and Toots & the Maytals. Bring your own chair if you want.
Subway: 2 or 5 train to Winthrop St.
http://www.brooklynconcerts.com/mlk.html



FREE OUTDOOR MOVIES
I'm lazy, so here's about.com's listing of all the free films shown in the summer in NYC.
http://gonyc.about.com/od/summer/a/summermovies.htm

A word to the wise -- the Bryant Park series is hellish & territorial -- all the spots are taken 3 hours before the movie starts. I like the ones under the Brooklyn Bridge in Dumbo, as you get such a stunning view of the city from there & it's a lot more laid back. They also sell good food & popcorn on the premises so you don't have to schlep in your own stuff.

There's also the Historic Harlem Parks Film Festival
http://www.harlemonestop.com/event.php?id=235



SHAKESPEARE IN THE PARK
http://www.publictheater.org/view.php?mode=eventdisplay&eventid=210
Every year the Public Theater stages a free Shakespeare play (and another play) for a summertime run in Central Park. The rub is that you have to spend an ungodly amount of time in line in order to assure yourself of a ticket. They open the box office at about 1 p.m. to give away the limited # of tickets, some people get on line at 6 a.m. The best place to get your ticket is Central Park, as people turn the morning on line into a picnic in the park with their friends who also want tickets. It's awfully gross to sit for several hours on the hot smelly city sidewalk at other locations, like the Public Theatre's office on Lafayette Street.


and that brings us to....

SHAKESPEARE IN THE PARKING LOT
http://www.drillingcompany.org/nowplaying.html
I think it's pretty self-explanatory. There's no Patrick Stewart or Meryl Streep. I don't know if it's any good. But it's free. You can bring your own chair if you like. For 2006:

The Tempest
July 6 - July 22

As You Like It
July 26 - Aug 12

every Thurs-Sat at 8 p.m.
corner of Ludlow and Broome



RIVER TO RIVER FESTIVAL
http://www.rivertorivernyc.com/home.php
Another lineup of free performances along the city's riverside parks. 2006's schedule includes a July 4 Belle & Sebastian concert.



NEW YORK PHILHARMONIC IN THE PARKS
http://manhattan.about.com/od/artsandculture/a/philharmonic.htm
The NY Philharmonic plays concerts at parks in all 5 boroughs through the summer. These occasions are great if you like classical music -- or you can make the rest of the 80% who go and use it as an excuse to have a picnic, clandestinely drink wine (open containers of alcohol outdoors are illegal in the city, but the police tend to look the other way at the outdoor concerts/picnics in the park, or you can always pour your alcohol into a thermos or other innocent-looking container first) and scope out all the other New Yorkers sitting on blankets.


FREE KAYAKING ON THE HUDSON
A project of The Downtown Boathouse. You can just walk in and go kayaking for free for about a 30 minute stint. You just have to know how to swim, they provide everything else. Donations gladly accepted.

They also do 3-hr kayaking trips out to locations along the Hudson, like the Statue of Liberty. To do these, you need to a) be a strong kayaker (that Hudson River current is no joke, it's strong), b) be there by 7:45 a.m at the latest. They leave at 8 a.m. sharp. Be warned that they choose who will go on the trip by lottery -- there are often more people showing up than they can accomodate. In the height of summer it's about a 50-50 chance you will get picked.

Walk-up kayaking
Runs from May 12 to Oct 14, every weekend and holiday. There are 3 locations:
Pier 40 -- Houston St. and West Side Highway (Subway: 1 train to Houston St)
Pier 96, Clinton -- 56th St. and the West Side Highway (closest subways are 1,A,B,C,D,E to Columbus Circle, then walk 10 minutes to the river).
72nd Street Pier -- The dock is attached directly to the waterside promenade in Riverside Park, approximately at 72nd St. Take the 72nd St. stairs into the park and follow the walkway to the river. (closest subways are 1,2,3 to 72nd St, then walk 10 minutes west to the river)

3-hr excursions
Runs from June 16 to Sept 16, out of the Pier 96 location only

CLUBS AND DANCE


BASEMENT BHANGRA
One of the hottest monthly parties, a mixture of Indian dance bhangra and hip-hop. I love DJ Rekha. On 3rd Thursdays of the month at Sounds of Brazil. It doesn't really pick up steam until about 11 p.m., when there's a line down the block to get in, but for inclusion on this cheapie list, you have to go early. Between 7-8 p.m., admission is $5 and you get free mojitos. There is also a free Bhangra dance lesson at 9 p.m. Admission after 8 p.m. is $13 with a flyer, $16 without.

Here's a link to an article on her 10 years of cultural + musical pioneering in NYC's club scene, on occasion of her cd release, "Basement Bhangra". You can hear a sample on the link below. No one can stand still when she spins. But besides how fun her music is, this woman has been an activist and pioneer in so many kick-ass ways, in spearheading support for women rappers and djs in an all-male industry, in supporting the LGBT community, in raising money for South Asian + Muslim American's legal defense fund post-9/11, in purposely choosing to keep her parties affordable, in simply celebrating her Desi culture. She's an inspiration.
http://www.basementbhangra.com


BOLLYWOOD DISCO
Another DJ Rekha event, old-school Bollywood tunes spun at the Canal Room on the last Thursday of the month. For $5 entrance at this, just come before 10 p.m. It's $12 after.
http://www.sangament.com/


FREE SAMBA DANCE CLASS at SAMBA-LE
Mondays @ 6 p.m.
Come early to secure one of 20 spots in the class, which is held in a dining area of a Brazilian restaurant.
East Village, 23 Ave. A between Houston and 2nd St.
http://newyork.citysearch.com/profile/41861291/new_york_ny/samba_le.html


MIDSUMMER NIGHT SWING @ LINCOLN CENTER
You actually have to pay to get "in" to the actual dance floor, set up in the outdoors at Lincoln Plaza, but a lot of people just dance on the "outside", or people-watch. Take the 1 train to 66th Street and it's right there.
http://www.lincolncenter.org/programs/swing_home.asp?se...7E&version=&ws=&bc=2

PARADES & OTHER ONCE A YEAR EVENTS


Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival
Flushing, Queens
In August. Dragon Boat Racing.
http://www.hkdbf-ny.org/index.asp


Mermaid Parade
Coney Island, Brooklyn
In June. The fun-est, wackiest, seediest, as-yet-not-commercialized, all-things-aquatic parade in NYC.
http://www.coneyisland.com/mermaid.shtml


West Indian Day Carnival Parade
In early Sept. I've never really gone for the day to what is probably the biggest highest energy parade in the city (an estimated 2 million people go each year, so whatever you do, DON'T try to drive to it or through it). I've heard a lot of good things about this parade and how fun it is. And it's a very good opportunity to eat yourself silly on jerk chicken.
Subway: 2 to Grand Army or Franklin Ave, 3 to Grand Army Plaza or Franklin Ave or Utica Ave, 4 to Franklin Ave or Utica Ave, 5 to Franklin
http://www.wiadca.org/
http://www.jimsdeli.com/events/west-indian/


Village Halloween Parade
On Oct. 31 every year, starting at 7 pm. Dress up if you want. There are some really phenomenal costumes to be seen at this. And if you eat at a restaurant in the West Village close to the route, where you can look out the window, you will see people going to and from the parade in costume.
Starts at 6th Ave. and Broome St. and goes up to about 23rd St. along 6th Ave. You can watch it anywhere along that route.
http://www.halloween-nyc.com/index.php

YOGA, TAI CHI, MEDITATION


YOGA TO THE PEOPLE
ongoing
In a small East Village studio, this yoga center operates by a suggested donation of $10 per class. No one will force you to pay or even give you a dirty look if you don't, but do pay what you can to keep this going. If you have $10, cough it up. If you can only afford $1, no worries.
12 St. Marks Place, second floor
Phone: (917) 573-YOGA
http://www.villagevoice.com/bestof/2007/category/sports/375


(FREE) WEEKLY TAI CHI IN BRYANT PARK
Thursdays from 7:30 - 8:30 a.m, from May through August.
Taught by the Tai Chi Chuan Center, wear flat shoes or sneakers.
Bryant Park is at 42nd St. betw 5th and 6th Aves. Take the B,D,F, or V to 42nd St., or the 7 to 5th Ave.
www.taichichuancenter.org, 212-221-7333


(FREE) MONTHLY SUNSET YOGA IN BROOKLYN BRIDGE PARK
1st Wednesdays of the month at 6:30 p.m. in the summertime
Empire-Fulton Ferry State Park, New Dock St., at the East River, in Dumbo
Take the A,C to High St., or F to York St.
718-858-4708


MEDITATION CLASS WITH SHARON SALZBERG AT TIBET HOUSE
Spring and Fall
Sharon Salzberg is one of the most highly respected American Buddhist instructors. She comes to New York City twice a year to teach in the fall & spring. She specializes in Vipassana (mindfulness) meditation, and also metta (loving-kindness). She is an excellent, funny, smart, and compassionate teacher.

The classes at Tibet House have a suggested donation of $10. Please do pay the $10 if you have it -- Buddhist meditation teachers and centers are not wealthy. That being said, if you just can't pay much, be it $1 or $5, please don't let that stop you from coming to a class -- generally teachers would like everyone who is interested in learning these practices to be able to come.

Check her website for times she'll be at Tibet House. She teaches elsewhere in the city too, but I don't think those are suggested donation.

And here is Tibet House's website. They have other events going on too, and some rolling artwork shows if you want to check that out.

SHOPPING


What are you doing shopping? You're on a budget! But if you must, here's some good places for cheap stuff.

The Strand Bookstore
The famous miles of used & new discount books bookstore. You're not guaranteed what you're looking for will be there, but they have a lot of new stuff with significant discounts. Great to check out.
828 Broadway, corner of 12th St.
Subway: 4,5,6,N,R,W,Q,L to Union Square
http://newyork.citysearch.com/profile/7087848/new_york_...trand_bookstore.html

Pearl River
Formerly the department store of Chinatown, now in Soho, but still with lots of great cheap Asian stuff, like $7 chinese slippers and $7 silk covered journals or 3 for $1 Bee & Flower soaps, rice paper curtains, beautiful dishware, box teas, etc. There is also more upscale items, but lots of affordable things. Great for picking up gifts, unless you're headed back to Asia.
477 Broadway, betw Broome and Grand Sts.
212-431-4770
Subway: N,R,W to Canal Sts.
http://newyork.citysearch.com/profile/35821012/new_york...earl_river_mart.html

Stoop Sale-ing in Park Slope
From spring to fall, every Saturday & Sunday people have the New York equivalent of garage sales all over Park Slope (I'm sure it happens elsewhere in the city, but Park Slope is known for really good Stoop Sales.) Park Slope is an affluent/middle-class neighborhood, meaning you can score some really great stuff if you get lucky. I've gotten a practically brand-new space heater for $5, a copy of "Lolita" for $2, and a Flaming Lips cd for $3, to give you ideas. Clothes, cds for $1 to $3, books anywhere from 25 cents to $3 for paperbacks, furniture, old computer equipment, useless knickknacks... you get the idea. And you can bargain if you want. I'd recommend walking along 7th or 5th Avenues between Flatbush and 20th Street. Look for flyers posted on posts advertising Stoop Sales on the side streets, or look on the ground for colorful sidewalk chalk "STOOP SALE!" with arrows pointing to the nearest sale.
Take the F train to 7th Ave (9th St). Walk in either direction along 7th Ave and keep your eyes peeled for signs. There's lots of cute coffeeshops and eateries & stores if you get tired. Also Prospect Park is nearby if it's a pretty day & you want to relax.
You can also take the M,R to Union St., or 9th St., and walk one block over to try 5th Avenue as well.

Sahadi's
This is THE spot for reasonably priced Middle Eastern goods -- hummus, olives, couscous, Turkish delight, etc., as well as a plethora of other wonderful treats like gourmet jams and nuts of all kinds. It's been around for 50 years -- another New York institution.
187 Atlantic Ave
in Brooklyn
Subway: N, R, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 at Court St
http://newyork.citysearch.com/profile/7330406/brooklyn_...porting_company.html

Chinatown
As said elsewhere in the thread, Chinatown is a plethora of cheap finds, from great inexpensive meals to knockoff handbags to cheap haircuts to tourist tshirts to birthday cakes to Asian foods of all kinds, if you know where to look (hint check the freezers of the little grocery stores for things like banana leaves, frozen galangal, beef tapa, mangosteen juice). Walk around and explore. The main drags are Canal Street and Mott St. (more tourists there), and East Broadway (more locals there).

STUFF THAT DOESN'T FIT ANYWHERE ELSE

A Safe (and Free!) Ride Home for Women & Transgendered People: Right Rides
http://rightrides.org/ Call 718-964-7781 for a ride.
What a great idea. Right Rides offers a free late-night ride home on Saturday nights (Sat. midnight to 3 a.m. Sun.) for women or transgendered people. This is a free service run independently by a lesbian couple, Oraia Reid + Consuelo Ruybal in response to rising sexual assault on women in their neighborhood (Williamsburg/Greenpoint). Here's an article on Right Rides in the Gothamist. Not to scare anyone, just putting some useful info out there. Shit does happen but New York is not a dangerous city so long as you actively use your common sense.


Play Chess
If you have your own chess set and a pal, you can play at any number of outdoor parks (Washington Square, Tompkins Square, Central Park, or coffee shops). Otherwise head to the Village Chess Shop.
230 Thompson St., 1 block below Washington Sq Park
212-475-9580
A,B,C,D,E,F,V trains to West 4th St.
Open everyday 11 a.m. to midnight
$1.50 an hour to play, per person.
It's a bunch of rickety old tables with rickety plastic chess pieces. It's mostly old guys and NYU students. A nice way to pass the time when the weather is cold. They sell a smorgasbord of chess sets and strategy books as well.


Staten Island Ferry
It's a most enjoyable free ride across the NY Harbor from the Battery on Manhattan to -- guess where -- Staten Island. You get good views of lower Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty. Take the 1 train to the last stop in Manhattan -- South Ferry.


Poet's House
72 Spring Street, Second Floor (off Lafayette St)
phone: 212-431-7920
hours: Tues-Fri 11am-7pm & Sat 11am-4pm
6 train to Spring St.
Poet's House is the largest public poetry library in America (45,000 books). It's a small, pretty little library, a very pleasant place to cool your heels for a little bit if you're in the area. If you like poetry, they have a lot of hard to find chapbooks, and also films & recorded readings you can listen too. They also sponsor readings by eminent poets, usually $7 or free -- check out their calendar of events.


StoryCorps
Not exactly cheap or free, but it's so very cool I had to put it in here.
StoryCorps is an American oral history project. They are recording Americans interviewing each other in small clips and creating a large archive (7,000 interviews so far). You can participate no matter where you are, but if you are visiting NYC, they are StoryCorps booths in Grand Central and rather appropriately in the footprint of the World Trade Center (around the PATH train station area). You call ahead of time to schedule an appointment, then you come in and sit in the booth with your interviewer/interviewee for a 40 minute session. You get to keep a cd of the interview. It's not required but it's strongly requested you donate at least $10, more if you can.


Free Wifi
*Edited post: I was incorrect, you can't just walk in and use the internet. If you have a library card, you can surf for 2 30 minute sessions, but you have to show you live here.*

BUT I believe all 85 city-wide public libraries offer free Wifi. I will confirm. Here are the 5 central libraries.

• Mid-Manhattan Library (455 Fifth Avenue at 40th Street New York, New York, 10016), (212) 340-0833
• Donnell Library Center (20 West 53rd Street New York, NY 10019-6185), (212) 621-0618
• 40 Lincoln Center Plaza (New York, N.Y. 10023-7498), (212) 870-1630
• Andrew Heiskell Braille and Talking Book Library (40 West 20th Street (between 5th and 6th Avenues) New York, NY 10011-4211), 212) 206-5400
• Science, Industry and Business Library (188 Madison Avenue New York, NY 10016), (212) 592-7000

MORE RESOURCES!

Village Voice
This weekly paper has listings to events, eats, movietimes, etc. The paper version is free and is available in newstands and coffeeshops around the city. They pick some great cheap eats too -- esp. in the outer boroughs' ethnic neighborhoods.

Time Out New York
The print version is $3. A super-intensive listing of all kinds of stuff around the city. The online version has only a sliver of what the print does, but maybe it's all you need.

Citysearch
Handy online guide to NYC stuff (restaurants, clubs, stores, bars). With passionate (often completely contradictory) reviews by users. Here are their cheap eats suggestions.

L Magazine
Another NYC guide. Full disclosure: this suggestion was stolen from Urbanblitz on another thread.

Harlem One Stop
A comprehensive listing of ongoing events, art exhibits, jazz, restaurants, etc of Harlem (as well as Washington Heights and Inwood). Harlem's reputation for being "dangerous" (an overhyped reputation, I might add -- many areas are just as safe as trendier parts of New York) has always overshadowed it's reputation as a cultural hot-spot, particularly for African-American and pan-African culture.

Visit Brooklyn
Don't think I need to spell that out. Brooklyn's better than Manhattan anyway.

A Weekend in Queens
Article from the NY Times highlighting an over-looked borough with spectacular, and spectacularly cheap, food. You must watch the video.

Creative Time
A NYC arts group. Check them out to see if there are any current shows. Some of their sponsored projects are public art, like Jenny Holzer's recent text projections on buildings throughout the city, and so could be checked out while walking around. They also are the creative brain behind the beautiful Towers of Light project that projects every year on the anniversary of 9/11, 2 beams of light that project into the cosmos from the World Trade Center site. They do great work -- smart & accessible.


And a shout out to Ayun's suggestions -- those are good picks too.


Other BnA NYC threads here and here.

BnAers say....

Plunder recommends Dojo's

quote:

It's a place I have, for some reason, made a point to go to each time I'm in NYC.

Dojo Restaurant
(212) 674-9821
24 Saint Marks Pl,
New York, NY 10003-8047

This is what a web site says about it (http://www.nyc.com/restaurants/Dojo_Restaurant.54675/editorial.aspx):
"Macrobiotic, veg, Japanese and Euro-Asian meet the middle of St. Marks Place, making a happy home for students, punks, the vegan-conscious and nearly everyone else. Eat here, feel great. Cuisines: Health Food, Euro Asian, Japanese"

I've had an odd and fascinatingly eccentric conversation or two, while eating at the bar.

Sun-Thurs 11am-1am
Fri-Sat 11am-2am
Price: I am vegetarian; I pay about $13 max including tip).

To which Nerokerr says

quote:

Yeah, we ended up there one time during the meetup in Feb... someone kept warning us that the St Mark's one was grimy, and we should go to the other... but as a matter of convenience, I believe, we ended up at St. Marks... food wasn't bad, and was pretty cheap, but it's really a dirty shit hole. This coming from someone that kicks it in Detroit.

And I say

quote:

LOL. Some citysearch reviews on Dojo's for you visitors to further entertain yourselves. It really is cheap, just don't be expecting much else.

DoJo East (grungy): http://newyork.citysearch.com/review/7087549
DoJo West (slightly cleaner): http://newyork.citysearch.com/review/7109180

Bideshi recommends the Staten Island Ferry.



Offski (Rob) recommends a tip for seeing the Empire State Building

quote:

Within it's shadows, around the back on w 33rd Street, there is a bar called Jack Dempseys. When we visited, we had drink in the bar and got friendly with the barman. He then loaned us a VIP pass to the Empire State building.

The pass entitles 5 people to enter free of charge. You go straight to the front of every queue in there and even get your own lift up and down.

Unfortunately we'd already been in the Empire State building that day, but we made use of the ticket and went up to see the Manhattan skyline at night. Amazing.

And SputnikLee recommends the New York Public Library

quote:

A great freebie is the New York Library. There is a tour, but check out online first what's going on. Have fun all ye visitors so unlucky not to have been born there!

Keep them coming!