KitchenSinkSongs.com
6 Great Budget Visits in NYC
1. Take the East River Ferry
On one of my many visits to NYC, my daughter and her boyfriend walked us to the docks and arranged for us to take the East River Ferry at dusk. We took the Orange Astoria Line from Pier 11, and disembarked at the Long Island City stop. The ferry also stopped at East 34th street, and the Brooklyn Navy yard during the 30 + minute trip.
After disembarking, we had a short walk to meet friends at a restaurant with a wonderful view of the city as the sun was setting, and as the city lights were coming alive.
The time-lapse video above is from the end of that trip. Though the journey looks bumpy due to the time-lapse, the ride was very enjoyable. We wheeled my mother-in-law’s wheelchair onto the ferry comfortably, and now have it as one of our favorite, very low-cost, NYC memories. https://www.ferry.nyc/routes-and-schedules/route/east-river/
2. Brooklyn Bridge
Many of the most famous and enjoyable sites in NYC such as the Brooklyn Bridge are outdoors, which means you must dress for walking and weather.
You will enjoy the scenic sites at dusk or evening because of the city lights, and you’ll be accompanied by pedestrians and such on the Brooklyn Bridge almost any time of day.
3. Plan for Free Days at the Museums
NYC is arguably one of the top museum destinations in the world. For the budget minded, many of the museums have either a “free day” or “pay what you wish” day.
We at KitchenSinkSongs believe that the museums are worth the entry fees or a splurge on a pass, so if you can’t be in the city on one of those “free” days, put this into your splurge column and enjoy. Meanwhile, thank you, NYC for the gift of these days for those of us who can plan.
https://www.nyc-arts.org/collections/35/free-museum-days-or-pay-what-you-wish/
4. Central Park
You can experience a lot of different things in Central Park; boating, biking, or riding in a horse-drawn carriage, for instance. You should know that biking is not as easy as you might expect because it is surprisingly hilly.
The park is expansive, so prepare to walk, but it is a pleasure to explore. One of my favorite memories was at the Boathouse restaurant before it closed, (not free, but watch for the reopening). Otherwise, people-watching, walking with a loved one, sitting on the park benches, …all free! You can sign up for the Central Park newsletter here: https://www.centralpark.com
5. Do a Walkabout
All of our favorite NYC walks cost no money. We’ve now visited NYC in all kinds of weather. NYC has plenty of opportunities for walking even in the coldest times, and can feel like air-conditioning is on during the warmer months.
We seem to add a new place each visit, and revisit some of our favorites. Pictured here are just a few that we’ve enjoyed:
Winter NYC Christmas Markets, the trees, lights, Bryant Park’s Winter village ice-skating rink, decor during the Holiday season are all beautiful. Unlike European Christmas markets, NYC’s offerings are unique.
Although the Big Buses are not free, I have found them useful when I’m accompanying someone who cannot walk the city. They offer tours all day, and the night tour is pretty. The tour also enables you to map out the city before heading back to specific places.
I decided to take a night bus tour ($69 is the current price) while waiting for my daughter to get off work, and it was spectacular.
Among other places along the Hudson River, “Little Island” located is an interesting escape with nature, art, an amphitheater, and several nice views.
The World Trade Center memorials are incredibly beautiful. Though it cost to visit some areas, many of the areas are free to explore.
During winter months, the Bryant Park Winter Village Ice rink is usually open. You’ll have to pay to skate, but not to watch. If you’re visiting during the warmer months, Bryant Park has many activities to offer.
The Rockefeller Center area is also beautiful
6. Times Square
I have mixed feelings about Times Square, but I have not been able to resist going there every time I have visited NYC except once. I’ve stayed there on more than half of my visits. I find it exciting, and I can’t stay away. As a teacher, I would make a point to bring new Times Square videos to my school students every year, because it is “that different.” Costs nothing!
These small transport cars drove up beside us as we walked around. I’ve not seen them since, but I am still a bit surprised.
Times Square 10:30 at night; always hopping.
The View from the rotating “View” restaurant at the Marriot Marquis is one of my Times Square favorites, day or night. In the daytime, the view is mapped on the napkin below. In the nighttime, the Time Square lights are the stars.
If you can’t buy a meal, go have a drink.
