10 Things to Do in New York City for Under $25
by Trina on 25/06/08 at 9:44 am
New York is one of the most exciting destinations in the world, with a wealth of things to see and do for every kind of traveler. While some parts may be pricey, backpackers on a budget will find that much of this popular city can actually be experienced for under $25.
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Stay at the Jazz on Lennox Hostel (West 128th Street)
Trendy Harlem from $17 a Night. This New York hostel in the heart of the Harlem community is an ideal base from which to explore the sights and sounds of the city. A short metro ride from Manhattan, there’s also heaps of culture and history to explore on your doorstep in this energetic district famous for its poetry and music.
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Take the Subway to P.S.1 Contemporary Art Center in Long Island City
Although an affiliate of the MoMa (Museum of modern Art), P.S.1 stands out from New York’s host of museums through its radical approach to exhibitions. A former school, the corridors, classrooms and toilets are now all part of the displays of contemporary and conceptual art. It’s one of the oldest and largest non-profit organizations in the USA and they suggest a donation of just $5 to enter.
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Eat a New York Burger With All the Works
For under $6 at Blue 9 Burger on Third Avenue. A budget but quality fast-food restaurant, they use only fresh beef and hand cut the potatoes in-house for the fries. The specialties are “the blue 9 burger” - a monster of a double cheeseburger - and a mayo-based spicy mango sauce. Add classic-cut fries and a thick American milkshake if you dare!
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Drink Fresh-Squeezed Lime Margaritas
At Mole Mexican Bar & Grill on Allen Street for $5 at happy hour between 4 and 7pm every day. This family-run bar in East Houston serves authentic Mexican fare in a friendly, casual atmosphere. Indulge in cocktails or add nachos, quesadillas and guacamole (also $5 at this time) and a $3 draft beer to your order.
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See One of the World’s Largest and Most Impressive Collections of Art
At the Metropolitan Museum on Fifth Avenue. Although admission is a pricey $20 for adults, a trip to New York can’t be complete without a visit to the Met. There are more than two million works of art from classical antiquity to modern day in the permanent collection and numerous special exhibits.
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Shop at Beacon’s Closet on 11th Street
This vintage superstore in Brooklyn is a haven for unique second-hand pieces and hip shoppers. The sound system blasts indie while a fashionable crowd hunts for bargains. With tops starting from $15, there are some real deals to be had - if you have the patience to sift through their wares.
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Walk Along Broadway Towards the Rockefeller Center
A stroll down this busy thoroughfare among New York’s famous skyscrapers and frantic commuters is the perfect way to soak up a little of the city’s unique atmosphere for free.
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Browse New York’s Up-and-Coming Talent in the Chelsea Art Galleries
Located in Manhattan’s up-market West Side, Chelsea is the cultural center for New York’s art scene with around 200 galleries displaying work from both new and established artists. Venues are open Tuesday to Sunday and are free to enter.
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Dance Your Friday Night Away to the Biggest Names in Techno
At “The Bunker” at Galapagos Art Space (North Sixth Street, Brooklyn). A weekly $10 entry into one of Brooklyn’s ultra-cool cultural centers will guarantee cutting-edge electronic dance music until the early hours with the city’s trendy American Apparel and neon wearing youngsters.
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Watch a Fresh New Show
At the New York Theatre Workshop in the East Village In comparison to expensive Broadway productions, all seats at NYTW are $20 for Sunday performances and students can get a ticket at this rate at any time. But lesser prices don’t mean lesser theater - many of Broadway’s biggest hits have been seen here first
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29 Comments
Hein Marais
Jun 25th, 2008
Wonderful Article. I’ll surely try all of them when I visit New York.
IcyCucky
Jun 25th, 2008
These are good tips for New Yorkers and visitors!
cheapskate student
Jun 26th, 2008
When it comes to the Met, the $20 admission is a SUGGESTED donation. You may, if you have the stones, get in after only donating a quarter. The admissions people will treat you like scum, but they are still required to let you in.
The same goes for the Museum of Natural History… but if you want to go to the special exhibits there, you must pay full price plus the additional exhibit fair.
Kamis O'Farrell
Jun 26th, 2008
I’m in NY right now so I will be trying these suggestion soon!
bwolper
Jun 26th, 2008
Great article. I would love to see this article expanded.
Claudine
Jun 27th, 2008
I think that the suggestions are good and the article is easy to read. I actually am thinking about visiting New York before the cold weather sets in or after it passes. Somehow I don’t want to experience snow in New York.
caryn
Jun 27th, 2008
the first one about harlem needs to be corrected. it isn’t a short ride from manhattan it is part of manhattan… duh…
RJ Chamberlain
Jun 29th, 2008
Loved visiting NYC and these are some great tips for the next time I visit. Thanks a lot. I also love the way you have included things that are probably unknown to most non-New Yorkers.
Jambroch
Jun 29th, 2008
Add see a comedy show at the UCB Theater to this list! Its only five bucks, great atmosphere, cheap beer and awesome comedy.
dood
Jun 30th, 2008
Libraries are free.
Anon
Jun 30th, 2008
Harlem is a short ride to Manhattan??
Wow I never realized that Harlem was another borough until now. (Please note the sarcasm.)
But apart from that, the article is great and all true. The Bunker USED to be pretty good and attracted a nice crowd but now it has changed a little bit.
Something else is The Cottage, a Chinese restaurant on Amsterdam Avenue. With 25 dollars you can throw a feast in your stomach and they serve FREE, yes FREE wine.
Tom
Jul 1st, 2008
Smart article idea
desmonrock21
Jul 2nd, 2008
Window shopping is always FREE! lol
Andromeda
Jul 2nd, 2008
This article won a Triondy Award for week ending June 22nd. Congratulations!
Andromeda
Jul 2nd, 2008
Sorry, for week ending June 29th.
Rookie Expert
Jul 2nd, 2008
Hope i had read this article a month back, when i went to NY. Maybe the next time i should remember to check it before going there again.
Joey Pk
Jul 3rd, 2008
In case you’re wondering, Galapagos is on N. 6th and Wythe and Beacon’s Closet is on N. 11th and Wythe in the Williamsburg part of Brooklyn (Bedford stop on L train.)
Allison West
Jul 5th, 2008
Good job! It’s hard to find inexpensive things to do in NYC, nicely done!
Chris
Jul 5th, 2008
How about the Farmers Market on Union Square? That’s free and just as fun as walking down a sidewalk looking at buildings. Central Park Summer Stage concerts are free, and often very good. For a few bucks, you can see a good jazz ensemble in one of a dozen or more small cafes scattered around the Village, Soho, etc. You can watch the occasional street performer and gawk at other tourists at South Street Sea port.
Juliane Elliott
Jul 6th, 2008
I am saving this article for my next trip to the Big Apple! Thanks!
Koyin
Jul 6th, 2008
Nice article. It is great that you
can still be provided with entertainment
with little money. Nice article. Keep
up the good work.
You should take a look at my stuff
-=Koyin=-
Roxanna Hannigan
Jul 7th, 2008
This is really good! I’m going to NY in a few weeks and I’ve been writing down a list of everything I want to do and see while I’m there…a few of these were on there and a few weren’t, so thanks for the ideas!
Stephanie
Jul 15th, 2008
Hey! This a great post, totally helpful too. I thought you might want to check out UloveNY.com. It’s a pretty cool video guide site about New York and they have all kinds of information about parks, restaurants, attractions, etc. They all have a ton of Top 5 lists. Might be a helpful resource!
deanna
Jul 29th, 2008
loved reading the post and comments. My son (4 years old) and i are due to visit NY in August,can’t wait try some of these thrifty ideas - thank you!
Chung Cheng
Oct 23rd, 2008
Waller waller bing bong. Go to fitz herberts in Brighton. There’s jazz and $1.00 beers on wednesdays!!!
Emma from Brooklyn
Nov 4th, 2008
I am a native New Yorker, and this is the best list of things to do in new york, I have never seen a list that has all the essentials a real new yorker would recommend, and do themselves
Jason
Nov 7th, 2008
I grew up 16 miles north of Manhattan, and this list is as good for me, as it is for a tourist. Good job!
Susan Bennet
Jan 14th, 2009
I ate at Blue 9 Burger and the delivery boys hanging around in the restaurant, made gross sexual gestures at me while I ate. The manager did nothing. I will never go there again.
Taylor
Feb 5th, 2009
I find it very difficult to walk along Broadway towards Rockefeller Center. You walk passed it but a couple of blocks away. And Harlem is part of Manhattan. Other than that interesting and fun post
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