Although glitz, glamour and extravagance seem to epitomize New York, many of the city's most memorable experiences come without a high price tag. Fitness enthusiasts can stay active by walking to many attractions, rather than relying on taxis or the subway. Tourists also can flex their mental muscles at the city's numerous cultural and historic venues. Budget-conscious travelers can get the most of their Big Apple experience with a little planning and know-how.
Music and Dance
From subway musicians to opera divas, musical talent abounds in New York City. Visitors can find dance clubs and performances around the clock in all of New York's boroughs. From late spring to early autumn, city parks feature local and national talent at free outdoor concerts. In Manhattan, Summer Stage sponsors singers, musicians, dancers and comedians at its Central Park location at Fifth Avenue and 69th St. In lower Manhattan. The River to River Festival attracts music fans, and Brooklynites celebrate at the Prospect Park Bandshell.
Museums and Galleries
New York offers some of the world's finest museums, including the Metropolitan Museum, the Museum of Modern Art, the Cloisters Museum and the Guggenheim. Smaller galleries also display impressive private collections of paintings and sculptures. When visiting New York on a budget, savvy travellers take advantage of free or reduced-admission days, free lectures and evening rates at these and other venues. Many museums also offer discounted admission for students, seniors and children, and some require only a donation rather than a fixed entry fee.
Parks and Zoos
People flock to Manhattan's Central Park for walking, jogging, cycling or in-line skating. On the west side, Riverside Park is a haven for nature lovers and fitness enthusiasts. Visitors also take advantage of the city's outdoor offerings for families, including the Central Park Zoo, Bronx Zoo, Queens Zoo and the New York Aquarium at Brooklyn's Coney Island. Look for specials such as the aquarium's Friday afternoon "pay-what-you-wish" program, which waives regular fees. As of 2010, normal zoo rates were $10 for adults and $5 for children; aquarium fees were $13 for adults and $9 for children.
Gardens and Farms
Visitors looking for a spot of green amid the steel skyscrapers have plenty of options. In the Bronx, stroll through the New York Botanical Gardens' 50 distinctive gardens set on 250 acres. Admission is free all day on Wednesdays and from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturdays. As of 2010, grounds-only passes cost $6 for adults and $1 for children; all-access indoor passes cost $20 for adults and $8 for children. Another popular choice is the 47-acre Queens Farm Museum, which has farm buildings, a greenhouse, an orchard, an herb garden and animals. Admission is free, and hayrides are $2.
Freedom and Ferry Rides
Two must-see attractions in New York Harbor are also easy on the wallet at $12 for adults and $5 for children, round-trip, as of 2010. Hop aboard the Ellis Island Ferry to visit the historical site where many immigrants arrived. Cruise on the Liberty Island Ferry to see the the stunning 151-foot Statue of Liberty. Arrive early to avoid crowds and save money by bringing a picnic lunch. If you only have an hour, the Staten Island Ferry takes commuters and visitors on a scenic ride without stopping at Liberty or Ellis islands. Other boat companies offer longer trips, including dinner cruises up the Hudson River.
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