New York is known for being expensive but there are ways to explore the city on the cheap. We took a 5-day trip last month and managed to take in several cultural sites without spending very much. Check out 5 cheap or free things New York style.
Shakespeare in the Park
There are several ways to get tickets for this, often sold out, Central Park gem. You have the option of standing in line in the park when tickets are released the day of, at noon, entering a digital lottery system, getting one in a borough distribution, or snagging one directly at the Public Theater. While we did happen to be taking a walk through Central Park around the time of ticket release, that line was crucial and we didn’t want to waste any exploration time just standing around. There was also a chance they’d run out of tickets before getting to us.
We decided to take our chances on entering the digital lottery, both entering with the hopes someone would luck up. You must enter prior to noon, day of the show and, if selected, you receive 2 free tickets. They’ve got to be claimed in the app within 30 minutes of acceptance and can be picked up between 5 pm and 7:30 pm, which is when they start letting you in for the show.
Nathan received a “better luck next time” email, but I was selected and we were able to see an amazing performance of Twelfth Night.
Cost: Free plus the cost of concessions, should you get them. They sold popcorn but it was also provided free on stage if you went up prior to the show starting … I don’t know if that’s for every play so do with that information as you will.
Cost: Free
Street Art
With so much to see and do, sometimes the best thing is to just take a stroll. There are so many awesome murals around the city. Just about every corner presents you with a beautiful, visual surprise with a rainbow of colors.
If statues are more your thing, and you’re trying to stay away from the hustle and bustle of the Statue of Liberty, Central Park offers some amazing sculptures like Hans Christian Anderson. If you’re trying to stick to the street, you’ll see figures like Duke Ellington and Alexander Hamilton.
Cost: Free
Experiencing Another Country without Leaving the City
Nestled in some of the boroughs are neighborhoods that will take you to other places like Chinatown and Little Italy. You can get all the culture, food, and souvenirs without the lengthy wait in a TSA line.
We spent some time in the Mahayana Buddist Temple and got some amazing Cantonese food in Chinatown. If you’re looking for a big sign to take pictures of, there isn’t one. There are string lights set up for Chinatown and Little Italy that are best seen at night, so I’d recommend going closer to sundown.
Cost: Free
Museum Days
What better way to take in lots of amazing sights and information than to go to a museum. The museums in New York are amazing and some of them can be quite expensive but there are ways to see them without spending a dime.
If you’re a New York resident, you get the option to pay what you wish at many museums and this extends to college students in NY, NJ, and CT. As an out of towner, like us, check out what museums are offering free admission on the days you’re there. Some also offer free admission during certain times of the year or day.
Cost: Free
Catch a Broadway Show
Now I can only imagine you think I’m crazy for adding Broadway to the list BUT you can see a Broadway show for as little as $10. How, Sway? The lottery system!
New York is all about that lottery life, giving savers and thrifty travelers like myself opportunities to get the most bang for their buck. You can visit each individual play website to get directly to the lottery system, which usually requires you to download an app or you can sign up on your computer. Some of them are the day of, a few hours before the play, while others let you enter a day or so before. You’re limited to 2 tickets, so it may be a bit difficult if you’re on a family trip, but the seats are usually spectacular.
While we did see Aladdin while we were there, we didn’t get so lucky on the $30 lottery tickets. I actually didn’t realize it was even an option until after we had already purchased our tickets … whoomp, whoomp.
Cost: Varies (between $10 – $42)
I’m sure there are some free things New York has to offer that I’ve missed. We didn’t really make it out of Manhattan, so what are some things in other areas that aren’t featured here?
