When planning a vacation to the big city, it's easy to get swamped with things to do. You might find yourself saying, "We have to eat at the mom and pop restaurant in Brooklyn that UrbanSpoon recommends," or "Timeout says we didn't even go to New York if we don't go to the Bronx Zoo." New York is filled to the ceiling of the MetLife building with things to do, and though seeing everything there would be a dream come true, it’s just not possible when staying for a few days. A good friend from high school and I went this summer for five days. Though sounding like a lengthy trip, it flew by before we even knew it. Since we both are in college and definitely on a budget, we found the best cheap/free things to do while visiting. Below is a list of my personal favorite things we did, and what I would definitely recommend to anyone, in college or not, to do while traveling.
1.Brooklyn bridge
Under a sea of sun umbrellas, vendors, and tourists alike lies the Brooklyn Bridge. This iconic landmark is a little over one mile in length, and worth every step, in your Fitbit of course, it takes to work your way across the East River. The views are like no other: showing Wall Street’s Skyscrapers, the Statue of Liberty in the distance and Brooklyn’s riverside parks. It’s free, fabulous people watching and a perfect way to get your steps in with a view.
2. Shopping
If you are anything like me, the only kind of shopping you do is through a window or the sale rack. Luckily for me, New York City has it all. From H&M and Forever 21 in Soho to Bergdorf Goodman and Versace on Fifth Avenue, you can find a cute top for ten dollars or yourself drooling at a bag worth college tuition in the window display. Either of which are easy on the wallet and the eyes.
3.Grand Central Terminal
If you are in NYC for 24 hours or two weeks, you can’t leave the city without stepping foot in the Grand Central Terminal. Covered head to toe in marble and incredible architecture, there isn’t an inch of the train station that wasn’t perfectly designed, besides the perfectly imperfect upside down constellation on the ceiling. From the tiny rectangle of dirt left by Jackie O to show the amount of pollution once covering the ceiling of the Terminal to the Oyster House in the food court, not taking a peek is just a disservice to yourself. It is free and Jackie O helped preserve it, and who doesn’t love Jackie O and anything free!
4.Bryant Park
Right between Avenue of the Americas and Fifth Avenue lies nine acres of grassy area and trees known as Bryant Park. This park is the perfect spot for a New York bagel and a fabulous book. Find a secluded table near the public library and take a peek at everything around you. If you are there during the summer, look out for the HBO summer film series.
5.Yankees Game
Whether you are a die-hard Yankees fan or have never watched a baseball game in your life, you have to go. Buy a ticket in the nose bleeders where you can see pigeons fly, grab a coke and hot dog and experience. You will be immersed in an incredibly diverse group of human beings. From the old man from Queens with season tickets to the Italians that are visiting America for the first time, you will feel right at home. The Yankees game was the highlight of my trip, and probably the best twenty dollars I spent while visiting.
6.Chow
If you are cheap, hungry, but love to eat, aka me, finding food around NYC is the best part of the trip. On every block of the city you can find a meal for five to ten dollars. My absolute favorite places to grab a quick and yummy snack are Ess-A-Bagel, street cart food and Graso Grill. Ess-A-Bagel, located on 3rd Avenue between 50 and 51st street, has the best bagels I have ever consumed in my life. Though there is always a line out the door, walk straight to the back and order whatever kind of bagel you desire and cream cheese on the side. Same food, just without wasting 45 minutes of your day. Street cart food, though sounding a little scary, is amazing. Chicken over rice is a personal favorite. Ask for extra white sauce, but beware of the spice!!!!! Unless you have a gigantic glass of milk at your convenience, you are going to have lips that are on fire. Finally, Graso Grill. My friend and I strolled upon it while walking around Manhattan. We were starving and wanted a sandwich, and just happened to luck out on the place we came across. I had the “easy-o” containing black and pepper turkey, creamy avocado, chipotle mayo, tomato and spinach. All less than ten bucks!
7.Broadway
Every travel guide ever always recommends any visitor of the city to see a performance on Broadway. There is nothing like a theatrical performance in New York. From the singing and dancing to the costumes of every performer, it is honestly something I would recommend to anyone. Though ticket prices can equal a month’s rent, there are always ways around the price. Make your way to the TKTS ticket booth in the middle of Time Square. TKTS sells discounted tickets for day of performances. The line may seem long, but it is totally worth it. When my friend and I waited in line there was a random thunderstorm, and yet not one person left the line. We were drenched, but had half price Chicago tickets. It was totally worth it.
