The city of lights and noise and people-- New York City. It's a place that should be on your bucket list because of the multitude of things it has to offer. However, as an eighteen year old without much of your own money, you may be on a budget. But the beautiful thing about New York is that you can still admire it and discover it and appreciate it without having to go with a ton of cash on hand. Here's some tips and things to do if you are planning on going to New York as a mere student.
1. Central Park
Pretty obvious, but so important. Central Park is so pretty, and it's free. There may be a street show here or there, which are typically money claws, but remember that you don't have to give them your money. You can watch from a distance or not watch at all and walk along the park for hours. There's a rocky area by a pond to sit down and maybe have a picnic or just look at the skyline. Also, the Cooper Hewitt museum is a walk away and is free if you are 18 or younger. The museum is fun and interactive and shouldn't be missed if you are right by it or have the time.
2. Brooklyn Bridge
Not many people think to go here, but it's a great place for a great view of two sides of town and of the Hudson. The breeze makes it perfect for a hot day, and there are plenty of benches to sit down on and take it all in. You can also get some really good insta worthy pictures on here. :)
3. Halal Food
They sell this everywhere on the street, and it might sketch you out, but it's worth it. It costs around 10$ (Cash only), and you can get a filling and savory lunch or dinner wherever you want without having to pay big bucks at some fancy restaurant.
4. High Line
Completely free and a great place to get an awesome view and learn some history about the railroad that used to be the High Line. It's also attached to the Whitney, which is a really neat museum with different types of art on each floor. It's free if you are 18 or younger, too!
5. Free Museum Days
The MOMA has a free museum day on Friday, and the Guggenheim has a "pay as you wish" day on Saturday (which suggests 10$ but can really be whatever you want/have). Both are really cool art museums that you should definitely visit when in New York.
6. Levain bakery
Not expensive or cheap but the cookies here are to die for. They are huge and chocolatey and famous on Facebook.
7. Tkts
When in NYC, you should definitely watch a Broadway show. They can be very expensive, but if you have the patience to wait in the Tkts line in Times Square, then you are set. I suggest eating a meal before getting in the line because it can be a wait. Tkts can get you a really good seat at a really good show for a lot cheaper than the normal price.
8. Top of the Rock
Not the cheapest thing to go to but very much worth it. It's the same price as going to the top of the Empire State Building, but what's a picture of NYC without the Empire State Building in the picture? It has three observation deck levels, and the views are amazing. You can see all of the city, including Central Park and Times Square, and it's a great place to take lots of pictures. As you look over the city, it makes you kind of
nostalgic and sad that your trip has finally come to an end (if you do this last).
9. A tip: Go with a friend
You probably were planning on doing this anyway, but it's the best way to do it. Getting lost in a big city alone could get very scary, especially as it gets darker, and going with a friend makes everything ten times more fun. Also, if you're not familiar with how the subway works, it's nice to at least get lost with someone. It makes for a funny memory as opposed to if you're alone and just get frustrated. Make sure your friend is someone who is adventurous and willing to do the things you want to do, too. You're gonna be walking a lot, and you don't want a cranky friend. Going with my friend made this one of the best trips of my life.
