New York City is home to dozens of world-famous attractions most visitors are eager to experience. Unfortunately, some of the most popular tourist attractions are not cheap.
While some of these are worth the admission fee, we'll lay out cheap (and even free) alternatives to help ease the financial burden of exploring NYC.
In this episode, we'll look at five familiar tourist attractions and offer alternatives for traveling on a budget. Here's what we'll cover:
- Observation Deck Alternatives
- Statue of Liberty Alternatives
- Pedicab or Horse-Drawn Carriage in Central Park Alternatives
- Broadway Show Alternatives
- Museum Alternatives
And listen to the end because we're throwing in a bonus alternative you won't find on other recommendation lists.
1- Observation Deck Alternatives
- The public library rooftop at Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library (free) on the corner of 5th Avenue and 40th Street (close to flagship NYPL location)
- Instead, take the money you'd spend on an observation deck and go to a bar with a view - 2 for 1. Some options include Manhatta, Nubeluz, Overstory, Darling, 230 5th
- Whitney Museum has beautiful rooftop views of Chelsea and lower Manhattan
- Pier 57 rooftop or Little Island (free)
- Roof of the Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met)
- Brooklyn Bridge Park (free)
- Central Park (free)
2- Statue of Liberty Alternatives
- View it from the Battery Park area (free)
- Staten Island Ferry (free)
This Episode's You'll Have to Check It Out Segment - Super Burrito
- Multiple locations in Brooklyn and a spot on Bleecker Street
- Phenomenal margaritas with fresh-squeezed lime juice
- Cozy vibe and friendly staff
- There's a live DJ, at least on the weekend
- We didn't get a burrito, but they looked (and smelled) amazing
Check out Super Burrito on Bleecker Street here.
3- Pedicab or Horse-Drawn Carriage in Central Park Alternatives
4- Broadway Show Alternatives
- Rush tickets
- Lottery tickets
- Off-broadway
- Smaller theater performance groups
- College performances like Juillard, Columbia, NYU, Fordham (in rare instances, free)
5- Museum Alternatives
- Make friends with a local who will get you in via Pay As You Wish, which gets NY, NJ & CT into many museums at low cost
- Art galleries, especially in Chelsea (free, usually). Use the free See Saw app (only on iOS)
Bonus Idea: Live Pro Sports Events Alternatives
- Go to a bar near the stadium - So many good options near MSG and Yankee Stadium specifically
- Go to a sports supporter's bar for your favorite team
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