If you’re ready to visit the greatest city on Earth, congratulations on making the best decision ever! Your trip to the Big Apple can be fun and cheap — just remember to wear your walking shoes, download Hop Stop on your smartphone, and come hungry. We love to feed our visitors!
Have a New York Breakfast
Resist the urge to scarf down the continental breakfast that comes with your room rate and head over to Ess-a-Bagel on Third Avenue in the low 50s. Get an everything bagel with veggie cream cheese on the side — or ask for a “shmear” if you want them to put it on for you — don’t, repeat don’t, have it toasted. And if you want to work off that bagel, try out some Central Park fitness events. Participate in an outdoor fitness class, try an hour-long power walk through the city, or use the free fitness equipment to knock out some crunches.
Go Downtown
For a little culture, no place in New York gives you a window into the past quite like the Tenement Museum. You can get there by taking the E train from Third Avenue to the B or D train, getting off at Grand Street. Prefer something a little artsier? Check out the New Museum on Bowery and grab drinks at Stanton Social or Beauty and Essex right afterward.
Eat on the Street
You could definitely hit a famous tourist trap, but why not take in the unique City ambiance by grabbing dinner at a neighborhood place with outdoor seating? All you have to do is walk northwest and head toward Greenwich Village — you’ll find something.
Hear a Little Music
Although Madison Square Garden and the Beacon Theater get pretty big acts from time to time, there’s no substitute for the classic small venue. It shouldn’t be any surprise that New York is full of them in every borough, but since you’re downtown anyway, why not head over to the Blue Note and see who’s playing? Don’t forget to check out the photos on the walls and see the legends who have graced this special stage.
Also check out the Lincoln Center Out of Doors. This free concert series features some of the most talented musicians in the world, and it’s located right next door to the opera house. That means there are tons of subways to get you there, and every cab driver in the city knows where it is. Easy!
Grab a Late Night Snack at Balthazar
For a classic New York experience, few institutions match the delicious menu and elegant charisma of Balthazar. Ready for bed instead of late night treats? No problem — just make a reservation for brunch, and come hungry.
NYC is full of local, treasured spots that are cheap and easy to find when you visit. Share your favorite places with us as you discover them!
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