Cheap/free to do & see

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS can be quite expensive, in particular the Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty, and sports events...not to mention all your visits to upscale bars and restaurants. But there are so many free attractions and reasonably-priced eating and drinking alternatives, that doing your advanced research here on NYC.com will help you save a bundle!

Keep in mind some museums have free evening admission once a week (e.g. Fridays at the Whitney and Museum of Modern Art). Some museums such as the Metropolitan and the Museum of Natural History have "suggested admission" prices, meaning you can pay exactly what you want. Half-price or reduced-price theater tickets are available via TKTS booths. Sometimes the best things in life are free: Central Park, for example, with its miles of walkways, fascinating landscape, sculptures and public events is but one option.

Some other ideas: Wander around South Street Seaport; stroll along the Hudson River greenways; cross the Brooklyn Bridge by foot; walk around the Battery in Lower Manhattan and take the free Staten Island Ferry for great views of the Statue of Liberty; enjoy the gorgeous Grand Central Terminal and its cheap eats as well; schedule a tour at the Federal Reserve Bank; visit Ground Zero...all these and so many more places are free. Don't forget to check out all these free events taking place around NYC!