- New York City does not have to be an expensive destination.nyc skyline 55 image by John R. Amelia from Fotolia.com
Like most cosmopolitan cities, New York attracts visitors from all over the world who descend on the city seeking fun and adventure. A visit to the Big Apple can be costly, but there are ways to minimize the expense through careful planning. Those on a really tight budget can explore a whole array of free activities in the city without missing any of the fun. - The Public Theater gives away free tickets to performances of "Shakespeare in the Park" plays that Central Park's Delacorte Theater hosts from May until August. People preferring less lengthy shows can watch the Naked Cowboy singing in Times Square. When the summer heat becomes too intense, tourists can enjoy the air-conditioned environment of the Ed Sullivan Theater during a filming of "The Late Show With David Letterman." Free tickets for tapings are available from CBS online. Comedy fans can also line up for free tickets to "Asssscat 3000," an improvisation show that features "Saturday Night Live" cast members. The Juilliard School of Music caters to classical music lovers with regular student recitals that are free to the public.
- Many New York City museums waive admission charges during certain times of the week. As of 2010, the Jewish Museum waives admittance fees on Saturday afternoon, and the famous Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum employs a "pay what you wish" entrance policy between 5:45 p.m. and 7:45 p.m. on Saturday evening. Other museums provide free admission year-round, including the Swiss Institute and the Onassis Cultural Center, both of which display touring collections and temporary exhibits.
- A walk through the city allows tourists to take pictures of most of the famous sites without having to pay any admission fees. The Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty and Brooklyn Bridge look impressive up close or from a distance, and there are no charges for taking pictures. Times Square features a variety of shops and restaurants, and budget-conscious people enjoy simply window-shopping. The best example of fun to be had window-shopping can be found at the Toys R Us in Times Square, where a Ferris wheel occupies the entrance hall and a life-size T-Rex terrifies young shoppers.
- Alley Pond Park in Queens tempts guests with Colonial-era buildings and an adventure course that lets adults and children test their rope-climbing skills and ride a zip-line on a first-come, first-served basis. New York Outrigger provides free canoe lessons on the Hudson River, and for people wary of the water, Bike and Roll NYC lends out free bicycles for two-hour sessions in downtown. The most famous outdoor location in New York City remains Central Park, where visitors can stroll, picnic, Rollerblade or cycle at no expense.
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