cheap or free things to do in nyc this weekend??

[julluvsdisney]

I have to go to nyc for a work thing this weekend. Since my dh is laid off I need to find some cheap or free things to do during my down time. Any suggestions??? tia!!

 

[njmom76]

I personally think it is fine to just people watch in NYC - times square, central park and the village. It is fun to walk around and explore Chinatown as well. Also, the public library at Bryant Park is a neat experience.

 

[deezeealum]

The weather is supposed to be decent so walk through Central Park zoo, Macy's annual flower show is going on too. Watch the skaters at Rock Center. Walk through FAO Schwartz. South Street Seaport has some great sights and often street performers. All free. Just walking around the city experiencing the energy is fantastic! Have a great trip. Also, check out groupon for any deals as well as dailycandy.com will give you some great ideas.

 

[Kristmay]

Go to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. A lot of people don't realize that the entrance fee is actually a suggested donation, so you can just hand over a dollar and go explore the museum.

 

[julluvsdisney]

wow you guys are fast! Thanks so much! So many things to add to my list! I didnt know that about the Metropolitan Museum of Art donation thing thats awesome! I also was unaware that macys is having a flower show! Thanks so much! keep em coming!!!

 

[shamrock30]

You already have some great ideas. We stumbled on the Macy's Flowershow last weekend, and thought the way they decorated the inside of the store was amazing.

If the weather is okay, walking over the Brooklyn Bridge (even if you just go halfway) is very interesting. Also, last I checked, The Frick had a suggested donation on Sunday mornings. It's my favorite NYC museum. And we love to walk around Chinatown. Even the produce looks interesting.

 

[shoney]

The musuem of natural history is also a "suggested dontation", so you could give what you want there as well.
the Staten Island Ferry is a nice ride, too. (free)

 

[linnell]

If you like theater, a lot of broadway shows have lotteries before the shows for cheap tickets (about $20, which is cheap for a bwy show) - like Wicked for example. You go to the theater a wee bit before 2 hours before curtain, put your name in, and if they pick you, you get a great seat for a cheap price.

http://www.playbill.com/celebritybu...-Rush-Lottery-and-Standing-Room-Only-Policies

 

[Sagginit]

Moma has free friday nights 4-8 every week too. the trees are starting to bloom in central park if you do decide to go to the MET you can take a walk there as well. on park ave around 60th there is an art installation of these giant metal flowers, i last saw it a few weeks ago so im not sure if it is still there, you can probably google it.

the rock is my work backyard so i love watching the ice skaters, you can go to the concourse and there are tables that are NOT at the restaurants you can sit at on the rink level and watch the skaters without having to pay for a meal. they just put out the spring plants and put water back in the fountains at the rock too. i like exploring the concourse too but some of the buildings and part of the concourse are closed on the weekends. also close by is st.patrick's, if you happen to be catholic you can sit in on mass, if not you can just stop in and marvel at the beautiful architecture. window shopping on fifth is always fun too.

last weekend i took my mum down to chinatown, little italy, and soho. we spent $11 at babycakes and i bought a laundry bag and she got hair clips. other than that we spent no money while wandering around and had a great time.

 

[julluvsdisney]

If you like theater, a lot of broadway shows have lotteries before the shows for cheap tickets (about $20, which is cheap for a bwy show) - like Wicked for example. You go to the theater a wee bit before 2 hours before curtain, put your name in, and if they pick you, you get a great seat for a cheap price.

http://www.playbill.com/celebritybu...-Rush-Lottery-and-Standing-Room-Only-Policies

Love this! THANK YOU!!!

 

[wnissen]

I would second the Staten Island Ferry, which is free and 24 hours, the Brooklyn Bridge, and the Public Library. Also consider Grand Central Station and Macy's as beautiful, historic public spaces.