New York City is famous (and infamous) for its pricey lifestyle. This is the home, after all, to a $250 truffle burger at Beer & Buns Burger Bar, $4,600 alligator Manolo Blahniks at Barney's, and the $45,000 Ty Warner Penthouse at Four Seasons New York (hey--at least it comes with a personal butler). But, travel doesn't have to be expensive--whether you're planning a dream trip to Europe or just your BEA weekend. Inspired by Rough Guides' bestselling "On A Budget" travel guidebook series, today we're tracking down the best ways to do NYC on the cheap.
What to See and Do: Free Days at Museums & Galleries
Take advantage of the free day (or night) at many of the city's museums. The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA; 11 W. 53rd St., near 54th St.) offers free Fridays (4–8 p.m.), when they also host live music in the sculpture garden. Currently showing (through Sept. 7) is "Robert Heinecken: Object Matter, a superb retrospective on the conceptual photographer. Early risers can enjoy a quiet Saturday in the sculpture garden free of charge from 9–10:15 a.m.
High fashion isn't free, but the exhibits at New York City's leading fashion museum are. The Museum at FIT (Fashion Institute of Technology;Seventh Ave. at 27th, 212-217-4558) features free creative exhibits, including artwork by faculty and graduating students. Also, opening on June 3 is the titillating "Exposed: A History of Lingerie." If fashion's not your thing, you'llfind other museums host free events and lectures throughout the summer, including El Museo del Barrio (1230 Fifth Ave., between 104th and 105th Sts.).
If you plan to visit a variety of major sights during your stay, you'll find a number of discount passes, such as CityPASS , offering combined admission discounting.
New York Street Food
When it comes to eating and drinking, "cheap New York" is not an oxymoron. Follow your nose (and follow Twitter: @NYFoodTruck has updated info) to New York City's growing number of food trucks, like Korilla BBQ, where you can chow on Korean BBQ--including a juicy pork wrap with red kimchi--for under $8. Korilla trucks rotate around NYC, from Midtown to the Flatiron. Food trucks also often park on the streets around the Javits Center; keep an eye out.
New York is also a boon for cheap burgers. Skip the overpriced sandwiches at the Javits and instead head to a nearby Shake Shack outpost (691 Eighth Ave., near 44th St.) for burgers and a namesake shakes (the Black & White is a favorite)--they make a meal for $5 each.
Drinking on a Budget
There was a time when happy hour seemed to have gone the way of the three-martini lunch. But, happy hour is back and happier than ever, since many NYC bars continue to throw in complimentary snacks. After a long day at BEA, ease into the night over beer at the dive bar Rudy's (627 Ninth Ave., near 44th St.), which also serves free hot dogs (until they run out).
Another option for budget suds: sample made-in-Brooklyn brews on a free tour (Sat. and Sun. afternoons) of the handsome Brooklyn Brewery in Williamsburg (79 N. 11th St., Williamsburg, Brooklyn, 718-486-7422).
Outdoor Activities
You can thank BEA for picking the best time of year to host the show in New York. Spring not only brings forth blossoms and breezy temps, but also lots (and lots!) of free outdoor activities across the city parks. You know how working a BEA booth can feel like a juggling act? Work off the stress by doing the real thing. Bryant Park (behind the New York Public Library, between 40th and 42nd Sts. and Fifth and Sixth Aves.) offers free juggling lessons throughout the year (most days of week, noon–1 p.m.) at the 42nd St. Plaza. The classes are open to all skill levels, and equipment is provided. Also, kayaking season just kicked off in mid-May on the Hudson River. This may be an urban waterway, but it's ideal for kayaking, with fairly placid waters, steady breezes, and, of course, gorgeous views of the New York City skyline. The Downtown Boathouse offers classes at its three locations along the Hudson River at Pier 40, Pier 96 and 72nd Street.
Culture on the Cheap
New York heats up with free outdoor concerts and performances throughout the spring and summer. Head to the venerated Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM; 30 Lafayette Ave.), the oldest performing arts center in the country, which is hosting an excellent lineup of free spring and summer concerts, from soul to rock. Check out the jazzy Jeremiah Hosea Trio on May 30. For some old-fashioned entertainment, head to Central Park where, for many New Yorkers, summer is synonymous with free Shakespeare in the Park, presented by the Public Theater at the Delacorte Theater in the park. If you're staying around after BEA, mark your calendar for Much Ado About Nothing, which kicks off on June 3. We'll see you there.