Affordable Adventures in the Big Apple

Are you planning a trip to the Big Apple? Whether you're visiting in the winter, spring, or any other season, there are plenty of affordable adventures to be had in New York City. From the iconic Statue of Liberty to the bustling Broadway shows, there's something for everyone. If you're visiting in the winter, don't miss our photo guide to the 12 best places to visit in Central Park in the snow. Climb 11 floors in the old wooden elevators, explore every floor of shopping paradise, or eat at one of the many restaurants in Macy's Herald Square.

Built in 1895, the New York Library is one of the most outstanding buildings on Fifth Avenue, with ornate lion statues called Patience and Strength that flank a wide stone staircase that leads to the magnificent structure. Go to Union Square 14th Street Station and continue two blocks south on Broadway. Are you planning to visit New York in the spring? Read our guide to the 10 most important things to know about visiting New York City in April, which includes the cherry blossoms, the weather, the costs and the crowds. Head to the farthest end of Pier 17, behind the shops and bars, place your tripod facing the Brooklyn Bridge, take out your bottle of coffee and watch the sun rise behind Brooklyn.

Well, it's when the sun sets right at the end of long tunnel-shaped streets in Manhattan's east-west grid pattern. You can see through streets such as 14th, 23rd, 34th, 42nd and 54th. The Strand Bookstore is on 12th Street E., and many of the attractions in this guide to the best things to do in New York are included in the NY Sightseeing Pass. We have an exclusive 10% discount just for our readers.

Billionaire's Row is one of the most expensive residential streets in the world and is located along Central Park South. This row contains ultra-luxury residential skyscrapers in the supertall category, with some apartment buildings reaching more than 1,000 feet. Personally, we flew with Heli NY from Pier 6 in Manhattan and thoroughly enjoyed our 18-minute flight down the Hudson River. Many first-time visitors to New York take the free ferry to Staten Island to see the Statue of Liberty up close without having to pay.

Broadway and Off-Broadway shows have returned to the New York stage, which is great news for theater lovers who felt hungry during the closing. There's no better feeling in New York than witnessing the sea of lights that surrounds you from many different angles while standing high up on the city skyline. Ticket prices can be high, but if you have room to save on your travel budget, this is one of the best things you can do in New York City. We guarantee that you won't be disappointed in any of these options and that one of them may end up being your favorite activity in New York.

You can't visit New York City without taking a walk to Macy's, “the largest department store in the world”. The Statue of Liberty is probably one of America's most recognizable symbols and is a must-see for any visitor. While it's an expensive destination overall, there are tons of free and cheap things to do in New York that won't break your budget. So if you're looking for affordable activities on a shoestring travel budget, start with this list of some of our favorite free things to do in New York City.

Broadway shows are among some of the best quality on Earth so don't miss out on this opportunity during your visit! In 1776 a huge fire devastated New York and consumed its original church (as well as 25% of its entire city).

Grace Hanisch
Grace Hanisch

Extreme internet fanatic. Proud music expert. Infuriatingly humble food scholar. Lifelong tea advocate. Lifelong twitter geek. Total internet specialist.