New York on a Budget: Free and Cheap New York City

Exploring New York can be expensive ... or wonderfully inexpensive... or even free... if you know where to go.

Here are some suggestions to get you started on a "magical mystery tour" exploration of New York on a budget.

New York on $49 a Day

The New York Daily News says: "Your key to New York City for $49 a day". Admission to 40 of New York City's best attractions: New York Pass

Free Street Theatre Shows

Stone Soup Street Theatre Has performed many types of street theatre. "... During past summers, we have performed short theatre pieces or previews of our plays during this outdoor festival of Off-Off Broadway Theatre Companies..."

The Subjective Theatre Company "...Art is not a commodity. All human beings have the ability to create. There are many who cannot afford to attend a theatrical performance; for this reason we offer free theatre. There are many who can afford to attend a theatrical performance; for this reason we offer free theatre. Culture without class structures, art without boundaries, and theatre that is available to everyone, always...." Sponsors Community Dish and Busking Bonanza "...All Bonanzas will take place in the concrete event grounds on the north side of Union Square Park (between Broadway and Park Avenue.) ...The monthly Busking Bonanza consists of a rotating group of 10-15 companies presenting 10 minutes of their current shows for free as previews."

Free Theatre Tickets by Volunteer Ushering

One way to get to see a performance for free is to volunteer to be an usher. Here are some suggestions to get you started. Just phone the theatre, ask for the House Manager, and ask if they use volunteer ushers.

Most theatres will require that you show up in advance at the box office in order to reserve your spot there as an usher. They will also tell you what to wear. Once you have made a commitment, be sure to show up. Not doing so will leave them short-handed and keep someone else from seeing the show.

Some tips: don't wait until the last minute. Apply to more than one theatre and apply well in advance.

Articles on Ushering

The "Best" Off Broadway Theatres

Ushering: The Hidden Secret of New York Theatre Going

Theatres

Blessed Unrest "... Are you good with a hammer or a paintbrush? Are you a lawyer or an accountant? Would you like to be an usher and see our next show for free? Let us know what special skills you have and how you would like to volunteer your time."

Blue Man Group lists a number of interesting sounding jobs. Phone 212-254-4370 to inquire about volunteer ushering.

Castillo Theatre: Theatre for the Whole City "... Volunteers are a driving force in all the programs of the All Stars Project, Inc. Unique volunteer and intern opportunities await you at the All Stars Project, Inc. Volunteer at the All Stars Project’s new performing arts and youth development center, a hub for creative activity, connecting people of all ages and diverse communities for the purpose of learning and growing together...."

Cherry Lane Theatre "... Ushers need to arrive one hour before show time; dress in dark conservative clothes (no jeans, sneakers); will be expected to stuff programs; aid patrons with seating; and assist in simple cleanup. If a performance is sold out, a seat for the usher cannot be guaranteed, but standing room exists. Cancellations must be made 24 hours in advance."

Danspace Project "...needs ushers. Volunteer for us and see performances for free! For more information, contact Abby Harris at ushers@danspaceproject.org or (212) 674-8112."

Japan Society "... If you are interested in volunteering at Performing Arts events, please contact Mikiko Takeuchi at mtakeuchi@japansociety.org. If you are interested in volunteering at Film events, please contact Film Department at film@japansociety.org. Volunteers assist in ushering, ticket handling, and other event-related tasks..."

Jean Cocteau Theatre email boxoffice@jeancocteaurep.org

LAByrinthe Theatre Company

Lucille Lortel Theatre "... Those who wish to see a production at the Lortel can arrange an appointment to usher by telephoning 212-924-2817 x207. Please give at least two possible dates (in case one is not available) and a contact telephone number so that the date can be confirmed. Ushers are required to report one hour before showtime and all black attire is requested. Blue jeans and/or sneakers are not acceptable. For further details or questions, you can contact the House Manager, Richard Ponce, at the above number."

New York Theatre Workshop "... Want to see a show for free? NYTW uses 5 volunteer ushers for each performance. To volunteer usher, call 212-780-9037, Monday through Friday, 10:00am to 6:00pm."

Pearl Theatre "... If you would like to usher for any of our performances, call the box office at 212-598-9802 to reserve your dates. Volunteer ushers assist the house manager before, during, and after the show, in exchange for seeing the play for free. Call in advance, as we only have 4 available usher slots for each performance!" Other volunteer positions available.

Performance Space 122 "... One of the best ways to get involved with Performance Space 122 is to volunteer. We are always looking for ushers, data entry and administrative help and much, much more. If you would like to usher, please email our House Manager at housemanager@ps122.org. If you would like to volunteer in other capacities, please contact the box office at (212) 477-5288 and they will direct you to the appropriate person. Or fax us a cover letter and copy of your resume for consideration. Our fax number is (212) 353-1315."

Playwrights Horizons ".... Playwrights Horizons enlists the services of volunteer ushers for its productions. You may be added to our ushering list by sending a note to usher@playwrightshorizons.org with "ADD TO LIST" as the subject header; provide your full name, a contact phone number, and mailing address (optional). You will then receive a confirmation e-mail with our ushering policy as well as a schedule of performances that are still open. If you don't have e-mail, you may call us at (212) 564-1235 to inquire regarding current opportunities. "

Roundabout Theatre Company "... is currently looking for... Individuals to work as House Staff/Ushers. Wednesday matinee a must. Other shifts available include Tuesday through Sunday evenings/matinees. Individuals must be customer service oriented. Neat appearance with good communication skills required."

Second Stage Theatre "... As a not-for-profit theatre, we're always in search of volunteer ushers. To join our staff for one evening and see the show for free, please contact House Manager Joshua Schleifer via e-mail at JSchleifer@SecondStageTheatre.com (include your phone number and available dates). If you do not have e-mail, call (212) 787-8302 x216... "

Signature Theatre Company "... Usher positions are available for all productions at Signature's Peter Norton Space. For more information or to reserve your spot, please call Signature's Box Office at (212) 244-7529 during box office hours (messages regarding usher inquiries will not be returned). Ushers for Signature productions are booked beginning approximately one month before the first preview.... "

Symphony Space "... Ushers... Must be very dependable, neat, interested in interacting with the general public, willing to work a changing schedule. Training is provided. Uniform to be worn on the job is theatres tee shirt which is provided at no cost; dark pants and dark shoes. Weekly schedule of 5 to 20 hours generally available, daytime and/or evening. We are particularly interested in persons available to work either Wednesday or Saturday evenings. Preference given to people interested in the performing arts. Starting wage: $6.75/hour. Interested persons should contact ADRIAN ADKINS, House Manager, at Adrian.Adkins@symphonyspace.org or call him at 212 864 1414 ext 280."

The New Group

Vineyard Theatre "... Volunteer ushers Must contact us by email.  Please send requests to housemanager@vineyardtheatre.org.

Vital Theatre Company Convenient form asks you what area you want to volunteer in.

Women's Project "... Interact with audience members and help to insure that their experience at the Women’s Project is the best it can be. See productions for free. Must have strong social skills and a passion for the theater. Send email to info@womensproject.org for further information."

York Theatre Company

Free or Assisted Ticket Programs

Brooklyn Academy of Music "... BAM's Ticket Assistance Program provides free and discounted tickets to BAM events for children and adults who could not otherwise afford them. TAP brings hundreds of people from community-based organizations to BAM events every year. To apply for TAP tickets, please fax information about your organization and a formal request on company letterhead to Dewonnie Frederick at 718.857.2021. If you have any questions, please contact Dewonnie at 718.636.4129 ext. 6 or dfrederick@bam.org "

Discounted "Student Rush" Tickets and Other Student Discount Programs

Many theatres offer last minute "student rush" tickets at great discounts. To get a ticket you need to 1) be a student with I.D. and 2) show up at the theatre at the last minute. Typically, these tickets are $15 for a $45 show. Here are some exceptional examples:

Brooklyn Academy of Music "... ake advantage of the best student deals in the city! Present a valid student ID and proof of age (25 and under) day of show for up to two tickets to our movies or performances. Subject to availability.

Movie Tickets: $7
Mon—Thurs (excluding holidays)
Enjoy daily screenings of newly released independent and foreign films, as well as BAMcinématek-- our curated series of classics, festivals, and retrospectives.

Theatre, Dance, Music Tickets: $10
Visit this page for updates on which shows from our Next Wave Season have tickets available for students. BAMdialogues are free to students! "

Lincoln Center Theater StudenTix Program $20 tickets. "All Shows, All Seats, In Advance"

Playwrights Horizons has student "flex pass" for $10 per show in 4 and 6 show increments. Also has Student Rush tickets for $15.

Symphony Space $15 student membership for numerous benefits and discounts.

Low Cost Theatre Performances

Ontological-Hysteric Theatre $5 tickets to "incubator" performances.

Vineyard Theatre Memberships "under 30" for as little as $10 per show.

Free Admission by Volunteering

In addition to developing friendships with like-minded folks, one of the perks, usually, for volunteering for a museum is free admission. Here are some weblinks to help you explore the many volunteer possibilities that await you in New York. Some of these volunteer opportunities are easy to apply for. Others are highly competitive.

American Folk Art Museum

American Museum of Natural History

Brooklyn Museum Community Committee

Intrepid Sea Air Space Museum "always seeking enthusiastic volunteers"

Louis Armstrong House "... is seeking volunteers to assist with tours, answering questions, and meeting-and-greeting visitors...."

Museum of the City of New York

Museum of Jewish Heritage

Studio Museum in Harlem

The Frick Collection

United Nations has part-time tour guide positions that pay $19 a hour. Must be fluent in English and one other language.

Wildlife Conservation Society's Zoos: Bronx Zoo, New York Aquarium, and Central Park, Queens, and Prospect Park Zoos.

Free Festival Admittance by Volunteering

FringeNYC "The New York International Fringe Festival (FringeNYC) is the largest multi-arts festival in North America, with more than 200 companies from all over the world performing for 16 days in more than 20 venues... that's a total of more than 1300 performances.... Volunteering for FringeNYC is the only way to see FREE SHOWS! There are three different short-term volunteer positions, and each of them offers a "work a shift, see a show" opportunity. For each two-hour shift you volunteer with FringeNYC, you'll receive a Volunteer Voucher - good for a ticket to any FringeNYC performance!"

Cheap NYC Dates

Best Place for a Cheap But Impressive Date  "Great Hall Balcony Bar OK, $10 is the Met's suggested admission price. So leave the power of suggestion to the tourists, fork over your $2, and lead your date up to the Great Hall Balcony Bar. Grab a cozy table, order some drinks ($3-$8 each), delve into the gratis (but delicious) crunchy munchies and let the chamber ensemble soothe you into museum tempo. Thus fortified, you will now be in the mood to wander amid 10 millennia of world culture and truly appreciate the quiet, stunning beauty of an oxblood-glazed Qing dynasty porcelain vase or a Terry Winters canvas fresh from Chelsea. (For the artistically challenged, there's always Arms and Armor or the mummies.)...."

Metropolitan Museum of Art's Great Hall Balcony Bar Friday and Saturdays... 4 to 8:30 p.m.

Best $5 Per Person Date "... Thursday nights are Harold nights at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theater—two teams of the comedy troupe's apprentices doing half-hour group improvisations on random topics, based on a set of rules invented by Second City's Del Close. The Harold is usually hilarious; it's cheap, it's intimate, and by its nature it'll give you some shared in-jokes for later... "

McSwiggin's "All The Beer You Can Drink from 16 Taps " on Wednesdays for $10.

Open Mic Nites

Parkside Lounge Open Mic Comedy 5 p.m. Saturdays See Calendar for complete listings

Poetry Slams

Bowery Poetry Club "... we think it’s time to acknowledge the Horrific Triumph of Capitalism and see if poetry, placed in an amenable circumstance, full of pleasure, music, danger, intellectual irascibility, hiphop, highbrow culture, multiculti activism, communal chutzpah, Po Mo Beatology, and the Best Coffee on the Block, can make a go of it on The Bowery....." Has many free and very low cost events and performances.

Nuyorican Poet's Cafe Friday Night Poetry Slam Also Mahogany Browne's Wednesday night Slams

New York Happy Hours and Wine Tastings

MurphGuide.com's New York Happy Hours Has links to dozens of bars and their happy hour days and specials.

NYC Bar Specials

Free Wine Tastings ".. Many Manhattan wine shops offer free wine tastings on a regular basis..."

Brewery Tours

Brooklyn Brewery Live Brewery Tours every Saturday.

Happy Hours with Free Hors d'Oeuvres or Complimentary Buffets

Alligator Lounge (Brooklyn) "... Because of the owners' sensational idea of serving free personal pizzas every night until 3:30 a.m., this unremarkable joint has turned into a loveable hangout that's a great first or last barhop stop...." Free pizza (topping $2 extra) with draft beer ($3.50 approx.). Rock Jukebox. Cozy booths. Great place for a cheap night out!

Blind Tiger Ale House May be temporarily closed. Keep checking back. Free "You Cut the Cheese" Wednesdays. Free bagel brunch on Saturdays and Sundays. Free wi-fi. Free email newsletter.

Hank's Saloon (Brooklyn Heights) on Sunday nights at 10 p.m. ... free hamburgers, hot dogs and sausages... and live country music. " For free live country in the old-school spirit... raucous Sunday-night parties, with Sean Kershaw & the New Jack Ramblers.... Food's on the house, barbecued outside on a gritty street corner...."

Parkside Lounge Free bar snacks 1 to 8 p.m.

Rodeo Bar "NYC's longest running honky tonk" Unlimited peanuts. Live music starting at 10 p.m. with no cover. "... During happy hour, drinks come with free nachos and wings."

Cheap New York Eats

New York Metro's Cheap Eats 2005

New York Metro's Cheap Streets "The Cheapest Blocks in New York"

Rocking Horse Cafe Affordable lunch menu... contemporary mexican...

Sukhadia's Gokul All you can eat vegetarian Indian buffet $9.99

Hell's Kitchen

Hell's Kitchen Lunch entree's from $9 to $15

Vnyl Breakfast Brunch Lunch Dinner "American Thai" Mixed field greens with salmon $9.75, Grilled portobello salad with goat cheese, roasted peppers, arugula $6.75 Thurs, Fri, Sat to 1 a.m. 9th Ave between 50th and 51st.

Xing Contemporary Chinese cuisine. Vegetable dishes at dinner $8 Seared tuna salad $12

Best NYC Brunch

Libation Saturday and Sundays Brunch $15 includes 3 drinks: choice of Mimosas, Bloody Mary's, Screwdrivers, or Cesars. Vanilla Bean French Toast with seasonal fruit, Waffles with fresh berry compote, Pancakes with apples, raisins and walnuts, or Fruit, Granola and Yogurt.

Dining at Museums

New York Historical Society
History Buffet Sandwiches, Salads & Pastries catered by Eli Zabar
Tuesday - Sunday: 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

FREE New York Entertainment

Tickets to NY Television Tapings 

List of Free TV Shows Taped in NY

Free Gallery Openings with Receptions "... A gallery exhibition opening is a perfect place to start your New York evening: have a glass of wine, enjoy a small art discussion with a person looking at a same painting, say "hi" to somebody you know (or don't know), and be on your way to do something else... or stay if you choose to do so...."

Free Festivals and Street Fairs

NYC Guide: Things to Do That Are Free

Upright Citizen's Brigade Theatre School Night "... a weekly showcase for new and experimental material from New York's top improv, sketch, and stand-up performers." Admission is free.

New York Convention and Visitor's Bureau often has discounts and freebies advertised.

Shakespeare in the Park "... Since 1962, The Public Theater has staged productions of Shakespeare in the Park at the Delacorte Theater in Central Park. These performances are offered free of charge and are seen by approximately 80,000 New Yorkers and visitors each summer. In fact, since its inception over 80 free productions have been presented and have been seen by more than 4 million people...."

Cheap and Inexpensive NYC for Kids

List by GoCityKids.com

Louis Armstrong "Pops is Tops" concerts for kids "...Every spring children from Louis's neighborhood enjoy a live jazz concert at the Louis Armstrong House. The concerts typically take place in the last week in May or the first week in June...."

Museum of Modern Art's A Closer Look for Kids Saturdays and Sundays, January –May, 10:30–11:30 a.m. Tickets are distributed at 10 a.m.. Admission is free on a first come, first served basis.

Museum of Modern Art's Tour for Teens Saturdays and Sundays, January –April, 10:30–12:30 a.m. Admission is free on a first come, first served basis. Must be applied for by mail.

Primary Stages Free Student Matinees

Cheap New York Music and New York Jazz Venues

"Starry Nights continues at the American Museum of Natural History's Rose Center for Earth and Space with sizzling live jazz in one of the most spectacular settings in New York. Visitors to Starry Nights, which is presented the first Friday of every month, can also enjoy mouthwatering tapas and wine and other beverages.... Performances are 6:00 – 7:00 and 7:30 – 8:30 p.m".

Inexpensive Jazz Joint

SonicVision... "is a trip out of this world and into the minds of the universe’s most creative musical artists and digital animators, set to a soundtrack featuring today’s coolest music.... SonicVision takes audiences in the Hayden Planetarium Space Theater on a mind-warping musical roller-coaster ride through fantastical dreamspace. With a mix by Moby and featuring tracks from Radiohead, U2, David Bowie, Coldplay, Queens of the Stone Age, Prodigy, The Flaming Lips, Fischerspooner, Spiritualized, Audioslave, Stereolab, Boards of Canada, David Byrne and Brian Eno, Goldfrapp, Zwan, White Zombie, and Moby, the music ignites this one-of-a-kind computer-generated musical and visual experience, which uses next-generation digital technology to illuminate the Planetarium's dome with a dazzling morphing of colorful visions.... And now, for a limited time only, you can bring a friend free on Fridays and Saturdays! For a limited time, just print out the coupon at left and give your friend a totally unique experience for free. Offer applies to Friday and Saturday night showtimes only. Not valid for online or phone orders."

Printable Coupon for Museum of Natural History's SonicVision "2 for 1" deal

Jazz88FM "World's Premier Jazz Station" streaming online.

List of NYC Jazz venues... with some prices. Some jazz clubs have no cover charge with loosely enforced drink minimums.

GothamJazz.com Live jazz and concert listings

Free and Inexpensive Tango Lessons

LaFayette Grill and Bar Tango Saturdays "...A class for beginners is included in admission: $10 cover - free parking available. From 7:30 - 8:00pm they offer one free beginner's lesson with the price of admission; from 8:30 - 9:30pm, they offer individual Tango Workshops for $15. Milonga dancing for all levels occurs from 9:30pm - 2:00am..."

Free or "By Donation" Dance Venues

Central Park Swings "... takes place selected Saturdays and Sundays during the Summer. It is an outdoor swing dance open to all. There are occasional line dances and jam circles throughout theafternoon. The music is live with DJ's during the band breaks and it's all swingin'. You can come just for the music or you can bust out your own dancing. All of our events are permitted through NYC Parks and Recreation. Events are subject to cancellation due to weather. Price: Free! but $3 donation suggested (That's how it's funded)..." Location: Band Shell Central Park, New York City (72nd street, halfway between East and West side entrances) Time: 3:00-6:30pm

SalsaNewYork.com Lists occasional free dance lesson.

Free Dance Lessons at Chelsea Market! "... Join Soho Dance every Saturday through Labor Day for free salsa lessons and demos by the waterfall in Chelsea Market.Chelsea Market is located at 75 9th Avenue, New York, NY 10011. Cross Streets: Between 15th and 16th Street." (contact SohoDance to confirm scheduling of lessons.)

LIve Music Venue

Parkside Lounge Music and Comedy

New York Networking Opportunities

New York City Downtown Women's Club "...an online and in-person community designed for smart and sophisticated businesswomen on the go. Our mission is: to empower women through access to information and opportunities for collaboration. With our expanding club system and online services, no matter where you work, play, or live, you can join the DWC and interact with dynamic corporate executives and entrepreneurs from a variety of industries... Our monthly programs include variety of "talking shop" evening workshops, cocktail parties and weekend "table talk" brunches.  ..." Free to join.

Your NY: Free Classified Ads, chat, resource directory.

Club Free Time "... provides members with many benefits, including:

• Listings of free entertainment throughout Manhattan,
• Large discounts on selected paid concerts and performances,
• Exclusive events for Club freeTime Members, such as concerts and discussion groups,
• Singles gatherings,
• and more!..."

NYCVisit Official tourism site for NYC

ILoveNewYork New York State official tourism site -- searchable by a wide variety of criteria by regions and date. Useful for locating events, festivals, etc.

Free Concerts

Free Concerts in Central Park "...free performances by the New York Philharmonic and the Metropolitan Opera on the Great Lawn, Summerstage at Rumsey Playfield and the concert series at Naumberg Bandshell. There are also a number of free events including the Harlem Meer Performance Festival." Signup for the free membership to be advised of the latest offerings.

Frick Museum Concerts Listen to concerts in the garden... at no charge for the concert.

Midtown Concerts take place on Wednesdays at 1:15 p.m. at Church of St. Francis of Assisi, Midtown. Free.

New York City Chapter of the American Guild of Organists. Many free and low cost concerts.

Polyphony.com lists many free and inexpensive Early Music Concerts in the New York area.

Cheap and Charming Places to Sleep

Cosmopolitan Hotel - Tribeca $129 for one double bed. $149 for two double beds. The small but clean rooms are more than compensated for by the great location. Walking distance to Wall Street, Soho, Chinatown, Little Italy and Greenwich Village.

East Village Bed and Coffee Charming themed rooms (All rooms SHARE: full bathroom, fully equipped kitchen, and living room on each floor) for $90 a night and up. Wi-Fi. Computers with Internet access. Fax machines. More.

Best Youth Hostels

Lottery

The Latest New York Lottery Results

Getting Around New York... Cheap or Free

The Downtown Connection® bus route "... connects South Street Seaport with Battery Park City, making stops at many important destinations from river to river. It's the most convenient way to explore Downtown's businesses, shops, restaurants and attractions. And since it's FREE, you can hop on and off as often as you like."

Insiders Tour of New York

Big Apple Greeter "... See New York through the eyes of a New Yorker! A volunteer Greeter will show you a favorite neighborhood, answer your questions and demonstrate how easy it is to use public transportation. And it's FREE, too." View Big Apple Greeters Neighborhood profiles to help you plan your trip.

Neighborhood Tours

Greenwich Village: Off the Beaten Path  A Walking, Tasting and Discovery Tour. The REAL -- New York! Unique Food Establishments. Amazing Sites from the 1800's. Interesting History and Culture. 

Manhattan Neighborhoods

Walking Tour of Lower Manhattan

Lower East Side Walking Tour "...Free Weekly Tour. Take a journey down historic Orchard Street and discover the origins of New York's first discount retail district. The two-hour tour highlights the integral role that the shopping district has played in the history and development of the Lower East Side. Sundays at 11 a.m (April - December). Meet in front of Katz's Delicatessen at the corner of East Houston and Ludlow Streets.
No reservations required." Stay tuned in to Lower East Side events

Free Walks and Tours A nice listing of many free walks and tours.

Cell Phone Talking Tours. 2 free passes by filling out online survey.

Chinatown website helps you explore Chinatown and gives you discount coupones.

Little Italy website has maps, coupons, and information to help you explore Little Italy.

Open Artists Studio Tours

TOAST: TriBeCa Open Artist Studio Tour "... is one of the most eagerly anticipated downtown NYC events of the season, offering a great experience for anyone interested in viewing artwork at the source: the artist's own studio. It's an opportunity to walk around the neighborhood and meet directly with the artist-- and often see work not accessible in gallery settings. Visitors will see the working spaces of both established and emerging artists, from basement to loft, individual and shared. The works range from abstract to representational, realistic to expressionist and traditional to cutting edge, in all media and sizes. Best of all, the viewing experience is relaxed, informal and absolutely FREE! In addition to the artists, many of TriBeCa's best galleries, alternative art spaces, restaurants and institutions participate in this neighborhood-wide event...."

The Harlem Open Artist Studio Tour(HOAST) 2 day event April/May.

Art Galleries and Museums

A Walking Tour of Chelsea Art Galleries

ClubFreeTime.com's Comprehensive List of Museums with current exhibits and "free or pay-what-you-wish" days.

CitySearch: Museums and Art Galleries

The NYC Insider's List of Museums and Galleries

DCKT Contemporary

East Village Art Galleries

ATM Gallery Lists Opening Reception Info.

Jigsaw.com "... a gallery, featuring affordable artwork from all over the country. It’s a shop, chock full of mini-comics, self-published novels, CDs, zines, and the cream of the crop of the small press. It’s a lounge, a forum, a place with good music and comfortable seats and a constant supply of refreshing beverages where the pioneers of independent media can meet each other, plan new projects, greet the people who want to experience their work. It’s all about having the best damn living room on the east coast, and putting all the disparate elements of my life together into one big picture...." Check calendar for dates and hours of openings, open floor shows, etc.

LaFayette Grill and Bar "....The Lafayette Grill & Bar began exhibiting the work of local New York artists in 1996. The exhibit has changed every month since then... Artist receptions are normally held mid-month, with the start of a new show. See our events calendar for more details."

Free or "Pay What You Wish" Entrance to Museums, Botanical Gardens, etc.

New York Museums with Free Afternoons or Evenings. "Many museums set aside a period during the week when the regular admission price is waived... an alphabetical listing of some of the museums that offer free admission to those who time their visits just right.... "

See Frommer's very excellent listing of museums for a quick glance at the highlights, regular admission, etc.

CityPass Get admission to 6 major NYC attractions for $53. Includes: American Museum of Natural History •Guggenheim Museum •The Museum of Modern Art •Intrepid Sea Air Space Museum •Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises •Empire State Building Observatory

American Museum of the Moving Image ".... Admission to galleries is free on Fridays, 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. (Film screenings not included.)"

Asia Society "... Admission is free to all Friday 6pm to 9pm (Free Fridays suspended July 4 to Labor Day)..."

Brooklyn Botanical Garden offers free admission on Tuesdays and Saturdays... and weekdays Mid-November thru February. Children under 16 and seniors are always free.

Children's Museum of the Arts Pay as you wish on Thursdays 4 to 6 p.m. "...New York City's only hands-on art museum for children. Our Mission is to create opportunities for children, aged 1 to 12 years old, to reach their full potential in the visual & performing arts. Every day children work with paint, glue, paper and recycled materials to paint, sculpt, build and imagine. They can also play in the ball pond & art house, enjoy independent projects & activities, explore our exhibitions & meet other New York families."

Guggenheim Museum "... On Friday evenings from 6–8 PM the museum hosts Pay What You Wish, where admission is by donation."

International Center of Photography Voluntary Contribution Fridays from 5 to 8 pm. ICP Bookstore offers frequent booksignings on Fridays from 5 to 7:30 with DJ and complimentary wine.

Intrepid Sea Air Space Museum 20% off coupon

Metropolitan Museum of Art Admission prices are "recommended" only.... so pay what you can afford... full admission or more if you can. Includes admission to The Cloisters at Fort Tryon Park. Highly Recommended. MMOA offers a wide variety of programs, many included with admission.

Museum of Arts and Design Admission on Thursdays from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm is on a pay-what-you-wish basis.

Museum of Modern Art "...Admission is free for all visitors during Target Free Friday Nights, sponsored by Target, every Friday evening, 4:00–8:00 p.m. Tickets for Target Free Friday Nights are not available in advance." Several dining options are available.

National Museum of the American Indian, George Gustav Heye Center Free at all times. Offers many special events.

New Museum of Contemporary Art Thursdays $3 admission 6-8pm

New York Botanical Garden "...Grounds admission is free to everyone all day Wednesdays and on Saturdays from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. (Fees for all other venues — Conservatory, Children's Adventure Garden, etc .— still apply at these times.)"

Noguchi Museum (Long Island) First Friday of each month, pay what you wish. "... Created by Isamu Noguchi (1904-1988), The Noguchi Museum opened in 1985, presenting a comprehensive collection of the artist's works in stone, metal, wood, and clay, as well as models for public projects and gardens, dance sets, and Akari Light Sculptures. The Museum--chartered as The Noguchi Museum--is housed in thirteen galleries within a converted factory building and encircles a garden containing major granite and basalt sculptures." Note: "... Isamu Noguchi's designs for the stage are an important aspect of what he called  "the sculpture of spaces",  complementing his landscape projects as another means of making sculpture useful in society.  His most well-known works for the stage are the dance sets created for Martha Graham..."

The Jewish Museum "... Pay What You Wish Thursdays, 5 - 8 pm.."

Whitney Museum of American Art "... Friday 1–9 pm (6–9 pm pay-what-you-wish admission)"

Discounted Dining

Restaurant Discount Cards

Free and Cheap Classes

American Folk Art Museum Family Art Classes on Saturdays. $5 per person, $10 for the whole family.

Bodanna Studio and Gallery "... For teenagers, we offer a free introductory class to pottery called “Get Your Hands Dirty”.... If you are between 17 and 21 years old and would like to work with clay, come join us for free classes. You don't need any previous experience. All you have to do is call and save your spot and show up. Bring clothes you can get dirty with...because you will. Come and find out how much fun it will be..."

Joyce Theater Foundation's FREE ADVICE Seminars for Dance Companies and Choreographers Providing Useful Information about Management and Presentation Issues.

NYC Green Markets

Union Square Greenmarket "... During peak season (late summer/early fall) there can be as many as 80 farmers and food producers selling organic and nonorganic fruits, vegetables (triple-washed organic lettuces, sugar snap peas [even veggie-phobes love these], heirloom tomatoes, hot & sweet peppers of all kinds, fresh corn [what child wouldn't rather have it on the cob?], carrots that make those mini ones that come in a bag taste like cardboard, etc, etc, etc!) meats & poultry, cheeses, fresh milk (full-fat, kim, & chocolate, and it comes in old-fashioned milk bottles!), Pennsylvania Dutch homemade pretzels (once you've tried one you'll never get storebought again), hydroponic tomatoes & lettuce, fresh fish from Long Island, vegetable-dyed wool, beeswax candles, and on and on...."

Greenmarket at Union Square Greenmarket Farmers Markets

List of Green Market Locations

Foraging for Wild Food in New York

"Wildman" Steve Brill: Wild food and ecology tours in NYC and environs.

Insights into Historic New York

Dyckman Farmhouse Museum "...is a visual treat for everyone who looks up and sees it perched above Broadway at 204th Street. The Dutch Colonial style farmhouse was built on this site by William Dyckman c. 1784 and was originally part of several hundred acres of farmland owned by the family. Today, nestled in a small park, the farmhouse is an extraordinary reminder of early Manhattan and an important part of its diverse Inwood neighborhood...." $1 admission.

NY Food Museum Learn how New Yorkers ate a century ago. "... Italians planted squatters' gardens along the Park Avenue railroad tracks from 138th to 158th St. and raised fruit and vegetables in front and backyard gardens of their homes. Livestock, such as pigs and chickens, were grazed in parks and public areas. Italians foraged for milkweed, mushrooms and dandelion greens in Franz Sigel Park (153rd St. and Grand Concourse). People trapped blackbirds and other fowl along the East River near Hunt's Point in the Bronx...." Events include annual Pickle Day. Actively seeking volunteers.

New York Historical Society "... it may take time to find the right volunteer position for you. Our goal is to place our volunteers in a position that they enjoy and to meet the needs of the various departments. We encourage you to take a free docent tour of the Historical Society, if you have not already done so, in order to learn more about the institution and to help identify your area of interest...."

Manufacture of Food in the Tenements is part of this fascinating historic account of the Lower East Side.

Flea Markets and Thrift Shops

The Best Flea Market

Best Thrift Shop

Cheap Used Bike Shop

NYC Thift Stores

Cheap Haircuts

Best Cheap Haircuts

Great Clothing at Reasonable Prices

Buffalo Exchange (Brooklyn) "...clothing and accessories are bought, sold and traded directly with store customers. Bring in your former favorites for trade or cash on the spot! Buffalo Exchange will buy quality items that can be resold, making our selection eclectic and fun. Our ever-changing inventory includes designer wear, vintage, jeans, leather, great basics, and irresistible one-of-a-kind items. You'll also find new merchandise and accessories to choose from. We offer great fashion finds at low prices at Buffalo Exchange...where recycling is always in style."

Hooti Couture (Brooklyn) This is the shop owned by Alison Houtte of Alligators, Old Mink and New Money

Cheap Shopping

Best Non-Thrift Shop Clothing Store

Also see H&M website

Best Place for Designer Bargains

Best Used Book Store

Best Store to Shop for Free Samples

Cheap Quarter Goodies

Cheap Transportation

Metropolitan Transit Authority

New York City Subways

Getting Around NY Connects you to all the ways of getting around New York. You'll learn, for example, that a one day "fun ticket" for unlimited rides on a bus is only $7.

NY without the Hassle and  Muggers

Take a virtual tour of Central Park

5th Avenue and 45th Street Webcam

Atop Friday's Restaurant at 8th Avenue and 34th St.

Times Square

A List of Live NYC Webcams

Folk Songs for the Five Points Virtual "sound tour" of Lower East Side Tenements. More interactive virtual tours.

Frick Museum Virtual Tour

UN Virtual Tour

FREE Classified Ads

AllNY FREE Classified Ads Both personal and business ads are free.

Village Voice

FREE Personals Ads

Free All New York Personals

FREE Village Voice Personal Ad
To place your ad online, use the form. 
To place your ad by phone, call 212-475-5555. To fax your ad, 212-475-8972.

Your ad will run in the Village Voice and on the Village Voice Web site, FREE, for two weeks.

Newspapers and Zines

The Village Voice

New York Daily News

New York Magazine  Lists sales and bargains.

New York Observer

New York Post

New York Press New York's Free Weekly Newspaper

New York Times

AtNewYork.com  Silicon Alley News

Free eCards

Free Empire State Building eCards

Free Artistic e-Cards from the Guggenheim Museum

Free eCards from The Jewish Museum

Free East Village eCards

Link and Resource Sites

NYC2000: For information about First Night 2001

Links to Life in New York

Buy One Vacation, Get One Free and Receive up to $1,800 in Airfare Credit! Available only at 11thHourVacations.com

Shecky's New York "... New York City's only complete resource to brutally honest, unbiased reviews on thousands of local venues. Want cool events, bars, restaurants, spas, salons, beauty, fitness, arts/culture, services, shops, and erotica?..." See also Shecky's Dirt Cheap NYC in print.

Surviving in New York

How to fight a NYC parking ticket

Streetwise Survival Strategies

More Ways to Live Large for Less:

Free VOIP  Talk for FREE over your broadband Internet connection using your regular phone.

Free Payday Loans  Get paid tomorrow instead of Friday. Your 1st loan is FREE.

Free Credit Report  Buying a new car or a home? Then you MUST check your credit report.

Free Laptop Computer  No kidding... there IS a way that folks are getting a laptop for FREE!

Free Satellite TV Installation  Get TV in 4 rooms for less than you're paying for cable.

Free Car  Learn how some folks are driving a car for free. Fascinating!