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Time your visit to Manhattan wisely and you'll get the best entertainment…for free.
Whenever my friends and family want to come visit me in New York, the first piece of advice I give them is always the same. It's my one simple money-saving tip that never fails: Come in the summer.
True, it's sweaty and a bit crowded here then, but as soon as Memorial Day rolls around, many of the classic NYC experiences—ones you'd typically dish out big bucks for—are suddenly available for no cost. Free concerts, plays, and food fests litter our summer calendar, open to locals and visitors alike.
Mark your calendar for these five freebies, starting in June.
Shakespeare in the Park
The NYC Public Theater's annual production of two of the Bard's plays have featured celebs like Anne Hathaway, Denzel Washington, and Kevin Kline. This year, The Winter's Tale and The Merchant of Venice runs from June 9–Aug. 1. Queue up in the morning, on the day of, at Central Park's Delacorte Theater to pick up tickets to the evening show.
Night at the Museums
On Tuesday, June 8, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., bustling Fifth Avenue shuts down to traffic, musicians and artists set up along the sidewalks, and nine of the city's most enticing museums—including the Metropolitan and Guggenheim —offer free admission at the annual Museum Mile Festival. Entrance lines can be long, but don't lose patience: They move pretty quickly.
Rib it
All the best barbecue restaurants in the city—and many from across the country—come dish up their best at the Big Apple Barbecue Block Party, held this year on June 12–13, in Madison Square Park. Admission to the fest, with live music and cooking demos, is free, and loaded tasting plates are a bargain $8.
Check out the moves
This year, in its 25th annual season, SummerStage Dance will put on thirteen free performances in everything from ballet, modern, jazz, and hip hop. The best part? Prior to most shows, the pro dancers give free lessons. This season runs from June 4–Aug. 14 (summerstage.org/dance).
Rock out by the waterfront
Every Friday evening, from June 26–Aug. 6, up-and-coming acts play free concerts on Pier 17 at the Seaport Music Series. I've discovered some great bands here—and the views of lower Manhattan from the pier are spectacular.
MORE
Check out Budget Travel's New York City page for tips and Q&As
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I would love to visit NYC. budgets tips are very interesting. i need tips afordable places to stay. we are on a fixed income.
Posted By donna moretz on May 25, 2010, 9:02 AM
I love this! makes we want to pack up now!
Posted By Bridget Carson on May 26, 2010, 10:15 AM
With Greyhound just announcing $14 one-way trips DC to NYC, it makes a great day trip for folks in the DC metro area! I did it - took a really early bus to the city and came back late. The bus runs nearly every hour till very late in the evening.
Posted By Rhonda H on June 3, 2010, 12:33 PM
donna, my favorite cheap centrally located hotel is hotel chelsea in chelsea. it has an interesting history, is very quirky and is not for everyone, but that is exactly why i like it. hotel chelsea is near several subway stations, so is tres convenient. i found it in the nyt travel section. nyt has a fab travel section archive on the internet, so does budget travel (as you probably know). i can also find good deals at the westin times square location. it has a great location and is extremely comfortable and quiet. the building is beautiful and contemporary and is featured frequently in movies and tv because it looks so cool. a great cheap place to shop is century 21, near the world trade center site.
Posted By buttercup on June 3, 2010, 5:21 PM
Buttercup, those are some great recommendations! Hotel Chelsea is a really cool place, and the location couldn't be better! It's really close to my favorite new NYC addition, the High Line park (www.thehighline.org), and some great restaurants and bars, including the Half King (www.thehalfking.com).
Another deal, Donna, that you might want to consider is the Marrakech Hotel on the Upper West Side. (Our editor-in-chief, Nina, discussed this recently on the Today show!) Right now, The Marrakech is offering up to 20% off when you book more than two nights. The hotel is in the quieter stretches of the Upper West Side between Central Park and Riverside Park, with a stylish lobby decorated in luxurious Moroccan fabrics. Stay two nights and receive 15% off; stay three nights, and you'll save 20%. The hotel's regular spring rates start at $139 per room per night; with the 20% discount, a three-night stay comes to $334 per room.
Enjoy your stay!!
Posted By Andrea Minarcek on June 4, 2010, 11:05 AM