Monday, 29 December 2008

• Free Activities For The Broke: NYC Edition

  Ms. Piggy Bank
  

  Inspired by the latest episode of Ugly Betty ("Bad Amanda"), I set out to research and test the best free activities in New York City (NYC).
  

  My list included over thirty fun events but for the sake of brevity I'm going to list the top five free past times (sorry Met museum lovers...even a penny donation is still a penny donation).

  Top 5 Ways to Enjoy New York City Free:

  1.) A Tour of the Federal Reserve Bank - I've always wanted to try this out. Because of my packed schedule, I asked two of my friends who are on winter break to reserve themselves a spot. Although they thought it was going to be a true bore-fest, it turned out to be quite exciting. They especially loved journeying five stories below street level to see the Bank's vault of international monetary gold. They honestly felt like they were at Gringotts. For all of you who'd like this opportunity, the tour itself will cost you nothing. You just have to call and make reservations since only five daily tours are offered between 9:30AM to 3:30 PM.

  2.) FAO Schwartz - Literally, the best (and most extravagant) toy store ever. Still, you don't need to be ten or spend $1000 on a giant stuffed giraffe to have fun! Located on 5th Ave and 58th Street, this toy store features a lot of games and ways to amuse yourself. I'm not going to lie --I'm like some big kid when I enter this place and I  can't keep away from all the interactive displays. Come and try out everything. It beats window shopping anyday and is a great way to pass the time in a such a glorious store!

  3.) Salsa Lessons at SOB (mostly for the ladies) - Located in the west of Soho, this hot little Latin/Hip Hop club is among NYC's finest. A great offer? Free salsa class led by a master dancer each Friday by 7pm. Sadly, men have to pay the $10 cover charge but the ladies go free. Still, for a guy, this would be a really inexpensive date idea since he won't have to pitch in for his lady friend.

  4.) Greenwood Cemetery in Brooklyn - I know I know. Way to bring in the morbid, right? Well, I for one love strolling through cemeteries when the day is nice. (I recall a featured post about this a few months back so hopefully one or two Xanga users will appreciate this. Hehe.) Anyway, Greenwood Cemetery is just so pretty. It's peaceful, located near the F train, and open until 4 pm. Why go walking through central park? Bring a notebook with you, a camera, or simply your walking shoes and enjoy something different. 

  5.) Upright Citizen's Brigade - Located in Chelsea, this comedy club is the perfect hub for all those who enjoy large doses of humor. If you have a pretty flexible schedule and are willing to forego a few hours of sleep you could avoid the standard $8 per show fee and partake for free every other Monday at 11 pm and Thursday 11 pm. My sister, a comedic individual herself, truly appreciates these free shows. Apparently, the audience initiates the endless improv and the comedians-in-training take it from there. It's a great experience filled with ample hardy har hars.

  If all else fails, there's always free forms of entertainment provided by the numerous musicians and break dancers on the Metro. I would have suggested trying to get some Conan O"Brien show tickets but, I'm not sure how long he's going to be on the late night circuit.
  
  Regardless of whether you're in NYC or not, how do you amuse yourselves for free or on a low budget? Do you get creative to stretch your paycheck or is it too much of hassle? Please feel free to add some ideas below...let's compile a list!
  
  

  
  

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