Celebrate spring with cheap outdoor flea markets, fairs and tours.
New York is a city of luxury – of expensive tastes and high fashion. But New York City can be a very budget-friendly destination.
You don’t have to live the high-life – dining at premier restaurants and seeing glamorous shows on the “Great White Way” (Broadway, for those out of the loop). There are ways to experience New York without breaking the bank.
STREET FAIRS AND FLEA MARKETS
These are some of Manhattan’s hidden gems. Finagle your way into an extra pair of earrings or get a tapestry for your room. Buy an iconic “I LOVE NY” T-shirt for the infamous three-for-$10 price and eat some amazing food.
However, most street fairs don’t start until the end of March. If you don’t want to take the chance of stumbling upon them, take the time to do a quick Google search to find out some locations before heading out. They’re a great way to experience New York culture and could potentially be free.
Hell’s Kitchen Flea Market is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday year-round. Located on West 39th Street between 9th and 10th avenues, it’s another place where one can spend the day taking in the sights and checking out some vintage clothing, jewelry and antiques. On the second Sunday of every month starting March 20, shop while enjoying eats from the market’s Gourmet Food Truck Bazaar.
WALKING TOUR
Sometimes just the sites are enough, and this can be enjoyed for as much money as you’re willing to spend. Time Out New York’s website offers some suggestions.
The Art Walk has 10 stops and will take approximately two hours. It suggests you start at the Doughnut Plant, where you can feast on a high-class peanut butter and jelly sandwich and end at Rachel Uffner’s Gallery, where you can view unique works of art just three blocks from where you began. Stop along the way at Gallery Bar to see skateboard decks and canvases covered with graffiti art.
The Stalker Walk takes you on a route to literally stalk the stars. Start at the City Bakery, frequented by Al Gore, Susan Sarandon and other celebrities. Cross your fingers, and maybe you’ll run into John Travolta grocery shopping at Gourmet Garage or Jermaine Dupri at Think Pink Nails II.
Indulge on the Sweet Tooth Walk, celebrate religion (or just learn more about it) on the Jesus Walk or party away on the All-Night Club Crawl. Check out https://newyork.timeout.com to see all the options and get exact locations.
THE CLOISTERS
If you’re interested in medieval European architecture and art or just want something different to do on a nice day, check this place out. Stroll through the gardens, a 10-minute walk from the 109th Street “A-Train” stop. Bring lunch and have a picnic – student admission is only $10.
If you want an overnight trip, try a youth hostel. New York is overflowing with them. Check out hostelworld.com and pick the one that’ll work best for you – prices usually start at $15 a night.
Nichole Baldino can be reached at nichole.baldino@temple.edu.
Be the first to comment