Love=NYC! Here’s 8 Cool Things to do in the City that Never Sleeps

Welcome to New York, the Concrete Jungle- Where dreams come true, the streets make you feel new, and big lights inspire you. The City that Never Sleeps definitely lives up to the promise- a remarkable experience with an undying spirit of life. The only city that looks better in reality than on the postcards. In NYC it seems like there’s no Monday or Saturday or Sunday. The town is always moving. The vibe is great. It is one helluva journey of fast-paced, adrenaline rushed life that everyone should witness to discover themselves.

As much as lurking soul beneath us wants to savor the bittersweet essence of this beautiful place, we know that NYC is not an ideal choice for our light pockets. Come to think of it, NYC deserves it too, these Man-Made Marvels didn’t build themselves, and just looking at them is a treat to the eyes. But despite the premonition of an expensive NYC in our minds, there are a ton of cool things to do in NYC on a budget.

Next time you plan a visit to the home of the Yankees; don’t forget to do these 8 cool things that promise you the time of your life…on a budget. We might sound preachy, but a trip to NYC becomes 10x funnier if you’re frugal. Ladies and Gentlemen, we present to you 8 Cool things to do in NYC on a Budget:

1. My Magic Bus Ride

Any determined explorer knows that on a bus, your eyes, ears, and pores are open absorbing in the variety, the wonder, and the magic of the city. It’s a wonderful way to get to know the city and NYC is one of those places that possess a lot of magic. Take the TopViewNYC bus ride to kick start your hop on- hop off the adventure. Experience a 360° view of NYC above the crowd, with open-top bus rides in a fine New-York breeze. Not only is this a cool thing to do in NYC because you tour around the city, it is cheaper than any other means of transit.

2. Live the Premium Rush- Bike around NYC!

The real beauty of NYC is found on its streets, and what can be the coolest way to explore them than a good ol’ bike ride? With minimal bike rental fee and instant pickup, Central Park Bike Ride is the best way to get one. Rent your bike online, pick it up at one of the three pick up stops, and drop it off in the after-hours. Find a bike that suits you with a huge catalog of bikes to choose from. With rates as low as $9 per hour and $23 for the whole day, this cool NYC expedition would suit your budget.

3. Test the waters- Go Cruising!

Get on a lavish cruise and witness the Statue of Liberty like never before-Liberty Cruise takes you around NYC’s waters and believe us when we say that NYC looks even more stunning when you’re lost in the blue. Boarding next to The World Trade Center, panoramic views of Lady Liberty, the Manhattan skyline, Brooklyn Bridge, Empire State Building and many more make this cruise ride one to remember. Liberty Cruise is a bargain in comparison to the memories you make, starting at just $17 online.

4. Central Park- The Happy Place

Central Park can be called as Manhattan’s heartbeat. Filled with free events, statues, people- watching sites like Strawberry Fields, an ‘Imagine’ mosaic near the Dakota (where John Lennon was killed in 1980). At the south-east corner is ‘The Pond’, where Holden Caulfield kept turning to in ‘The Catcher in the Rye,’ wondering where those ducks go when it’s cold. If you feel like being in a Carnival, explore the Central Park to lift your spirits up.

5. American Museum of Natural History

Dinosaur Fossils, 500+ verities of butterflies, 30 million artifacts, a planetarium… all this and more at The Museum of Natural History. This has to be one of the coolest things to do in NYC…on a budget too! The last hour between 4:45-5:45 PM is free, and if you plan your visit times, you can save on the ticket money. You only pay what you wish for, and yes, you can pay nothing if you‘re really into saving money!

6. Live the Yankee life up-close

If you wish to explore NYC in a new perspective, stay there like you’re a local. Sharing a room with locals is a lot cheaper than staying in a hotel and with Airbnb, you can get a room instantly in various locations across NYC. Check out VRBO for ‘Room-mate needed’ listings. Save yourself from overpriced restaurants and hit the fast food trucks and coffee carts for delicious fresh food. Follow your new roomie’s schedule and you’ll discover NYC in a new light.

7. NYC through the Lens

If you have a camera, or a decent camera phone, it’s time to trend yourself on Instagram as a #Traveler. One of the coolest things to do in NYC on a budget is capturing its beauty through your camera lens. Snap pictures of the gleaming billboards at Times Square, capture the timeless moments at famous Bethesda Fountain and Bow Bridge on Central Park. There’s a ton of picturesque locations in NYC, and you gotta catch ‘em all . These pictures sell like hot cakes on Shutterstock and Dreamstime so don’t forget to upload them there. Talk about earning extra money by traveling!

8. Take the Eastern Escapade, Go beyond NYC!

You’ve come this far, and if you discovered all the cool things to do in NYC on a budget, you best see more, which is precisely what this tour by Contiki will ensure you do. This includes the NYC tour, Harvard University tour, Niagara Falls, Wall Street & the White House in a span of two weeks. If you’re thinking, ‘How is this in my budget?’ This package costs you a lot less than the money you would spend on just NYC- and you’d cover two countries in a matter of two weeks. Neat!

It is rightly said that one can’t paint New York as it is, but rather as it is felt. A place like NYC is not just a destination; it is far beyond that- an inexplicable feeling of joy, determination, and essence of the American Dream. Go on; explore what keeps 8 million hearts up all night. Now that you know what cool things to do in NYC on a budget; plan it out, pack your bags, and enjoy a holiday to the Big City with small budget!

Related Posts: On The Road- Plan the Perfect Road Trip on a Budget, Here’s How I Travel On a Shoestring Budget