Top 10 - NYC on a Budget

Description:

New York's Chinatown is a cultural haven full of ancient and exotic traditions, and a huge amount of restaurants. This bustling and crowded neighborhood is home to over half of the city's Chinese population. In the grocery stores and fruit stands, you will find many food items available nowhere else in the city-from exotic fruit and vegetables to live snails and dried shrimp. In recent years, excellent Thai, Vietnamese and Korean restaurants have joined the mix.

Our Local Expert Says:

South Street Seaport (11 Fulton Street, to be exact) is home to the acclaimed Bodies: The Exhibition, an up-close-and-personal tour through the intricate and seemingly miraculous workings of the human body.

Description:

This historic trading port, which dates back to the 1600s, is located on the edge of the Financial District, where Fulton Street meets the East River. It was restored and revitalized for tourist use in the late 1960s, and now boasts more than 120 shops, restaurants, and bars, as well as the South Street Seaport Museum, the Pier 17 Pavilion, and the New York City Police Museum. Visitors to the Seaport will also find some of the oldest architecture in downtown Manhattan, including renovated original mercantile buildings from the early 19th century, renovated sailing ships, and the former Fulton Fish Market.

With its cobblestone streets and broad piers, South Street Seaport offers a welcome escape from the congested, skyscraper-lined streets of downtown. There are usually free outdoor performances going on - check out a number of prominent and up-and-coming acts at the outdoor stage set up in the summertime - and the cool breezes, fun people-watching, and beautiful views of the Brooklyn Bridge can all be enjoyed for free.

Description:

This peninsula in southernmost Brooklyn boasts a diverse community of 60,000 people and a broad, sandy beach with a historic boardwalk. Its selection of amusement parks and attractions may have seen better days, but they can still provide a rich slice of Americana and a day of family fun during a spring or summer visit. As a major resort and amusement destination, Coney Island reached its peak in the early 20th century. Its popularity declined after World War II and for many years it was sorely neglected, but in recent years the area has been revitalized with the opening of KeySpan Park, home of the minor league baseball team the Brooklyn Cyclones. In addition to the Cyclones fans that swarm the area in spring and summer, Coney Island attracts thousands to its annual Mermaid Parade, which takes place on Surf Avenue every summer and features an array of floats and performers in crazy costumes. Another star attraction is the original Nathan's Famous hot dog stand, which opened in 1916 and quickly became a landmark. Its annual hot dog eating contest, held every July 4th since Nathan's opened, has recently attracted widespread attention, including international television coverage.

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Description:

"The sketch comedy troupe at this 74-seat Chelsea space delights audiences with wise-guy antics. The Brigade has gained notoriety for their crazy performances on the Comedy Central TV channel. Popular productions include "The Real Road Rules." Shows are featured daily. Conservative spenders will also appreciate the regular admission fee. Cash only. There are also comedy classes taught at the theater's Manhattan Improv Guerilla Camp. (cash, check or money order only)."

Our Local Expert Says:

Be prepared to stand in line for your seat in this favorite spot; its hamburgers are perennially contenders for the best in the city.

Description:

Nestled in the heart of the West Village, this casual American bar and restaurant keeps late hours (until 4a) and serves cheap, casual fare. Greasy but tasty burgers, and fries. A friendly spot, Corner Bistro caters to a diverse crowd of downtown denizens, as well as the college types who party on Bleecker Street. It is cash only, but at these prices you should have no problem paying the bill.

Our Local Expert Says:

Try the Arepa de Pabellón - a delicious mix of shredded beef, black beans, white salty cheese and sweet plaintains.

Description:

As you can tell by its name, this tiny East Village spot specializes in arepas--soft, spongy corn tortilla-like pockets with a crispy bite on the outside and a tantalizing array of fillings inside. Some of the delicious options include chicken and chorizo, guacamole and cheddar cheese, pork with mango salsa and shredded beef with black beans and mashed sweet plantains. Vegetarian options abound, and tasty side dishes include ensalada fresca (watercress, cherry tomatoes and avocado over a bed of yucca and cucumbers) and fried green plaintains topped with mojito mayo. Snag a table inside if you're willing to wait; otherwise you can get take out at the counter next door and take your arepa for a picnic in nearby Tompkins Square Park.

Description:

This tiny, adorable bistro features ivy covered windows, potted plants and wood paneling, all of which help to create a cheery atmosphere. The fare is simple but hearty. Chicken Potpie with dumplings, homemade soups and Strawberry Shortcake will make you think you are at your favorite aunt's home. The wait staff is pleasant but always busy, so be patient. Their BYOB (bring your own bottle) policy is a great draw. No reservations are accepted. Cash only.

Our Local Expert Says:

A contender for Best Ice Cream in New York City.

Description:

This small ice cream café on the Lower East Side offers a changing selection of as many as 200 gelatos and sorbets, all freshly handmade on the premises from locally sourced seasonal ingredients. Regularly available flavors include hazelnut, dark chocolate, banana, as well as more unusual offerings such as olive oil, black mission fig, and Mexican cinnamon basil.

Description:

This organic restaurant serves a wonderful feast without preservatives or sugar. It also offers no meat, eggs or dairy products, which suits its downtown clientele just fine. Tasty dishes are offered at great prices, served at comfortable tables in a homey atmosphere. If you can have only one dish, go for the massive Dragon Bowl-it is a tasty mix of tofu, rice, seaweed and vegetables. Even the Tofu Cheesecake is tasty. Cash only.

Our Local Expert Says:

The Cosmopolitan, first opened as a boarding house in 1845, is possibly New York's oldest hotel structure.

Description:

Rooms at the Cosmopolitan Hotel in Tribeca are basic and plain, but modern and clean, and the larger loft-style rooms have an added character. Beyond its frugality, the Cosmopolitan's best asset is its location: on the corner of Chambers Street and West Broadway in fashionable Tribeca, near such fun spots as The Odeon and more upscale restaurants such as Nobu. It is a great home base for exploring neighborhoods such as Lower Manhattan and South Street Seaport, Soho, Chinatown and Little Italy.