Lookin' for a magical day (or night) frolicking around New York City?
We want that for you too, and we don't want you to completely empty your wallet while you're at it. So, here it goes.
These are our picks for 13 of the very most extraordinary NYC activities for less than $30.
Oh, and after you have an enchanting day looking at tigers in the Bronx Zoo, or watching a poetry reading at The Strand, you'll still be able to buy the essentials tomorrow-- you know, like toothpaste, groceries, and rent.
Now check out 13 activities for less than $30 in NYC.
1. The Upright Citizens Brigade
For $10 or less at Upright Citizens Brigade, you can witness NYC's most excellent improv, sketch, stand-up, and more. UCB is basically the mecca of comedy, and has a Chelsea and an East Village location.
Lots of famous comedians found their start here, including Broad City's Abbi and Ilana. UCB's shows are hilarious, intelligent, and refreshing. Oh, and not that expensive.
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This year, the weekend-long improv marathon runs the weekend of June 26 through June 28th across several theaters in New York City, and is packed with several talented improvisors and unique comedy shows.
Some performers include: Amy Poehler, Ellie Kemper (Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt), Abbi Jacobsen & Illana Glazer (Broad City), Horatio Sanz (SNL), and many more. Find out more info here.
2. The Metropolitan Museum of Art (1000 5th Avenue)
This amazing, internationally renowned museum is right under your fingertips this summer, and the recommended admission price is just $25.
Go check out the Metropolitan Museum of Art on the next day you're craving culture and looking for something fun to do.
3. Readings at The Strand (828 Broadway)
plaidshirt_26 My love, we finally meet! 😁❤️😍 #thestrandnyc #NYC #books #booklove #happiness #love #InLove
The Strand, an NYC cultural institution, has been around since 1927, and is the sole survivor of Book Row's colorful past.
Today, they carry over 2.5 million used, new, and rare books. They also have a pretty phenomenal lineup of summer events, like Abbi Jacobson and Isaac Oliver's book readings.
They have a really cool admission policy for events at The Strand, where you either have to buy the book being read from, or a $15 gift card.
Whatever it is, you're getting an amazing event and a book.
4. B&B Carousel (Boardwalk West - Brooklyn)
hellkittynyc Coney Island Night #coneyisland #brooklyn #parachutejump #summer #nyc #igersofnyc #neonlights #bbcarousel
Luna Park in Coney Island is as lovely an activity as any, but the B&B Carousel is majestic, exudes history, and is reopened as of 2013 when the city paid $1.8 million to buy it intact.
It was first built in 1906, and today you can ride it for just $3.
5. The Bronx Zoo (2300 Southern Boulevard - the Bronx)
The largest metropolitan zoo in America, the Bronx Zoo has around 6,000 animals, a butterfly garden, sea lion pool, and a world of reptiles-- if you're into that kind of thing.
It's $30.55 to get in if you buy your tickets online (we know that's $0.55 over $30, but cut us some slack). The good news is that it's pay-what-you-wish on Wednesdays.
So, maybe you should go on a Wednesday?
6. Belvedere Castle (Central Park)
Belvedere Castle's name is fitting, since it means "beautiful view" in Italian, and today offers the best and highest views of Central Park and the Manhattan skyline.
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It was built in 1869 by Calvert Vaux, co-designer of Central Park, intended as a lookout of the both reservoir to the north, and the Ramble to the south. Ch-ch-check it out.
,7. The Secret Theatre (4402 23rd Street - Long Island City)
inclineddp whack-out Wednesday. #inclineddanceproject #thesecrettheatre #nycdance #nycreativephotography #legs #rehearsal
The Secret Theatre is in the Long Island City Art Center, and hosts theater, musicals, dance, music, opera, film, video, classes, rehearsals, art openings, film festivals, parties and more.
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Their summer play lineup is sensational, and tickets for these plays cost anywhere between $15 and $20.
8. The PIT Improv (123 East 24th Street)
karlene_grinberg Super Free Monday out at The Pit! Definitely one of the best places to let your inner improver out and watch talented groups get up and create hilarious-ness onstage! 👌#thepit Can't wait to go again with the lovely @michellebatista_! 🙌
The People's Improv Theater is dedicated to the instruction, performance, and development of original comedy.
They present original comedic shows seven nights a week, and tickets to these shows cost between $5-$20 (some shows are free).
9. S'Mac (various NYC locations)
theveryhungrykaterpilla Parisienne: "Mac n Cheese for the upper crust", creamy brie, figs, shitake mushrooms, fresh rosemary, breadcrumbs. This was a little odd, lovely rosemary flavour but the sweet figs were a bit too sweet after a while. We liked the idea of so many varieties of mac n cheese, and it was nice/okay, nothing incredible, not something we'd crave. Nice that they have gluten free, dairy free options though. #saritasmacandcheese #smac #smacnyc #eastvillage #katalinyc2015
Are you, or is anyone you love a mac and cheese enthusiast? Then you have got to get to S'mac and feast on the buffalo chicken mac and cheese.
So for $10, you can get so full you'll never want to eat mac and cheese again. They have two locations, one in Murray Hill and one in the East Village.
10. Adventures NYC (Central Park)
On Saturday June 20th (the eve of summer's start), Central Park will host a day of outdoor adventures like rock climbing, yoga, and free kayaking.
And um, yeah, it's all completely free.
You're probably wondering how you can find this amazing event, and it's all going down in the Bandshell Area in Central Park, so enter at 72nd Street.
P.S., the time slot is from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
11. Videology Bar & Screening Room (308 Bedford Avenue - Brooklyn)
This bar and screening room is perfect for those who obsess over movies and shows and also love getting out and drinking.
Videology offers movie screenings, show trivia, and their famous Sci-Fi Sundays.
12. Lincoln Center shows
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Lincoln Center offers shows in dance, music, film, opera, and theater.
Right now, they're selling tickets to Mostly Mozart for $29.75, The Cleveland Orchestra's rendition of Daphne (also $29.75), and this play Miss Julie that looks really cool, but costs $38-- so probably shouldn't be on this list. Whatever!
13. Television show tapings
Ever wondered how your favorite NYC shows like The Daily Show, Good Morning America, SNL, and The Late Show amass their studio audiences? Well, studio audiences are stockpiled with people just like you.
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Attending the taping of your favorite TV show is fun, free, and is always good for some starstruck trembling.
Plus, you'll get to brag that you were on TV. Find out more information here.
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