Updated April 2019.

En route Big Apple

So you decide to visit New York City on a frugal budget. Big city, bright lights, home of Lady Liberty and a concrete jungle. I feel your consternation already: it’s too expensive, activities cost a fortune and it’s too congested.

As if that isn’t enough, you’re introverted and the thought of all that humanity makes you shudder. Fret not, mate.

There are lots of activities in NYC that don’t require people interaction, if you don’t want it. Plus, these places also satisfy your love for art, culture, nature and quiet all on a frugal budget.

None of my friends believe I’m introverted but methinks I’m more of an ambivert because my personality switches depending on the company present.

IMPORTANT: Before you begin, I strongly suggest that you purchase a Metrocard for the duration of your trip so budget for that. If you’re staying a week, buy an Unlimited 7-day Metrocard ($32) that permits both subway and bus access (except Select Bus Service, AirTrain and PATH).

If you’re staying the weekend, either buy a $10 Metrocard and refill as it runs out or buy the 7-day card as it comes out cheaper if you hop in and out of buses and subways for three days. Each card swipe costs $2.75 so if you map out destinations well and are prepared to tone those calves, a $10 card can last you two days. If you do happen to run out of rides, you can always refill your Metrocard or buy single tickets from the station agents.

Here’s a breakdown of places in the city I love as an introvert.

1. Arts and Culture.

With so many museums available in New York City, you will be spoilt for choice. The City is very generous and has discounted entry for major museums but there are still several less trafficked free museums worth your curiosity to experience.

• You have the major museums: The American Museum of Natural History and The Cloisters that are “pay-what-you-wish” instead of the regular admission fee.

I’ve been to both and you’ll enjoy them, especially The Cloisters. Your interest in medieval imagery, architecture and early Christendom will be piqued at this incredible European monastic structure and museum hidden in Upper Manhattan.

There are niche museums in all boroughs that a re either always free, have specific free hours or free weekends. For example, the 9/11 Memorial Museum has some free hour even though it requires ticketed entry.

Always Free New York City Museums

• Harry Houdini Museum
• Museum of the American Indian
• Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture
• Federal Hall Memorial. Downtown Manhattan.
• Snug Harbor Botanical Garden. Staten Island.

These are just a handful of the always free NYC museums available for your frugal budget. Peruse which museums have free times and weekends you can sneak into your NYC itinerary.

 

• Alternatively, if you want NYC art, you can get them from talented street artists in Union Square, 34^th Street, 42^nd Street, downtown Manhattan and the Lower East and West sides. Basically, you cannot miss street artists on main tourist corridors in midtown Manhattan.

 

2. Parades.

NYC is home to free parades like the Chinese New Year parade in February and the famous Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade in November.

There are also cultural parades like Dominican Heritage, St. Patrick’s and the Nigerian Independence Day parade that are raucous and fun affairs. I always avoid them but being the ambivert that I am, I venture out afterwards because there is always food and cultural mementos, which I love.

Seeing at least one of these parades in person is great for memories and as a frugal tourist, I highly recommend that you do. Just arrive super early and learn how to hold your pee. Just saying.

These events are interesting because you experience several cultures and is a tip on how to enjoy New York City in summer even as an introvert-cum-ambivert.

Update

I experience the Mermaid parade at Coney Island in summer 2018 and it is a colorful event everywhere you look. This is my first festival and it is just as I expect: crowds, boiling hot (100 F) and nowhere to sit. It is worth it, though. Lol.

3. Festivals.

We are spoilt for festival choice in New York City and the coveted music festivals like Governor’s Ball on Randall’s Island and Afropunk in Brooklyn cost an arm and a leg to experience for the likes of us mere mortals.

Since we’ve established our frugality, the only way we can attend these is through Twitter so let’s attend something more within our budget.

• International African Arts Festival. This happens at Commodore Barry Park, downtown Brooklyn, and “donation” is $5. There are hundreds of stalls of African clothing, art, jewellery, natural skin and hair care products (my go-to spots) and diverse food from all over Africa and the Caribbean. I promise that you won’t leave empty-handed so just pack a recycled plastic reusable tote to schlep your haul back home. Look at you engaging in cultural immersion and sustainability simultaneously.

There are live musical performances featuring reggae, Afrobeats and Jazz with views of downtown Manhattan. The ambience is very inclusive and welcoming so don’t forget to pack a cloth to spread on the green, eat and watch the show.

In 2019, the festival is happening between July 4 and July 7 and I’m going to make one of these days. Check out their site for details http://iaafestival.org/.

• Japanese Cherry Blossom Festival. This happens every April at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden (BBG) and Roosevelt island. The BBG festival is much larger featuring several activities and Japanese themed food and products. The tickets are a bit steep – $32 – but it is well worth it for a unique NYC experience.

Considering your frugality, you can still visit the BBG and its cherry blossoms after the event on one of the Garden’s free weekdays. The grounds are free but the conservatory and gardens require membership or a fee for admission.

Free weekdays for the BBG is usually Tuesdays but check out this link and call ahead to confirm.

I went for the Japanese Sakura Festival in 2017 and enjoyed the different garden ecosystems, bonsai trees, orchids and the very many quiet spots so much that I consider it one of the 10 unmissable New York City experiences.

Some spots are so devoid of people, you’ll think you fell into a parallel world. Perfect to read or just be as an introvert enjoying New York City.

As you see, it’s very family friendly and the beautiful cherry blossoms and the gardens of the park will put you in the right mood.

• Borough Block Parties. This is my favourite summer past time. Summer and early fall sees numerous block parties in every corner of the city where you can amble, browse hand-made jewellery stalls & eat affordably.

There is one every July on my Brooklyn main street and I make sure to pass through, eat and buy some stuff.

In addition, the famous Hester Street party in lower Manhattan is another event at the start of summer and Eventbrite is my go-to resource for free party details in summer and fall.

• Summer Streets. Organized by NYC, three Saturdays in August between the hours of 7 am and 1 pm see nearly seven miles of City streets open to the public to play, run, walk and bike. It is car-free and there are zip-lining and other fun activities available as well as affordable street food.

Your frugality can manage street food of tacos, burritos and gyros and you can carry a refillable water bottle with you for free refills at water fountains or cafes. Remember, we’re trying not to blow our budget but also enjoy our New York City experience.

4. Sight-Seeing.

Again, our frugality beckons us to be prudent about the city because we want to own property very soon.

• Statue of Liberty. You want to see Lady Liberty right? Tours have a wait time and cost money but, you still can by ambling over to the Staten Island Ferry downtown and taking a free ride across to Staten.

Carve a spot on the deck and on each leg, you’ll pass Lady Liberty. On Staten Island, experience views of downtown Manhattan with its spectacular lights at night. Free picture mementos!

• Midtown/Times Square. If you really want to, visit the bright lights of Times Square at night but buy nothing from the stores because you cannot afford them. Remember the mantra: we’re on a budget, so shop with your eyes and throat.

Times Square is a rite of passage for a novice and once you get that out of your system, you’ll hunger for something else. The same goes for the high-end stores of 5th and Madison Avenues where it is advisable to window shop only, unless you want to splurge on one thing.

• Downtown. Head on down to the legendary Charging Bull and Fearless Girl* statues and elbow other tourists to take an iconic picture on the Federal Hall steps (once a seat of government when NYC was the capital of the U.S.).

*Fearless Girl is now at the front of the New York Stock Exchange because the Charging Bull creator complained that she was taking the shine off his creation.*

In addition, pass by Trinity Church on Broadway with iconic gravestones of Alexander Hamilton and Robert Fulton.

Furthermore, you can walk to Bowling Green from either Wall Street or the Staten Island ferry and explore historic formerly Dutch streets and buildings in between.

There are Hanover Square and Stone Street, the latter famous for pubs, taverns and benches on cobbled paths. Downtown was once inhabited by the Dutch and the British after them so look out for plaques on buildings and on the ground for historic colonial events.

• Westfield/Brookfield Malls. Since you’re in the area, amble over to the 9/11 Memorial Park with its fountains and sombre feel. After paying respects, dip into Westfield Mall and feast your eyes on stores and their interactive activities.

There are several high-end stores at Westfield Mall and after exploring and eating, sit in the lobby, access free WiFi and update social media on your trip.

Once you’ve regained strength, go down the walkway and take escalators up to Brookfield Mall which is more upscale and luxury. Ignore these for the sake of your pocket and head straight to the atrium as there’s always something going on like light shows, virtual reality booths and in winter, an ice rink by the Hudson River.

This is a great area to explore and if you’re French, you will love Le District boulangerie and other French specialty stores within.

• Battery City Park. Exit Brookfield on Vesey Street, walk towards the Hudson River then turn right and walk down to where yachts are moored.

This is beautiful in summer because there is a small park and activities to partake in with the neighbourhood teens.

• South Street Seaport. This really is my favourite part of New York City and I put it as #1 of unmissable experiences in the city.

You’re royally pooped after perambulating so you need to rest. Pier 15 of the seaport has huge, comfy deck chairs to people watch locals people watching tourists. Lol.

You have picture – worthy shots here of DUMBO across the East River and the tourist cruises and ferries.

• NYC Ferry. The ferry service costs $2.75 per ride and sails round the city. Buy tickets at the pier, walk up to the top deck and enjoy the views of waterfront New York City. The ferry is how I enjoy NYC as an introvert whilst in my thoughts and taking in the view from the deck.

Update

Pier 17

Visit the rooftop at Pier 17 for aerial views of the Seaport, lounge on the Heineken river deck and take iconic photos with Brooklyn Bridge in the background. Pier 17 has a roster of summer activities, everything from concerts to fitness classes, to world class chefs opening restaurants in the summer. See what activities float your boat here.

 

RELATED: New York City Ferry Adventures

5. Nature.

Your energy is drained after a fraction of the activities above and you need some quiet time to recharge. I get you, but not many people get introverts. We’re not moody, we’re just not in the mood…at the time. Lol.

• Botanic Gardens. The Gardens in Brooklyn, Queens and Bronx are so serene and peaceful.

Alternatively, you can bring a mat to lie down and ponder your existence. Click the link in #1 above and look to see when any of these have free days.

I prefer Brooklyn Botanic Garden because you don’t have to travel far from Manhattan and it’s a teeny walk from the subway for me.

• Prospect Park. This is completely free and is much quieter than Central Park and less touristy. You’ll find more locals and families here but also little nooks of serenity within. Biking and skate-boarding are permitted and you can bird-watch in summer.

In winter, there’s a skating rink and sledding on the hill and summer sees several barbeques happening in the park.

Fort Tryon. This serene park is in Upper Manhattan and you can get there via the A to 190th Street.

It is so quiet and peaceful and is home to The Cloisters, a medieval museum filled with tapestries and artifacts on early Christendom. The park has hidden gems and a storied history if you’re into geology and hiking.

Roosevelt Island. Roosevelt Island is my favourite quiet spot in Manhattan to escape to because it is a literal strip of land in the East River between Manhattan and Queens. Sit under the quiet Promenade shade trees and look out onto United Nations then amble over to Southpoint Park and Four Freedoms Park that look out over Long Island City.

6. Entertainment. 

Based on our frugality, we want cheap or free entertainment, right? You have Shakespeare in the Park, free orchestra shows and movies days and nights in various NYC parks. Check out 2019 NYC park schedules for free events in NYC parks in all five boroughs that every frugal person can appreciate.

7. Food.

Food Trucks. Lastly, if you’re anything like me, food is bae and you love to indulge. Sample Greek, halal, kosher, taco, plant-based and all sorts of delicious cuisines from food trucks on literally every corner. These affordable food options will leave you sated because they are of sizable portions.

Greeley Square (34th St/Broadway) has summer food trucks vending several cuisines options.

Indulge in original Belgian waffles at Wafels and Dinges on 35th St./Broadway or at Bryant Park.

Buffet Delis. They’re all over Manhattan, priced per weight and cost an average of $15 so eat up to last you a couple of hours. Look for where office workers queue at lunch time. This is your clue.

If you’re staying in a hostel, find out if they have affiliations with nearby cafes or restaurants for meal discounts.

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I hope you find this mini guide very helpful in manoeuvering New York City as an introvert and if you’re an introvert, what are your favourite spots in New York City aside libraries? 🙂

Read, comment and share with fellow introverts!

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