NYC in the Summer & On a Budget

There is no way we could possibly cover all of NYC but, since we just went to visit, we thought we'd share some of our favorite FREE things to do during the summer in the city that's been our home for the past few years.

The best way to get to know any city is to walk around! These are our five favorite walks in NYC:

1. Take a stroll across the Brooklyn Bridge. You get incredible views of downtown Manhattan and the bridge itself is gorgeous.Brooklyn Bridge Tip: Make sure you aren't walking in the bike lane. If you think New Yorkers move fast by foot, you should see them on a bike!


After you conquer the bridge, you get an excuse to check out the famous Grimaldi's pizza $$!

Grimaldi's tip: If you want to avoid standing outside in line, plan to get there mid-afternoon. Also, they are cash only so bring some cash with you to avoid having to pay a ATM fee!


2. If you still feel like walking after your trek across the bridge, head to the Brooklyn Heights Promenade. It is less crowded than the bridge but you still get the picture-worthy views of Manhattan. It's also a very safe neighborhood and a nice place to walk around at night.



Tip: The Promenade is also a great place to watch the fireworks on the 4th of July!


3. We love to wander through Central Park and if you haven't done so yet, DO IT. If you have already, do it again! There is so much to see in the park that you could walk through it every day and still stumble into somewhere you didn't even know existed. Check out our "fun in Central Park" video.

4. Riverside Park runs along the Upper West Side of Manhattan and is a great stroll to take on a hot summer day...









...especially because on summer weekends the pier at 72nd street offers FREE kayaking on the Hudson River! Yes, please!




Tip: Wear shorts you won't mind getting a little wet.








5. If people watching is your thing, take a stroll along the East River Promenade which runs along the water on the Upper East Side. We love to get a coffee and bagel from our favorite bagel shop in the city, Bagel Bob's $ (86th and York Ave) and sit on a bench along the river!



OTHER GREAT FREE THINGS TO DO DURING THE SUMMER IN NYC
1. Movies in Bryant Park
2. Biking on Governor's Island- Fridays
3. Theatre in Central Park- Free shows at the Delacorte Theatre. Get in line early!
4. Concerts in Central Park- The New York Philharmonic, the Summerstage Series, Good Morning America's weekend summer series... the list goes on!


A few more NYC affordable restaurant recommendations:
1. Nina's Argentinean Pizzeria- a hole-in-the-wall Argentinean/Italian fusion place on the UES. It's a tight squeeze if you go with a big group, but the unique pizzas (ie pesto and goat cheese) and delicious homemade pasta make it all worth the trouble. $



2. Jack the Horse Tavern $$- a romantic spot in Brooklyn Heights with great food, a great atmosphere, and a few fun beers on draft. Mmmm, six point brownstone. Y es please!


3. Yum Yum Bangkok- A very cheap thai restaurant located in the theatre district on 9th Ave. To get the best prices, try the lunch special! We recommend the basil chicken and curry puffs. $

4. Joy Burger Bar- At 100th and Lex, this Burger place is our favorite in NYC. The prices are pretty reasonable... and the sauces make the difference! Choices include garlic mayo, chimichurri, spicy mango chutney, spicy mayo, and the list goes on! $