It’s Friday afternoon and you’re having visitors. Where are you going to take them? When your visitors arrive, you can be sure they will bring a preconception about the city in all its splendor. While a feeling of intimidation over the lofty responsibility of your visitors’ New York City experience is inevitable, here are some exciting and affordable activities that will leave them raving about their weekend and your awesome New York lifestyle.
1. Chelsea Market
This indoor food market showcases restaurants from all over New York. Lunch spots include Ronnybrook Milk Bar and Bowery Eats among others. The plentiful seating and variety of options will satisfy even the most serious foodies without breaking the bank.
Location: 15th and 16th street and Ninth and 10th avenues
Hours: Monday – Saturday: 7 a.m. – 9 p.m. Sunday: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
2. Beacon’s Closet
Sneak some shopping into your weekend itinerary at Beacon’s Closet. A vintage thrift shop with locations in Brooklyn and Manhattan, Beacon’s Closet is loaded with treasures at affordable prices.
Location: 13th Street between Fifth and Sixth avenues
Hours: Monday – Sunday: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
3. MoMA Friday Nights
From Picasso to Pollock, Museum of Modern Art galleries and exhibitions showcase some of the most famous modern artwork in the world. Admission fees are waived on Friday evenings from 4 to 8 p.m. Crowds congregate quickly, so arriving early is key. Also, don’t be discouraged by the long line as it moves quickly.
Location: 53rd Street between Fifth and Sixth avenues
Hours: Friday 4 p.m. – 8 p.m.
4. Broadway (The Cheap Way)
While standard rate Broadway tickets often start at $150 per ticket, prices drop to about $40 at 10 a.m., when you can buy morning rush tickets at Broadway box offices on a first come, first serve basis. The line can be lengthy, so arrive early.
Location: Any Broadway box offices
Hours: Starting at 10 a.m.
5. Brooklyn Botanic Garden
While New Yorkers tend to forget about this urban escape as the weather gets colder, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden is open year round. Show your visitor a different side of New York and watch the last of the leaves change. Admission is $5 with a valid student ID and $10 for adults.
Location: Washington Avenue in Brooklyn
Hours: Monday through Friday: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
A version of this article appeared in the Monday, Nov. 11 print edition. Vanessa Karalis is a contributing writer. Email her at [email protected]
