“Start spreading the news! I’m leaving today! I want to be a part of it! New York! New York!”

Liza Minelli expressed that on her song, New York, and this is true. Every American has that New York fever – excitement, wonder and longing. New York is the place to be and life is empty without ever visiting New York. But, the question here is, how much is New York? Can you afford New York?

Well, of course you can! New York is first-class but like they say: The best things in life are free! There are ways to enjoy New York and it does not have to pay much. At times, there is nothing to pay for at all!

Free Events to Go to

There are about 18 events in New York that you can witness without a dime shed. If you are into museums and arts or culture, you can visit:

Crest Fest – This is an annual event usually every June that showcases local artists – paintings, sculptures and art work made of diverse things. 558 Metropolitan Avenue, Brooklyn (cresthardwareartshow.com)

Calamity Chang – How about burlesque shows? The Spanking at 106 Norfolk Street every Thursday night and Hotel Chantelle at 92 Ludlow Street on Fridays features Nurse Bettie and Bawdy Vaudeville, respectively.

An Extravagant Hunger – Anne Zimmerman, food critic, hosts a book reading event every Thursday. So if you are a book lover, this is one event that will please you and your stomach. Food is free! 126 Franklin Street (wordbrooklyn.com)

Movement Research – They feature a group of people who express themselves in dancing. 55 Washington Square South (movementresearch.org)

Polo – Not Marco, Polo but the Polo game. NYC Bike Polo hosts this event at Nassau Street (Brooklyn Court) or at Forsythe Street (The Pit). You can make friends with the players there and try to hit a ball or two.

Free Booze, Hear Ye, Hear Ye!

You can get free drinks from 18 locations in New York and here are the top picks:

Three of Cups Lounge – Vodka everywhere during Mondays and Tuesdays at 8-9PM and 11 to midnight. Be there to get it for free. 83 First Avenue at 5th Street (threeofcupsync.com)

Pour – Are you into wine?  Then you are in luck. Free tasting of the best wines in the world, Monday to Sunday. 321 Amsterdam Avenue at 75th Street

The Delancey – Rock n Roll Thursday with vodka – free. 168 Delancey street at Clinton (thedelancey.com)

Munchies for Free? Get Out!

9 spots just give out food, literally! No questions asked… Here are the favorites though:

The Mark Bar – Pizza up for grabs every day at 6pm and at noon, coffee with bagels! Yum! And where is this located? The posh, Manhattan! Oh yes! 1025 Manhattan at Green Street (themarkbar.com)

Centro Vinoteca – Deviled egg, fritter and dates are just some of the finger foods you can eat at no cost. They give out sample plates to guests in the lounge area between 4 to 7pm daily. 74 Seventh Avenue South at Barrow Street (centrovinoteca.com)

Blind Tiger Ale House – Cheese and baguettes for free every Wednesday, 6pm. 281 Bleecker Street at Jones Street (blindtigeralehouse.com)

That’s not all. They also have free classes, free tours and free music events to fill your days and nights. Check newyork.timeout.com for a list of all the free stuff you can avail in the City. New York is the best with all these free things to do, what more can you ask for? Even hotels offer free nights when you stay for at least 2 days. Go to New York and have the fun-filled (free) vacation of your life.