Best (Cheap) Date Ideas in NYC
Dear Single Gentlemen of New York City,
Finding Mrs. Right isn’t easy, and it’s certainly not cheap. That’s why I’m here to extend an olive branch and share some insider tips on great date ideas that won’t break the bank.
Tip #1: Never underestimate the power of a good walk.
These are the BEST walk-friendly locations in NYC:
1. Battery Park (Downtown Manhattan):
Battery Park is conveniently located, great during all times of the year, and has something for everyone.
Grab a drink or two at Pier A Harbor House ($$). If you’re visiting during the warmer months, opt to sit outside. This is the BEST place to catch the sunset over the Hudson River. You’ll get unobstructed views of Lady Liberty, Governor’s Island, Brooklyn, and the Verrazano Bridge.
When you’re done with drinks, make sure to check out these attractions:
American Merchant Mariners’ Memorial
Castle Clinton
SeaGlass Carousel
Staten Island Ferry
2. Hudson River Park (Downtown Manhattan, West Side Highway):
Hudson River Park is one of the most underrated locations in Manhattan. It has stunning gardens, ample rest areas, and (easily!) one of the best bike lanes in the city.
Start at Pier 45 (Enter: Christopher St) and walk down to Pier 25 (Exit: Canal St/Franklin St). Go towards the tallest building in town (1 World Trade).
Stop to grab a drink at Grand Banks ($$$). This location has major “wow” factor because it’s a retired sailboat-turned-oyster bar. After you’re done with drinks, consider playing a game of mini golf at Pier 25 Mini Golf.
Looking for more budget friendly options?
Take your date to people watch at the volleyball, basketball, and tennis courts nearby.
Bump up the adventure factor by renting a *FREE* kayak at the Pier 26 Downtown Boat House (May-October only).
3. Washington Square Park (West Village):
The famous marble arch, the fountains, the performers – what’s not to love about Washington Square Park? Smack in the middle of my favorite Manhattan neighborhood, WSP offers a relaxed atmosphere with historical finds around every corner. Make sure you check out these famous landmarks when you’re in the area:
Mark Twain House (14 W. 10th St)
The narrowest apartment in NYC (75 ½ Bedford St)
The Friends Apartment (100 Bedford St)
Grove Court (Gated complex between #10 and #12 Grove St)
Carrie Bradshaw’s Apartment (64 Perry St)
And many, many more here: https://freetoursbyfoot.com/things-to-do-in-greenwich-village/
4. Brooklyn Bridge Park (Brooklyn Heights):
There is something so romantic about Brooklyn Bridge Park. It totes a lot of the same perks as Hudson River Park (free kayak rentals, gorgeous views, sailboat restaurants—the Pilot), but has more of that “rustic charm.” It’s also one of my favorite places to have a picnic. Which brings me to Tip #2:
Tip #2: Skip the restaurants and opt for a picnic instead.
Put in a tiny bit more effort and reap the rewards. Your date will be impressed because you went the extra mile, and you won’t be burdened with a steep restaurant bill.
Here’s the ultimate picnic game plan:
Make sure you have an insulated lunch box/container.
Buy (2) small travel mugs or thermoses. Fill them with chilled wine.
Make sure you know which type of wine your date prefers*
Make sure you don’t get caught drinking in public*
Buy assorted pre-cut cheeses at your local grocery store.
Buy a box of crackers.
Bring plastic utensils/napkins/paper plates.
Bring a picnic blanket or a few beach towels.
Consider the above purchases investment pieces. Even if your date doesn’t go well, you can always reuse a picnic blanket or thermos.
Tip #3: Take advantage of discounted rates at museums, zoos, and botanic gardens.
Drinks are great, but have you ever seen the mummy exhibit at the Brooklyn Museum? Why not check it out?
Museums:
The Metropolitan Museum of Art (+Met Breuer, Met Cloisters) are “pay-as-you-wish” for residents of New York with valid state ID.
Brooklyn Museum – Free the first Saturday of every month (5-11:00 PM)
The Frick Collection – Free the first Friday of every month (6-9:00 PM)
The Jewish Museum—Free every Saturday
The Morgan Library and Museum – Free every Friday (7-9:00 PM)
Museum of Art and Design – Pay-as-you-wish Thursday (6-9:00 PM)
Museum of Modern Art – Free every Friday (4-8:00 PM)
National Museum of the American Indian – Always free
New York Historical Society – Pay-as-you-wish Friday (6-9:00 PM)
American Folk Art Museum – Always free
Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum – Pay-as-you-wish Saturday (6-9:00 PM)
Zoos/Aquariums:
Bronx Zoo – Free on Wednesdays
New York Aquarium – Pay-as-you-wish Wednesdays (3-5:00 PM)
Staten Island Zoo – Free on Wednesdays (after 2:00 PM)
Botanic Gardens:
New York Botanic Garden – Free grounds admission on Wednesdays and Saturdays
Queens Botanic Garden – Free admission daily (November – March). Free Admission Wednesdays (3-6:00 PM)
Brooklyn Botanic Garden—Free admission from 8-12:00 Noon on Fridays (March – November). Free on Winter weekdays (December-February).
Tip #4: Take the road less traveled.
Here are some more “obscure” NYC locations/date ideas that are perfect for the girl or guy in your life that loves adventure:
Take a free ride along the Hudson River via Staten Island Ferry.
Take the tram from Manhattan to Roosevelt Island. Here, you can explore the abandoned smallpox hospital, the Franklin D. Roosevelt ‘Four Freedoms Park,’ and the Roosevelt Island lighthouse.
Take the ferry to Liberty Island and Ellis Island. Tour the Statue of Liberty and the National Museum of Immigration. *Note: must book tickets in advance.
Take a tour of NYC’s abandoned City Hall Subway Station.
Visit the Stephen A. Schwarzman ‘Main Branch’ of the NYC Public Library. Make sure to check out the Rose Main Reading Room.
Visit the “Portal down to Old New York,” a series of preserved remnants from 17th Century New Amsterdam.
Visit Coney Island. Take a ride on The Cyclone, walk along the boardwalk, and make sure to stop and grab a Nathan’s hot dog.
Try your luck at the Broadway lottery and see if you can snag an orchestra seat for well below retail value.
I hope that these tips and tricks serve you well. If you have any comments or suggestions, please feel free to submit them via the “Ask Me Anything” box.
Thanks all, and happy saving!
-Your Favorite Russian Hacker
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Solo en Oaxaca & An Adventure in Mezcal y Mole Pairing
I’ve been sauntering and strolling through Oaxaca for the past week. Already in Mexico for 10 days prior (exploring bustling Mexico City, aka CDMX), I landed in Oaxaca and immediately felt the absence of my friends in CDMX. With an Airbnb booked for 2 weeks, I panicked - was this going to be a lonesome trip as opposed to the refreshing reset I had hoped for?
Truth be told, the first two days it was a little lonely. Though my Airbnb was clean and comfortable, it was in a Spanish-style hacienda which meant almost no sunlight filtering through. And in the interest of eco-friendliness, all the lights were harsh fluorescent - not an inviting place to read a book with a nightcap.
Thus began my frantic attempts to pay for friends - aka sign up for a bunch of classes and tours. And as luck would have it, I made friends the old-fashioned way - free. But wait ‘til I get there.
The first class I took was literally the least conducive to meeting people - but that was all due to timing and luck-of-the-draw. I took my first Airbnb experience - a mezcal and mole pairing class. Much like the Wine Bootcamp classes I was taking in NYC, this was a pairing of yet another alcoholic beverage with a complementary food (I’m noticing a trend here in what I like to do...). The experience and pairing was originally created by Daniel, a sommelier, though my experience was led by Marcelo. Marcelo was an absolute pleasure and had such knowledge about mezcal. He spent the ENTIRE session telling me about the various mezcals and moles, and about the agave plants associated with each mezcal as well. Why ENTIRE, you ask? Because I was the only person there. So alas, as wonderful as the class was, it was not a date the town opportunity. I’m sure under different circumstances and popular class times my impression would have been different. I mean who doesn’t get chattier and friendlier after a few shots of mezcal? I can only imagine the missed opportunity.
That being said, Marcelo was extremely kind and friendly, and we bonded over shared personal histories in Turkey (my family is Turkish and he spent a year abroad in Ankara). He gave me a few local recommendations for food in Oaxaca (Empenadas del Carmen - I’m coming for you soon).
As you can see from the photo - there were 7 moles we tried. Did you even know there are 7 types of mole?? I’ve always been a fan of mole negro, but I also found myself drawn to mole coloradito and almendrado - they have a very similar deep umami flavor to them. My least favorite was the amarillo, which Marcelo said is a very popular mole flavor to hate. I hear the mole amarillo served at empanadas del carmen is delicious though, so I’m going to keep an open mind.
Thanks to Marcelo for providing me an amazing intro into the diversity of mezcals and moles in Oaxaca, and for some company for a few hours on my first Oaxacan day! You can find out more info about the Airbnb Experience here:
Mezcal and Mole
What was my next attempt at finding friends through bribery? I’ll tell you next time.
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