One of my absolute favorite places in the city is the Chelsea Market in Manhattan. Although the word “market” tends to evoke an image of some sort of outdoor bazaar, the Chelsea Market is an indoor marketplace with some of the best food spots in the city, fashion sample sales and an Artists & Fleas market. It’s free to enter and browse all of the marketplace.
My personal favorite shops within the market are the Doughnuttery (yummy mini doughnuts!), the independent bookstore Posman Books and the Artists & Fleas market. Artists & Fleas houses over thirty independent artists selling their jewelry, clothing and other artwork.
The space itself is a vibrant place of culture with a clock tower decorated in twinkly lights, classic brick walls, a waterfall and lots of tourists. Even if you don’t buy anything from the stores, it still is a fun and charming place to visit.
Hours: Monday through Saturday 7 a.m.–9 p.m., Sunday 8 a.m.–8 p.m.
Address: 75 Ninth Avenue (Between 15th and 16 Streets), New York, NY 10011
As a kid, I would go to the Bronx Zoo once a week over the summer. Although I don’t go quite as often anymore, no one grows out of appreciating nature (maybe just the camel rides). Something I learned recently, though, will definitely change my infrequent visits — Admission is free on Wednesdays! That’s right, that means you don’t have to pay any money (except transportation to get to the zoo, of course) to visit the flamingos, giraffes and other glorious animals kept at one of the biggest zoos in the area.
Hours: Weekdays 10 a.m.–5 p.m., weekends and holidays 10 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
Address: 2300 Southern Blvd, Bronx, NY 10460
3. The Met
Despite the Metropolitan Museum of Art being a stereotypical tourist site, it is such for a reason. Its permanent collection is the best I’ve ever seen with work by artists including Van Gogh and Monet from my personal favorite wing (European Impressionism). This past March, I took a trip to the city with Ithaca College’s Honors Program and The Met was our first stop! There are so many different wings and sections — from Asian art to musical instruments — that despite my being there so many times I've lost count, I still haven’t seen everything in the permanent collection! Although admission is free, there is a suggested donation fee (which is $12 for students). Another plus? The Met's location is right next to Central Park, so before or after your visit to the museum, you can just skip on over to one of the most famous parks in the world.
Hours: Sunday–Thursday 10 a.m.–5:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday 10 a.m.–9 p.m.
Address: 1000 Fifth Avenue (at 82nd Street), New York, NY 10028
4. Various Independent Art Galleries (SoHo and Chelsea)
As much as I love Manhattan, I really hate the stuffy heat in the summer. How do I hide from the heat without having to spend ANY money? Ducking in and out of art galleries in SoHo and Chelsea, that's how. These typically air-conditioned galleries make for interesting entertainment (admiring the work of emerging artists) and an efficient way to cool down. It’s free to just walk in and out of the galleries, and there are a variety of different styles: contemporary, sculpture, fiber arts, with pretty much any theme you could think of. Not only are they free, interesting and air-conditioned, but they’re all near each other! (The same technique works in the winter time when you’re in need of a heated place while wandering the streets.)
The High Line — a linear park built on an old, elevated section of the New York Central Railroad once called the West Side Line — is a beautiful way to spend time in Manhattan without spending money. Summer is the best season for to walk this 1.45-mile-long path (though you don’t have to walk the whole thing!). The old railroad tracks are just visible under the green and colorful shrubbery that stretches through the whole park. The park is not just green in color, but also in sustainability. Ithaca College prides itself on its green campus, and the High Line holds the same standard. It’s not just the gardening that’s worth the walk; since it’s raised over the city, you can look down at the hustle and bustle of the streets and out across the Hudson River.
The best part? Free events, like stargazing on the High Line's West 14th Street section every Tuesday from April through October, from dusk to 11 p.m. No RSVP necessary, and no cost. The High Line is my favorite park to stroll and relax in and take in the city that I love.
Hours: Open daily 7 a.m.–11 p.m.
Address: There are numerous staircase and elevator entrances
Whatever you are up to this summer, visiting New York City as a student is a great way to spend time without having to spend money. I hope you take advantage of the awesome things this city has to offer!
