If you're fortunate enough to go to school close to the Big Apple like I am, then you'll understand the struggle of trying to find places to go that are fun and not going to break your bank. Just being in the city is enough to amaze me but I also enjoy having a plan to go to a certain destination. Most places are super expensive, but there are a few gems that you would have never guessed that are worth your time and money. If you're not very familiar with New York City, here are a few places I've visited and fallen in love with over the past year.

1. 10 Below

If you're going to hit up any ice cream shop in Manhattan, it should be 10 Below. Located in four different spots in NYC (the one I go to is in Chinatown on Mott Street), this Thai-inspired rolled ice cream technique is amazing to watch and absolutely delicious. There are nine different flavors, each costs $7, one size, and unlimited fresh toppings with no extra cost. The ice cream is made to order right in front of your eyes, made with the skill and precision that the employees always guarantee.

2. The Museum of Modern Art

Commonly referred to as MoMA, this museum is a place filled with various masterpieces. The artwork ranges from photography, paintings, sculptures, graphic designs, and common household objects made into pieces of art that you would have never expected. Examples of some artwork exhibited in the museum were made by artists such as Andy Warhol, Richard Avedon, Edward Ruscha, and Vern Blosum. It has two locations, in Midtown Manhattan and Queens. With the student discount being $14, it's a great place to get some peace of mind away from the stresses of school for a small price. (Tip: Admission is free on Friday nights.)

3. Shake Shack

One of my personal favorites, this burger restaurant is worth the long lines. Their burgers are to die for, their fries are crinkle-cut (enough said), and their shakes are seriously a work of art. My favorite location is in Madison Square Park, but there are over 10 locations all over NYC, not counting the ones in other states! The cool thing about Madison Square Park is that you can dine at different tables or sit on a bench and watch people and traffic go by. There's also a dog park included in this particular park, and I think everyone would agree watching cute dogs frolicking is a good use of time.

4. Bryant Park

This park is pretty cool no matter what season you happen to visit it in. During the spring, summer, and fall, it is home to various shops and stands for vendors to sell custom art and merchandise for reasonable prices. There is also a huge field of grass to lay on and stare up at the skyscrapers surrounding you. In the winter, this place becomes even more magical with the field turning into an ice-skating rink and the shops start selling holiday goods. This is definitely a place worth stopping by if you get the chance.

5. American Museum of Natural History

I know most people don't think museums are super exciting, but if you give them a chance, you can actually learn something and get into the experience. Located at the edge of Central Park West, this museum has some of the most amazing pieces of history in its walls. If you're into paleontology (aka dinosaurs), then I would suggest going there to take in their magnificent remains. Besides that, there are various histories of cultures from around the world to appreciate. Best thing about it? You pay as you wish. Yes, that means you could pay a dollar for admission and be able to take in all of this. It's a deal you can't beat to get some culture.

6. Chelsea Market

If you're looking for a destination to get some food that may not be exactly mainstream but delicious nonetheless, you've found it here. Being an indoor food court with over 30 vendors, it has a long history and food that you can enjoy without breaking your bank. Besides being able to get something to eat in this block-long indoor market, it is located right next to the Highline and the Hudson River, great and free places to walk off all that incredible food you'll end up devouring in there.

7. Central Park

This one is totally cliche and not exactly an uncommon place to go to in the city. However, it is free to stroll around in the largest park in New York City. Not only that, it provides activities to last you hours no matter what time of year you decide to venture into it. You can hit up the Central Park Zoo, which is around $16 at the gate or $12 online. You could do Rock the Boat (paddle boat ride around the lake) for $12 an hour, follow the trails (there's roughly 36 acres of them), go ice-skating, take a walk through the Conservatory Garden, or lay around in what's called Sheep Meadow, the large field that is perfect for people watching and sunbathing. This piece of preserved paradise in the middle of the chaos of the city is a perfect place to unwind as a college student with little to no money :)

8. Grand Central Station

As one of the busiest places in New York City, it is also a work of art in itself. Not only is it the largest train terminal in the world, the design of the building and the paintings on the ceiling provide a great place to relax while you watch others rush to get to where they need to go in the city. It's not just a place to travel, but a shopping hub and a place where thousands of people visit just to enjoy a meal. The history and the various facts about this historic piece of New York could keep you entertained for longer than you think.

9. Metropolitan Museum of Art

Okay, this is the last museum I have on my list, so if you're truly not into visiting them, you don't have to endure anymore of my endless support of them. It is unlike the other previously mentioned museums in regards to it's history, mission, and artwork held within the building. It only costs $12 as a student to peruse artwork from hundreds of centuries from all over the globe. It has three locations in New York City, including Fifth Avenue, Cloisters, and Breuer. If you're not completely sure if the trip is worth it, check out their website to get a taste of the amazing art they have to show to the world.

10. The Highline

Last but certainly not least, this elevated New York City freight rail turned into a public park is something you need to see and walk along to fully appreciate. It stretches over a mile long, dividing buildings from one another and displays amazing graffiti art left and right. It's only open between 7 AM and 7 PM, but that is plenty of time to explore it all. I consider it a more quiet sidewalk above the city streets so you can get through the blocks of the city without the hassles and distractions down below. It's a calming place and a great way to get some exercise in your day. Best of all, it's free!

I completely understand what it's like to lack the funds you want to have a good time; this is the time to save some money to get us through the things we need to take care of in this point in our lives. However, it's also important we live it up during this stage of our lives to the best of our ability, especially if we don't have to break our bank to achieve that. I hope this list is useful to you and these places provide you with wonderful memories like I have from them.