Maureen Hennessy is the author of How to Go Almost Anywhere for Almost Nothing, a valuable guide for the true budgeteer.
With a population of 7.3 million and more than 24 million visitors every year, it's a good thing that New York has more than 59,000 hotel rooms and 17,000 restaurants. The average daily room rate as far back as 1994 was $144 per night. The average meal cost was reportedly $29.38, including drink, tax and tip. Don't be scared away by those facts, as I often stay in the city for less than $30 per day including meals, accommodations and miscellaneous stuff I can't resist buying.
New York, like Hong Kong, is a city of great contrasts. The bustling metropolis is bisected by 843 acres of Central Park, an island of wooded tranquility. Homeless folk sleep huddled in tattered blankets in the shadow of the magnificent dwellings of the affluent. Incredibly expensive designer boutiques offer glamorous up-to-the-minute fashions; but you will find extraordinary fashion values if you take the time to look for them. The glamour and glitter of Broadway co-exists with seedy sex shops, live strip shows and xxx rated movies. I never got an exact count of the seedy sex shops, but however many of these crummy places there might be; they are balanced by the existence of more than 6,000 churches, temples and mosques throughout the five boroughs.
Beyond these obvious contradictions, visiting New York can be a budget-buster or you can do it for under $30 a day. You can get a discounted ticket to a Broadway show for as little as $15 or pay $85 or get treated to free theater in Central Park with big-name performers during the summer. In summer of 1995, I saw Patrick Stewart, of Star Trek fame doing Shakespeare in the park, and another time Pavarotti was giving free concerts. In June, 1996 Andre Brauer of TV's Homicide series was playing Henry V in the Delacourt Theater in Central Park. New York's a great place for all of the arts and you are apt to see some first-rate spontaneous performances just about everywhere around the city. You can amuse yourself browsing at any of the more than 500 bookstores; 10,000 plus boutiques and stores, 65 botanical gardens and 150 or so major sports arenas. Get a stiff neck gawking at 200 skyscrapers or browsing 150 plus museums or, go back to nature and visit all six renovated zoos.
You can also easily get free tickets to TV shows that film in New York just by showing up a little ahead of time and standing in line.
For more information about what's available when you are there, it's a good idea to drop in to the Visitor Information Center at 2 Columbus Circle at 59th Street and Broadway. The phone's always busy, so it's better to go there in person. You'll find a multilingual staff and all kinds of useful information, maps, transportation information, museum and gallery lists, sights to see, tour information, discount theater tickets and other entertainment.
To summarize, you're either going to love New York or hate it; there doesn't seem to be a middle ground. I personally love the place - the theater, the food, the art and architecture, the shopping, the energy, the excitement, the people, the history, and most of all, the amazing diversity! How did the song go? "New York, New York, it's a helluva town!"
Getting Around
The best way to get into New York from either JFK or LaGuardia airport is the subway. From JFK, the "Long Term Parking" bus that comes around is a free shuttle to the Howard Beach Subway station. That's the last stop. Buy a token for $1.50 and get a train into Manhattan. Be sure to ask for a free subway map from the attendant. If you're willing to pay a little more, the Carey Bus will take you into town for about $16. Forget taking a cab if you want to save money. I tried that in 1995 and it cost $42 without a tip! I wouldn't have been half as annoyed if the driver hadn't told me it would cost $30. I later found that you can ride in style in an air-conditioned limo with a bar and TV for $30. From LaGuardia, the M60 bus ($1.50) will get you to upper Manhattan around Columbia University and transfer to the M101 to go downtown. Alternatively, take the Q33 bus ($1.50) to Broadway/Roosevelt Avenue - Jackson Heights subway stop in Queens, then take a train in for another $1.50. The Carey bus will take you into town from the airport for about $11 and a limo can be had for around $30.
You need to bring good walking shoes to the City because that's the best way to get around. There are 6400 miles of streets made for walking in The Big Apple, with 578 miles of waterfront and 578 parks and playgrounds. New York's reputation for horrible traffic is well deserved. Because of this, cabs and buses can be very slow, not to mention expensive. New York has nearly 12,000 taxis whose drivers represent 85 nationalities, speaking a mind-boggling sixty languages. The average taxi fare in Manhattan is $5.25, which must be a short trip.
The City is well served by public transportation so you'll rarely wait long for a bus. But it cost $1.50 and takes forever to get where you are going. Just for fun, I walked about thirty blocks along a bus route during rush hour and passed the bus, arrived at my destination and waited another ten minutes for the arrival of the bus. If you are in a hurry, the best way to get anywhere is on the subway. The cost is the same as the bus and the service is terrific, although the rush hour crowds can be daunting. There are three good reasons for walking, however. You will see a lot more, it's great exercise and you'll save lots of money.
New York City Beaches
If you have the time and inclination during your visit, you can romp on a sandy beach without expending a lot of time or money. Five of the many beaches you can easily reach from Manhattan may be of particular interest as a pleasant diversion from the city.
Brighton Beach can be reached via either the D or Q train. Enormous, boisterous crowds are overflowing with all sorts of people. Muscle-bound Schwarzenegger wannabees share the strand with wheelchair-bound elders from every imaginable ethnic group. This is an unparalleled place for people watching. You'll find a fantastic mix of great ethnic foods ranging from hamburgers and french fries to borscht, pirogi and bagels, great tasting and relatively cheap.
Manhattan Beach, which is less crowded and commercial than most, can be accessed via the D or Q subway to Brighton. From Brighton, walk about half a mile or take the B1 bus to the beach. Bring picnic foods and beverages as there isn't much available on site.
Jones Beach is very popular with Manhattanites, so it's usually crowded. Getting there from the city also takes a little more travel and expense. Take the Wautagh LI railroad to Freeport ($9.50 weekends, $14 weekdays). Then take the bus from Freeport to the beach, it's a $3 round trip.
There's a huge Mall with a food court and all kinds of entertainment including children's and adult's swimming pools, golf, shuffleboard, table tennis, soccer, softball and a large outdoor theater with top name performers. Incidentally, there is also a nude beach area at the east end of Jones Beach.
You can go to Orchard Beach in the Bronx by bus BX5 or during the summer you can take the BX12. Alternatively, take the A train to 207th, Inwood, then BX12 to the beach all year around. Located in Pelham Bay Park and Wildlife Refuge, this 1.1 mile strand features beautiful surroundings, fascinating wildlife, large noisy crowds and various entertainment including lively Latin music concerts during July.
Last, but hardly least is the famous Coney Island. Take the B, D, F or N Subway to Stillwell Avenue, Coney Island. Recently restored by the US Army Corps of Engineers with 2.3 million cubic yards of sand, there's plenty of beach on which to romp but it's crowded shoulder-to-shoulder on any reasonably nice day. Here and there you will find ghostly non-working remnants of some of the rides once featured in one of the world's greatest amusement parks. Coney Island still boasts some of the most amazing rides and attractions in the country and you'll find much to enjoy.
The Neighborhoods
Think of New York as a collection of villages, towns and cities all gathered together into a single entity. Picture Manhattan Island beginning with the Seaport and the Financial District. Just above that is Chinatown in the center, with Tribeca to the west and the Lower East Side to the east. Above that, Little Italy is in the center with SoHo and Canal Street west and East Village east. Above Houston Street (pronounced how-stun) you'll find Chelsea and the Flatiron district with the Garment District to the west and Stuyvesant and Gramercy Park east. The Theater District is next at 42nd Street, just below Midtown, with Hell's Kitchen to the west.
Parenthetically, off-Broadway and off-off-Broadway can be just about anywhere, but most of these theaters can be found in lower Manhattan. Central Park begins at 58th Street (Central Park South) and ends at 110th. Above Central Park, look for Harlem central with East Harlem on one side and Morningside Heights on the other. Above that is Washington Heights and Inwood. Should you get the opportunity to explore Washington Heights, you will find a microcosm of New York history. Originally an Irish enclave, Washington Heights was subsequently populated by Puerto Ricans, Blacks, Greeks, Armenians and Jews, resulting in a rich ethnic mix of restaurants and shops where the prices go down as the street numbers go up.
Each of these neighborhoods has a unique feel and character and is well worth exploring. You can learn all about New York's historic neighborhoods on a free tour, sponsored by the Municipal Art Society. Call 212 767 0637.
Noteworthy Neighborhood Museums
Check out the Morris-Jumel Mansion at West 160th Street and Edgecombe. For $3 (seniors and students $1) you can tour the ornate parlor where Aaron Burr was married, see the amazing number of dressing rooms, lovely gardens and a spectacular view of the Harlem River.
The Yeshiva University Museum, the oldest Jewish studies center in the United States features some interesting exhibits.
Whatever else you do, be sure to see The Cloisters in Fort Tryon Park. Donated to the city by John D. Rockefeller, the park is located on Fort Washington Avenue. You can get there on the A train, getting off at 190th, then go to your right to Fort Washington Avenue, or take the #5 bus. The Cloisters was a monastery, pieced together in 1938 from relics of 12th and 13th century Spanish and French monasteries. The Cloisters contains a magnificent collection of Medieval art, priceless books, the famous Unicorn Tapestries and other European treasures. It is well worth the entry fee, which is considered a donation. The suggested amount is $6 for adults and $3 for seniors and students and the fee includes entrance to the Metropolitan Museum at Central Park.
A few other places you should try to see: The Guggenheim Museum in SoHo, 575 Broadway at Prince Street; The Lower Eastside Tenement Museum, 97 and 90 Orchard Street near Broome Street; El Museo del Barrio, 1230 Fifth Avenue at 104th Street and right next door, the Museum of the City of New York; The Museum of African Art, 593 Broadway between Houston and Prince in SoHo; the Museum of Television & Radio, $6 adults, $3 children and members, $4, students, call 212 621 6600.
The city has many more wondrous museums and galleries, way too many to list here, but these are particularly representative of the ethnic diversity of the neighborhoods.
Accommodation
New York offers an enormous variety of temporary dwellings. Short-term rentals are available in the colleges and universities as well as in private homes. Your choices are not limited to the pricey upscale hotels or a seedy flophouse in Times Square. If traveling alone, there are numerous hostels in various locations to suit every budget and taste. Some of the inexpensive hotels can be a better option if you are traveling with a companion who can share expenses; and some of these hotels are very special places with unique decor.
If you are planning a lengthy New York trip in the future, it might be a good idea to get a copy of the Village Voice to check out advertisements for short-term, sublets and shared housing. I didn't get a chance to investigate fully, but when last in the city I saw weekly rates of $79 on Staten Island for a room in a private home with full house privileges. This was advertised in the classified section of the Voice. Budget housing options in New York City are listed below in the following categories: University and College Stays, Hotels with a Difference and Hostels.
University and College Stays
Some of New York's many colleges and universities offer visitors dorm space at relatively inexpensive rates.
New York University, 14A Washington Place, NY, NY 10003, is located near the World Trade Center, Greenwich Village, theater district, great shopping and many NYC attractions. NYU has summer housing May 19 through August 10 at weekly rates from $135 per person for singles and $100 per person, doubles. For information, call 212 998 4620.
Fashion Institute of Technology, 210 W. 27th Street, New York, NY 10001, telephone 212 255 0018, has suites available by the month from June ll through July 31. Rates start at about $18 per person double occupancy, or $126 each per week. Located in the fashion district and within walking distance of many New York attractions, the Institute requires a minimum stay of one week.
Manhattanville College, Purchase Street, Purchase, NY 10577 telephone 914 694 2200 ext. 217. Available from May 23 until August 15, this college is located near all NYC attractions and starts at $15 per night with a linen fee. All college facilities are available.
Other New York possibilities: Long Island University, Brooklyn Campus, 1 University Plaza, Brooklyn, NY 11201, phone 718 403 1046, Teachers College, 525 West 120th Street (Box 312) New York, NY 10027, phone 212 678 3000; and Marymount Manhattan College, 205/15/25/35 East 95th Street, New York, NY 10128, phone 212 517 0630.
Hotels With A Difference:
The Carlton Arms Hotel at 160 East 25th Street has to be experienced to be believed. This place is a living art museum. The lobby, stairs, rooms and ceilings were all painted by New York's avant garde art community. Each room has it's own theme created by the contributing artist. One room has scenes from Paris and the halls and stairwells are alive with art deco mermaids and other bizarre creatures. Don't expect doormen or bell hops as this is a bare bones operation but the decor is fascinating and the staff is extremely helpful and friendly. Now, this isn't the cheapest place to stay in the City, but the rates are pretty good if travelling with others. For three people, for instance the rate goes from $68 to $84, depending upon whether you want a private bath and if you qualify for a discount. Students and foreign tourists get a discounted rate. All rooms have a sink, and if your room does not have a private bath, there are individual toilet and shower rooms in the hall for guests to use privately.
Another personal favorite is the Gershwin Hotel, at 7 East 27th Street between Broadway and Madison. You can reach them by telephone at 212 545 8000 or by fax, 212 684 5546. The Gershwin seems to be the place to stay for young travelers, artists, writers, musicians and models in New York City. It is a safe, well-located and comfortable place with a friendly, knowledgeable staff. The Gershwin is in the old "flatiron" section of New York, named after the famous narrow triangular Flatiron Building located between West 22nd and West 23rd, one of the first steel-frame skyscrapers. It's within easy walking distance of the Empire State Building, Greenwich Village, Chelsea, the Theater District, Canal Street and SoHo. You'll find restaurants to suit every taste and wallet nearby. The rates start at about $18 in a dorm and $56 for a private room. There are mixed dorms as well as men's and women's, so be sure to state your preference if you have one, when checking in. Each dorm has it's own bathroom, complete with tub and shower. The private rooms have self-contained baths. There's a social lounge/TV room, a restaurant and a bar, a rooftop garden and a tour guide office to help you plan your activities.
The Herald Square Hotel on 31st Street between 5th and Broadway is the second oldest hotel in New York. It once served as headquarters for Life Magazine, to which it owes much of its considerable charm. Decorated with Life covers dating back to the 1800's, the ambiance is one of nostalgia for a gentler time. It was a surprise to find a budget hotel so enjoyable and so well located. The Empire State Building is in the back yard, Macy's, theaters, Greenwich Village, Chinatown and Little Italy are within walking distance. Rates start at $45 for a single with a shared bathroom in the hall, $60 with private bath. All rooms have color TV and air conditioning and are spotlessly clean. At the top end, a large double room with a double bed and two singles or two double beds is $110. Discounts are available on these low rates. You've got to see this place to believe it. If you're interested in New York history, have a chat with Abraham Puchall. The affable owner will tell you everything you want to know about the hotel and the city. You can contact them at 19 West 31st Street, New York, NY 10001, telephone 212 279 4017 or 800 727 1888, fax 212 643 9208 or e-mail: Hersquhtl@aol.com
Craving upscale? You can stay at the moderately-priced Hotel Beacon on Broadway at 75th near Lincoln Center, Central Park, 5th Avenue shops, museums and all kinds of Manhattan landmarks. The special summer prices are surprisingly affordable, at $95 for a single or double with two double beds in each room and $125 for a suite with two full beds and a sofabed. Every room has a fully equipped kitchen including a free coffee maker and coffee. If you need more coffee, or anything else, just ask housekeeping and they will get it for you in no time. The service is extraordinary with every kind of amenity available and an anxious-to-please staff at your beck and call. Discounted parking is available. You can call them at 1 800 572 4969.
Looking for a very special home away from home? Based on a European concept where apartment-sized accommodations are better known as flats, there's nothing quite like the Flatotel at 135 West 52nd Street. New York's largest suites, ranging from 750 to 1950 square feet have walk-in closets, fully equipped gourmet kitchens, tasteful European furnishings and every bath is equipped with a jacuzzi. The studio can comfortably sleep four if you use the sleeper sofa in addition to the queen-size Murphy bed. The largest flat has two bedrooms and two master baths, each with Jacuzzi. There's a 24-hour restaurant, bar, business center and state-of-the-art gym. The hotel provides (at a fee) in-room food service, grocery shopping and delivery, secretarial services, laundry/valet, extra cribs or rollaway beds and continental breakfast in the lobby. Rates range from $250 to $450 per day, by no means the most expensive in the city. Your travel agent may be able to get a discounted rate. Flatotel is conveniently located near Rockefeller Center, Radio City Music Hall, Carnegie Hall and the theater district. Discounted parking is available. Call them at 1-800-Flatotel.
Hostels:
New York International HI/AYH Hostel, 891 Amsterdam Avenue at 103rd street (subway #1,9, B or C) is the largest hostel in the United States. Located in a truly amazing historical building, this hostel provides a spotlessly clean, safe environment for travelers with self-serve kitchen, TV lounge, billiard room, outdoor garden, library, laundry, coffee bar, tour desk, hostel shop and very friendly staff available 24 hours. Entrances are monitored at all times, and the sleeping area has a separate monitor who checks for room key and receipt before admitting anyone. Rates start at $23 in a dorm and $60 for a family room. A full-time cleaning staff does a great job keeping this place neat and tidy. The only real problem with this hostel is the location, a very long walk from Midtown. It's a terrific source for information on New York and environs.
For some of the lowest rates in New York at $14 per night for a dorm bed, consider the Sugar Hill International Hostel and twin property next door, the Blue Rabbit Hostel, managed by the well-traveled and knowledgeable Jim Williams. He will regale you with some great stories along with invaluable information on New York and everywhere else on the globe. I learned from Jim, for instance, that these buildings are "brownstones" a term which refers to style of architecture prevalent in New York, not the color or composition of building material. These brownstones seem Victorian, with lots of cornices and fancy trim.
This place isn't the Ritz, but it's clean, comfortable and extremely traveler-friendly and the renovation of these historic structures is an ongoing project. Basic bunkrooms, self-service kitchens, well-stocked library and a surprising, beautiful garden in the back make for an enjoyable stay. Located at 722 St. Nicholas Avenue in Harlem at 146th Street across from the subway station, these hostels are in a lively and friendly neighborhood close to Yankee Stadium, famous jazz bars, Harlem gospel music and scrumptious soul food. The architecture around Harlem is extraordinary, making a walking tour mandatory if only to look at the buildings. You can get there on the D or A train.
The only real disadvantage when staying up in Harlem is the distance you must travel to get to other areas of interest, such as the Village or the Theater district. These places are easy to get to on the train but a very, very long walk and paying $3 round trip whenever you want to go somewhere can be burdensome. You can call them at 212 491 3892 or, from outside New York, 800 610 2030. You can e-mail Jim at InfoHostel@aol.com.
The Chelsea International Hostel located between 7th and 8th at 251 W. 20th Street is one of New York's numerous hidden bargains. For $18 a night, you get a bunk in a dorm and access to common rooms with TV, phones and well-stocked self- serve kitchen. If you plan an extended stay, be sure to ask for a weekly rate and you'll get a discount.
Beyond the obvious economic considerations, this place is very popular due to their practice of providing unlimited free coffee and tea every day, free beer and pizza on Wednesday nights and free beer on Sunday. The Chelsea is located reassuringly across the street from a police station. There's an A&P grocery on the corner of 8th and 20th and a deli on almost every block nearby as well as Chinese, Italian and other ethnic restaurants. It's close to the Village and within walking distance of all of New York's many attractions. The proximity of the garment district, SoHo and Canal Street also makes it easy to find some of the best shopping bargains in the United States.
The Banana Bungalow, located within the Hotel Belleclaire at 250 West 77th Street, New York, NY 10024, telephone 800 6 Hostel, is another favorite hostel for price, view and terrific, friendly staff. E-mail at BBHostel@Bananabungalow.com or check out their web page at http://www.Bananabungalow.com. The New York Banana Bungalow, with rates ranging from $12 in the winter and $18 during the summer, looks at first glance like a standard hotel, reception desk, lobby and all. Indeed, across the lobby is another reception desk for the Hotel Belleclaire. Each dorm has it's own, self-contained bathroom with tub, shower, toilet and sink. If you want a single-sex dorm, be sure to let them know, as most dorms are mixed.
The incredible view of the Hudson River from the rooftop lounge is one of the very best in the city, especially at sunset, and this is also the setting for almost nightly parties with all-you-want beer for $2 and boom box music. The huge TV lounge offers big screen TV movies and sporting events most nights.
The kitchen is self-serve if you are so inclined, but the resident chef, Carlos is a talented cook who prepares three excellent meals a day at very reasonable prices. This hostel is located in a convenient and safe neighborhood right on Broadway and only three blocks from Central Park. You can walk from here to just about anywhere you'll want to go, but it's also on a bus line and the subway is just two blocks away. There are many delis and inexpensive restaurants close by, and one of my favorite places to shop in the city, Fowad is at 93rd and Broadway. Fowad features designer samples of men's women's and children's fashions as well as some damaged clothing and accessories. Great bargains, but be prepared to wade through a lot of so-so stuff to find the best.
The Big Apple Hostel at 119 W 45th is my personal favorite hostel in the city. The location in the middle of Time Square, is unbeatable (I spent a memorable New Year's Eve there) and the staff is terrific. Best of all, this place is squeaky clean. The only downside I've witnessed staying here is the smoke in the common room, but maybe that will be fixed by the time you get there. The kitchen is all self-serve and rather small, but you can make do. The cost at the time of writing is $20-24 a night and they don't normally accept reservations. You may want to call from the airport to see if they have a bed for you. Call 212 302 2574 and/or check the net to see if their web page is up yet.
There are a number of other hostels in New York and I've listed some of them below with a brief description. Some of these hostels are available only to travelers from outside the United States, and you'll find those listed as "passport hostels". This restriction is adhered to strictly in most places, so if you are a US citizen, don't waste your time trying to get in.
Other New York Hostels
Uptown Hostel 239 Lenox Avenue at 122nd Street, New York, NY 10027, 212 666 0559 Harlem hostel, about $12. I went to this place to check it out but never got a response to knocking on the door, so call first. It's run by a woman named Giselle, who I've been told is very friendly and especially knowledgeable about Harlem. Giselle also runs an economical bed and breakfast at 134 West 119th Street that you might want to see.
Passport Hostels
The Big Apple Hostel 229 West 45th Street New York, NY 10036, 212 302 2603, fax 212 302 2605. Located in the heart of the Theater District, this hostel provides free linens, free coffee or tea and lockers in all rooms. Dorms are about $20 and private rooms $45. The Big Apple allows Americans to stay, but most patrons are from other lands.
Chelsea Center, 313 West 29th Street, New York, NY 10001, 212 643 0214. Although I couldn't stay here, I did spend some time with Heidi, who runs this homey hostel. The international staff is really charming and helpful and the friendly atmosphere, cozy rooms and garden are reminiscent of a small town. Costs about $18 per night.
International Student Center at 38 West 88th Street is open to all foreign nationals except Canadians. This old brownstone is a no-frills home to backpackers from all over. A real bargain at about $14 a night, call them at 212 787 7706, fax 212 580 9283. Located on subway B or C, get off at 86th street and walk to 88th between Central Park West and Columbus.
International Student Hospice is located at 154 East 33rd Street between Lexington and Third Avenue in the East Village, 212 228 7470. I have no direct knowledge of this hostel, but have been told it's a friendly place and costs about $25 a night.
Eating in New York
You can find just about any kind of food from anywhere in the world in Manhattan - and you can find it at every price range from the most expensive to surprisingly cheap.
There are street vendors everywhere, peddling pizza by the slice, egg and sausage on a roll, enormous warm, fat, soft pretzels, roasted chestnuts, Coney Island hot dogs, Espresso and regular coffee, potato knishes and just about every kind of edible. This is the cheapest way to go, short of cooking your own meals. You can get breakfast in some diners for $1.99 with eggs, home fries, toast and coffee. I found one of these places at 16th and 6th in Chelsea, but there are many others with similar offerings, especially around the Village, Chelsea and SoHo. Beyond obvious ethnic neighborhood eateries, i.e., Chinese food in Chinatown, Soul Food in Harlem, Italian food in Little Italy, you'll find some truly interesting ethnic combinations, like the Chinese-Puerto Rican restaurant I found on 8th in Chelsea.
Another food option is the Union Square Green Market, where farmers truck in fresh produce, breads, cheese and wine, often providing free samples. There is also a variety of prepared foods available for sale, some of it very good and quite cheap. Similarly, you will find at least one street fair going on at weekends throughout the city. These fairs often stretch out four or five city blocks, and you'll find all kinds of goods for sale, clothes, small appliances, books and tapes, memorabilia and, of course, food. Generally, you will find some terrific ethnic foods, beer, coffee, lemonade and traditional American comestibles in lots of individual booths. You'll also find some first-rate entertainment from bands and singers as you stroll along. Of course, the streets involved are closed to motor traffic.
You will be stunned by the sheer number of diners, delis and restaurants listed in the telephone directory. Most restaurants in New York post a menu outside, so you can check on the price and type of food available before you go in.
Stuff You Can Do For Free in The Big Apple
l. Free dance performances and concerts at the Winter Garden in the World Financial Center, 212 945 0505.
2. Check out Civil War exhibits and get the definitive answer to the question, "Who's buried in Grant's Tomb?" 212 666 1640.
3. Tour your favorite museum on free or "pay as you wish" nights:
The Whitney - Fridays, 212 570 3676
The Guggenheim - Fridays 212 423 3500
Museum of American Folk Art, 212 977 7170, and the Steuben Gallery,
212 752 1441, are both always free.
Cooper-Hewitt Museum of Design, Tuesdays, 212 860 6868
4. Free exhibitions, main branch library, call 212 869 8084.
5. Free concerts, outdoor movies and special events at Bryant Park, next door to the library, 212 983 4142.
6. Call in advance to attend tapings of David Letterman, 212 975 5853, Geraldo 212 265 8520, Live with Regis an Kathie Lee 212 456 3054, Ricki Lake 212 889 6767 ext 758 and Sally Jessy Raphael 212 5821722.
Naturally, given the volatile nature of TV, some of these shows may be passe by the time you read this, but the telephone numbers should still be helpful in finding TV-type entertainment.
7. Watch millions of dollars change hands at the New York Stock Exchange 212 656 5167.
8. See the world's largest Gothic cathedral, St. John the Divine, near Columbia University 212 316 7540, and explore the Biblical Garden and the Children's Sculpture Garden.
9. Take the free Grand Tour of midtown on Fridays at 12:30 pm, 212 986 9317.
10. Discover Art Deco masterpieces on a self-guided tour of Rockefeller Center. While there, pick up free maps in the main lobby of 30 Rockefeller Center, 212 698 2950. You can also enjoy the summer gardens or ice skate in winter (skate rentals available).
These are by no means the only free things you can do in the City, but are representative of the variety available.
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