Affordable and Unique Adventures in New York City: Off the Beaten Path

by Micaela Williamson

In 2013, New York City brought in a record number of tourists at over 54 million visitors, but continues to be among one of the most expensive cities for visitors in the world.  However, the Big Apple offers many unique and affordable adventures that go beyond the typical tourist traps.  Here are some fun suggestions: 

• Cheap Wine Tastings- The Chelsea Wine Vault has some some of Manhattan’s best wines at low prices and free tastings, but their weekend wine school is truly a memorable adventure.   Most classes range from $25-$50 in price and features everything from the Amalfi Coast to summer cocktails. (Best for adults)

• Free Walking Tours- Check out some of the sites by foot with an experienced guide from New York's original, name your own price tour company.  FREE Tours By Foot gives daily tours of areas including Central Park, Grand Central Station, Chinatown, The Brooklyn Bridge, Greenwich Village, SoHo and more. Reservations are required and available online. (Best for families with older children, teenagers, or adults)

• Kayak for Free on the Hudson River- The Downtown Boathouse promotes free public access to the water for all and has implemented free kayaking programs on the Hudson River. Test out the waters with adventures ranging from a free, guided three hour trips, free sit-on-top kayak rentals for all ages, and even free kayak classes.  The organization is entirely volunteer and donation based. (Best for families with older children, teenagers, or adults)

• The Best Photography Class in Central Park: A top destination in NYC is the iconic Central Park.  JP Teaches Photo  teaches a three-hour, beginner course for just $97. You will learn how to naturally snap stunning pictures and gain photography skills to take on all your adventures. Finally get those pictures you want! (Best for teenagers and adults)

JP Teaches Photo

Photo credits Lydia Billings

• Museum and Gold Tours at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York: Although free, you must visit the website to reserve your spot. Spots can be reserved up to one month ahead of time. The tour teaches visitors about the role of the New York Fed, discusses history and policies, and includes a visit to the gold vault. (Best for teenagers or adults)

• Weekend Family Programs and Transit Tot Thursdays at the New York Transit Museum: All aboard at this fun museum dedicated to the history of public transportation in New York.  The museum features an impressive collection multi-media exhibits and boasts a hefty family calendar of events. Little ones ages 2-5 will love Transit Tot Thursdays at 10:15 filled with special stories, games, and surprises. Most events are included with museum admission, but some require advance registration. Visit the website for more information. (Best for families)

• Free Fridays at MoMA- While it's not off the beaten path, the free Fridays at The Museum of Modern Art are worth a mention. Every Friday from 4:00-8:00, the museum waives its fees. Spend some time exploring the galleries, exhibits, and films. This is a very popular weekly event so go early to avoid the largest crowds. (Best for families with older children, teenagers, or adults)

• A Playground for All the Senses: Imagination Playground, designed by the famed architect David Rockwell, opened in the South Street Seaport area in 2010. Kids can play and construct with giant foam blocks, mats, wagons, crates, sand, water and more. The creative opportunities are endless and little imaginations can run wild. (Best for families with children)

• Staten Island Ferry- Some Statue of Liberty tours can be costly. A great, economically way to check out Lady Liberty is by boarding the free Staten Island Ferry, which operates around the clock.  The 25-minute ride takes you from lower Manhattan to Staten Island and offers breathtaking views. Don't forget your cameras! (Best for all ages)

This is a sponsored post by JP Teaches Photo. We were compensated for sharing this information. We love traveling to NYC and all opinions are our own.