Free Day Trips in NYC

As Mayor Mike Bloomberg constantly likes to remind anyone who will listen, there is no where better to be than in New York City. For just about every need there is something to do, someplace to see, somewhere to eat, and a multitude of places to spend that hard earned cash. However if you are looking for an economical day trip excursion and you happen to be in the Big Apple, you may want to try these spots for a discounted excursion in Manhattan that is no less exciting because it's cheap.

AOL/Time Warner Building (aka "The Shops at Columbus Circle" aka "The Time Warner Center" - Columbus Circle: 59th St & Broadway): While there are plenty of places to shop, eat, and spend money in this 55 floor structure, it can also be a great place to just catch your breath. If you are coming mid-week or if you are out early on the weekends, the AOL/Time Warner Building affords you a little bit of peace which is a welcome offering in the city that never sleeps. Head downstairs to the Whole Foods and sample any of their reasonably priced breakfast offerings; then climb the expansive escalators to the pinnacle of shopping and enjoy some of the finest views of the south side of Central Park West available for such a reasonable price (free!) There are benches, bathrooms, and very often times there are various art offerings which are a sight to see as well.

Shakespeare in the Park: Beginning at the end of May and running through the middle of August, The Public Theatre runs the very popular "Shakespeare in the Park" at the Delacorte Theatre (79th St & 5th Ave or 81st St & Central Park West) in Central Park. A New York City tradition, you used to be able to go down to the Public's Lafayette Street location and pick up same day seats to the show. In 2008 though, there is construction downtown so you need to check the Public's website link listed below to find out how to book your tickets online or just head up to the Delacorte Theatre for same day seating.

Lincoln Center (entrance on Columbus Ave between 62nd & 63rd St.): Once you have gotten your free Shakespeare tickets, you'll need something to do until 8PM. One of the nicest spots on the Upper West Side is the fountains at Lincoln Center. While you may wish to wait until sunset to get a good vibe there, in all honesty, there really is no bad time to visit this graceful spot. Moreover, it's free and you can walk around the entire grounds, visit the library, check out Juilliard, visit Alice Tully & Avery Fisher Hall's and take a peek into Damrosch Park. If you are there at the right time, you may even see the circus!

IAC Building (555 W 18th St): Even though you probably will only be able to see it from the outside, the IAC Building which was designed by renowned architect Frank Gehry is something you will definitely want to take the time to scope out. Located in the ever more exclusive neighborhood of Chelsea this innovative design employs cold-warped glass panels which were "bent" on site. In addition the lobby houses the world's largest high-resolution video wall which is exciting as well.

24 Hour Starbucks (various): The only thing better than having a latte at 11PM is being able to have a latte at 3AM. For this, New York City is still ahead of the curve. With the highest concentration of 24 hour Starbucks locations, you will be able to re-fuel and keep your day going on well into the night. With one in Columbus Circle (by AOL/Time Warner) one at 67th & Columbus (near the Delacorte Theatre and Lincoln Center) and one in Times Square, you have no excuse for not filling up and visiting the regular dregs who haunt these hallowed halls. Who knows, you could even see me at one of these tables furiously scribbling out a new Associated Content article!