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Hints for Having Fun
What’s
Out There
On
a Budget
Nightlife
What’s Out
There?
New York City is world renowned for its cultural and entertainment
offerings. Virtually every type of event or activity you might
be interested in is offered somewhere in New York, and probably
on a daily basis. On first arrival it can seem almost impossible
to fully absorb and appreciate everything taking place throughout
the city’s five boroughs. The secret is to make yourself
familiar with some of the publications and websites that exist
to keep both visitors and native New Yorkers up-to-date on
city happenings. Some of the most popular and useful are below.
And keep your eyes and ears open for posters, fliers and other
announcements about gallery openings, concerts, poetry slams,
and other activities!
Publications
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Time Out New York: Self-titled
the “obsessive guide to impulsive entertainment,”
this weekly magazine publishes near-exhaustive lists of
museum and gallery exhibitions, comedy clubs, concerts
and gigs, sporting events, shows and performances, along
with reviews of restaurants, bars, and cafes, and features
on cultural events and New York life. Time Out can be
purchased at newsstands and in bookstores (though if you
are a regular reader it is much cheaper to get a subscription),
or check out www.timeout.com.
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Zagat Survey: This annually
published directory offers a comprehensive list of the
city’s restaurants and nightlife, along with reviews,
recommendations and information on prices. Zagat is available
in most bookstores, and online (for a fee) at www.zagat.com.
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The Village Voice: The
first and largest “alternative newsweekly,”
this free paper can be found in coffee shops, book stores
and other locations throughout the city and includes an
in-depth listing of New York City events. The “Voice”
is also available online at www.villagevoice.com.
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New York Magazine: Another
weekly magazine offering up arts, entertainment and nightlife
listings, New York City restaurant guides, and more, for
sale at bookstores and newsstands. The popular online
version of the magazine is available at www.newyorkmetro.com.
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Web Only Resources
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www.newyork.citysearch.com—This
site serves as a virtual guide to the city, allowing you
to access information on events, clubs, restaurants, hotels,
shops, sports and favorite tourist attractions. Its search
facilities, weather updates and map finder make it a good
all around information site. |
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www.newyorkled.com—This
site is popular with those looking to sample the city’s
cultural offerings without spending a fortune. It includes
a daily events calendar and much more. |
On a Budget
New York is an expensive city, but with a little ingenuity,
you can enjoy it on a student budget. For just the price of
a subway ride, you can explore the many unique, diverse neighborhoods
that comprise the five boroughs. Hours can be spent strolling
through Central Park, people-watching in Greenwich Village,
or window-shopping on Fifth Avenue, all without spending a
penny.
Student rates are often available for museums, exhibitions,
films and performances—be sure to ask when you purchase
tickets and always carry your school ID. Most museums and
cultural institutions also offer free entrance on certain
days or during specific hours. For some museums, the admission
price is always “suggested,” rather than required.
If you can’t afford the suggested admission, you can
pay a smaller amount or nothing at all and still enter the
museum— keep in mind that many museums rely heavily on
donations, so whatever you can offer will make a difference.
For a listing of free museums, go to www.ny.com/museums/free.html.
Colleges and universities often sponsor special concerts,
films, dances and other social activities. These are usually
far less expensive than events offered by commercial groups,
and attending these campus activities can be a great way to
meet other students.
Summertime transforms New York into a playground of free
cultural activities, making it one of the best times to be
a student in the city. Central Park offers free performances
of Shakespeare (www.publictheater.org
and www.newyorkclassical.org),
the Metropolitan Opera (www.metopera.org/)
and popular singers and bands on their specially constructed
“Summerstage” (www.summerstage.org).
Summer celebrations like Harlem Week and Gay Pride offer scores
of free events. Street festivals and parades take over various
neighborhoods weekend after weekend, and it’s hard to
turn a corner without stumbling on a free outdoor event or
concert. Check out the sites and publications above for listings.
Nightlife
New York, “the city that never sleeps,” can be
even more exciting at night than during the day. The streets
in some neighborhoods, such as the East and West Villages
and SoHo, are just as crowded at 2 a.m. as they are at 2 p.m.!
The variety of nightclubs, bars, and discotheques is astounding—unfortunately,
sometimes the costs are too. Many clubs, especially those
offering live music, may have a “cover charge” (an
admission fee) and/or a “drink minimum” which obligates
you to buy at least one or two drinks. Cover charges are usually
lower on weekdays than on weekends.
Remember, you must be at least 21 years of age in order
to purchase or be served alcoholic beverages. Expect to
be asked to show identification before entering a bar or club,
when buying an alcoholic drink, and when buying alcohol at
a store. Acceptable IDs will have your photo and your date
of birth. A driver’s license or passport is the most
commonly accepted form of identification. You must be at least
18 years of age to purchase cigarettes, and may be asked to
show ID to do so.
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