Free tastings and samples anyone can walk into, and the cheap local classics that keep a day of sightseeing going.
FreeThe biggest farmers market in the city. GrowNYC runs free cooking demonstrations and tastings at its information tent, and many apple, cheese and bread stalls put out samples.
Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, 8 am to 6 pm, all year. Stalls are fullest before noon.
Source: GrowNYC
FreeCity water comes from upstate reservoirs more than 125 miles away and is good to drink straight from the tap. Bring a bottle and refill at park fountains instead of paying $3 for water in Midtown.
Any time. Outdoor park fountains are turned off in freezing weather, so fill up indoors in winter.
$1.50The chain that kept the dollar slice alive until 2023. A plain cheese slice, thin and hot, eaten standing at the counter. Two slices make a lunch for $3.
Daily, late into the night. The shops at 557 Eighth Avenue and 32 St. Marks Place are the easiest to reach.
Source: 2 Bros. Pizza
$3.25A grilled beef hot dog with mustard, sauerkraut or onions, eaten at a standing counter. The Recession Special, two franks and a medium papaya drink, is $7.50 with tax.
Sunday to Wednesday 8 am to 10 pm, Thursday to Saturday 8 am to 11 pm.
Source: Gray's Papaya
No free viewpoint puts you above Midtown with Central Park on one side and the Empire State Building on the other. The ferry and the bridges show you the skyline from outside; this is the one place that shows it from the middle. Book a slot about 45 minutes before sunset and stay until the lights come on.
Everything above is free. This is the only paid pick on the page, chosen because no free option replaces it.
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