Free and Cheap NYC Stops for Rare Books, Art and Noodles

4.9 (80)

Mon – Sat, 10:00 – 17:00

47 East 60th Street

America's oldest bibliophile society, founded in 1884, hosts free public exhibitions of rare books and graphic arts on East 60th Street. Past shows covered Sherlock Holmes, train history and vintage animated advertising. The gallery opens Monday through Saturday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

5.0 (1)

136-21 Roosevelt Ave, Flushing, NY 11354

Twelve vendors fill this bright Flushing food hall in the former Landmark Quest Mall, spanning Malaysian, Cantonese, Hakka, Thai and American-Chinese kitchens plus crayfish, poke and Lanzhou beef noodles. Most dishes cost under 10 dollars, and breakfast and coffee are served too.

4.4 (2,471)

Mon – Sun, 05:00 – 01:00 (+1)

421 8th Avenue

A historic post office now serves Amtrak and Long Island Rail Road travelers beneath a 92-foot glass skylight. Public art by Stan Douglas, Elmgreen and Dragset and Kehinde Wiley lines the concourse, along with a food hall and free live music.

4.8 (302,272)

Mon – Sun, 06:00 – 01:00 (+1)

New York, NY, USA

Wooded paths, quiet lakes and open lawns run through this Manhattan landmark, with benches scattered along walking routes. Free live performances and the marionette theater in the historic Swedish Cottage add culture, and the park opens 6:00 AM to 1:00 AM daily.