Big Cities on a Budget
Summer is over. You got a tan at the beach, sat around a campfire in the mountains, and picked berries in the country. Now, it's time to invigorate yourself with a dose of sizzling city life. But wait, big cities are pricey-everything from catching the latest movie to dining at a trendy restaurant is over-the-top expensive. Never fear. Here's a rundown of four favorite city destinations with tips on how you can enjoy them without breaking the bank.
New York
As soon as you arrive in the Big Apple, get in line at the TKTS Discount Booth in Times Square, where you can score seats to a Broadway show for 50 percent off. Other hot deals: the free Staten Island Ferry that takes you past the Statue of Liberty; Canal Street where you can pick up "I love New York" T-shirts for $1.99; and Central Park, Rockefeller Plaza, Times Square, and St. Patrick's Cathedral, all of which are free to visit. Hungry? Nibble on tapas at Tìa Pol in Chelsea, feast on spicy coconut chicken and fried wontons at Republic on Union Square or savor a Sicilian Pie at Joe's Pizza in Greenwich Village. Even cheaper: fill up on street food. Salted pretzels, roasted peanuts, and hot dogs are sold from carts all over town.
Seattle
You can ride up the Space Needle and take in the view for free when you dine at its restaurant, SkyCity, and a view of the city from Smith Tower, once the tallest skyscraper west of the Mississippi, is only $7.50. You'll pay nothing to climb the 108 steps to the top of the old water tower in Volunteer Park on Capitol Hill. Down on the ground, stroll through the new Olympic Sculpture Park, where you can admire works by Alexander Calder and Louise Bourgeois, or browse the Frye Art Museum with pieces by Mary Cassatt, Winslow Homer, and John Singer Sargent-no admission required for either of these places. At one of city's most famous attractions, Pike Place Market, gather the fixings for a picnic and savor your meal on a bench overlooking the water.
Austin
In the "Live Music Capital of the World," you can step into nearly any bar or club and enjoy free toe-tappin' entertainment. A few hot spots: Stubb's Bar-B-Que (melt-in-your-mouth brisket), Continental Club (Glenn Miller played here), and Cedar Street Courtyard (jazzy joint with happy hours). When the sun comes up, head for Zilker Park, the city's 400-acre crown jewel where you can hike, bike, paddle a canoe, and ride in a miniature train. Another must-see is the Texas State Capitol where you can join in on a free 45-minute tour. In this Southwest city, Mexican food is cheap and delicious. Try Chuy's where they dish out free nachos during happy hour, Abuelo's where the tortilla soup is out of this world, and Güero's Taco Bar where bands play on the outdoor patio at night.
Honolulu
Your plane ticket to our country's most tropical city might be pricey, but you'll find plenty of free activities once you arrive. You can catch a free performance by the Royal Hawaiian Band on the front lawn of Iolani Palace most Fridays at noon; learn to play the ukulele or make a Hawaiian quilt at one of the Royal Hawaiian Center's free cultural enrichment class; or at Sunset on the Beach, catch a free movie screening right next to the crashing waves. Also, it costs nothing to set down a towel, build a sand castle and dive into the water at Waikiki Beach. And Chinatown is another great place to hang loose. There, you'll find inexpensive hand-made leis, dim sum and exotic fruits. Lunch? Try a grilled ahi sandwich at the Diamond Head Market & Grill. Dinner? The $14 barbecued baby back ribs in lilikoi sauce are tender, flavorful, and so delicious that you'll want to dance the hula.
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