* The Hungarian Pastry Shop
1030 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10025
A student favorite--you'll really get the flavor of Columbia.
* Shakespeare in the Park
https://publictheater.org/en/programs--events/shakespeare-in-the-park/?SiteTheme=Shakespeare
This is a summer NYC institution. Looks like you may be in time for "Twelfth Night."
A free open-air performance in Central Park, usually with a VERY well-known actor or two in the cast. Here's what to do:
Show up at around 7-8 am the free lines at the Delacorte Theater in Central Park and camp out for tickets. For full NYC flavor, bring a picnic blanket and the Sunday NY Times. Once one person is sitting on your blanket, send the other person out for bagels, cream cheese, and coffee at one of the delis on Columbus Ave (I think there is one at 82nd and Columbus)
Free tickets are distributed on each performance day via the free lines at the Delacorte Theater in Central Park. People waiting for free tickets must line up along the path designated by The Public Theater staff and The Parks Department.
Free tickets are distributed at 12PM (noon) every day that there is a public performance. Performance days will vary from week to week, so be sure to check the performance calendar. Please remember that Central Park does not officially open until 6AM. Seat locations are distributed randomly, not based on a person's position in the line.
Each person (age 5+) may receive up to two (2) tickets, while supplies last.
* Staten Island Ferry sunset cruise
The ferry is free. Find out what time sunset is, and be in the Staten Island ferry terminal at the bottom of Manhattan 15 minutes before sunset. Board the next ferry. You will see the sun set behind the Statue of Liberty--gorgeous! When the ferry reaches Staten Island, turn around and get on the next ferry back to Manhattan. Stand on the deck of the ferry facing Manhattan. You will approach the financial district all lit up against the night--postcard view! Pack a light sweater because it's always a bit breezy on the water.
Summer in NYC is a time when you can see world-class entertainment for free against the backdrop of the city. The shows on Broadway are fantastic, but you may be able to have even more memorable experiences by looking into the free stuff. Get ahold of the listings for the River to River festival and look in Time Out NY for when you're visiting. Also, be open to serendipity--I walked into the premiere of performance artist Leigh Bowery's birth piece completely by accident.
Q