KaraJo;2825672; said:
I'm 21. We are going there for architecture, so any architectural or historic buildings would be great to see. anywhere to shop, not sure exactly on the budget, but trying to do it as cheap as possible but still have fun.
I'm not knowledgeable in architecture, but here's what might be relevant:
1) Whitehall ferry terminal on the southern tip of Manhattan
2) New York Public Library main building
3) Coney Island (my personal favorite place in the city). Parachute drop ride built in 1939 is still standing - 257 ft tall. Childs restaurant built in 1923- on the boardwalk at about west 23rd st. No name for this building, but there is one on Surf Ave there with a Mansard roof. Nothing spectacular in my opinion, but it is from the late 1800s and supposed to be the only Mansard roof in Brooklyn.
4) Dakota apartment building. The first of its kind in NYC, also where Lennon got shot. (On a related note, Strawberry Field in Central Park)
5) Belvedere Castle in Central Park (in the late 1880s, some city official decided that the large rock overlooking Turtle Pond would look good with something on it, so they built a castle.)
The Brooklyn Botanical Gardens is free admission Tuesdays. I believe the Metropolitan Museum of Art is free Saturdays. The Met and American Museum of Natural History are free to enter, as it's funded by taxpayer money. Only tourists pay the full "recommended donation." When I go, I usually give them a few bucks.
In terms of odd bars, Lucky Cheng's in Chinatown. Great drinks, mediocre food, all "waitresses" are guys in drag. They do a few shows each night as well, if you plan on going, make sure you time it to coincide with a show.
I'd also recommend visiting Chinatown. Cheap souvenirs, even cheaper food. Chinese restuarants tend to be a bit on the loud side though.
Not sure what kind of shopping you want to do, but if it's souvenirs, then Chinatown is the place to go. (Also fake Prada, Coach, etc.) Window shopping on 5th Ave is alright- probably fun for women, tolerable for men. SoHo is alright for shopping. Macy's Flagship store on 34th Street. Toys 'R' Us in Times square- they've got a ferris wheel inside. FAO Schwartz is kinf of a touristy place. You might want to visit Rockerfeller Center too. If it's early March, the ice skating rink might still be open.
As for other things, New York Aquarium and Bronx Zoo. The NYA would be a fun thing to do if you wanted to look at the architecture at Coney Island.
That's all I've got for now. If there's anything else you'd like I can probably think of something too. March is too early for baseball, or I'd recommend watching a game. You could visit old and new Yankee Stadium, but I personally don't think it's work a trip up to the Bronx unless it's for a game.
Trust me, I can do cheap. A friend of mine visited me for about 5 days a few summers ago. He stayed with me, so no housing cost. In total, I think he spent about $70.
