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Career > Her20s

Best Inexpensive Dates In NYC

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Manhattan chapter.

By Emily Gianni

I know I am always looking for the best inexpensive dates to go on.  You cannot always do fancy dates because as college students, we operate on a tight budget. That does not mean that you just stop going on dates to save for the big, more expensive ones. There are a ton of things to do in the city while not spending a ton of money.

A Walk in Central Park

This can be such a cute and relaxing date.  You can go anywhere in this park and just talk and enjoy each other’s company.  I just recently went on a Central Park date, it actually started to snow when we were there but it was so beautiful.  You could also rent out City Bikes for $15 for the day.  You could take a ride through Central Park, which would be especially nice during the spring and fall months.  During winter, you could rent out ice skates for $14 each.  You could even go on a picnic in the park during the warmer months, and bring food from home.  This would be the least expensive date you could go on.  Things to do in Central Park are endless.

The Met

The amount you pay is up to you.  You do not have to pay anything if you don’t want to.  All you need to do is bring your school ID.  This is an art music that has over 5,000 years of world culture.  There are paintings and sculptures from all different cultures and time periods worth looking at.

Walk on The High Line

This is an elevated rail-line that doesn’t run anymore going across the city.  On the High Line, you can take a walk and look at the senic overlooks and beautiful art installations along the 1.45 mile stretch.  You can sit and rest on the benches on the high line.  You can also go to Chelsea Market to grab a bite to eat after.  The High Line is free to visit.

Go Into the Oculus

The Oculus is a crazy unique building to look at.  Not only this, but there is a shopping center inside.  There is no fee to enter the Oculus, but you can buy as little, or as much as you want since it is a shopping center.  You could also get a bite to eat inside of the Oculus.  A benefit to the Oculus is that there is a subway station inside so you can take the subway home, or to other destinations in the city.  

The Vessel

This structure is composed of 154 staircases and there are 16 floors to climb up.  Normally, the Vessel is free during the first hour of operation and $10 per person at all other times.  However, the Vessel has been closed for a few months.  Of course you could just look at this honey-comb shaped structure from the bottom.  The structure is so visually appealing yolu do not even have to climb this artwork.  There are also many places for you to eat around here, and a shopping center to stop in.

Emily Gianni

Manhattan '24

Hi I'm Emily! I am in my Senior Year at Manhattan College, graduating in Spring 2024. I am studying Childhood Special Education with an upward extension to middle school with a double major in English. My goal in life is to teach elementary school and later on, teach middle school. Although I don't have a position in my Her Campus chapter, I am still an active writer for Her Campus! I write about all different topics for Her Campus, anything that interests me or that I believe other girls will find useful and informational. I am a team captain on the Manhattan College cheerleading team, so I may write about that sometimes. I also love sorority rush season so I have written about my sorority a few times. I believe that Her Campus is an amazing source for women to put their work out there and influence other girls. I love being a part of this organization and being able to write about whatever I love. This is the best outlet for me to learn more about my writing style, experiment with different topics that I would not be allowed to write about in a class, and grow as a writer.