5 Cheaper alternatives to NYC tourist attractions

Oh hi,

Another week, another beer.. ya know what I’m sayin’? 🍻

In this week’s newsletter:

• Central Park bike loop gets a redesign - See the schedule

• New York Know How: Taxi availability 🚕

• 5 cheaper alternatives to NYC tourist attractions

• Events we love this week: March 12 - 19

• NYC History: The Alwyn Court

• This week’s You’ll Have to Check It Out

Time to do it.👇

Note: As always, this email was written by an actual human who lives in NYC, not artificial intelligence. 🥸

Central Park Bike Loop/Main Drive Updates 🚧

One of the best aspects of Central Park is the respite from noise, cars, and the hustle and bustle of New York City.

Unfortunately, starting on March 17 and lasting for about six weeks (or more), the park’s main drive will be resurfaced and reworked, which may hamper the park's peace.

But the good news?

Part of the resurfacing and road work will improve and expand the main loop, including “adding new bike lanes and connecting existing ones more seamlessly, along with specific traffic lights for bicyclists to further control the flow of park users.”

We completely favor expanded and improved bike lanes in the park! 🙌

Learn about the full resurfacing schedule here.

5 Cheaper (or Free) Alternatives to NYC Tourist Attractions

New York City is home to dozens of world-famous attractions that most visitors are eager to experience. Unfortunately, some of the most popular tourist attractions are not cheap.

While some of these are worth the admission fee, our newest podcast episode lays out cheap (and even free) alternatives to help ease the financial burden of exploring NYC.

We’ll cover alternatives to observation decks, Broadway shows, and much more. 👇

Events We Love This Week (March 12-19, 2025)

In the city this week? Here are some fun events we’re keeping an eye on.

New York International Children’s Film Festival - March 15 & 16

Gonna be in the city with a younger traveler? Check out the renowned New York International Children’s Film Festival!

With dozens of screenings, there’s sure to be something that piques your interest.

Learn more & get tickets here.

College Hoops Championship Weekend 🏀

Love college hoops?

Wanna watch at your alma mater’s supporters bar?

Check out a handy map of college supporters’ bars here (this is not our map, and it may not be updated, so double-check before going!).

Mitsuki Japanese Market Grand Opening - March 15 & 16

In our opinion, there isn’t anything better than Japanese snacks and candies.

This weekend, head to the grand opening of Mitsuki Japanese Market in Park Slope for free goodies!

Get more info here.

NYC History: The Alwyn Court

There are loads of beautiful buildings in New York, but few that will truly stop you in your tracks.

The Alwyn Court, initially built in 1908, is one of those rare buildings!

While it may look like just a beautiful exterior, as you move closer, you’ll find this building covered in ornate terra cotta ornaments, including salamanders, urns, flowers, crests, and more.

This building has been home to the likes of Frederick Steinway (see Steinway pianos), Joan Didion (considered a pioneer of modern journalism), Liam Neeson (actor), Jessica Hecht (actress), and many more.

The best part? This building is just a block from Central Park. Check it out on the corner of 58th Street and 7th Avenue!

Check out more history and pictures here.

This Week’s You’ll Have to Check It Out - Myzel’s Chocolate

Myzel’s Chocolate is a specialty chocolate, candy, and licorice store in Midtown Manhattan.

This small, local shop has friendly staff and is filled to the brim with sweets!

They boast over 100 styles of licorice, plenty of homemade cookies and snacks, and themed treats for all the different holidays. It’s the perfect place to get a tasty treat or a unique gift for a friend or colleague.

We recommend telling the store employee what you want to try and how much you want to spend, and then having them build you a custom bag!

Check out Myzel’s Chocolate on 55th Street in Midtown here.

Have a great week,

Ashley & Devin from Better Together Here 🍫