Just a New York minute!

Did you ever think you could see the best of NYC for under $40 per day? It can be done! There are plenty of things to see and do in the Big Apple that are free or cost only a few dollars. In fact, we've compiled a list of some of our favorite things to do for $5 or less. Add them to your itinerary when you book your NYC trip for a real taste of what this magical city has to offer. We promise that these activities are both exciting and wallet-friendly!

• Visit the Mahayana Buddhist Temple at 133 Canal St. for a calming and spiritual experience amid the hustle and bustle. Bring a dollar for donation. 
• Learn about New York City's transit system by visiting the New York Transit Museum at Boerum Place and Schermerhorn Street. Just a few dollars will get you access to the history of one of the world's most trafficked and treasured transportation systems. 
• Grab a hot dog at Gray's Papaya. Popular with both the locals and tourists from around the world, Gray's Papaya is home to some of the best hot dogs in the city - and the price is perfect. Locations at Eighth Ave. and 37th Street, Broadway and 72nd Street, and Sixth Ave. and 8th Street. 
• Take a free tour of City Hall. The Public Design Commission of the City of New York gives free tours of City Hall throughout the week (usually mornings), plus a weekly tour at noon on Wednesdays. Sign up at the NYC Tourism Kiosk at the southern end of City Hall Park on Broadway at Barclay St.
• Laugh at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre: The Upright Citizens Brigade has served as the birthplace of some of the nation's greatest comedians and for just $5, you can catch a show of the comedy and improv group. Check the schedule at UCBTheatre.com to see when you can catch a discount show. 

What's your favorite low-cost way to enjoy NYC? Share your favorite spots with us in the comments!

At NYCTrip.com, we want to make sure that all of your questions are answered when it comes to visiting your favorite sites in the Big Apple. The Statue of Liberty is no exception. If you want to know how far you can actually go inside on the Statue of Liberty tour or what's on Liberty Island, read on as we tackle some of the most commonly asked Statue of Liberty questions:

Where did the Statue of Liberty come from?

The Statue of Liberty was a gift to the United States from the people of France for the United States' centennial in 1866. A French sculptor named Frédéric Bartholdi designed it.

Where is the Statue of Liberty located?

The Statue of Liberty is located on Liberty Island in New York City Harbor.

How can you get to Liberty Island?

One can see the Statue of Liberty by taking a ferry to Liberty Island. Ferries depart from Liberty State Park in Jersey City and Battery Park in Lower Manhattan. These ferries also stop at Ellis Island, so you can see that attraction as well.

How far can you actually go inside the Statue of Liberty?

At present, one can go inside the Statue of Liberty to the point of the pedestal with tickets. In order to continue up to the crown,you'll need an additional special reservation and ticket (as well as stamina for 354 steps to the top). Only a few people are allowed inside the crown at atime. In late 2011, the Statue of Liberty will close for renovations and the addition of a second staircase to aid in emergency evacuations. The project should be complete in nine months to a year. NYCTrip.com’s Statue of Liberty Tour and Ground Zero/Statue of Liberty Tour both include reservations to enter the Statue and Museum and climb to the pedestal level.

What's on Liberty Island?

Liberty Island houses the Statue of Liberty National Monument and all of its related National Park Service services. There are restroom facilities, educational materials, and a museum dedicated to the monument. It is only accessibly by ferry.

What else should I know about visiting the Statue ofLiberty?

Please keep in mind, thousands of people visit daily, reservations to see the Statue of Liberty are necessary and limited. Please be prepared as there are often long lines to purchase tickets and board ferries. 

For more information about visiting the Statue of Liberty, simply visit our Statue of Liberty Tours through NYCTrip.com and save BIG on your trip to Liberty Island as well as other sites throughout the city. 

December is a busy month for New Yorkers and if you’re planning on hitting up the Big Apple to see the sights, be sure to add these holiday favorites to your list. But before you start marking down where you’ll be headed, let us make things a little bit easier for you.

The holiday season gets a huge influx of travelers, so if you’re new to the city, it can be easy to get tangled up and lost in the crowd. At NYCTrip.com, we’re running awesome specials on holiday sightseeing tours that ensure that you get to see everything you want without having to battle all of the crowds. Our Christmas Holiday Walking Tour, Holiday Lights Motorcoach Sightseeing Tour, and NYC Holiday Trip Specials are must-sees before you plan your NYC trip to destinations like these:

The Radio City Christmas Spectacular – Billed as America’s favorite holiday show, the Radio City Christmas Spectacular has been a NYC favorite since 1933. It stars The Rockettes and features an amazing performance with music, dancing, a Living Nativity, indoor snow, fireworks, Santa flying high above the audience, and so much more! The show runs through the entire month of December with tickets ranging from $45 to $105. Group tickets available. For tickets, simply consult our Radio City Christmas Spectacular Vacations.

Andy Warhol: Motion Pictures – The Museum of Modern Art will be running an exhibition of Andy Warhol’s black-and-white silent works from December 19, 2010 to March 21, 2011. A must-see for those interested in film, art, or Warhol’s other works. Free with admission. For more information, visit moma.org or call 212-708-9400.

Revelations at 50 – The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater is celebrating its 50^th anniversary of the breathtaking piece Revelations. Featuring 50 dancers in a reimagined version of the classic, this moving experience of sight, sound, and motion is sure to make your visit to New York City unforgettable. At the New York City Center from December 1 through January 2. Tickets are $25 and up. For more information, call 212-247-0430 or visit NYCityCenter.org.

Best of the Arts Holiday Festival – Kids will love the chance to make a variety of Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and winter-themed crafts at the Best of the Arts Holiday Festival in the Children’s Museum of Manhattan. Lots of fun for the whole family! 212 W. 83^rd Street between Broadway and Amsterdam Avenue. December 20-26. For more information, visit CMOM.org or call 212-721-1223.

George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker – From November 26 through January 2, see this classic holiday tradition that’s been performed annually by the New York City Ballet since 1954. Simply gorgeous and great for the whole family! Throughout December. Individual and group tickets available. Call 212-870-5570 or visit NYCBallet.com.  The David H. Koch Theater, Lincoln Center, between W. 63rd St. & Columbus Ave and W. 62nd St. & Columbus Ave.

What are some of your favorite, must-see attractions during the holidays?

November is almost here and you know what that means: it’s time to start planning your trip to New York City! The Big Apple has tons to enjoy during the month of November, especially if you’re gearing up for the holiday season. Here are some of the events you’ll need to add to your itinerary during your NYC trip:

The ING New York City Marathon: If you want to see an amazing event that’s all about achieving goals, giving it your all, and doing something wonderful, it’s the New York Marathon. This year’s event, sponsored by ING, will be held on November 7^th. Feel free to watch or compete – it’s up to you! Learn more at http://www.nycmarathon.org/

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade: Beginning at 77^th Street and Central Park West and ending at 7^th Avenue and 34^th Street, this annual parade is one of the most widely anticipated New York City events of the year. In fact, 3.5 million line the streets to see it and 50 million more watch the giant balloons and floats on TV!  Get there early to reserve your spot along the parade route!  Learn more: http://social.macys.com/parade2010/ or book your Thanksgiving vacation in New York City at http://www.nyctrip.com/Pages/Index.aspx?PageID=83

The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting: Located in the center of the complex of buildings between 47^th and 50^th Streets and 5^th and 7^th Avenues, the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is something that people come to see from all around the world. See it be illuminated for the year if you attend the ceremony on Tuesday, November 30, 2010. Bring your camera and dress warm while you enjoy live performances from a variety of popular artists, ice skaters, and much more! Visit http://www.nyctrip.com/pages/index.aspx?pageID=1035 for more information.

Chocolate Show New York: Billed as the world’s largest event dedicated to chocolate, the Chocolate Show is a sweet tooth’s paradise. This event offers displays from more 65 fine chocolate companies, cooking demonstrations, fun activities, book signings, and even a Chocolate Fashion Show. Hungry yet? Get tickets and more information at http://newyork.salon-du-chocolat.com/accueil.aspx. Runs November 11-14, 2010 at the Metropolitan Pavilion, 125 West 18th Street (between 6th and 7th Avenues).

The New York Comedy Festival: Tickle your funny bone November 3-7, 2010 at this annual event produced in association with Comedy Central. Get the schedules, tickets, and information about how to get in on the action by visiting http://www.nycomedyfestival.com/.

What other events are you looking forward to this November in New York City? Share them with us!