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!

Halloween is such a fun holiday and in the Big Apple, it’s definitely one that’s celebrated far and wide. This October, there are sure to be tons of great haunted attractions and Halloween parties for you to enjoy on your New York City adventure. If you’re headed on a New York City trip, don’t forget to make a stop at some of these great haunts, just in time to be spooked!

1.) Blood Manor:  With 5,000 square feet of themed rooms, corridors, and passageways, this haunted house is a walk-through that’s sure to leave you screaming for more. It’s one of the city’s most premier haunted attractions. 542 West 27^th Street between 10^th and 11^th avenues. Group tickets available. $25 plus $3.50 handling fee in advance or $35 at the door. Call 212-290-2825 or visit http://www.bloodmanor.com for schedule and more information.

2.) After Dark at Madame Tussauds: Find out what happens in this favorite wax attraction when the lights go out. This year, it’s bigger, much scarier, and a whole lot darker. Includes tons of scares, new rooms, and a 4D theater experience.  Runs 8 nights only from October 21-24 and 28-31.  Tickets are available on www.nyctrip.com. $30. Madame Tussauds New York – 234 West 42^nd St, between 7^th and 8^th Ave. Call 1-800-246-8872 or visit http://www.madametussauds.com/NewYork/.

3.) NIGHTMARE:  Self-billed as America’s #1 haunted house, NIGHTMARE is a NOHO attraction that must not be missed during the month of October. This year, NIGHTMARE: SUPERSTITIONS challenges visitors to walk-through an insane asylum where you’ll be confronted with a superstition in each room…with horrifying consequences. September 24 through November 6. Located at the NOHO Event Center – 623 Broadway at Houston.  $30 in advance or $35 at the door. Group tickets available. Call 212-929-2963 or visit http://www.hauntedhousenyc.com for information and show times.

4.) Trapped in Purgatory, NYC: Choose from two haunted experiences in two exciting locations. Experience a nightmare with mutants and zombies in OUTBREAK at 5050 Hylan Boulevard in Staten Island, or go for the original scare in Purgatory’s Corn Maze at 2449 Veterans Rd. West in Staten Island. The choice – and scare – is yours. $5 to $30. Call 718-967-5039 or visit http://www.trappedinpurgatorynyc.com/ for schedule and more information.

5.) Halloween at the A-Scarium: Have children with you? Be sure that they can get in on the Halloween fun by visiting this Coney Island, Brooklyn attraction. Running October 23 through 31, this is the New York Aquarium’s annual Halloween celebration. Meet sea monsters and enjoy magic shows, live music, stories, pumpkin carving, and crafts.  For tickets, information, and schedule, visit http://www.nyaquarium.com/plan-your-trip/events-calendar/halloween-at-the-a-scarium.aspx or call 718-265-2663.