THE MOST STUNNING VIEWS IN NEW YORK CITY FOR UNDER $3

As I mentioned last week, my very best friend of over twenty years was in town for a whopping five days. Now, five days in New York feels more like five minutes. Much like London, there is so much to see and do in this city that five years still may not be an acceptable amount of time to consider it an accomplished visit.

With that in mind, and the budget similar to that of a starving college student, I wanted to find activities for the two of us that would allow us to see the city without being stuck in the typical tourists traps of the big apple. Cue the Roosevelt Island Tramway.

Roosevelt Island itself is nothing to write home about. It is a small strip of land between Manhattan and Brooklyn, and is mostly residential. But as they say, life is about the journey and not about arriving at the destination. In this case, ‘they‘ are absolutely correct.

At 250 E 60th St you can ride the Roosevelt Island Tram for $2.75 using your Metro Card. If you are using an unlimited ride Metro Card {which I suggest you purchase if you plan to ride the subway 12 or more times during your visit}, the ride is free! Yes peeps, free as in zero dollars.

For views like this:

The tram is a perfect way to stay warm on a chilly afternoon and gain a new perspective of the city. I can highly recommend it for anyone visiting the city, or those residing here. The tram is located centrally, and it a perfect activity to partake in while running between a boozy brunch and hitting the more ‘touristy’ locations in the city.

I have always been a fan of doing all things ‘tourist’ when I visit a new destination. I know, I know, I know. Accepting eye rolls now. How can I consider even ‘somewhat-well-traveled’ and still enjoy being a tourist? I don’t know. I’ve been to multiple destinations worldwide, taken too many flights to count, and yet still take delight in picnicking under the Eiffel Tower, gazing up at Big Ben, riding a gondola in Venice, and playing with monkeys in Indonesia.

But I am starting to find satisfaction in being the anti-tourist.

I am finally beginning to understand what all of my favorite travel bloggers have been attempting to drill into my head: the beauty of getting off the beaten path, of discovering a new angle surrounding a famous landmark, and of uncovering the hidden gems that the underrated cities of the world have to offer.

I’ll be the first to admit that it has taken me far too long to have reached such an epiphany.

But I am anticipating this new outlook on travel and the way I participate in it.

Riding the Roosevelt Island Tram was just a taste of what it will be like to seek out the secrets of New York City this year. New York is everything I imagined it to be and I want to discover all of her. She waited patiently for me until I was ready to arrive. Therefore, she deserves my full attention while I reside within the walls of her concrete jungle.

With knowledge of a potential departure date {more like departure month}, I am committed to making the most of my new city while I am here. And as we know time flies. Almost as quickly as the planes I see flying across the hazy, grey skies each morning.

Reminding me not to waste my moments.

And that leaps of faith should be encouraged, because who flippin’ knows what might happen tomorrow.

And that a silly tram may be more than meets the eye, if given the opportunity.