How to Play Tourist this Summer

About 58 percent of Americans said that the economy is forcing them to cut their summer vacation spending, according to Rasmussen Reports.  While nearly everyone is cutting costs across the board, summer vacation has held steady despite the economy over the last year. But this summer will be different, with 69 percent of adults committing to a less fun summer.

Last year it was gas prices that forced Americans to re-think their summer vacation plans, but this year things are a little different. Between lay-offs and salary cuts, many Americans are looking for fun in their own backyard.

New York City saw a shift in tourism recently and responded with a new web site that is aimed toward those in the Tri-State area. With travel deals down due to the economy, visitors to the Big Apple are more likely to be from the surrounding areas of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, or New York state.

With a now pedestrian-friendly Times Square and the always beautiful Central Park, New Yorkers who are looking to save cash can fall in love with their city again through nycgo.com. Between Summer Restaurant Week and the NYC Sunday Stays Program, its easy to get put your tourist hat on for the summer.

But NYC has a few staples that natives rarely take advantage of anyway, so grab your “I heart NY” tee and be sure to head over to some of these attractions this summer.

• Central Park (or Prospect Park) for an afternoon picnic
• Metropolitan Museum of Art (see other suggested donation museums here)
• Visit FAO Schwartz and stomp out Chopsticks on the piano floor al la “Big”
• Watch the sun set on the pier at South Street Seaport
• Take a walking tour of the UN.  Tickets are $12 (or check out the exhibits for free) More info here
• Take a Saturday afternoon tour of the Brooklyn Brewery.  Tours are free and you can stay afterward for Happy Hour
• Hang out at the Top of the Rock (30 Rockefeller) for a killer view
• Tour the Fed’s gold vault — 50 feet below sea level.

There are plenty of ways to explore the city on the cheap — or even take advantage of some of its more pricey fares in lieu of a fancy holiday.  You can check out the NYCgo site for more information and events happening in summer hot spots like Coney Island and Central Park, and scour the list of new restaurants and vintage boutiques.