Thanks to Nichelle for providing this redirect on Keeping Nickels about how to plan a staycation in New York City. For our Queercents readers who are borough-dwellers or live in the tri-state area, here’s how you can stay close to home this summer, save a few bucks and play tourist in your own town ‘“ courtesy of Lifestyler:

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 ‘œI 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 ‘œBig’
  • 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.

Take advantage of the many ways to explore NYC on the cheap! Let us know if you have other ideas. Comments welcomed below.

Photo credit: stock.xchng.