New York map

Apart from brainstorming, keeping your eyes open in the streets and word of mouth, the easiest way to track down new things to do in New York is through the World Wide Web.

Try these event and course sites:

Time Out New York What’s going on every day in the city, as well as amazing lists of the top things to do in New York each weekend, in the summer, in the parks etc

Club Free Time A calendar of the daily free things on offer in New York

New York Today A New York Times blog published every morning that lists events and activities happening that day, as well as weather and travel information

NYC Daily Deals A blog that’s updated daily with a free or cheap deal on in New York that day

nycgo Another useful stop for lists of events, shows and deals

The Thrillist Especially good for bar and restaurant ideas

CourseHorse Cheap to pricey classes (from crafts to exercise) for every day of the week

Brooklyn Brainery An independent space in Prospect Heights that offers lectures and classes on everything from history to cookery

New York Cares One-off volunteering opportunities in New York

ArtCards Weekly emails detailing art events and openings

Or have a look at these deal sites (these give me ideas, even if I don’t go for the deal)

LivingSocial

Groupon

Amazon Local

Goldstar

These websites offer good summaries and events by date, but of course there are numerous websites for the city’s parks, art galleries, museums and music venues too.

If anyone knows of any other places I can find out new things, let me know!

Photo: Taole Zhu