I have been to New York City many times and it is still one of my favorite places to go. It has magnificent skyscrapers, world-class restaurants, amazing parks, and incredible nightlife. There are people there from all over the world enjoying this beautiful city that offers so much. Unfortunately, New York City is not cheap.
Parking alone can cost you a fortune, not to mention the high cost of restaurants, hotels, and attractions.
Fortunately, there are a lot of free things to do in the city for those who don’t want to spend a lot of money.
Visit Central Park
With 2.5 miles of pure beauty, one can easily spend the entire day checking out all Central Park has to offer. Home to two ice rinks, a castle, and a zoo, Central Park has so much to offer.
Upper West Side
Home to the Metropolitan Opera, Lincoln Center, and the Museum of Natural History, this beautiful area is a great neighborhood to explore. It has great cafes, bakeries, and bookstores that scream family. It has a warm and welcoming pace that’s very comfortable and homey.
St. Patrick’s Cathedral
No stroll on 5th Avenue is complete without stepping into St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Its sheer beauty and size will pull you inside to see the breathtaking architecture and more than 2,500 stain-glassed panels. It is quite impressive inside and out.
Grand Central Terminal
This world-famous landmark is not to be missed.
Not only is it a transportation hub, but Grand Central Station is also filled with so much more. It has culture, restaurants, shopping, and a plethora of architectural styles.
Another little insider’s tip for you. Be sure to go downstairs to the front of the Oyster Bar and Restaurant. You will find an archway there with four corners. If you whisper into one corner, the person on the corner diagonally from you can hear exactly what you’re saying! It is very cool!
NY Public Library
New York City has some pretty incredible libraries! The main branch located at 5th Ave and Bryant Park is the most iconic with the lion statues in the front of the building. Take some time and go inside to look around. The architecture is grand, and they have some awesome exhibits. If you have ancestors from NYC and you are into tracing your roots, be sure to head inside and talk with their very friendly and knowledgeable staff. They have so much genealogical information right at your fingertips.
Bryant Park
One of my all-time favorite things to do in NYC is to go to Bryant Park! It’s such an amazing park right smack in the middle of skyscrapers. Located directly behind the NY Public Library, it’s a must-see whatever time of year you go. In the winter, the park is filled with amazing shops and an ice rink. I highly recommend skating here. It’s simply amazing looking at the beautiful Christmas tree and the city while skating and listening to Christmas music. Skating is always free, but there is a charge if you need to rent skates.
Open Houses
As I mentioned earlier, I love New York City! I would love nothing more than to live there for a while and be able to walk right out onto the streets and soak up all the sights. If you are curious about what it is like to live in the city, go check out an open house! You’ll get to see some pretty amazing places, and who knows, maybe even get the itch to move there.
The High Line
What was once an elevated railroad track is now a beautiful walkway with panoramic water and city views in a park-like setting. Located on the west side of Manhattan, the High Line starts off by the Vessel in midtown and ends down by The Whitney Museum of Art. There are many places to hop on and off in between as well.
There are many great things to see and do in this part of NYC, and they are all free!
Some days, I go into the city and just walk the HighLine and enjoy everything that’s around it.
The Vessel at Hudson Yards
Opened in 2019, The Vessel was built as part of a redevelopment project in Hudson Yards. Its sixteen stories of stairs that some say resembles a beehive, is quite an attraction. Admission is free, but you need to reserve time to climb all those stairs and check out the views all around.
It’s located at the northern tip of the High line between 30th and 33rd street. While there go inside the very upscale shopping mall and have a look around.
Museum at FIT
Located in the Chelsea area on W27th Street, the Fashion Institute Museum is a fun and very cool fashion museum. They have lots of great exhibits and interesting history as well. The cost to enter the museum is always free!
Window Shopping
You can spend hours just walking up and down 5th Avenue looking at all the amazing window displays. While Macy’s, Saks, and Bergdoff never disappoints, there are tons of stores on 5th that are quite eye-catching and appealing.
9/11 Memorial
Located at the site of the former World Trade Center, the 9/11 Memorial is a tribute to the 2,977 people that were killed in the terror attacks in 2001. Inscribed on bronze parapets, you can find the names of all the men, women, and children who lost their lives. The waterfalls represent that a void that can never be filled.
The Memorial is free, however, if you want to go to the museum there is a fee.
Governors Island
Open from late spring to early fall, the former military fort and Coast Guard command is a car-free island with lots of history and park. Perfect to rent a bike or ride around or just walk the lush green parks and take in the beautiful views.
Accessible by ferry only, the only charge is the boat ride which is about $3.00.
While there is no fee to see Governors Island, there is the cost of the ferry ride.
South Street Seaport
This historic area on the East River by Fulton Street combines culture and industry, is a must-see destination. There is a lot of history here as well as some fabulous views.
Chinatown
From fresh and dried fish to souvenir shops and markets that sell just about everything, Chinatown is a very vibrant area in lower Manhattan. Make sure to check out the Mott Street Fish Market where you will find just about every fish imaginable. Then, head on over to Pell Street for a real Chinatown experience.
Want to feel like a local? Head on down to Columbus Park and you’ll feel the Chinese culture shine through.
Greenwich Village
Home to the famous steps of Carrie Bradshaw and the Friends Apartment Building, this Bohemian neighborhood is an upbeat and artsy area filled with great cafes and some of the best vintage shops you’ll find in the city.
Times Square
Everyone needs to go to Times Square at least once and experience the insanity that surrounds it! This extremely popular tourist attraction is encompassed by tons of lights, lots of people, and more characters than Disney. The vibe and energy Times Square gives off is unlike any area of the city.
Times Square is also home to Broadway and some really great restaurants.
Chelsea Market
This is an indoor shopping and foodie delight. It has a variety of shops and restaurants to satisfy just about everyone. This is a great spot for the solo traveler with a good selection of grab-and-go foods.
Chelsea’s Free Art Galleries
What a better way to feed your inner artist than to go and see world-renowned artists and unknown artists alike? All the venues that are stretched out along nine streets are totally free and absolutely fabulous!
Federal Hall National Memorial
See where our first president, George Washington, was sworn into office. It is also the home to the first Congress, Supreme Court, and Executive Branch offices. There is so much history here at this monumental building on Wall Street.
Nations Museum of The American Indian
This is a very cool free museum that houses some really cool Native American art and artifacts located in the financial district.
Washington Park
Located in Greenwich Village, this park is truly spectacular.
This park is full of New Yorkers and exudes a warm, hometown feeling. It’s filled with street musicians, chess games, and playgrounds.
The Oculus
A combination of modern architecture, a massive underground mall, and train access, The Oculus is something to be seen. Adjacent to the 9/11 Memorial, this eye-opening piece of art is something to be marveled out and pondered.
While New York City isn’t an inexpensive city by any means, there are many activities that you can do for free. You can easily spend two or three days doing free activities without spending a dime.
Brooklyn Bridge
Everyone needs to walk over the Brooklyn Bridge just once. This very photogenic suspension bridge connects Brooklyn to lower Manhattan and is one of the most popular NYC attractions. The bridge is about a mile long and there are great photo-taking opportunities all along the way. Don’t forget to take some photos of Manhattan once you are on the Brooklyn side.
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