Tag Archives: travelling to nyc

New York City is one of the most expensive cities to live and travel in the United States. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t cheap or no-cost ways to enjoy your time in the city. Of course, you can drop a bunch of coins from the  Empire State Building or dine in the fanciest restaurants. There is plenty that the city offers if you are willing to go deep down your pockets. 

But what if I told you that you could take a boat ride past the Statue of Liberty without spending a dime? Yes, that is true. New York has a lot of bargains like these ones. But to find them, you need to connect with a local who knows these tricks. Well, lucky for you, we are spelling out the beans that will help you enjoy the best parts of the city for free. Most people flock to the city for career opportunities, so if you are one of them, after sending your digital resume, enjoy the city as it is meant to be. 

So, it doesn’t really matter how small or non-existent your budget is, you will still have a great time in NYC. Book and cook in your Air B&B and you are good to take the city on a storm. So, without making you wait any further, here are some free things to do in New York. 

Staten Island Ferry

The first thing that pops into our mind when we think about New York City is the state of Liberty. With Manhattan on the right and Sleek Verrazano-Narrows Bridge on the left, lies the Statue of Liberty.  Yes, everyone wants to see lady liberty but the ferry tours start around $19 for adults. Fortunately, the Staten Island Ferry will let you experience the grandeur of the skyscrapers, the postcard dimension-ed Brooklyn Bridge, and of course the Statue of Liberty in its true magnificence absolutely free. It started service in 1905, the ferry carries around 19 million people across the harbor each year. Grab a departing boat once you are at the terminal of the Staten Island side and then enjoy the eccentric view in a rewind.  

Central Park

It doesn’t take a genius to know that parks are free. But who wants to go to a park? Well, Central Park is no common park. It is filled with statues, free events, and beautiful sites like ‘Imagine’ mosaic (it commemorates the life and death of former Beatle John Lennon), strawberry fields, and much more. Eight hundred acres of green space in the middle of uptown Manhattan is what this park offers. Not a fable! You will find bikers, nature lovers, and joggers getting their fix here every day. If you’ve had enough of the chaos of the city, Central Park offers an escape from the city.  Mostly importantly, I found Central Park to be quite a safe, if you want to avoid any travel disaster’s just like me.

New York Public Library

Library isn’t your jam? Well, this is no ordinary library. I understand the library isn’t on most people’s ‘must visit’ list but be sure to make an exception. The New York Public Library holds the world’s most comprehensive and largest collections with more than 52 million items currently being held there. This includes books, maps, musical scores, periodicals, art and architecture, print, manuscripts and archives. The library is also host to several events all around the year. It is a spectacle you mustn’t miss. And the best part is you don’t even have to spend a single buck for the tour. It is absolutely free.  

Brooklyn Bridge

One of the many signature places in New York City, Brooklyn Bridge is a must-visit. One of the oldest suspension bridges in the country, it offers some eccentric views of New York. Spanning from Brooklyn Heights to South Street Seaport, the bridge has ushered the people of New York across the east river since 1833. And the best way to experience its beauty is a 40-minute walk across the bridge. An expedition you must not miss. The view will take you to a different place. It will make you realize why decades of painters and poets have been fascinated by it. Early morning is the best time to visit the bridge because it gets crowded afterward. 

Times Square

For a better part of the last century, the brightest lights, most fascinating music, biggest parties, and star power have steamed off on a street known as Broadway. Not so long ago, the place was known to be a haven of decadence. Crafty sex shops and peep shows seeded the place before it was revitalized to the arrival of five-star tenants like David Letterman. It paved a way to the new Times Square. Today, it is one of the most influential theatrical districts in the world. It costs $0 and surely is a place to be on your ‘must-see’ list. Not to forget it hosts the largest New Year’s Eve celebration in the country. More than half a million join together to bid adieu to the passing year and welcome the new one. Whether with a family, loved one, friends, or by yourself, if you want to experience what the city is all about, Times Square is the place to be.