ALWAYS Free!
List of things to do in NYC that are ALWAYS free! Did we forget something? Let us know!
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♥ Central Park: "All year round this park shows its true beauty. In the Spring you see all the trees with new leaves, flowers blooming and the cold, crisp fresh air. The summer gives you the heat, free concerts and a great place to lay out and get a tan. Fall gives you the color of pumpkin pie. The leaves are golden as you walk past while the wind hits the trees and sends them to ground. Winter is one the most beautiful time of year. The park gets covered in snow (if we are lucky) and you see kids building snowmen and having snowball fights." Free walking tours available.
♥ Bryant Park: "Beautiful park right in the heart of midtown. They offer all kinds of events throughout the year, ice skating and holiday shops in the winter, concerts and other activities in the summer. Great place to chill and just have your lunch or even play a game of ping pong."
♥ Prospect Park: With over eight million visitors a year, the Park borders diverse neighborhoods and attracts both locals and tourists. Popular activities range from skating to birding to pedal boating to picnicking on the Long Meadow on beautiful days. The Park also boasts a stunning variety of natural and geological features. Brooklyn’s only forest is here, along with a complex water system, rolling meadows and shaded hillsides.
♥ Madison Square Park: A seven-acre urban oasis, located in the heart of Manhattan’s Flatiron District at East 23 Street between Madison and Fifth avenues. Great views of the Empire State Building and Flatiron Building, dog park, Shake Shack, cool art, fountains, statues and more.
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♥ Washington Square Park: A marsh. A cemetery. A parade ground. A gathering spot for avant-garde artists. A battleground for chess enthusiasts. A playground for canines and children. Washington Square Park has served various roles for its community throughout the years, adapting to meet its needs. Well-known for its arch, honoring George Washington, the man for whom the park is named, and its fountain, the arch's elder by 43 years and a popular meeting spot, Washington Square Park also houses several other monuments and facilities.
♥ Union Square Park: "There is always something going on here. I've seen protests and demonstrations for political and social views on opposite sides of the spectrum. There's the green market, which is a feast for both your stomach and your eyes. Sometimes there are corporate promotions, like when Marshall's set up all of those weird closets. There's free speakout to look forward to, free hugs to be given and gotten, and sometimes there are people creating free body art. There are sellers who are both artists and conversationalists, skaters doing tricks, and a ring of people around a dance-off."
♥ Visit the High Line: The High Line is a public park built on an historic freight rail line elevated above the streets on Manhattan’s West Side. A wonderful urban oasis combining the best of the industrial and the natural worlds. It's a pleasure to just stroll on the wooden trail, watch the birds feed, admire the city skyline and just be happy to be alive and enjoy.
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♥ Walk the Brooklyn Bridge: The Brooklyn Bridge connects two great New York City boroughs: Manhattan and Brooklyn. You can walk it, drive it, bike it, or just admire it. One way or the other, the Brooklyn Bridge soaring over the East River is one of New York City’s most famous routes, both for tourists and born-and-bred New Yorkers. Tip: Sunrise/Sunset are amazing times to go! Directions/Info
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♥ 9/11 Memorial: The National September 11 Memorial is a
tribute of remembrance and honor to the nearly 3,000 people killed in the terror attacks of September 11, 2001 at the World Trade Center site, near Shanksville, Pa., and at the Pentagon, as well as the six people killed in the World Trade Center bombing in February 1993. The Memorial’s twin reflecting pools are each nearly an acre in size and feature the largest manmade waterfalls in the North America. The pools sit within the footprints where the Twin Towers once stood. Passes are free but you must reserve them in advance:
♥ Grand Central Terminal: A must see for anyone in New York. "One of the true examples of breathtaking architecture in NYC made during the early 20th century. I love walking around and looking at all the shops, restaurants, the market, the Whispering Wall, and of course, the beautiful concourse ceiling with it's astronomical mural."
♥ Staten Island Ferry: Whether you are traveling between home on Staten Island and work in Manhattan, or just want an exceptional way to see lower Manhattan, the bay, and the Statue of Liberty. You CAN NOT miss riding the Staten Island Ferry. When on board, there is plenty of seating, with some open-air seating available as well. Restrooms, as well as a refreshment stand (beer available!) are available. Bringing your own beer is also permitted. Overall a breathtaking, relaxing, cool, and safe ride. Directions/Info
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♥ Wander Battery Park City's Waterfront promenade: The breeze and passing boats will make you forget you're in the gritty city, though the view of the Statue of Liberty will remind you that you couldn't be anywhere but New York. Directions/Info
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♥ Coney Island Boardwalk: Coney Island offers an ideal summer respite from the hectic and steamy city. With nearly 3 miles of sandy beaches, Coney Island’s sunny skies and rolling waves make for the perfect getaway. If being active at the beach is more your idea of fun than just catching some rays, Coney Island also offers exciting recreation opportunities. With courts for beach volleyball, handball, and basketball as well as playgrounds and amusement rides, the beach and boardwalk can provide hours of entertainment. Coney Island is also a great place to visit in the off-season. Check out the New York Aquarium, the Abe Stark Ice Skating Rink, or the MCU Park (formerly KeySpan Park) baseball stadium where you can see the minor league Mets (the Brooklyn Cyclones) play ball.
♥ Walk 5th Avenue: NY shopping is an entirely different experience than shopping in another city, especially along this historical road. Located in the center of Manhattan, the best Fifth Avenue shopping takes place between 39th and 60th Street at NYC flagship stores. Whether you are searching for the latest fashions, NY souvenirs, or useful housewares, New York outlets on Fifth Ave cater to every taste and budget.
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♥ New York Public Library: As seen in many movies, this is a must see for any local or tourist alike. It's like a museum inside, actually it's nicer than many museums and come to think of it, the outside is just as impressive. I love the front area of the library along 5th Avenue; massive steps where tons of people congregate, the massive columns. Directions/Info
♥ Federal Reserve Bank of New York: Located in the heart of Manhattan's financial district, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York offers free tours to visitors. The tours include an introduction to the banking system of the United States and the role of "The Fed" in the U.S. economy, as well as a chance to visit the Gold Vault located five stories below street level. The building itself is impressive, combining detailed wrought ironwork with features from the Renaissance palaces of Florence.
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♥ Times Square: At least once in your life, you have to see Times Square. The cacophany of lights and sounds and constant movement can be overwhelming to the senses. There is definitely an energy here - and a sense of familliarity. You've seen it in movies, on tv, in books and magazines, and yes - every New Years Eve you've ever spent with Dick Clark. :-) Directions
Reviews, Tips and Observations
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♥ Planeview Park: This little scruffy park lies adjacent to one of the runways at La Guardia Airport. If they're landing runway 4 the planes will be so low that it feels like you can reach up and touch them. This is a great spot to have a picnic. [Date idea!] Directions/Info
♥ Go Celeb Spotting: Something is ALWAYS being filmed in NYC. Head over to On Location Vacations for an up-to-date list of what's filming where!
♥ Museums: Newyorkology.com has a great list of when museums are free! Check it out!
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♥ Attend a Taping of a Show: Dozens of shows are taped in NYC, and best of all they're free to attend! Check here for a list of shows and how to score tickets!
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♥ Central Park: "All year round this park shows its true beauty. In the Spring you see all the trees with new leaves, flowers blooming and the cold, crisp fresh air. The summer gives you the heat, free concerts and a great place to lay out and get a tan. Fall gives you the color of pumpkin pie. The leaves are golden as you walk past while the wind hits the trees and sends them to ground. Winter is one the most beautiful time of year. The park gets covered in snow (if we are lucky) and you see kids building snowmen and having snowball fights." Free walking tours available. 
♥ Bryant Park: "Beautiful park right in the heart of midtown. They offer all kinds of events throughout the year, ice skating and holiday shops in the winter, concerts and other activities in the summer. Great place to chill and just have your lunch or even play a game of ping pong." 
♥ Prospect Park: With over eight million visitors a year, the Park borders diverse neighborhoods and attracts both locals and tourists. Popular activities range from skating to birding to pedal boating to picnicking on the Long Meadow on beautiful days. The Park also boasts a stunning variety of natural and geological features. Brooklyn’s only forest is here, along with a complex water system, rolling meadows and shaded hillsides. 
♥ Madison Square Park: A seven-acre urban oasis, located in the heart of Manhattan’s Flatiron District at East 23 Street between Madison and Fifth avenues. Great views of the Empire State Building and Flatiron Building, dog park, Shake Shack, cool art, fountains, statues and more. .jpg)
♥ Washington Square Park: A marsh. A cemetery. A parade ground. A gathering spot for avant-garde artists. A battleground for chess enthusiasts. A playground for canines and children. Washington Square Park has served various roles for its community throughout the years, adapting to meet its needs. Well-known for its arch, honoring George Washington, the man for whom the park is named, and its fountain, the arch's elder by 43 years and a popular meeting spot, Washington Square Park also houses several other monuments and facilities. 
♥ Visit the High Line: The High Line is a public park built on an historic freight rail line elevated above the streets on Manhattan’s West Side. A wonderful urban oasis combining the best of the industrial and the natural worlds. It's a pleasure to just stroll on the wooden trail, watch the birds feed, admire the city skyline and just be happy to be alive and enjoy. .jpg)
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♥ 9/11 Memorial: The National September 11 Memorial is a
♥ Staten Island Ferry: Whether you are traveling between home on Staten Island and work in Manhattan, or just want an exceptional way to see lower Manhattan, the bay, and the Statue of Liberty. You CAN NOT miss riding the Staten Island Ferry. When on board, there is plenty of seating, with some open-air seating available as well. Restrooms, as well as a refreshment stand (beer available!) are available. Bringing your own beer is also permitted. Overall a breathtaking, relaxing, cool, and safe ride. Directions/Info.jpg)
♥ Walk 5th Avenue: NY shopping is an entirely different experience than shopping in another city, especially along this historical road. Located in the center of Manhattan, the best Fifth Avenue shopping takes place between 39th and 60th Street at NYC flagship stores. Whether you are searching for the latest fashions, NY souvenirs, or useful housewares, New York outlets on Fifth Ave cater to every taste and budget..jpg)
♥ New York Public Library: As seen in many movies, this is a must see for any local or tourist alike. It's like a museum inside, actually it's nicer than many museums and come to think of it, the outside is just as impressive. I love the front area of the library along 5th Avenue; massive steps where tons of people congregate, the massive columns. Directions/Info
♥ Federal Reserve Bank of New York: Located in the heart of Manhattan's financial district, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York offers free tours to visitors. The tours include an introduction to the banking system of the United States and the role of "The Fed" in the U.S. economy, as well as a chance to visit the Gold Vault located five stories below street level. The building itself is impressive, combining detailed wrought ironwork with features from the Renaissance palaces of Florence. .jpg)
♥ Times Square: At least once in your life, you have to see Times Square. The cacophany of lights and sounds and constant movement can be overwhelming to the senses. There is definitely an energy here - and a sense of familliarity. You've seen it in movies, on tv, in books and magazines, and yes - every New Years Eve you've ever spent with Dick Clark. :-) Directions.jpg)
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