11 Things to Do for Free in New York
New York, like any big city, can be an expensive place to visit. Those who live there may no longer be shocked at the price of a cup of coffee and a donut, but it can still come as quite a surprise for those who have never been before, or who visit only rarely. If you want to save some money when you are coming to New York, it is perfectly possible—there are lots of things that you can do for free, and here are some examples. If you do enough of these, you can save up your cash for some of the more expensive attractions, too.
MoMA on a Friday
The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) is a fascinating place, and no matter what you think of the exhibits inside, they will certainly stir up a conversation. However, it also usually costs around $25 per person to get in to see the wonderful creations. It’s different on a Friday evening, though. Between 4pm and 8pm every Friday you can visit MoMA for absolutely nothing at all. Plus, the sculpture garden is free from 9:30am until 10am every day.
The Gold Vault
Being around a lot of money doesn’t mean having to spend a lot of money. The Federal Reserve Bank of New York offers free tours of its gold vault. There are over 6,500 tons of gold sitting in there, and it is quite a sight to behold. Visit on a weekday afternoon and sign up for the tour and you won’t be disappointed, and neither will you be inundated with crowds as this interesting attraction isn’t one of the better known in New York.
Grand Central Station
You can visit the stunning Grand Central Station for free, and you don’t have to be catching a train to do it either. The station is over 100 years old but has lost nothing of its glamor and splendor. The Whispering Gallery is particularly fun. It’s found near the Oyster Bar, and if two people stand under diagonal arches, they can whisper and still be heard by their companion.
Brooklyn Botanical Garden
Another place to enjoy some (relative) peace and quiet is the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. You would normally need to pay to enter this beautiful spot, which is found on the edge of Prospect Park, but on a Fridays before noon it’s free. (It's also free on winter weekdays from December through February.) There is a zoo, a lake, and historic buildings, and it is well worth a trip.
Hamilton Grange
Thanks to the worldwide sensation that is the musical 'Hamilton', interest in this U.S. founding father is at an all-time high. Therefore, it makes sense that a lot of people will want to check out his estate in Harlem, known as Hamilton Grange. Thought to be the only property that this founding father ever owned, you can just imagine the splendor, especially as it was once surrounded by rolling countryside. This is a free attraction to visit, and a wonderfully evocative one too.
High Line Stargazing
New York has an elevated park which is always free and is a gorgeous place to visit. However, there are added attractions there—also free—that can be enjoyed. You can visit the High Line and go stargazing every Tuesday from dusk. If you visit the area between West 15th and West 16th, you’ll find the Amateur Astronomers Association with their telescopes and their knowledge. Regardless of where you’re headed in New York, remember to pack the essentials. To make sure you don’t miss any of the top views, make sure you’ve got everything you need in terms of the latest products. Check out Perfect Lens contact lenses to get the ideal view of our universe and some of its many secrets. You never want to be caught out without the essentials you need, so take a bag with you at all times that contains a few extra layers as well, for example.
Yoga Classes
Jane Kratochvil Photography
Yoga and New York are a match made in heaven; it’s a busy, frantic (yet marvelous) place, so being able to slow down and re-set is important from time to time. Some yoga classes are hugely expensive, but if you head to Bryant Park on a Tuesday at 10am or a Thursday at 6pm during summer and into early fall, you can join in with the free classes that are held on its upper terrace, or the lawn (the location alternates). Visitor or local, these classes will make you feel relaxed and calm, ready to face the world.
Free Movies
During the summer months, some of the parks in New York City offer free movies nights. Bryant Park and Brooklyn Bridge Park are just two of the participants, but there are many more—it will all depend on the dates you’re visiting and the kind of movie you want to watch. Pick the one that suits you and go along to the park with a blanket or chair. The movies will begin as soon as it gets dark, but you’ll want to get there early to find a good spot.
The Staten Island Ferry
Iconic the world over, the Staten Island Ferry is a great way to travel across the Hudson River and see some of Manhattan’s skyline. As well as being one of the major must-dos for your visit to New York, the even better news is that the Staten Island Ferry is completely free. If you want to travel on the East River, you’ll need the NYC Ferry Service, however, and that costs $2.75.
The Beaches
That’s right; there are beaches in New York. Coney Island is perhaps the most famous, but that means it also becomes the busiest during the summer. If you’re looking for a place to go that is less full of people, Brighton Beach (close to Coney Island, but far enough away to make a difference) is where you should head. If you want to surf, head to Rockaways Beach in Queens. It’s all free, although you might end up spending a bit of cash on hotdogs and ice creams.
Art Installations
There are many different art installations in New York, and some are particularly impressive. If you head to SoHo, you’ll find two that really stand out (and that are free to see). Both created in the 1970s by artist Walter de Maria, there are called ‘Broken Kilometer’ and ‘New York Earth Room.’ They are surprising and thought-provoking, and perhaps not what you would expect art to look like, which always makes something a lot more fascinating.
