New York is known as the best city in the world with thousands of iconic places and millions of things to do. It is also known as the most expensive city in the United States. But there are also thousands of activities you can do without spending a single penny. In this article I am going to talk about all those amazing things that you can do in New York City totally free of cost. Let’s Get started:
RIDE BIKE ON HUDSON RIVER GREENWAY:
Hudson river greenway is a section of the Empire State Trail which is located in the west side of Manhattan stretching from Battery Park to George Washington Bridge. This green way offers you to walk, ride or hike with the most amazing views of Hudson River and New Jersey City. You can simply go with your bike and start your journey from the beautiful Battery Park and keep riding toward the uptown. In this journey you will have hundreds of places to stop and experience the beautiful views of the piers and iconic landmarks like The World Trade Center and 9/11 Memorials. This is a perfect sunny day plan for anyone who lives in New York or is visiting NYC for vacation.
TAKE A WALK ON BROOKLYN BRIDGE AND DUMBO:
Brooklyn bridge is the first longest suspension bridge in the world and one of the best iconic landmarks in New York. It has a walking path that is totally free of cost but gives the outstanding views of the river and both Manhattan and Brooklyn. Experiencing the city from the middle of the river is an unforgettable memory. The structure of the Brooklyn Bridge, Views from the middle and both sides will definitely make your day. You can also visit the bridge in the early morning to see the sunrise or in the evening to witness an awesome sunset from the bridge. This is one of the best places to take pictures and save for your memories.
DUMBO is the short form of “Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass” and known as the best Neighbourhood in Brooklyn to live in and visit. This area offers you some of the best views of Manhattan and NYC skyline. You can visit Washington Street between front and water street to take the picture on the well known place called “Instagram Spot”. You can also walk in the Squibb Park Bridge, Pebble Beach in Brooklyn Bridge Park and John Street Park. DUMBO also has famous restaurants that are offering you the best dining experience ever.
A DAY IN CENTRAL PARK:
New York is a city of public parks and you can spend a whole day in each park without spending a single dime. Central park always comes first in mind when Newyorkers think of outdoor picnics. This place is the heart of Manhattan and gives the people a relief from the hustle and bustle of city life. Start your journey in the morning and walk through the beautiful walking paths. Visit all historic places like Bethesda Fountain and Terrace. Make a picnic in the great lawn or conservatory garden in the afternoon and ride a bike with the park’s scenic paths. Enjoy a sunset walk around the Brow Bridge or The Loes Boathouse.
RIDE STATEN ISLAND FERRY:
The Staten Island Ferry is another best and unique way to experience the beauty of New York City without spending money.The journey will start from Lower Manhattan to Staten Island. You can witness the breathtaking views of Manhattan Skyline, The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island from the outdoor ferry deck. You can also keep your eyes open when you leave Manhattan Harbor to see wildlife like sea lions, seagulls and dolphins if you are lucky enough. If you are riding the ferry at sunset this will be an unforgettable experience for you with the most beautiful sunset view in the world. You can take amazing pictures and videos of your ride and enjoy some occasionally arranged special events by The Staten Island Ferry. Staten Island is also a nice place to visit and the park is a great place to spend time with friends and family so this trip will be worth it.
ROOSEVELT ISLAND AND TRAMWAY
If you want to spend another beautiful day in New York City without spending a big amount then the Roosevelt Island tour is for you. This is an island between Manhattan and Queens and a place to access by tramway. The Roosevelt Island journey should be started from East 60th street on 2nd Avenue from the Tram Station with only a $2.90 ticket per adult with an incredible view of Manhattan skyline and iconic landmarks. Along with your way to Roosevelt Island from Manhattan you will see the Manhattan and Queensborogh bridge from the top of the East River. Roosevelt Island offers some historic places including a Lighthouse, a hospital, a chapel, a community center and a memorial to President Franklin D. Roosevelt. You can also experience one of the best cherry blossom festivals in spring on Roosevelt Island. On your way back to Manhattan from the tramway you can experience another beautiful sunset and the night view of the city.
ENJOY BEAUTIFUL SUNSETS FROM DIFFERENT SPOTS
There are very few people who don’t like the sunset. New York City is offering you plenty of places to enjoy the sunset with your beloved ones. Let’s talk about some of the best places to visit in New York City for free outstanding sunset views.
PIER 35:
Pier 35 is the newest addition to New York City and the best place to see the sunset from the waterfront of Manhattan and Brooklyn Bridge. This place has 4 big wooden swings for the visitors form where you can enjoy the east river and the sunset with two world known bridges and Manhattan skyline.
Battery Park:
Battery Park is also a nice sunset view point in Manhattan. Located in Lower Manhattan Battery Park will give you an outstanding view of sunset with New York Harbor and Statue of Liberty. In the evening there will be a great crowd of visitors to experience the sunset, So make your place secure at least 15 minutes before sunset.
Domino Park in Williamsburg:
Right under the Williamsburg bridge the domino park is another best place to enjoy the sunset with the view of Manhattan Skyline and Williamsburg bridge. There are plenty of places for different activities along the east river. You can walk, sit or play with your friends before the sunset here and when it’s the right time you can enjoy the best sunset view of Williamsburg.
Brooklyn Bridge Park:
Brooklyn bridge and the bridge park is another best view spot for sunset. The best place is the middle of the Brooklyn Bridge but you can also watch the sunset from the bridge park and pier-1, The Squibb Park and the park bridge.
ENJOY THE NIGHT VIEW FROM ROOFTOP PLACES
New York City is also known as the best place for an attractive night view of the skyline. You can enjoy the view from different viewpoints and the observation decks. Most of these places are paid and you have to buy a ticket for those amazing eye-catching views. But there are also some free rooftop parks, restaurants and places from where you can see New York City at night and it is worth it.
The New York Public Library Rooftop Terrace is a free place from where you can see the astonishing view of Manhattan Skyline and the night view of Manhattan city from the top without paying money.
Pier 57 is a location of Google and a Large food hall but it has a nice rooftop park that is free of cost for visitors. This rooftop park will give you the 360° views of Manhattan with the Hudson river and New Jersey City.
Belvedere Castle has a nice rooftop place to see Central park and Manhattan city. You can see the city by paying money in Top of the Rock or you can go to Belvedere Castle for the same view without paying a penny.
230 Fifth Avenue is the largest rooftop bar located in the Center of Manhattan and has the best views of Manhattan at night and the skyline. Strongly recommend you to visit there.
JOIN FREE WALK TOUR BY LOCAL GUIDE
New York is rich with its history and historic places and if you want to visit all the best attractions while learning the history of each place then you can join a travel trip. There are so many travel guide providers you can join their trip by booking with tickets. But you can also join without any fee that most people don’t know. These travel guides are New York locals and very experienced. You can join their trip without any fee and they will take you with the whole team on a walk tour. Most of these tours start from Lower Manhattan. You can visit the financial district, wall street , brooklyn bridge and all other places with them. Although there is no fee for walk tours, tips are appreciated. So keep some change with you to tip your travel guide.
DO FREE KAYAKING FROM BOATHOUSES
Kayaking comes to mind when we think about summer. We have waters coming from hudson to east river and plenty of opportunity to enjoy the summer on the water surface. Kayaking is the best option to make your weekends and holidays outstanding. If you own a kayak you are all set to paddle. But if you don’t have one then there are so many organisers who offer free kayaking in the river on a first come first serve basis. You can kayak for 20 minutes or more if nobody is waiting next. Best free Kayaking providers:
- Manhattan Community Boathouse.
- Downtown Boathouse.
- Brooklyn Bridge Park Boathouse.
- Red Hook Boaters.
- Long Island City Community Boathouse.
ENJOY YOUR WALKING EXPERIENCE ON HIGHLINE
If you want to elevate your walking experience you need to go to the Highline Park. The most amazing place to walk in New York City was a railroad before and later it was transformed to a park in 2009. This park has more than 50 public art installations. You can enjoy a romantic walk with your partner or spend a good time with your family here in High Line Park. You can enjoy the city from a different perspective and watch the busy city streets from a nicely organised walkway. High line has plenty of places to rest, sit and take pictures with amazing urban gardens. The night view of the city from the High Line is mesmerising. Walking on the High Line is one of the best free things to do in New York.
SPEND A SUNNY DAY ON WONDERFUL BEACHES
The best thing that you can do for free is go to the beach and spend time with the big waves of salted waters. There are some awesome long beaches with amazing views and activities to do. Enjoy your sunbathing, swimming and catching waves in all sea beaches in New York. You can visit Coney Island Beach, The Rockaway Beach, Long Beach and Cooper’s Beach. I love to surf, play beach volleyball and fly kites on New York beaches.
DIVE DEEP INTO BOOKS IN PUBLIC LIBRARIES
All public libraries are free of cost and are the treasure trove of knowledge for New York. All public libraries are providing a wide range of opportunities. You can visit the library without any obstacles and it doesn’t matter if you are a New Yorker or a visitor. Everyone must visit these libraries at least once on their New York visit. You can reserve a place for group study in the library, you can use their computer and internet, you can borrow a book, ebook or audio book from the library, You can join their workshop and classes, you can enjoy their exhibitions and galleries, meet the librarians, meet different people of different places and perspectives. You can do anything needed for your study or research with the help of experts.
ATTEND FREE SUMMER CONCERTS AND MOVIES
In summer, New York City becomes the best place for amusement and entertainment. Different places arrange different concerts and programs in the city and they always make it free. You can enjoy the latest and famous songs and plays live without paying a single penny by famous artists. You can go Bryant Park, Pier 84, Brooklyn Bridge Park, Backyard at Hudson yards, Rockefeller center and all other places for different festivals and concerts. Check online for the current arrangements for the public.
