Heading to New York? Get great ideas for free sights and activities in New York City. Then, after your trip, share what you’ve found with other MSN Travel readers by contributing your own suggestions to the list.
There’s so much to see and do in New York that the city can be overwhelming – and overpriced. Don’t panic; just keep in mind that many of the most interesting things to see and do won’t cost you a cent. Here’s a list of our favorite ways to spend time and save money in New York City. We invite you to share your ideas, as well! Visit our message boards to post your own favorite free things to do in New York City. We’ll keep adding to this page, so keep checking back as the list grows with your suggestions.
1. Central Park: This 843-acre swath of green space stretches from 59th Street to 110th Street; you could spend hours wandering the pathways and lounging on the lawns. During the summer, don’t miss Shakespeare in the Park at the Delacorte Theater — the tickets are free.
2. Ground Zero: Construction of a Sept. 11 memorial is under way in lower Manhattan, and adjacent to the site is the National September 11 Memorial & Museum. For a donation you can see photos and a timeline of that fateful day, read stories of survival and loss and learn about the memorial being built to commemorate those who died. (http://www.national911memorial.org)
3. Federal Hall National Museum: This historic building is easily overlooked in the shadow of Wall Street and the New York Stock Exchange, but it’s worth a stop. George Washington took his presidential oath here, and it was also the site of the first Congress and offices of the executive branch. (http://www.nps.gov/feha)
4. The Brooklyn Bridge: A pedestrian walkway accommodates walkers and bikers and gives great views of New York Harbor along the way. To start from the Manhattan side, take the 4, 5 or 6 subway to the Brooklyn Bridge / City Hall Station.
5. The Staten Island Ferry: This fleet of passenger ferries connects Whitehall Terminal (a.k.a. South Ferry) in Manhattan and St. George on Staten Island. Boats depart every 15 to 30 minutes, and during the 25-minute ride there are great views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island and the city skyline.
1. Central Park: This 843-acre swath of green space stretches from 59th Street to 110th Street; you could spend hours wandering the pathways and lounging on the lawns. During the summer, don’t miss Shakespeare in the Park at the Delacorte Theater — the tickets are free.
2. Ground Zero: Construction of a Sept. 11 memorial is under way in lower Manhattan, and adjacent to the site is the National September 11 Memorial & Museum. For a donation you can see photos and a timeline of that fateful day, read stories of survival and loss and learn about the memorial being built to commemorate those who died. (http://www.national911memorial.org)
3. Federal Hall National Museum: This historic building is easily overlooked in the shadow of Wall Street and the New York Stock Exchange, but it’s worth a stop. George Washington took his presidential oath here, and it was also the site of the first Congress and offices of the executive branch. (http://www.nps.gov/feha)
4. The Brooklyn Bridge: A pedestrian walkway accommodates walkers and bikers and gives great views of New York Harbor along the way. To start from the Manhattan side, take the 4, 5 or 6 subway to the Brooklyn Bridge / City Hall Station.
5. The Staten Island Ferry: This fleet of passenger ferries connects Whitehall Terminal (a.k.a. South Ferry) in Manhattan and St. George on Staten Island. Boats depart every 15 to 30 minutes, and during the 25-minute ride there are great views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island and the city skyline.
6. St. Patrick’s Cathedral: Attend Mass, listen to a choir or organ concert or just step inside for some respite from the hustle of Rockefeller Center just outside. The cathedral is located on Fifth Avenue between 50th and 51st streets.
7. New York Public Library: Two marble lions flank the entrance to this beautiful Beaux Arts building at Fifth Avenue and 42nd Street. Inside are majestic painted ceilings, stately wood-paneled research rooms and books, books, books.
8. The New York Earth Room: Commissioned and maintained by the Dia Foundation, this 280,000-pound installation of earth by artist Walter De Maria is installed in a gallery three floors up in SoHo (www.earthroom.org).
7. New York Public Library: Two marble lions flank the entrance to this beautiful Beaux Arts building at Fifth Avenue and 42nd Street. Inside are majestic painted ceilings, stately wood-paneled research rooms and books, books, books.
8. The New York Earth Room: Commissioned and maintained by the Dia Foundation, this 280,000-pound installation of earth by artist Walter De Maria is installed in a gallery three floors up in SoHo (www.earthroom.org).
9. Governor's Island: Take the R or 4/5 to South Ferry; there is a free ferry to the island docked just next to the Staten Island Ferry. The island has beautiful views of the Manhattan and Brooklyn skylines, and you can see the waterfalls just as well as on the Circle Line tours. -Annybananny92660
10. Rockaway Beach: Take the A train to one of the Beach streets (Beach 44, etc.). We have been out here three times so far, always on a Saturday or Sunday, and there were hardly any crowds. Summer may be a different story: We have been in April, May and September, but the beach is beautiful regardless. -Annybananny92660
11. The Today Show at Rockefeller Plaza: It might seem cheesy (it is) but we have gotten on TV each time we've been up there, and every now and then you get to actually chat with one of the celebrity guests. Also in this category would be "Good Morning America," which films in Bryant Park, a fun free place to hang out in itself. -Annybananny92660
12. The Bronx Zoo: It's not quite free, but on Wednesdays, the price of admission is whatever you care to donate. -Annybananny92660
10. Rockaway Beach: Take the A train to one of the Beach streets (Beach 44, etc.). We have been out here three times so far, always on a Saturday or Sunday, and there were hardly any crowds. Summer may be a different story: We have been in April, May and September, but the beach is beautiful regardless. -Annybananny92660
11. The Today Show at Rockefeller Plaza: It might seem cheesy (it is) but we have gotten on TV each time we've been up there, and every now and then you get to actually chat with one of the celebrity guests. Also in this category would be "Good Morning America," which films in Bryant Park, a fun free place to hang out in itself. -Annybananny92660
12. The Bronx Zoo: It's not quite free, but on Wednesdays, the price of admission is whatever you care to donate. -Annybananny92660
13. The Waterfalls: This is a new attraction around the city; one of them is coming off the Brooklyn Bridge. -Patnal. (Editor's note: Read more about this temporary art installation.)
14. Museum of Modern Art: The Museum of Modern Art is free for all visitors during Target Free Friday Nights, every Friday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
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