The shimmering lights of New York City attract millions of visitors to this wonderful city each year for both business and leisure trips. New York has a common reputation of being a very expensive city and although this may be true there are still many free things to do in New York without blowing your budget. Here’s 10 Free Things to do in New York City.
Museums and Galleries in New York City
Chelsea Art Galleries
Address: Between 10th and 11th Avenue, Chelsea, New York
Price: Free
Tucked away on the west side of New York, is Chelsea, a trendy neighbourhood that is full of art and culture. With over 350 art galleries in the neighbourhood, you might be a bit overwhelmed by which ones to visit but all the galleries are located in a concentrated area so it is easy to visit several on your trip, and they are all absolutely free. Chelsea Art Galleries are one of the best free things to do in New York and offer the best in fine art, contemporary sculptures and much more. For an extensive map of all the galleries in Chelsea, click here.
The Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology
Address: 7th Avenue, 27th Street, New York
Price: Free
The Museum at FIT is one of the only free fashion museums in New York and is known for its award-winning and innovative exhibitions. Over 100,000 visitors pass through this museum on an annual basis, to see the popular collections. The museum has over 50,000 garments and accessories that aim to educate people about the history of fashion in an entertaining way.
American Folk Art Museum
Address: 2 Lincoln Square, Columbus Avenue, New York
Price: Free
Founded in 1961, this popular museum is devoted to the understanding of art by self-taught artists, from past to present. The museum contains over seven thousand pieces of art, which date all the way back to the eighteenth century. Admission to this museum in New York is completely free and it is one of the most unique attractions the city has to offer.
National Museum of the American Indian
Address: 1 Bowling Green, New York
Price: Free
This museum houses one of the world’s largest collections of Native American artefacts. The museum has phenomenal permanent and temporary exhibitions, as well as hosting a range of brilliant public performances, including music and dancing which are embedded with the spirit of Native American culture. Taking a trip to the National Museum of the American Indian is one of the best free things to do in New York.
Parks in New York City
Central Park
Address: Central Park, New York, USA
Price: Free
Central Park is undoubtedly one of the most iconic parks in New York. No matter the season, Central Park has many free things to do from watching one-off performances, to hiking around the North Wood, to having a picnic by The Pond in the southeastern corner, the list is endless. There are also many amazing attractions to view in the park including the Alice in Wonderland statue, Belvedere Castle, Bethesda Fountain and Greywacke Arch.
Bryant Park
Address: Bryant Park, New York, USA
Price: Free
Another great free thing to do in New York is stopping by Bryant Park for some easy-going yoga. Every Tuesday morning and Thursday evening, the park offers a one-hour yoga class taught by a range of the city’s best yoga instructors from a variety of studios. All levels are welcome so no matter if you are a complete beginner or a die-hard yoga fan, there is something for everyone. All you need to do is bring is a positive attitude and keep your money in your pocket.
Brooklyn Bridge Park
Address: 334 Furman Street, Brooklyn, USA
Price: Free
On Thursday evenings during the summer months, hundreds of people head out to Brooklyn Bridge Park to enjoy a free movie screening. ‘Movies with a View’ is one of the best movie screening experiences in the whole city, with a dazzling view of New York, there is no better place to head on a hot summers evening. For more information about what’s being played, click here.
The High Line
Address: Washington Street & Gansevoort Street, New York
Price: Free
One of the more peculiar shaped parks in New York is The High Line, a two-mile long elevated park that stretches across the west side of Manhattan. Back in 2009, the park opened after residents of the neighbourhood saved the old railway track the park is located on, from being demolished. The park now represents the nature, art and design of the city and how it has transformed over the years.
Attractions in New York City
9/11 Memorial at Ground Zero
Address: 180 Greenwich Street, New York
Price: Free
One of the most iconic and contemplative attractions in New York is the 9/11 Memorial at Ground Zero, people come from all over the world to pay their respects. This memorial both immortalises the desolation of the past and provides hope for the future. Ground Zero is one of the best free things to visit in New York but can get very busy during the day so it is recommended to visit earlier in the day or evening.
Times Square
Address: Times Square, Theatre District, New York
Price: Free
Times Square is one of New York’s most iconic attractions and is visited by millions of people each year. Visitors can take in the brilliant shining lights on the soring billboards, walk up the many steps or watch street performances with no charge.
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