Yes, our city is one of the most expensive cities in the world, but there are also pretty amazing things to do for free in New York!
New York, like any big city, can be an expensive place to visit, but today we will share 8 things to do for free in New York!
Those who live here 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.
The Gold Vault
Being around a lot of money doesn’t mean having to spend a lot of money.
The Federal 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.
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 Tuesday, it’s free.
There is a zoo, a lake, and historic buildings, and it is well worth a trip. Plus, be sure to check their event’s calendar for shows, exhibitions and other attractions!
There is always something happing throughout the Garden and don’t forget that there is also the New York Botanical Garden, located in the Bronx (featured image). It’s just as, or even more, fabulous with countless attractions to experience!
Hamilton Grange
Thanks to the worldwide sensation that is the musical ‘Hamilton’ is perhaps 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.
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 1970’s by artist Walter de Maria, they 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.
Yoga Classes
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, 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.
Make sure you have your Aesop deodorant for when you work up a sweat!
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 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.
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.
Photo Credits: ©BehindTheScenesnNYC
