Visit The City’s Free Attractions
Times Square one of my favourite free sights to wander and people watch!
If you’re dropping dollars in New York on attraction after attraction, you’re doing it wrong. There are SO many free iconic sights to enjoy here, that you needn’t bleed cash just to see the city. Not to mention, it is quite walkable, though when your legs tire, simply give ’em a rest and enjoy its quintessential public transit.
For free activities happening daily, weekly, monthly and on the regular, check out Time Out’s listings. Here’s a few attractions that are always free:
- Central Park
- Times Square be sure to go at night to take in its neon buzz!
- Staten Island Ferry a great way to get water views of the Statue of Liberty for FREE! Not to mention, you’ll skip waiting in long lines & security scans to enter it
- there are plenty of food, farmer’s, artisan, craft & flea markets which are free to wander
- Take the Governor’s Island ferry
- New York Public Library
- Brooklyn riddled with quirky shops, cafes & bars, this part of NYC is just great to explore by foot
- Walk the Brooklyn Bridge
- High line park
Consider Visiting During The Off
New York City is a major domestic and international tourist destination year round.
A visit during the off-season doesnt really exist but if youre looking for less crowds and reduced hotel prices, the best time to go is between January and March.
New York City can get quite cold during the winter months, so keep this in mind if you plan on doing a lot of outdoor activities summer tends to be hot and humid.
I have found great deals on hotels during both of these times with patience and daily price checking on Booking.com.
Find Cheap Or Free Events
TimeOut is my favourite resource for current free events and shows. Throughout the year there’s always festivals and events going on. Be sure to check and see what’s happening on your visit, or you could be missing on some serious fun NYC is ALL about arts, creativity and events!
On our last visit we stumbled on this epic party under the Brooklyn Bridge completely free and filled with pumping tunes and affordable beer on tap.
Brooklyn Bridge party free & lots of fun
Recommended Reading: New York Times Magazine Poetry Submissions
What Is There To Do In Niagara Falls
The real question is: how do you want to see the falls? There are several different boat tour companies, some of which bring you so close to the base that you won’t just get wet, you get soaked. Another option is to hike down the backside of Horseshoe Falls, which actually brings you behind the waterfall for a completely different perspective. And for those who want the ultimate tour, nothing beats taking a helicopter ride or a zipline over the falls for a view that few people get to see.
But if you think the town of Niagara Falls is just the eponymous waterfall, think again. There’s plenty to keep busy on both sides of the border, so don’t forget your passport. Walk around downtown to dine in quaint restaurants and enjoy local craft beer or wine. The Niagara Fallsview Casino not only has a great view overlooking the falls, but it’s also a fun place for adults to hang out and hit the slot machines. The Niagara Falls Botanical Garden is especially great to visit in spring, and the butterfly conservatory is the most popular attraction there.
Q: How Can I Get From Nyc To Nj
Answer: You can get from NYC into NJ either by ferry, car, subway, train, bus or shuttle. Practically speaking the PATH subway is the most cost effective way to get in and out of NYC from NJ. You can catch the PATH subway 2 blocks from the Empire State building or also from World Trade Center. As for people traveling by car either the
Recommended Reading: Thrush Poetry Submissions
When To Go Anytime
New York glitters year-round. In the summertime, it is as magical as it is during wintertime. Don’t let winter weather deter you. New York City is magnificent during the holidays: See the Rockefeller Center tree at Christmas, or the famous ball drop on New Years at Times Square.
Experience its beautiful colors of fall and watch the Macy’s Parade at Thanksgiving. Enjoy the blooming trees in the spring and join legions of Irish-Americans in a drink on St. Patrick’s Day. It’s a matter of preference when to go, but New York lives up to its reputation all year long.
Skip The New York Souvenirs
Manhattan is a shoppers paradise. From high street to luxury finds, theres no end to the spending you can do in the city. While many visitors come to New York specifically to shop, I recommend setting a budget for yourself and sticking to it.
Skip the cheesy souvenirs and budget for something important to you. If the locals arent wearing I heart NYC fashion, you probably shouldnt either.
Also Check: Wax Museums In Ny
Heres Whats Included In The New York Pass:
Pick from over 100 NYC attractions Valid for up to 10 days Save up to 70% compared to purchasing tickets at each attraction Visit unlimited amount of NYC attractions each day
The New York Pass is a prepaid sightseeing card that can be used to get FREE fast-track entry to the citys top tourist attractions, including Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour, Empire State Building, and the Top of the Rock Observatory.
Plus, you can use the New York Pass to get free entry to 100+ other attractions, museums, and tours in the city. Once youve bought the New York Pass, you can visit as many attractions as you want. The more sights you visit, the more money you save! Think of it like an all-inclusive holiday.
Q: Can I Park & Take The Ferry From Nj To Nyc
Answer: Yes. We suggest that people either use the Port Imperial / Weehawken landing parking garage, or park near the Newport PATH station. Parking near the Newport PATH station will be more expensive and it is best to reserve a spot ahead, but at the same time the PATH will be X3 cheaper to use. Therefore you could take the ferry in the morning and PATH at night to return home. The PATH also runs more frequently.
You May Like: Nyc Pay Traffic Ticket Online
Great Time For Museums And Attractions
If you are a museum and/or attraction lover, then this may be the best time for you.
Not only is crowding not an issue , many attractions and museums offer discounts at this time of year, not to mention that many are free or offer free days.
Several attractions with paid entry offer discounts, either through websites such as Groupon and Living Social or through tourist passes, which also slash their prices during these slow days.
We detail this in our budget tips section.
For Phenomenal Views On The Cheap Walk Across The Bridges
You could spend a precious subway swipe to get to Brooklyn. Or, for free, you could simply walk across one of the incredible bridges that connect Brooklyn to Manhattan. This is an awesome, free activity: not only does it offer some amazing views, but its also an excellent way to traverse the city.
- The Brooklyn Bridge: The iconic Brooklyn Bridge is the top walking choice for many visitorshistoric and easily accessible, it provides awesome views of lower Manhattan. Plus, there are no trains, which makes it a quieter walk.
- The Manhattan Bridge:One of the best parts of crossing the Manhattan bridge is the view it provides of the Brooklyn Bridge! And since most tourists opt to cross the Brooklyn Bridge, the Manhattan bridge is a good way to avoid the crowds.
- The Williamsburg Bridge:Williamsburg is so hip, and whats more hipster than using an alternative form of transportation? The perk here is the double view of the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges. As trains run across the Williamsburg Bridge and Manhattan Bridge, they can get loud, however.
Recommended Reading: Pay New York Tickets
The Best And Cheapest Way To Gofrom New York To White Plain
hi i am wanting to know what the cheapest way is to get from the megabus stop in new york to white plains it would be on a friday. in sept..anyone know please help me out.
I dont know where the Mega bus stop is, but you can get a Metro North commuter train from Grand central terminal to White Plains. There are 2 stops in WP, one called White Plains North.
You’ll need to take the subway to Grand Central. At 7th Ave. & 28th Street take the uptown 1 train two stops to 42nd Street/Times Square. Change for the S Shuttle or the 7 train to get to Grand Central.
The best, most direct way to get to White Plains from NYC is to take a train from Grand Central Station –
centrally located on East 42nd Street and Park Avenue. There are various buses going back and forth but you’d have to know where they stop, etc. The train is the most efficient mode of travel for that short distance.
-:- Message from Tripadvisor staff -:-
This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. We hope you’ll join the conversation by posting to an open topic or starting a new one.
To review the Tripadvisor Forums Posting Guidelines, please follow this link:
We remove posts that do not follow our posting guidelines, and we reserve the right to remove any post for any reason.
Removed onNew York City
Shopping And Restaurants In New York
Dining: With over 20,000 restaurants, you won’t go hungry here. Whether you had something rarified in mind, like Terrine of Hudson Valley Moulard Duck Foie Gras, or just a pastrami on rye, you will be satisfied. Tip: Ask a local for the name of his favorite neighborhood joint .
Shopping: From the venerable department stores to trendy boutiques and the diamond district, shoppers can find whatever they fancy. Tip: The street vendors off Union Square Park have terrific costume jewelry, and try the Pearl River Mart on Broadway in Soho for all things Asian. Don’t forget to walk down Broadway Street for chic boutique shops and bargains.
Don’t Miss: How Many Tolls From Va To Ny
Book Your Insurance Asap And Double
We can’t stress this enough: make sure you’ve bought travel insurance as soon as you’ve booked your trip to New York, so you’re protected if you have to cancel before you jet off.
Travel insurance is even more important than normal when visiting the US given the sky-high cost of medical bills if the worst happens. You’ll need a worldwide policy that includes the US to ensure you’re covered for a visit.
Double-check your policy covers the USA some ‘worldwide’ policies don’t.
See Cheap Travel Insurance for more info. All worldwide policies featured in our guide include the US as a destination but others can add a premium so always check.
Tip Email
See Shows On The Cheap
If you’re flexible with which shows you see and when, you can save as much as 50% off on same-day tickets both for on and off broadway shows. Simply show up at the official Last Minute Ticket booths to see what is playing that night. We’ve done this on two visits, the first time we saw Avenue Q and the classic Chicago.
The TKTS booth in Times Square which sells discounted show tickets daily. Simply pop by and see what’s marked down!
Also Check: Direct Flights From Nyc To Cabo San Lucas
Cheapest Way To Get To Nyc
i would like to know what the cheapest way to get to nyc is? what websites should i go to to get some great flight deals? or should we fly in to another city and take a train into penn st or grand central? any tips are welcome!
thanks!!!!
oh, i forgot to mention…
we’ve got reservations already at the hotel, we’re just trying to see how to get there! and i know we picked a busy time of year: nov 27 to nov 30.
Well, keep an eye out for airfare deals. You can also save money by not taking direct flights, or even going out of your way, if money is that much of an issue.
What about Jet Blue? Or using frequent flier miles?
Once you’ve checked Expedia, Orbitz, etc., then try some of the airlines’ own websites. Be sure to check JetBlue’s website. Southwest might be worth a look, but they don’t fly toNYC . Be sure to check fares for all three NYC airports. The “alternate airport” strategy sometimes works , but you have to decide whether the difference is worth the extra travel time and cost on the ground.
The cheapest way to NY depends on your treavel dates and how many people are traveling. For example, I have a friend in Tampa who was able to use a 2 day sale on Southwest airlines to Islip and paid ~$100 roundtrip to fly. . Flying into Philly is another option.
thanks so much guys for your suggestions.
frequent flier won’t apply here b/c we have none! i’ll look into Islip and philly.
i guess our strategy for now is wait and see.
thanks again!
New York City
Before You Travel To The United States
With specific exceptions, noncitizens who have been in certain countries during the past 14 days may not enter the United States, either as immigrants or nonimmigrants. For more information, visit Travelers Prohibited from Entry to the United States.
For information about COVID-19 requirements for land travel, visit the U.S. Department of Homeland Securitys Fact Sheet: Guidance for Travelers to Enter the U.S. at Land Ports of Entry and Ferry Terminals.external icon
Also Check: Starting Llc In Ny
What Are Some Things To Do In New York City
There is a ton to do when visiting New York City, no matter what your interests are. In addition to have delicious cheap eats in areas like Chinatown and the East Village, the borough of Manhattan is home to 3-Michelin star restaurants like Per Se, Le Bernardin, Masa, Eleven Madison Park, Masa, and Chefâs Table at Brooklyn Fare. There is a ton of nightlife to enjoy, whether you want to dance the night away at a famous club or sit and watch a beautiful Broadway show, many of which star Hollywood movie stars. For museums, you can head on over to the Museum of Modern Art, the Museum of Natural History, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Other points of interest that are famous in New York City include the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, Rockefeller Center, and Central Park.
How To Save On Nyc Shows And Entertainment
8. Find low-cost events. Travelers visiting New York on a budget should take advantage of the many free or inexpensive concerts, readings, art exhibits, and other events happening all over the city on any given day. The only challenge is finding them. For a start, try the Free in NYC page of New Yorks official tourist board.
9. Save on Broadway tickets. The popular TKTS booths are great places to check for discounted Broadway tickets, but theyre not your only option. There are often even better deals to be had on discount ticket websites like BroadwayBox.com.
10. Go to the source. Theaters will often sell leftover tickets a couple of hours before shows at their respective box officesbut sometimes its standing room only, or seats may not be together if youve got a group. Some theaters may give discounts to seniors or students with ID it never hurts to ask.
11. Get a subscription. Theater lovers who visit New York regularly or are planning a lengthy trip should consider an Audience Extras membership. For a yearly fee, you get access to last-minute tickets for local shows and concerts that have empty seats to fill. Tickets are free, other than a small ticket service charge. The membership pays for itself after just a few shows.
Recommended Reading: Can You Register A Car Without Insurance In Ny
Eat Dinner During Happy Hour
Happy hour is popular in New York City and offered seven days a week at some restaurants.
Happy hour can be found throughout Manhattan and is great for drink and food specials. It usually starts at around 4:00pm and goes until 8:00pm . If youre not sure where to go, you can check for deals online. Most restaurants also advertise with signs outside.
Food specials can include pre-fix menus or up to 50% off appetizers. New York restaurants can be expensive and eating during happy hour can be a great way to save money.
For breakfast, stop by a local deli for a quick and delicious breakfast or grab a bagel at one of the many food stands on the street.
For lunch, have a slice of pizza or head to one of the popular food trucks. If youre not sure which one try, just look for one with a long line-up of locals.
PRO TIP: For cheap easts, head to Chinatown or the Lower East Side neighborhood.
The Roosevelt Island Tram
With the swipe of a MetroCard, the Roosevelt Island Tram gives you an aerial view of Midtown East along its path from East 60th Street and Second Avenue in Manhattan to Roosevelt Island, located in the East River between Manhattan and Queens. The tram got its start in 1976. It provides direct service seven days a week for more than 2 million riders annually, with free transfers available to and from MTA subways and buses. Up to three children with a maximum height of 44 inches each can ride the tram for free when they are traveling with a fare-paying adult. For more information, visit rioc.ny.gov.
Don’t Miss: New York Times Short Story Submission