Enjoy The Bright Lights Of Times Square
The bright lights of Times Square a highlight for many. Whether youre visiting at night or during the day, youll want to be sure to take a moment to pause to take in this quintessential American scene with tourists, live entertainment , and flashing billboards. You can , including the history and a favorite coffee shop of mine.
Nyc Insider Free Picks By Month
Annual Museum Mile Festival, Shakespeare in the Park, Philharmonic in the Park, Taste of Times Square, Pride Week, Midsummer Night Swing , Metropolitan Opera Summer Recital Series, Bryant Park Film Festival, River to River Festival, Intrepid Museum Summer Movie Series, Bryant Park Film Festival
July 4th Fireworks, Shakespeare in the Park, Midsummer Night Swing, Met Museum Roof Martini Bar, FREE Broadway in Bryant Park, Riverflicks Movies in Hudson River Park, Free Fitness in New York City, Lincoln Center Festival
U.S. Tennis Open Qualifying Rounds, Central Park Film Festival, Metropolitan Opera Summer HD Festival, Met Museum Roof Martini Bar, Shakespeare in the Park, Bryant Park Film Festival
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Explore Grand Central Terminal
Another great indoor activity is to visit Grand Central. Kids can learn about the zodiac lesson from the celestial ceiling and learn about acoustics from the secret whispering gallery.
Choo-choo lovers can watch trains depart from 44 platforms, more than any other train station in the world. In the winter see the free holiday train show
See other ways you and your children can enjoy the station in our guide to Grand Central.
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Experience Queens County Farm Museum
If youre willing to head a little outside of the city, Queens County Farm Museum is well worth the trip. This working museum and farm are located about 30 minutes from downtown Manhattan. Youll be able to see up-close how this historic farm works, and you can also get some hands-on experience via feeding some of the animals, going on a hay bale ride, or checking out one of several classes on topics such as animal keeping.
Spot Celebrities In Nyc
Where to find celebrities in NYC or which celebrities are living in NYC today are common questions by all, but celebrity sightings in NYC are way easier than you may think and happen all the time. You will, of course, see them on the subway, in Central Park, at the gym, in restaurants, at all the current hotspots, at shows and more. But here are some unique ways to see celebrities all over the city.
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Grand Bazaar Nycgrand Holiday Bazaar
Grand Bazaar NYC is the oldest, largest, and most diverse curated weekly shopping market in NYC. Open every Sunday, you’ll find all kinds of creative makers and passionate dealers, vending one-of-a-kind, rare, and unique goods. This Sunday youll also find the markets annual Grand Holiday Bazaar. Explore unique gifts indoors and out from 150+ hand-picked independent local artisans and dealers. Come hungry! There are great artisanal food options as well. 10am-5pm.
Check Out A Night Market
After moving to New York City, I quickly realized something I love markets! I know it sounds so silly but never in my life have I ever had this kind of access.
Exploring a night market is one of the best things to do in New York City at night. The amount of food, drinks, art and live performances right at your fingertips under the same roof? Insane!
Living on the Upper West Side, Im partial to the Uptown Night Market. Between April and November, on every second Thursday of each month I am blessed with this spectacle.
Everyone has heard of bar hopping, but have you ever heard of vendor hopping? Thats exactly where you can find me whenever the Uptown Night Market is up and running. This is one of the best things to do in New York City at night if youre into trying a little bit of everything.
Enjoy authentic savory food or chilled sweet treats, catch whatever live performance is happening and soak in the the beauty that is night time in New York City.
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Walk Along The High Line
When its nice out, make sure to check out the High Line in New York City. Its one of the best free things to do in New York and a place where you can watch the most beautiful sunset as well. The abandoned aboveground railroad track turned into an urban park and is now even connected to the Hudson Yards neighborhood. If you want to avoid the crowds make your way there early in the AM.
Grand Central Terminal Station
Grand Central Station is probably one of the prettiest subway stations in NYC. Who knew a train station could be NYC must-do on your itinerary?!
Besides being the backdrop of more movies than I can count, the ceiling art is stunning, and its a great place to people watch. While inside, you will find restaurants, a farmers market, and shopping. After hanging out at Grand Central, you can take the S line right into Times Square, win, win!
Did you know Grand Central has around 750,000 visitors a day? Second to Times Square! If you love learning about history, this NYC landmark has a lot of it! You might even want to consider taking a tour.
NYC Insider travel tip: If you plan to shoot with a Tripod, supposedly you are not allowed to use it at Grand Central Station.
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Peep The City’s Fall Foliage
Autumn is one of the city’s most popular tourist seasons, and NYC offers plenty of opportunities to gaze at some stunning fall foliage. Central Park is an obvious choice, but quieter locales like Fort Tryon Park‘s Linden Terrace, one of Manhattan’s highest points, offers gorgeous fall vistas. And Brooklyn’s Prospect Park’s 585 acres contain 30,000 trees of more than 175 species.
Best Of New York City: On A Map
How to Use This Map:Click the icons on the map to get more information about each point of interest. Click the star next to the title of the map to add this map to your Google Maps account. To view it on your phone or computer, open Google Maps, click the menu button, go to Your Places, click Maps, and you will see this map on your list.
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Tour The Federal Reserve Bank Of New York
Were getting asked a lot if you can tour the Federal Reserve? The answer is: YES! Guided tours of the Federal Reserve are offered every weekday . This is the only way to get into the Federal Reserve and see the Vault and other exhibits.
Its a fantastic free activity to do in NYC. Besides the fact that you get to see a lot of real gold, you will also learn about the roles and responsibilities of the Federal Reserve. Just dont forget that you have to book 1 month in advance.
Tour The Federal Bank Of New Yorks Gold Vault
Set in the basement of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York is the Gold Vault, which holds around 497,000 gold bars weighing a total of about 6,190 tons. Much of the gold arrived during and after WWII when countries wanted to store their gold in a safe spot. The vault remains the worlds largest known depository of monetary gold, and you can visit during a free hour-long tour Monday through Friday. Tours fill up quickly, so reserve your space on The Federal Reserve Bank of New Yorks website in advance.
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Things To Do In New York With Kids
One of the best parts of NYC is that what is fun for kids is usually just as much fun for adults. If you are joining us in NYC for a family vacation, then please read all about our local kid’s favorites, along with special tips just for visitors.
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The New York Public Library
One of the main reading rooms inside the New York Public Library.
Believe it or not, the New York Public Library is one of those awesome free things to do in NYC that is supremely well located.
I mean, it sits adjacent to Bryant Park and is a convenient stop when visiting either Grand Central Terminal or Times Square.
And guarding the gorgeous entrance out front? Well, youll find two exceptionally tall and proud marble lions known as Patience and Fortitude.
However, the real magic happens once you step inside and discover an enormous reading room on the second floor that was built to accommodate more than 500 patrons.
Plus, the library contains a wealth of stunning and historically significant artifacts like the Declaration of Independence, the Gutenberg Bible, and the original Winnie the Pooh stuffed animals.
Heck, free tours of the building are even on offer at 11:00 am and 2:00 pm Monday through Saturday and at 2:00 pm on Sundays, except in the summer.
So, what are you waiting for? See the best of what NYC has to offer. And all for free I might add, you money-saving rockstar you.
***PSSTnearby Bryant Park is another one of the many free things to do in NYC and has a ton of free activities for you to enjoy throughout the summer. They include things like juggling, ping pong, yoga classes, fencing, movie nights, and occasional Broadway performances.***
Address: 476 5th Ave, New York, NY 10018
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Visiting New York On A Budget
If you are visiting New York on a budget, or even just looking to get the best “bang for your buck,” without compromising quality, NYC Insider Guide has 1000s of ways to save BIG in NYC. Heres a round up of all our top posts on discounts, coupons, cheap, free, half price and many more ways to save on things to do in NYC.
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Stargaze At The High Line
I was absolutely dumbfounded when I found out you could stargaze, for free, in New York City. We have the helpful folks the Amateur Astronomers Association to thank for that. This is one of the best things to do in New York City at night every Tuesday from dusk until 9:45pm.
Telescopes are provided and spaced throughout the High Line, a former elevated cargo line turned beloved New York City park. You dont have to be Neil deGrasse Tyson to enjoy the beauty of our universe thanks this incredible New York City night activity.
The helpful folks from the association are also there to help and answer any questions, making this one of the best things do to in New York City at night for novice and experienced stargazers alike.
Address: 812 Washington St, New York, NY 10014
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Day 1 In New York City Itinerary: Times Square Midtown The Hudson Yards Chelsea Flatiron District
On day one of your New York itinerary, lets start with some of NYCs major attractions! This will include Times Square, the Hudson Yards , then making our way down to Chelsea, and more!
The main New York neighborhoods we will be spending time in on day 1 are Midtown South, Chelsea, and the Flatiron District.
Nyc Free Tours All Summer
New York walking tours are offered free by almost every neighborhood organization in Manhattan. As you know, New Yorkers LOVE to bragespecially about how much we love our Cityso why not take advantage of those who want to brag to you?
The summer is an especially great time to explore every nook and cranny of NYC outdoors, and on foot. There likely isnt an inch of NYC you cant cover on a Free New York City Walking Tour, so feel free to find your guide to Central Park, Lower Manhattan, Greenwich Village, Times Square, Movie and TV locations, Wall Street, Lower East Side, NY Public Library, Grand Central Stationand more!
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View The Polonsky Exhibit
The Polonsky Exhibit is the first-ever permanent exhibit from the New York Public Library and highlights various items from the librarys research collections. Some such items include handwritten letters, manuscripts, and historical documents if youre a history or literary lover, this is the exhibit for you. Admission to the exhibit is free, though timed-entry reservations are required.
Free Things To Do In New York In Summer
FREE Summer Activities in NYC
Free things to do in New York in Summer are everywhere, every day and every night! Kids, adults, outdoors, indoors, active, lazyyou name it! Free summer activities in NYC include concerts, movies, sports and fitness, arts and culture, museums, tours. So whether you want free tennis, an outdoor concert, a movie under the stars or free opera outdoors in the park, we have you covered with over 100 FREE things to do in NYC this summer.
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Ice Skating At Bryant Park
The only free ice skating rink in NYC, The Rink at Bryant Park, also boasts views of the dazzling skyline. If you read past the fine print, though, youll notice that skate rentals cost $20, something to keep in mind for the frugal traveler. Bryant Park is a quaint alternative to the more televised Rockefeller Center, like these other less crowded alternatives to the most popular tourist attractions.
Eat Your Way Through Economy Candy
The Lower East Side’s Economy Candy is not the largest candy store around, but the selection is vast and prices are low. Many candies are sold in bulk, and customers rave about finding treats that make them nostalgic for childhood. Once you’ve gorged yourself, spend some time wandering the neighborhood and explore the many boutiques, restaurants, and bars this hipster enclave holds.
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Iroquois Hotel Times Square $$
Located in midtown Manhattan, this classy hotel is close to Times Square and walking distance to many of the main sites. The staff are very attentive and can help with anything you need. Iroquois has everything that you expect from a 5-star hotel including a cafe in the lobby, a restaurant and a Finnish sauna. Rooms come with an MP3 docking station, your very own bathrobe and some with a heated bathroom floor. Choose from a superior, deluxe or premium queen room, a deluxe or premium king room, or a one-bedroom suite.
- Prices from £175 / $248 USD per night for a superior queen room
- To book, check prices or availability for Iroquois Hotel Times Square
Hamilton Grange National Memorial
You know you’ve made it when you own a “grange” country manor . Hamilton Grange is the Federal-style country retreat where Alexander Hamilton spent quieter, pre-death-by-duel New York days. Youre able to walk through on your own, but a guided tour is necessary to see the historically furnished rooms. Theyre offered three times daily.
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Free Things To Do In New York
Sometimes, breathing air seems like the only free activity one can do in the Big Appleits certainly not one of the cheap U.S. cities youll want to travel to immediately. Luckily, you can now take a bite out of these free things to do in NYC worth doing right now and experience the juiciness the city has to offer.
Laugh The Night Away At Free Comedy Shows
Another free thing to do in NYC is to go to some of the free comedy shows. We have incredible comedians here , and you can see many of them for free. Read this article for the most up to date information on free comedy shows to see in the city now.
Those are my top 13 free things to do in NYC that are actually worth doing! I hope that it helps you have the best time possible in the city. If you live in the city or are visiting, check out my budget food guide, budget shopping guide, and article on how to save money in New York City. They will help you make the most of this amazing place!
Plan your visit using the best resources!
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See Shakespeare In The Park
You dont have to fork over a ton of money to see a great theater performance. Each year, the Public Theater hosts Shakespeare in the Park, a summer series at the open-air Delacorte Theater in Central Park. The series draws celebrity names, and offers the chance to score free tickets for each days performance through a lottery system.
Visit The Parks For Free
Bryant Park is the park closest to Times Square but the more famous Central Parkis only 2 miles away. These parks are free to enter, and you can spend as much time there as you would like, so it is the perfect way to see the natural parts of New York City. These parks have been the scenes of many films, and you can enjoy them for free and take in the sights of the trees and flowers, which look beautiful no matter the season.
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