Best City in the world.
So those of you that know me at all, know that I absolutely adore New York.
Like, in a major way.
A few years back, I was lucky enough to do the graduate visa, where I spent a year living and working in the city that never sleeps.
And while it is truly the most magical place, it’s also one of the priciest.
Seriously, a night out could easily set you back a couple hundred quid – which is grand every now and then.
Thankfully though, there are loads of amazing free things to do in New York.
So if you’re lucky enough to be heading over in the next few months (see you there!), here are some brilliant (and free) things to do.
The High Line
One of my favourite things to do in the City, and it’s completely free! The High Line is a public park built on a historic rail line above the streets on Manhattan’s West Side. It starts on 14th street, and goes all the way up to 34th street – with interesting installations and performances happening along the way.
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?: @timothyschenck ⠀ ⠀ #highlinenyc #nycparks #newyorkcity #getoutside #findyourpark
The Bronx Zoo
The Bronx Zoo is located within Bronx Park, and it is one of the largest zoos in the United States. It is world-renowned for its large and diverse animal collection, and its award-winning exhibitions (which are always class btw). And wonderfully, general admission to the zoo is free all day on Wednesdays.
Friday evenings at MoMA
So, most of the time, it will cost you $25 to get into the Museum of Modern Art, except for a small window on Friday evenings. Yep, you can visit MoMA completely free of charge between 4pm and 8pm on Friday evenings. You’ll see works of art by Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein and Pablo Picasso.
Visit the Whispering Gallery at Grand Central
Grand Central Terminal is one of the most-visited destinations in NYC. It has sights, history, architecture, dining, and shopping all under one roof. Possibly the most special thing in the world-famous station? The Whispering Gallery. The low ceramic arches next to the Grand Central Oyster Bar & Restaurant create an acoustical phenomenon that lets you talk to a friend in the opposite corner. It’s so cool!
Yoga in Bryant Park
Bryant Park is one of the cities liveliest spots in New York during the summer months, and all year round really. At Christmas time, it has an ice rink, and the most wonderful markets ever. During the summer, you can actually do free yoga classes in the park. Check out the timetable here.
The Staten Island Ferry
So, this is probably my favourite thing to do in New York. Any time I was having a bad day (they happen, even in NYC) I would potter down to the Whitehall Ferry Terminal, and hop on the Staten Island Ferry. For many, this is just a mode of transport between boroughs, but it also gives you the most breathtaking view of Manhattan. It makes my heart skip a beat every time.
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NYC you filthy little ride #inspired #statenislandferry #concretejungle #iliveherethough ❤️❤️❤️
The Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Fancy trading concrete and sky scrapers for some luscious greenery? Well then you have to visit the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. The garden is located on the edge of Prospect Park, which also contains a zoo, the Lefferts Historic House, and the LeFrak Centre. And every Tuesday, admission to the garden is free.
Kayak on The Hudson River
If you feel like getting a bit adventurous, then perhaps you should take to the water? Until mid-October, you can take a kayak out on the Hudson River at Pier 26 in Tribeca, or the Manhattan Community Boathouse locations at Pier 96 in Midtown and in Riverside Park at 72nd Street. Unreal! It’s such groovy way to see NYC.
Now if you need me, I will be planning my next trip to NYC, which simply can’t come quick enough.
