Top 10 Things to do That Are Totally Free

There is no doubt about it – New York City can be expensive, but the good news is there are plenty of things you can do for free. With the expense of getting and staying there, visiting some free attractions and landmarks will make the most of your time in New York City without stretching your budget.

Central Park
The first public park built in America, with more than 800 acres of gardens, open spaces, water and pathways all make Central Park a great place to escape from the hectic city streets. The Park contains 58 miles of pedestrian paths, nearly 6,000 benches (should you need to sit down) and over a half a million trees! The park attracts 25 million visitors each year, so make sure you are one of them and take advantage of one of the free walking tours.

Staten Island Ferry
The commuter ferry that runs from Battery Park to Staten Island is far from fancy, but it is free, and gives you some amazing views of Lower Manhattan, the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, the Brooklyn Bridge and the New York Harbour. It runs frequently – you only need to turn up and one is guaranteed to be in sight. The journey takes about half an hour, but to take in the views from both sides, stay on and complete a full round trip.

Grand Central Terminal
First built in 1913 and restored to its former original glory in 1998 with the addition of shops and restaurants, this station has featured in many a movie. Grand Central is a terminal rather than a station; where train lines originate and terminate. The interior of the terminal transports you to another time; the main concourse is massive and decorated with gilded stars and constellations to make it appear like a night time sky. Look out for the famous four-sided, brass clock on top of the information booth in the centre of the main concourse.

New York Public Library
Visiting a library whilst you are away may not feature at the top of your to do list, but if you are interested in either books or architecture – the New York Public Library should not be missed. Built in 1911, the library is guarded by two majestic stone lions epitomizing the Beaux Art style prevalent at this time. The cathedral-like third floor reading room is impressive and the carved oak ceiling is breathtaking. In addition to beautiful architecture and an impressive book collection, the museum features temporary exhibits on a variety of topics.

Federal Reserve Bank of New York
It is only possible to visit the Federal Reserve Bank of New York by a pre-arranged guided tour, but it’s worth the effort to gain an insight into the role the Federal Reserve plays in the world economy. The 60-minute tour includes the gold vault, trading desk and a multimedia trading exhibit. Understandably visitors require thorough security screening before a tour! If you are interested, your tour reservation must be made at least five business days in advance and be warned that they do get booked up quickly.

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