10 Awesome Free Things To Do in NYC.
It’s easy to spend big money in the big apple. But if you’re like me, you probably want to indulge in some unusual cuisines and be on your way to Central America; I leave in 24 hours for Guatemala! In my three weeks in NYC, I’ve had my fair share of fun with tons of free things to do, free events and free activities to choose from.
Take my list and go, and be kind to that wallet of yours:
1) Kayak on the Hudson River
Seeing a gorgeous sunset over the Hudson is one thing, but rowing your way through its bays and open expanses in the backdrop of imposing skyscrapers is quite another. Pick a sunny day and head over to The Downtown Boathouse, Manhattan Community Boathouse or Brooklyn Bridge Park Boathouse, for 20 minutes of free kayaking on any day between May and October, or a more challenging 3-hour kayak trip on some weekends and public holidays.
2) Sample handcrafted beer at a microbrewery
Every Saturday, from 1 pm to 5 pm, Brooklyn Brewery along the cobbled streets of Williamsburg, opens its doors to visitors big on beer and small on the wallet. You spend an hour behind the scenes of one of New York’s favorite beers, and sample complimentary brews for a perfect start to the weekend.
Unfortunately for Manhattan dwellers, Chelsea Brewing Company, the largest microbrewery in the borough, closed its doors earlier this year.
3) See Cherry Blossoms at Sakura Park
Two thousand cherry trees were gifted by Japan to New York City in 1912, and most of them planted at Sakura Park; “sakura” means cherry blossom in Japanese. While many parks in NYC (including Central Park and the Brooklyn Botanic Garden) have cherry trees scattered in their midst, Sakura, in Morningside Heights, is the only park entirely dedicated to them. I might not be around till spring to witness the spectacular cherry blossoms, but if you are, I’m sure it’ll be worth your while!
4) Hear live music by budding artists
If you find yourself craving a cosy music venue without having to fork out money for cover charge or drinks at a bar, make your way to lower Manhattan, where Rockwood Music Hall offers free concerts on most weekdays and weekends. Budding artists and local bands play everything from jazz to R&B and Hip Hop. It’s all for the love of good music.
5) Go on a cargo ferry to see Statue of Liberty
Why pay 12$ for a tourist ferry to Staten Island, when you can hop on to the commuter cargo ferry for free? Board from Lower Manhattan, and sail away from the city’s iconic skyscrapers, holding your breath when the famous State of Liberty finally comes into focus on the far end of the 25 minute journey.
6) Indulge your literary side
Mark Twain and Theodore Roosevelt were once residents of the century-old Wave Hill estate in upper Manhattan, now a pretty public park and a venue for poetry recitals and author readings. Go on Tuesday, when admission to the estate is free, and make use of the free shuttle from the end of the subway line towards the Bronx. The Queens Library in the neighboring borough also holds literary readings and workshops throughout the week.
7) Have a beach day
It’s almost difficult to think of New York City as a cluster of islands amid its skyscraper-dominated skyline and fast-paced life. But when a friend told me about Rockaway Beach on the far end of Queens, I started scrolling through Google Maps to find other sun-and-sea spots in the city. Turns out just a short distance with public transport – at Coney Island Beach in Brooklyn, Great Kills Park on Staten Island or Orchard Beach in the Bronx – you can find yourself lying in the soft sand and swimming in the gentle waters on a summer day. See the list of New York City beaches here.
8) Work from an outdoor office
If you’re a digital nomad like me, you’ll love Bryant Park for offering free Wifi amid the wilderness. Find a quiet corner and set up your office under a tree, amid the colors of spring or autumn, in the distant backdrop of midtown Manhattan’s skyscrapers. Chances are, your inspiration will outdo your device’s battery life!
9) Catch a free movie, concert, carnival or walking tour
There’s always something going on in New York; you just need to find it. I spent one surreal evening at an Iranian gathering, listening to Rumi’s poetry recitals and heart-stopping music made on the 5000 year old Tanbur. And another, watching a breathtaking flamenco that transported me back to the gypsy quarters of Andalusia. Check out NYCgo and TimeOut for free cultural events while you’re around.
10) Go wine and spirit tasting
They say that the best things in life are free, and so it is in NYC! Find yourself sipping some of the world’s finest wines, rums and champagnes at a tasting session at Union Square Wines & Spirits in Lower Manhattan – without paying a penny, unless you really like what you taste and can fork out cash to buy a bottle. You’ll also find daily free wine tastings at Big Nose, Full Body in Brooklyn, and 67 Wines & Spirits on Manhattan’s Upper West Side. Cheers!
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What are your favorite free things to do in NYC?
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I’m off to Guatemala soon! Join me on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to follow my adventures in Central America.
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ALSO READ:
Slow Travel, Vegan Food and Cultural Immersion: An Experiential Guide to NYC
Singapore: 10 Best Free Things To Do
5 Quirky Ways to Discover Madrid
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Welcome to my blog, The Shooting Star. I’ve been called a storyteller, writer, photographer, digital nomad, “sustainability influencer,” social entrepreneur, solo traveller, vegan, sustainable tourism consultant and environmentalist. But in my heart, I’m just a girl who believes that travel – if done right – has the power to change us and the world we live in.
Why don’t we have stuff like this here in India!!!!!!! 🙂
We do! Check out India Untravelled for lots of unique ideas 🙂
This is such an informative article and covers various different activities that can be covered in New York! This place has always been on my list.. Whenever I go, I shall keep this list in my mind 🙂
I hope you get a chance to go soon, Richa!
Wow.. 🙂
🙂
It would’ve been nice to meet you. Too bad you’re leaving tomorrow. Glad that you enjoyed my city. Safe travels.
Reblogged this on Spinster's Compass and commented:
My home isn’t always expensive, and it’s the greatest city on the planet. 😉 Check out this post from The Shooting Star and see what I mean.
Next time! Thanks for sharing it, I hope to be back to see the fall colors 🙂
Did you get a chance to visit the High Line? They recently opened a new section – https://www.facebook.com/thehighline
I did! It was lovely, though a tad too crowded for my liking 😉
Wow that’s awesome Shivya. I was in NYC this year in winter but was not aware of free Kayaking and free beer.and wine tasting. That’s amazing. This city has so much to offer. And one of the most vibrant cities of the world. I am currently enjoying in Minneapolis, the coldest cities of USA, even colder than Alaska they say. Why not come here some day and we would love to meet and host you.
In case, from USA, you are heading to Mexico, do not miss to roam on the streets of Guanajuato and get literally ‘lost’ in it. Check my posts for a series of blogs on Guanajuato, one of the hidden gems of Mexico.
Ah, now you have reasons to visit again 😉 NYC was really cold when I left, so I can only imagine what Minneapolis will be like! Thanks for the heads up on Mexico, will refer to your blog when I go.
O Yes. Minneapolis gets damn cold. According to last year report, it was even colder than Alaska. I myself saw temperatures dropping to -30 degrees this year in Feb. But its a different experience altogether, if its a short term stay 😉
Well this is very informational . I have spent almost 10 day in NYC but haven’t done any of these things . Wish you had visited NYC two years back and I came to know these things then .
But Thank You Shivya for providing so much insights of the places . Your Blog inspire me to roam more and your story is also very inspiring .
Keep up the Good work .
May God Bless You .
I’m glad you’ve found inspiration here, Prashant. Keep this list for your next trip 😉
Loved it!
Thanks Stuart!
Great tips! I’m sharing this!
Thanks Arnab, go for it 😉
Shivya, I cannot see Mexico in your itinerary of Central America. Not sure how you can miss this wonderful country. Since you have USA visa, you can easily get into Mexico – no visa reqd. As i mentioned about Guanajuato (Mexico) earlier, check my series on GTO here: http://suyashchopra.wordpress.com/travel/mexico/
I only have limited time and don’t want to run from one place to another, but I’m sure I’ll be back and explore Mexico then. Or my plans might change and I might do it later this year!
Definitely. Mexico is not to be missed by any count. And its a big country, so you will require more time at your disposal.
Thank you for sharing all those inspirations. Have a safe trip!
Thanks Cornelia!
Will keep this in mind when i visit NY. Good luck for the South American circuit !!!:)
Great! And thanks, I’m loving it.
great post. But you must have some money in your pocket to explore all this. Keep traveling 🙂
Haha, of course. This only lightens the burden 😉
Lovely! Very nice images 🙂
Good work
Thanks Tania!
Those are some great insider tips 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
Anytime, Astha.
thanks for sharing.lovely pictures.most useful tips especially be kind to your wallet.I too travel a lot,love local cuisines and love all the free listings will you be my fellow blogger to connect with pls.for the INK conference
Glad you found the tips useful!
Thanks for sharing
Hope it helps!
you have inspired me to start a blog.read my post please.travelmami
thanks for sharing your experience..
Pleasure’s all mine 😉
you always give us, the readers, a different side of a known place 🙂
I try!
and you do it quite well 🙂
omg! i’ve been to new york twice and had no clue about half of these places and things to do! loved this post, it opened my eyes 😉
I’m relocating there in a couple of months. This helps immensely!
Hi Shiva…loved this post…also wanted to check you have used the pics of other photographers…do you need to take permission from each of them….or if it’s publicly available you can post it into your blog w…obviously giving due to credit to them?
Nice post Shiva
Haaa, would love to do these things the very sooner. Thanks Shivya.
Hey Shivya..First time on your blog and I am enjoying it 🙂
We are planning to visit NYC this November. Can you tell me what was your budget?
very nicely written article! I wish I would have seen this list before I travelled to NYC. It feels like I missed out on a lot of things in the city and would want to visit again 😉