Are you planning a trip to New York on a budget? Don’t worry, I have the solution for you! There are plenty of ways to experience the city without breaking the bank. From free museums and parks to affordable dining and transportation options, there are plenty of ways to enjoy New York without spending a fortune. Follow my recommendations and you’ll be able to experience all that the city has to offer without breaking the bank. Here is a list of top 10 completely free tourist attractions in New York:
Central Park
Central Park is a public park in New York City that covers 843 acres (341 ha) of land. It is the most visited urban park in the United States, with an estimated 42 million visitors per year. The park was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux in the 19th century and is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. It features numerous recreational facilities, including a zoo, ice-skating rinks, tennis courts, and a number of playgrounds. The park also has a number of cultural attractions, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Belvedere Castle.
Times Square
Times Square is a bustling commercial intersection in Midtown Manhattan. It is known for its bright lights, billboards, and large digital screens, as well as its numerous theaters, restaurants, and stores. Times Square is a popular tourist destination and is often crowded with people. It is also the site of the annual New Year’s Eve ball drop.
High Line
The High Line is a public park built on a former elevated railroad track in Manhattan. It runs from Gansevoort Street in the Meatpacking District to West 34th Street, passing through the neighborhoods of Chelsea and Hell’s Kitchen. The park is built on a 1.45-mile-long (2.33 km) section of the former New York Central Railroad’s West Side Line and features a variety of plants, art installations, and views of the city. It is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, offering a unique way to experience New York City.
The Vessel
The Hudson Yard’s spiral staircase, designed by Thomas Heatherwick and Heatherwick Studio, is an iconic and interactive artwork that serves as a gathering place for people to appreciate new views of the city and each other. The structure comprises of 154 flights of stairs, comprising almost 2,500 steps and 80 landings, offering stunning views of the city, river, and beyond. The Vessel’s unique appeal lies in the people who visit and experience it with others. Access to the ground-level base is free and open to the public Monday through Saturday 10am-8pm and Sunday 11am-7pm, with no reservation required.
The Brooklyn Bridge
The Brooklyn Bridge is a iconic landmark in New York City, connecting the boroughs of Manhattan and Brooklyn. It is a suspension bridge that was completed in 1883 and is one of the oldest bridges in the United States. The Brooklyn Bridge is a popular tourist destination, with a pedestrian walkway that offers views of the city and the East River. It is a great place to take a leisurely stroll or take photos of the city skyline.
The New York Public Library
The New York Public Library is a system of public libraries in New York City. It is the second-largest public library system in the United States, with a collection of more than 53 million items. The library has 92 locations, including the iconic Stephen A. Schwarzman Building on Fifth Avenue, which is also known as the “main branch.” The New York Public Library offers a variety of services and resources, including books, movies, music, e-books, and research materials. It is a popular destination for students, researchers, and others seeking information and knowledge.
The National September 11 Memorial & Museum
The National September 11 Memorial & Museum, also known as the 9/11 Memorial, is a memorial and museum in Lower Manhattan dedicated to the victims of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. The memorial consists of two pools located in the footprints of the former World Trade Center towers, surrounded by the names of the victims. The museum features exhibits and artifacts related to the attacks and their aftermath, as well as a memorial to the victims of the 1993 World Trade Center bombing.
The New York City Hall
The New York City Hall is the official seat of government for the City of New York. It is located in Lower Manhattan and is the oldest city hall in the United States that is still used for its original purpose. The building was completed in 1812 and is a National Historic Landmark. It is open to the public for tours, which are offered on weekdays. Visitors can see the historic chambers and hallways, as well as the Mayor’s Office and the City Council Chambers.
The Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum
The Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum is a museum in New York City that is dedicated to design and decorative arts. It is a branch of the Smithsonian Institution and is located in the Upper East Side neighborhood of Manhattan. The museum has a collection of more than 210,000 objects, including furniture, textiles, and other decorative objects. It is suggested donation, meaning that while there is no set admission price, visitors are encouraged to donate what they can.
The New York City Fire Museum
The New York City Fire Museum is a museum in New York City that is dedicated to the history of firefighting in the city. It is located in SoHo and has a collection of firefighting equipment and artifacts dating back to the 18th century. The museum also has exhibits on the history of the New York City Fire Department and the role of firefighting in the city. It is suggested donation, meaning that while there is no set admission price, visitors are encouraged to donate what they can.
