The 16 free activities and visits to New York

Want to discover New York without ruining you? Here are the 16 free activities and visits to the Big Apple!

New York, nicknamed the Big Apple (Big Apple) or "the city that never sleeps" is a must if you go to the American East Coast. With over 65 million visitors a year, it is the number 1 tourist city in the USA.

Although New York remains one of the most expensive cities in the world today, there are still free activities for small budgets.

1. The Brooklyn Bridge

Crossing the famous Brooklyn Bridge - about 2 kilometers long - will not cost you anything! It connects the neighborhoods of Brooklyn to Manhattan crossing the East River .

In the morning and evening, the view of New York is impressive. In particular, you can see the financial district, Empire State Building and in good time, far away, you can see the Statue of Liberty .

2. The High Line

Here is an idea of free activity if you come to New York. High Line was, in the 1930s, a track that gradually turned into a beautiful park suspended.

She measures 2.3 kilometres long and crosses several areas of the city. The access is free and the walk is open every day 7am to 10pm .

3. Staten Island Ferry

With more 100 crossings per day, the ferry is the most used way to reach Manhattan and Staten Island. There are shuttles all 20/30 minutes about and the journey lasts about 25 minutes .

If you have not opted for a paid guided cruise, we recommend this free activity that will allow you to see the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island And a great view of Manhattan!

Note : this boat will not take you to the Statue of Liberty which is paid.

4. Coney Island

You will find one of the largest beaches in New York, located in the far south of Brooklyn (3 kilometers long). You'll cross Brighton Beach the Russian and Ukrainian quarter.

What? The visit of the New York Aquarium whose entrance is free the Friday afternoon From 3:00. What to see? Sharks, castors, sea lions and many other beautiful marine species. It is one of New York’s largest aquariums!

5. Museums

If the queues don’t scare you, here’s an example of free activity in New York: a visit to the famous museums in the city. Most of these places, such as MoMA or MET, are open to the public at certain times for free. Enjoy it to make the full of art and culture during these niches.

• MoMA

Modern and contemporary art museum to admire the famous paintings of Picasso, Monet and Van Gogh! Free on Friday Between 4pm and 8pm.

• The MET

Metropolitan Art Museum. One of the most famous places where you can admire Greek and Egyptian works as well as Picasso paintings. Free any day and time . However, you can make a donation for the visit.

• The Guggenheim Museum

Modern Art Museum. Free on Saturday from 5:00 to 7:00.

• New Museum

Musée d’art contemporain. Free on Thursday From 7:00 to 10:00.

• Frick Collection

New York Art Museum. Free on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Attention Children under the age of 10 are not admitted.

• Fashion Institute of Technology Museum

For fashion lovers and collections of antique clothing. Free from Tuesday to Friday 12 to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 10:00 to 17:00.

6. ♪ Gospel Masses

Famous for their enticing religious songs, these Masses are part of the free activities most popular by tourists in New York. The Gospel means "the Gospel" in old English and is associated with Afro-American Christian worship.

This is a unique experience to do! Most churches are located in Harlem or Brooklyn.

Be careful, these Masses remain above all a place of recollection. Also know that according to the popularity of places, the queue can be long and that the priority is given to the faithful. A tip: For Sunday services, prefer the niche early in the morning.

On Sunday or week, according to the churches, here are some New York addresses where to see a mass in Gospel :

• Abyssinian Church: Services on Sundays at 11am and Wednesdays at 7pm
• TheFirst Corinthian Baptist Church : services on Sundays at 8am or 10:45am
• Canaan Baptist Church of Christ: Sunday service at 11am
• The Bethel Gospel Assembly: Services on Sundays at 8am and 11am
• Times Square Church : Services on Sundays at 10am, 3pm, 6pm, Tuesdays at 7pm and Fridays at 7pm
• Brooklyn Tabernacle : Services on Sundays at 9am, 12pm and 3pm, and Tuesdays at 7pm

7. Central Park

Yes! New York also has its greenery! Ideal for landing after a shopping trip or a visiting day.

The best known and true lung in New York City: Central Park. You'll find the forest, fountains and basins, as well as playgrounds for children. Know that bikes and motor gear are forbidden in some walks of the park, so you will be quiet to rest or make a picnic on the park Sheap Meadow ("grass to sheep").

Not to be missed in the park: the Belvedere Castle , a small castle located on a rocky peak or the very pretty fountain Bethesda . This is a suggestion of free and oxygenating activities, half a day in New York.

8. The Brooklyn Botanical Garden

The Brooklyn botanical garden , park of about 20 hectares, is free on Wednesdays between December and February then the Tuesdays and Saturdays the rest of the year.

What to recharge in the middle of nature during your New York journey. What to see? Beautiful gardens and very beautiful exotic plants.

9. Bryant Park and its free courses

New York doesn’t laugh only with buildings and shopping! To Bryant Park , you can participate free of charge in various activities. What to take a sporting, playful and/or relaxing break in your New York journey.

There are for all tastes: Dance, yoga, Tai Chi, bird watching and even petanque! Do not hesitate to ask you before because dates and times change depending on time and seasons.

10. The Bronx Zoo

Here is a free activity to add on your travel plan in New York: Bronx zoo . He opens his doors for free. Wednesday from 10:00 to 17:00.

It is one of the largest zoo in the United States! With more 4000 species , you can see tigers, gorillas from Congo, crocodiles, etc. All in an environment designed to reproduce at best their natural space.

11. New York Markets

This can be a nice way to discover the gastronomy and the atmosphere of the city for free! You will find fresh products to buy or taste on site. You can even have lunch!

• Union Square Greenmarket

Open Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, between 8am and 6pm. L’ Union Square Greenmarket offers a wide variety of fresh farm products and local producers. Modern and rather organic, it is very popular with trendy New Yorkers!

• Chelsea market

The Chelsea market , a covered market, is located in an old building on 9th Avenue. The ideal place for shopping or for lunch.

• Smorgasburg

Established in Brooklyn, the Smorgasburg is perfect for making the tour of the world's flavors. More 100 stands You're waiting there. Do not hesitate to taste products on site.

• The District

Located in Manhattan, you will find District good French products such as cheese, bakery or pastries if you are in need of French flavours.

12. Wall Street

This famous New York district is home to most of the country's major financial and scholarship institutions. You can, among other things, see the famous Charging Bull , this bronze sculpture that represents a bull, emblematic of this place. However, this place is often stormed by tourists.

13. The 9/11 Memorial

This memorial was erected to Ground Zero in tribute to the victims of the attacks World Trade Center of 11 September 2001. It is symbolic 11 September 2011 the place opened its doors to the public.

Basins were built exactly where the two twin towers were located and the names of the 3000 people who lost their lives during this sinister event are engraved on the walls. The place is open every day 7.30 a.m. to 9 p.m. .

There is also the 9/11 Museum, but the museum's visit is paying. Right next door, you'll see the One World Trade Center , the new tower symbol of this neighborhood.

14. Grand Central Terminal

Grand Central Terminal is the largest station in the world! By visiting it, you will be able to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of this high New York City pass, a traveller.

In addition to the architectural beauty of the place, you will also find merchant galleries and restaurants atmosphere food court In the basement.

15. The Vessel

This huge metal structure is composed of 154 stairs and 2500 steps in total. It is already called the "New York Eiffel Tower".

Open to the public in 2019, The Vessel is located in Hudson Yards. Access is free throughout the day .

16. Times Square

Let's finish with a free ride in New York, passing through Times Square . Day or night, depending on the mood you want, climb the famous red stairs and look around you! Of course, this place frogs from the world but it is to be seen! It is also an opportunity to shop in the area.

You're in New York! "The city that never sleeps"! So enjoy, walk and get your eyes up!

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