Sometimes referred to as the concrete jungle, New York is a place of marvels. It is one of the most densely populated places in the world. If you are a student, you will find that many of your colleagues choose New York because of the amazing colleges. There are many other aspects of the city that make it attractive for students. In this post, we found over 21 free things to do in NYC you can enjoy without spending a dime. So, the next time you come to the city or you have some free time, you should consider visiting any of the awesome free attractions.
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21 Free Things To Do In NYC:
There are many exciting places you can visit for free even in New York. We made for you a short list of the top 21 places we recommend for your next visit to the Big Apple:
1. Statue of Liberty
The Statue of Liberty is easily one of the most iconic monuments in the world. A gift from the people of France, this colossal monument was dedicated almost 137 years ago. However, it is still standing today due to the care and restoration efforts that are regularly carried out. The figure we see as the Statue of Liberty is Libertas, a robed Roman liberty goddess. She holds a torch over her head with her right hand while her left hand is holding a tablet with the inscription “JULY IV MDCCLXXVI.” In case you are wondering, the inscription (July 4th, 1776) represents the date of the U.S. Declaration of Independence.
2. Museums
If you are studious or simply love learning about history and the arts, you will want to visit any of the many museums in New York City. These museums cover a wide range of topics, so you can spend a lot of time learning about different cultures and historical events. Here is a list of the free museums –
- The 9/11 Memorial and Museum is a solemn tribute to the victims of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. The memorial features two reflecting pools that sit in the footprints of the Twin Towers, while the museum explores the events of that day and their aftermath.
- The National Museum of the American Indian offers free admission and is dedicated to the history and culture of Native Americans. The museum’s collection includes art, artifacts, and interactive exhibits that explore the diversity of Native American cultures.
- The Brooklyn Museum is a world-renowned museum that offers free admission on the first Saturday of every month. The museum’s collection includes art and artifacts from around the world, as well as contemporary art and special exhibitions.
- The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) is one of the world’s leading museums of modern art. On Fridays from 5-9 pm, the museum offers free admission to its permanent collection. You can see works by some of the greatest artists of the 20th and 21st centuries, including Pablo Picasso, Vincent van Gogh, and Jackson Pollock.
3. Central Park
Central Park is located in Manhattan, and it is frequently chosen as a filming spot due to its amazing views. Admission is free, so you can always visit if you want to escape the busy city streets. You can use your time at the park to practice new skills, like taking essay writing advice to help with your studies or learning a new language.
4. Rockefeller Center
Home to the famous Rockefeller Christmas tree, the Rockefeller center is an amazing place to visit. Tours cost an average of $30-$40 per person, which can be a bit expensive. However, there are times in the year when the public has free access. This will require some planning on your end, but it will be worth it.
5. Grand Central Terminal
Grand Central Terminal is an iconic transportation hub that has been featured in many movies and TV shows. You can take a walk through the terminal and marvel at its beautiful architecture, or catch a train to one of the city’s many destinations.
6. Times Square
If you are looking for a place where tourism, commerce, and culture intersect, look no further than Times Square. It isn’t called “The Center of the Universe” for nothing. It is free to access, and things only get expensive when you start shopping. At night, the billboards light up everywhere, and it can truly be an amazing experience.
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7. The Big Duck
Located in Flanders, the Big Duck is a 20-foot building shaped like a duck. It was built to sell ducks, but now it is more of a tourist attraction. So, if you and your friends are looking for a laugh, you can visit The Big Duck. You might just come up with the next viral meme.
8. Jones Beach
New York can get hectic and stressful fast, so Long Island is a popular destination for many people in the city to relax and unwind. Even if you are a student with essays and reports to write, you can get some extra free time using free college essays to prepare some of your papers. If you decide to have your essay written for you, this website has many of the best academic writers who deliver fast, high-quality writing at affordable rates.
9. The Brooklyn Bridge
If you are looking for a nice walk that gives you a great view of the city, consider The Brooklyn Bridge. It takes about 30 minutes to completely walk across, which is a great way to burn some calories. Walking at night will also give you an amazing city view. The streetlights and billboards are mostly visible from the Bridge, giving you a 360-degree view.
10. Staten Island Ferry
The Staten Island Ferry is a great way to see the city from the water. It’s a free ride that offers some of the best views of the city’s skyline and the Statue of Liberty. You can also catch a glimpse of the busy harbor and the ships that come and go.
11. The High Line
The High Line is an elevated park that was built on an abandoned rail line. It offers great views of the city and a peaceful respite from the busy streets below. You can walk along the park’s paths and enjoy the greenery and public art installations.
12. The New York Public Library
The New York Public Library is a stunning Beaux-Arts building that houses an impressive collection of books and archives. You can explore its exhibitions, collections, and reading rooms, or simply admire the beauty of the building’s architecture.
13. The New York Botanical Garden
The New York Botanical Garden offers free admission on Wednesdays and select Saturdays. You can explore the 250-acre garden and see thousands of plant species from around the world.
14. The Highbridge Park
Highbridge Park is a 120-acre park that offers incredible views of the Harlem River and Manhattan. You can hike along the park’s trails, visit the historic High Bridge, or simply enjoy a picnic with friends and family.
15. The Bronx Zoo
The Bronx Zoo offers free admission on Wednesdays. You can see over 6,000 animals from around the world, including tigers, gorillas, and elephants.
16. The Federal Reserve Bank of New York
The Federal Reserve Bank of New York offers free tours that give you an inside look at the workings of the US financial system. You can see the gold vault, the cash operations center, and learn about the Fed’s role in stabilizing the economy.
17. The Queens Botanical Garden
The Queens Botanical Garden offers free admission on Wednesdays and Sundays. You can explore the 39-acre garden and see a variety of plants, including a herb garden, a rose garden, and a bee garden. The garden also hosts many events and programs throughout the year.
Free Things To Do In NYC – Conclusion
New York City is a wonderful place to stay and study at. Students can get the best education, but few paid entertainment options because of the generally high prices in the city. However, there are still free things to do in NYC where you can create memories that last a lifetime.
