10 Free Things to do in New York City, Yes FREE

Summer is here and while most people will head to the river, beach or island, some like the sights, sounds and bustle of the big city, and you can’t get any bigger than New York City. Sure we can run to Ottawa or Montreal but we have all been there and I haven’t run into many things that are really free to visit. What is different about NYC is the number of places offering free entrance. Besides, New York City is so exciting and it’s a great way to introduce your older kids to interesting and educational places and to GET THEM OUT OF STORES AND MALLS. The world is more than a new pair of jeans.

You’ll still have to factor in higher prices for hotels and travel to and from NYC. Look for rooms with a kitchenette to eat some meals in, as eating out in restaurants runs at least 40% more expensive than other cities. Save your gastronomical trip to NYC for another time and this time take in the sights, sounds and history of the city and beyond.

Yes, there is a “been there and done that” crowd who have traveled to New York City - but have you taken in any of these places?

1. African Burial Grounds. New York City actually had more slaves in the city than any other place outside of Charleston, South Carolina, so when construction project began in 1991 workers found a burial ground of over 400 slaves. This museum is free and is located at 290 Broadway between Duane and Elk’s Street in Lower Manhattan.

2. Brooklyn Brewery Tours. Free. Beer. Need I say more? Yes, but you can visit only on Saturdays from 1pm to 5pm and 1pm to 4pm on Sundays. Located at 79 N 11th St. in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.

3. Central Park. Yes, most parks are free, but most parks aren’t Central Park. While in Central Park there is always something going on; free events, historic statues, Strawberry Fields, and the always popular “people watching.” Over 300 movies have been filmed in Central Park, so visiting you will often recognize many sites there.

4. Chelsea Galleries. If you have a passion for original art, check out the gallery crawl in Chelsea, located mostly in the 20’s between 10th and 11th Avenues. Examining the galleries are free and if you go on Thursdays many of the galleries hold wine and cheese openings. No velvet paintings here.

5. City Hall. This may not sound as exciting as it really is, but for the budding architect or history buff City Hall has housed New York City’s government since 1812. With its marble halls and cupola it’s as stately as it gets. Tours are free, but must be reserved in advance.

6. For the fashionista in your family the Fashion Institute of Technology located at 7th Avenue and 27th St. in the Garment District, Manhattan. They rotate their exhibits and they have a great collection of fashion’s firsts from the 18th century to the present. Now you can find that your stilettos aren’t the hottest thing out there, and they have been around for a while.

7. Grand Central Partnership Walking Tours. Two historians take you through a free 90 minute walk checking out places like Grand Central Terminal’s whispering gallery and the Chrysler Building. Be there at 12:30 on Fridays at 120 Pearl Street at 42nd St. Midtown East

8. Hispanic Society of America Museum & Library. This museum houses the largest collection of Spanish art outside of Spain! Located in the bucolic Audubon Terrace in far north Manhattan. Broadway & 15th St. Washington Heights.

9. Japan Society. While you can buy a ticket to see films and lectures, the gallery exhibits are free on Fridays from 6pm to 9pm. They are located at 333 E 47th St. between First and Second Avenues, Midtown East.

10. The National Museum of the American Indian. The National Museum of the American Indian has one of the finest collections of Native American Art. Their focus is on culture and not history and it has over one million – plus items they can display. The Museum is located just off the historic Bowling Green and Battery Park and housed in the spectacular former US Customs House.

This is a list of ten places to visit in New York City, however you can also check out Federal Hall, Federal Reserve Bank of New York, Forbes Collection, General Ulysses S Grant National Memorial, Governor’s Island, Green-Wood Cemetery, Hamilton Grange, High Line New York Public Library and the always interesting New York Earth Room. Make sure to call ahead and check schedules before arriving on their doorstep. Many places who offer free tours and visits do so on a schedule and only on certain days. Enjoy, and travel safe.