Best Free New York City Attractions

Sometimes the best things in life are free.  New York City is a place that you can enjoy on a small budget. In fact, much of the best sites in the city are free! . Here are some of my favorite free attractions.

• High Line Park- The High Line is a cool new park in the heart of the meat-packing district that was built on existing elevated rail lines. It's a great place to take 30 minutes or an hour away from the city while taking in modern architecture, art, and a little bit of mother nature.

Central Park

• Central Park- The iconic 843 acre park in north central Manhattan that offers just about everything you could ever need; open space, walking trails, a castle, zoo, lakes, restaurants, theater...the list could go on and on. Central Park should be number one on your list of places to visit!

• New York Public Library- Many people associate this library with the film Ghostbusters, but there are so many other reasons you should visit! The Manhattan branch of the New York Public Library system is a wonder for researchers, architects, and art lovers. There are exhibits and artwork spread throughout the library that is still used for academic research.
  

• Brooklyn Bridge- A great engineering marvel of the Industrial Age of America, every visitor to New York City should see the bridge. It's featured in just about every movie ever set in the city and is as synonymous with New York City as the Golden Gate Bridge is to San Francisco. Walk the bridge on a nice day for a great view of lower Manhattan.

Manhattan from Staten Island Ferry




• State Island Ferry- The best way to see both the Statue of Liberty and the famous skyline of lower Manhattan is on the Staten Island Ferry. While you are at it, you might even want to spend the day exploring Staten Island.

• Governor's Island- If you plan on traveling to NYC May-September (it's closed in the winter), this 172 acre island is a great place to spend an afternoon. Both the ferry ride and admission to the island are free. While you are there, you can partake in free walking tours or rent a bike. On Fridays, you can rent a bike for an hour for free! There are also special events and festivals that take place during the summer season.