New York City is an amazing place. It's one of the big five cities that most traveling people want to visit, along with Paris, London, Rio de Janeiro, and Tokyo. And what do all of these places have in common? They are usually expensive to explore. But, the beauty of being a native of the Big Apple, I've explored so many cool places in my city that are FREE, or at least very close to be. Knowing all these hidden gems makes it fun and affordable for me to show friends around when they visit my city. So why keep them secret? They are all worth sharing and maybe you can check some of these places around when you visit New York City one day too!
1. The New York Public Library - Stephen A. Schwarzman Building
This building was opened in 1911, it is considered as the Main Building, and the birthplace to the extensive public library system that we have. The atmosphere of the massive four story building has been preserved wonderfully over the years, and the public has access to thousands upon thousands of documents, and research. The walls are lined with book shelves all the way to the ceiling, with balconies, allowing you to look down into reading rooms. Truly and historic and beautiful place. My favorite feature are the massive stone lions that guard the main entrance.
2. The Brooklyn Bridge
One of the most famous landmarks my city has to offer. But it is not until you walk across the 3,455 ft expansion, and see the city view from it, that you can truly understand why so many artists have fallen in love with it. If you go early enough though, you can beat out the mass public. This place is a good photo opportunity for any photographers or selfie-enthusiasts. The sunsets are to kill for.
3. Coney Island
Now I do see how this could be a trap by saying Coney Island is free, but at the end of the day, the beach and famous boardwalk are indeed free of charge to access and use. The spending comes in when you realize this location is perfectly placed to access other great sites. Luna Park, one of the newer additions to the boardwalk, gives the public a near by amusement park feel, without having to travel out of the city as you would have to for Playland or Six Flags. The boardwalk also connects the beach to the New York Aquarium. You might be able to find some coupons or special offers to get cheaper tickets but at the end of the day, it is still an expensive visit. If you do choose to go to the beach, get there early enough to get a good spot. It fills up fast!
4. American Museum of Natural History - AMNH (and other museums)
Yes, this museum is practically free. This might qualify for a lot of the museums you'll come across in the city. The AMNH is donation based, you pay what you can for general access which really makes up 90% of the museum. But they don't tell you that, and you can't find it even in small print on their website. However if you go and pay in person, you might catch the small print behind the counter. Pay $1 and see nearly everything except films, and special exhibits. Totally worth it compared to the nearly $30 or above for their packages. You will see all of their human history, most of the planetarium, their bio-diversity hall, and all the famous dinosaur halls (and some more). There are many places around the city such as the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, and the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) that on specific days during certain hours, you can pay what you can or are free. Some places such as the Bronx Zoo or the Botanical Garden have free access to their grounds (except special exhibits) on Wednesdays. The city has an amazing website with all the specifics! (https://www.nycgo.com/articles/free-nyc-museums)
5. Times Square
And last but not least, and one that was obviously going to be on this list, Times Square. Because what is NYC without its bright lights and endless traffic. You can really feel the heart beat of the city here. Stand in the center of the plaza and do a 360 degree turn, and it is quite easy to be overwhelmed by everything. The noise, the mass, the lights, the constant pressure to keep moving. This is definitely the core representation of what makes us the city that never sleeps!
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