20 Free Places to Visit in NYC (For When We’re Allowed Outside Again) Part 1.

NYC is the home of dreamers, believers, and achievers. It is also where people can barely afford a cup of coffee. Rent is high, bills are higher, and why can’t you buy lunch for under $10 in Midtown? it’s a little outrageous. So, when you hear the word FREE in NYC, it’s not a surprise that people come running. Whether you’re a New Yorker born and bred, or scouring the internet for places to stop by when you come to visit, I got you. Check out below for my favorite not so well-kept secret of free things to do in NYC, by borough*.

Manhattan:

 

• The High Line: Built on an abandoned railroad line on the West Side of Manhattan, this beautiful promenade is a bridge to nowhere that you’ll always want to keep walking. While it isn’t that high off the ground, the High Line does offer a different perspective to NYC in a much more magical and intimate way. It’s peak times are in the summer, where it feels like you just might have to fight someone for a seat on the benches. They also have an app to let you enjoy the wonders of the High Line while you’re stuck at home.

 

• The MoMa: The Museum of Modern Art is one of the biggest tourist attractions in NYC, but what most tourists don’t know is that it’s free on Fridays between 5-9 pm. Thanks to a partnership with the Uniqlo Flagship store, each Friday this non-profit organization opens it’s doors to anyone with a love of art. You can go once or you can go every Friday for the rest of your life. Just make sure to head there early because the line for entry can get quite long regardless of the weather. If you’re not a wait on line kind of person, The MoMa is open Sunday-Saturday 10 am – 5:30 pm for $25.

 

• St. Patrick’s Cathedral: If you visit the MoMa you might as well head a few blocks away for some beautiful architecture and history. Taking a walk inside you will see arguably one of the most beautiful Cathedrals in America. I was taken aback when I walked in and saw the stained glass and a large array of seating, it gave me a very European feeling. Also, the steps to this cathedral make for a great spot to see the going ons of 5th avenue.

 

• Central Park: An escape from the city that will make you forget you’re in NY, this park is not something you want to plan out. My best advice is to know where you want to enter, where you want to exit and walk around aimlessly. it is 800 acres in the middle of the busiest city in America that will continuously draw you in year-round. Within this large park, there is a zoo, a carousel, live entertainment, and in the winters a skating rink that will take your breath away. Whether you want to sunbathe, jog, or bike around the park, this is the perfect place to spend a free afternoon.

 

• Pier 35: This beautiful waterfront on the Lower East Side will make you want to spend every summer day outside. Between the instagrammable porch swing and the views overlooking Brooklyn, Pier 35 is a great way to enjoy lazy summer afternoons. If you’re more into nature than you are picnics and tai-chi, this is still the place for you. Pier 35 was made with Urban Sustainability in mind; there is a Mussel Beach, Habitat Restoration, and their popular Viral Vines which are all showcase feature’s of this Oasis.

Brooklyn

• Brooklyn Bridge: From South Street Seaport to Brooklyn Heights, this bridge is a must-see for Tourists and New Yorkers alike. It is approximately a 45- minute walk across the bridge but if you really want to experience it, you’re going to take longer. While this bridge is open through all the seasons, if you want to see it at its best, experience The Brooklyn Bridge in the summer around sunset. However, this is one of the busiest times so feel free to check it out in the spring or fall, just try to avoid cold days because the wind is a force to be reckoned with. Word of advice, DO NOT walk in the bike lanes, bikers won’t run you down as they do in Amsterdam, but they are serious about their lanes.

 

• Brooklyn Botanical Gardens: A beautiful oasis in Brooklyn that is home to festivals such as Sakura Matsuri (Cherry Blossom Festival) and the Chile Pepper Festival, the botanical gardens is truly a beauty. While it may take the entire day to go through the garden, they do offer free guided tours so you’ll feel less overwhelmed during your visit. It consists of 52 acres of pure nature and offers indoor and outdoor gardens for your leisure, so make sure to take your allergy pills. While you’re at it, bring your phone there are lots of beautiful and scenic spots you will want to take a picture of. Just be sure to follow their guidelines for photos. Admission is free Tuesday- Friday in the winter months and every Friday before 12 pm from March-November.

 

• Brooklyn’s Smorgasburg: This your run-of- the- mill bustling outdoor market that you DON’T want to miss. There are three different locations; Prospect Park, Williamsburg + Brooklyn Flea, and WTC (Manhattan). They all are part of the largest open-air food market in America, hosting between 20,000 and 30,000 people each weekend. Yeah, this place is not for the claustrophobic. They are pretty consistent in the fact that they are in Williamsburg on Saturdays and Prospect Park on Sundays’ so no matter where in Brooklyn you are, you’ll be able to check it out. While entry is free the food is not, if you’re here to explore bring a water bottle to refill at their water bottle stations. If you’re here for the food, they accept both cash and card, and they have a family-friendly beer garden.

 

• Coney Island: Coney Island is the HEART of Brooklyn. While it may be a little too far (the last stop on the Q train) to be considered the heart, this is where many Brooklyn knights go to enjoy their summers. Home to the wooden roller coaster, the very first Nathan’s and the infamous hot dog eating contest, this place can get a little weird, but it’s the best weird you’ll experience for free. There is something magical about Coney Island; between the amusement park, the insanely unhealthy food and the ice-cream vendors along the beach, it brings you back to a simpler time. It may not be as cheap as it used to be, but Coney island has its perks: such as free movies on the beach and beautiful 4th of July fireworks. It’s the kind of place that will make you feel like a kid again.

 

• Industry City: Along the waterfront of Sunset Park lives an odd but fascinating outlet for creatives. Whether you want somewhere relaxing to get some work done or to take a look at some Brooklyn styled art, Industry City has it all and more, they even have yoga classes. As the name suggests, industry city is practically a little city of its own; there’s almost nothing you couldn’t do there. Classes, Gala’s, Art, etc. and just about all of their events are free. It’s a wonder to me that more tourists don’t know about it.

That’s The Tea…And It’s free,

Bri.

 

 

*This post only contains places to visit in Brooklyn and Manhattan but come back next Wednesday for Queens and The Bronx.