Top Five Free or Cheap Things to do in New York City
New York City is a large and fascinating place to visit. The hustle and bustle of millions of people, the crowded streets and the famous buildings are often simply amazing to a newcomer. You can easily spend a ton of money seeing the great sites, but you can also enjoy a lot for free or just a little cash. Don't be afraid to hop a subway train and get off in different sections.
The Top Five Free or Cheap Things to do in NYC are:
The 911 Memorial Area and the building of the new World Trade Center: Take a subway to lower Manhattan for a view of the awe inspiring construction and the remains of the 911 site. The memorial is set to open in September 2011, but the whole area is a must see anytime. Free.
Staten Island Ferry: While in Lower Manhattan you can walk to the pier and catch the Ferry to Staten Island and back. You can get off at the Island and walk the streets of St. George, or just cruise and enjoy seeing the Statue of Liberty and many great views. Free.
China Town and Little Italy: These great ethnic neighborhoods are on the East side not far from the bottom of Manhattan Island. You will almost feel like you are in another country when you walk the area and peer into shops. Inexpensive meals are available and well worth trying. Free to look, cheap to eat.
American Museum of Natural History: Upper East Side of Midtown Manhattan. This fabulous museum will take hours to see, but it is well worth a visit. Great dinosaurs on display and many more things to see and do. The admission at the door is flexible, based on donation, and students can go for free. Free or cheap.
Grand Central Station and 42nd Street: A landmark in New York, the Grand Central Terminal is located in the Midtown area at 42 and Park Ave. This huge train station has a long history, great architecture and lots to see. It also is a short walk to the famous 42 Street Times Square area which has turned from a sleazy neighborhood of bars and theatres, into a great spot for families to visit and enjoy. Pick up some cheap theater tickets while you are there. Both Grand Central and Times Square are free to see.
You will find many more inexpensive things to see and do in one of the greatest cities on Earth, and if you want to save on your accommodation costs, why don’t you try a cheap New York hotel or even a private room in a cheap (but very nice) hostel. In one of the most expensive cities in the world, there still is a bargain to be had, and now you know where to look. Happy Travels!