New York Favourites: Things To Do For Free

Since I moved to New York, I have been getting lots of questions about my favourite places for food, drinks, and just things to do in general. So far I’ve been replying by email but I think it’ll be so much easier (and way more fun!) to share some of my New York favs over a series of posts. So I’m going to do just that!

I’ve been here for over 6 months now (did you see my recent NYC Truths post?), and I have been doing my best to get out, explore and to eat and drink my way around the city. If you follow me on Instagram or Snapchat (usernames: lcscloset) you will know exactly what I am talking about!

Seeing as it’s Easter Monday today (and I’m off!), I’m going to spend the day doing some of my favourite things that don’t cost a penny. New York is expensive, so it’s always great to save some cash if you can at all. Here is a list of my favourite things to do for free in New York…

1. Grand Central

2. Brooklyn Bridge

Walking the Brooklyn Bridge on a fab day (like today!) with clear blue skies is honestly one of the best things to do in New York. The best part is… it’s completely free! The views of the New York skyline are some of the best in the city and you can even see Lady Liberty herself too.

*Sundays on the bridge are crazy and super slow to walk, so biking could be a better option.

3. Dumbo 

I love Dumbo! It’s such a nice part of Brooklyn to go sit and relax at the weekend. I’m so excited that it’s warming up again, so I can make the trip more often.

*A little tip – Dumbo is on the Brooklyn side of the Brooklyn Bridge, so you can kill two birds with one stone by walking/cycling the bridge and hanging out in Dumbo on the same day.

4. The Parks

In this concrete jungle I don’t get to see green grass too often, and when I do, it’s in the parks. There are a lot of parks around the city, but the bigger more centrally located ones are my favs.

Outside Manhattan, there is also Gantry Park. It’s a waterfront boardwalk/strip in Long Island City in Queens and I honestly think this place has the best views of Manhattan from anywhere around the city. It’s so chilled out and relaxed here and it’s one of my all time fav spots in New York!!

5. Soho and The West Village

6. The Highline 

7. Fifth Avenue

Nothing feels more like New York to me than strolling along Fifth Avenue. Walking between 50th and 59th streets are my favourite. It’s so New York! The only downside is that it can be very busy, and for someone like me who likes to walk faster than zero miles an hour that can be a little frustrating. I still love it though!

*Window shopping on Madison also gives that real New York feel and without the same crazy amount of people.

8. Wandering around

9. The Staten Island Ferry

If you want to see the Statue of Liberty, but aren’t planning on actually going on to Liberty Island, save your money and take the ferry to Staten Island. I’ve experience the ferry that stops at both Liberty Island and Ellis Island, the water taxi that takes you out to the statue and around Manhattan and the Staten Island ferry.

If you just want to see the statue, don’t get the water taxi. It’s a complete waste of money!! Just hop on the ferry to Staten Island and come right back again. You’ll still get the same amazing views of Lady Liberty and Downtown Manhattan and you’ll save some $$$ for all the other things you can do in New York.

*One final tip – Save your hair from the wind and stay at the back of the boat both ways.