Central Park is breathtaking and completely free to peruse, from the 55 acre great lawn in its center to the miniature Belvedere Castle which provides an excellent view. Admire the countless statues ranging from Alexander Hamilton to Alice in Wonderland or wander past the many ponds, arches, and landscapes. Play a round of handball, or a quieter game in the Chess and Checkers House. There are also multiple playgrounds, a track and bike rentals. Walk your dog, pack a picnic, or simply people-watch.
Bryant Park is filled with beautiful gardens and multiple sculptures. It contains an exquisite carousel popular with children, and a special reading room filled with seats and books to borrow. Visitors can ice skate for free in the winter. The park is especially known for its free outdoor movie screenings and live concert series during the summer months.
Many museums designate a weekly time where admission is waived, so given the steep entry prices you are wise to take advantage. (These offers are current as of December 2010.)
The Museum of Modern Art, or MOMA, contains collections ranging from classics like Van Gogh and Monet to unusual exhibits of digital media and abstract performance art. Free Fridays from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
The Brooklyn Museum of Art has everything from very contemporary art pieces to ancient Egyptian work. Their collections are very internationally influenced, with exhibits such as Arts of Africa, Arts of the Americas, and Pacific Island Arts. Free the first Saturday of every month.
The New York Botanical Gardens have 50 plant collections and gardens of various types. They also frequently have special exhibits, like the Holiday Train Show or the Antique Garden Furniture exhibit. Free 10 a.m. to noon every Saturday.
Each area in New York City has its own feel and individual sights to see, and walking around doesn't cost anything. Venture to Union Square (14th st and Broadway) to see the famous Greenmarket, where countless vendors sell what is arguably the best produce in town. Between Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve, it turns into a Holiday Market filled with hand crafted gifts such as candles, high end jewelry, fancy soaps, scarves and gourmet foods.
Travelers can also explore Chinatown, which is an experience akin to visiting a whole separate city within a city. Navigate the crowded streets to see countless shops, restaurants, and outdoor vendors. You may even catch a parade or live music.
If you are dying to see some of the classic city sights, the Staten Island Ferry is your cheapest bet. It's a 5 mile, 25 minute free ride that provides a superb NYC view. You'll see the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island as you depart from the dock, and the impressive Manhattan skyscrapers and bridges as you return.
NYC is all about entertainment, and the many television shows filmed there need full audiences. If late night television is your cup of tea, try the Late Show With David Letterman, which tapes at 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday; or for a different type of comedy, opt to see Jon Stewart's The Daily Show at 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Tickets can be requested online or in person. If early mornings are more your style, The View tapes live at 11 a.m. Monday through Thursday. Tickets should be requested online well in advance; or show up around 8 a.m. to try your luck at a standby seat. For very early birds, NBC's The Today Show tapes live at 7 a.m., but it is recommended that you get in line by 5. (Note: not all shows will tape every week year-round.)
