New York City is one of the most expensive cities in the world, but you can still enjoy the Big Apple even if you're broke. New York has something for everyone and for every budget. If you do your homework, you can take advantage of free activities in New York, and save your hard earned money for a delicious dinner or a shopping spree.
Take the Staten Island Ferry for a magnificent view of lower Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty. The ferry leaves from Whitehall Terminal at 1 Whitehall Street at South Street in Lower Manhattan. Enjoy the cool breeze and the view during the 25-minute ride to Staten Island. Just avoid the temptation to light up a cigarette because smoking is prohibited onboard the vessels and violators are subject to steep fines. Once you reach Staten Island, disembark from the ferry and get on the next one heading for Manhattan. The 50 cent fare was eliminated in 1997, so now the Staten Island Ferry is 100 percent free.
By planning your visits, you can see most of New York City's museums for free. Some museums, like the Metropolitan Museum of Art or the Natural History Museum have suggested donations. That means you pay whatever you like, even if it's a penny. Other museums, such as the Museum of Modern Art, are free only on certain days and at certain times. The MOMA, for example, is free on Fridays from 4 to 8 p.m.
The Delacorte Theater at 80th Street in Central Park is home to the annual "Shakespeare in the Park" festival. Every summer, two Shakespeare plays are performed by actors from the Public Theater. You must obtain your free tickets ahead of time at the Delacorte Theater or online.
Summertime in New York City is full of opportunities to see a free movie under the stars at one of the many outdoor film screenings. The most famous is the the Bryant Park HBO Summer Film Festival. Every Monday a classic film is shown at the park at dusk. Many people come early and picnic on the lawn before the film. River Flicks on Pier 54 at 14th Street shows movies every Wednesday in July and August. There is even free popcorn.
