Five Free Places To Visit While In NYC
When I was growing up, we used to visit New York City just about every year. I was completely clueless on the cost of the sights we would visit, but I knew there was plenty to see. New York City has never lost its appeal to me and I think that every one should visit this city should they get the chance. Make sure you pack a good pair of walking shoes, because that's the way to see the city - walking through the chasms of skyscrapers amongst the bustle of people. If you are thinking that the Big Apple is an expensive place to visit, you are right! However, tourists need not spend an arm and a leg while you are there - you can stretch that vacation dollar! Here are five free sites you can go to while visiting. I've even included some good deals in the advertisements on this page for the locals, as well!
CENTRAL PARK
Created as a military training ground during the Civil War, Central Park is 843 acres of protected land right in the middle of Manhattan. You can find dozens of gardens, water, paths, and open space within its rectangular confines. Not sure what to do while in Central Park? You can take one of the ten of Central Park Conservancy's free walking tours. They last about one hour to about an hour and a half to complete and you will learn a lot about the nooks and crannies of this oasis of green. Also, if you happen to be here in the summer, you can enjoy one of the many free concerts performed at Central Park.
STATEN ISLAND FERRY
The Staten Island Ferry provides 20 million people a year (60,000 passengers a day not including weekend days) with ferry service between St. George on Staten Island and Whitehall Street in lower Manhattan. The ferry will transport you from Manhattan to Staten Island, while offering you the scenic route of New York Harbor. Besides being a free boat ride, you get to see a wonderful view of lower Manhattan, the Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island. You can pick up the Staten Island Ferry in Battery Park at the far southern end of Manhattan (near the site where the World Trade Centers once stood).
THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY
I know, why would you travel all of the way to New York City just to see a library? Well, this library isn't like the local one you have in your hometown. Constructed in 1911, this marble Beaux-Arts building was the largest of its kind when it was built. Today it is the third largest public library in North America. Not only is the architecture absolutely breathtaking, but so is the enormous collection of books and the history of the library through its museum artifacts will help you to understand some of the early history of New York City.
ROCKEFELLER CENTER
Who would think that 22 acres of downtown New York could be so exciting? Rockefeller Center comprises of 19 buildings, including Radio City Music Hall, 30 Rock (where they get the name of the television series), the Bank of America, and Simon and Schuster. Some of your favorite television and news shows are produced here, so there are always stars walking in and about. Rockefeller Center is also the area for art and sculpture in New York. In the winter there is ice skating and the giant Christmas tree that is as iconic as the Big Apple itself. You can spend entire days just in this area without spending a dime!
TIMES SQUARE
If you want to see the center of all, then you have to go to Times Square. This is the heart of Manhattan and is where the city really never sleeps. Located at the junction of Broadway and Seventh Avenue and encompassing what is known as the Theater District, Times Square is the place where New Year's Eve originates. There is plenty of places to shop and eat within these few blocks, plus, if you are looking to catch a Broadway play but find them too expensive, go behind the center of Times Square and you will find TKTS - a stand where they discount top rated Broadway plays and even give away FREE tickets ever day!
If you are looking for a daily list of free things to do in New York City, check out this web site: http://www.clubfreetime.com/free-events-things-to-do-in-new-york-city.asp
