There are many things to do in NYC for free and most of them involve walking, jogging, biking and other forms of exercise. These are often the easiest ways to travel around New York City, and you can take in many sights as you go. New York is rated one of the safest cities in the country now, so participating in the many free activities available on the streets and in the park areas is a pleasant and exciting way to tour NYC, day or night.
Geography
The City of New York encompasses five boroughs: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx and Staten Island. There are things to do for free in all five boroughs. In some cases, you can get from one borough to another for free and enjoy a tourist attraction at the same time. For instance, after exploring Battery Park in the southern tip of Manhattan, hop on the ferry and take a free, 12-minute ride to Staten Island. On the way, you will see the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Another example is the Brooklyn Bridge, which connects Manhattan and Brooklyn and has a walking path. From the middle of the bridge, you have a clear view of the New York City skyline, as well as surrounding areas such as New Jersey, Staten Island and sections of Queens.
Parks and Gardens
Each borough of NYC has a large park where you can walk, jog, or ride a bicycle. Several of the parks have pools and rinks with free swimming in the summer and free ice skating in the winter. Take free exercise classes in recreation centers and parks throughout the five boroughs. Stroll through the botanical gardens in Brooklyn and Bronx on free admission days throughout the year. Bring your binoculars for free guided bird walking in Cloves Lake Park on Staten Island. Walk the boardwalk or play on the free handball and shuffleboard courts at free beaches in all five boroughs.
Food
While there are no free restaurants in New York City, you will find free samples of food at greenmarkets, food markets, cheese shops, street fairs and on the sidewalks just outside of food establishments holding a grand opening or promotional event. You are also free to bring your own food and have a picnic in any of NYC's public parks and beaches. If you are in need of a free meal, soup kitchens are located in churches and other charitable institutions throughout all five boroughs of NYC.
Wellness Activities
In late spring and throughout the summer, there are many things to do outdoors in NYC for free that can help you stay healthy and fit. Explore the Hudson River from a kayak, take a free yoga or Pilates mat class in Riverside Park in Manhattan, or shake it up at a free dance party on one of the piers. In fall and winter, when there are no crowds, hike Rockaway Beach in Queens, Coney Island and Brighton Beaches in Brooklyn, or Midland Beach on Staten Island.
Nightlife
Times Square at night is all lights and energy and is always good for an evening stroll. Time your walk to pass by a Broadway theater when the show ends, and you can catch the stars leaving the theater via a side or back door. You can often tell where that is by the small crowd that gathers, waiting for autographs. Walk the promenade in Brooklyn Heights or the High Line in Manhattan for spectacular views of nighttime city lights.
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