Our lives have changed since COVID-19, including travel which won’t be the same for a while. But, that doesn’t mean we can’t get a take a couple of day trips in our own neighborhood. And, my New Yorkers, there are a ton of options to explore as New York offers relaxing options like the parks and scenic views of the Brooklyn Bridge.
There are also many opportunities in New York for taking those Instagram-worthy pictures of iconic places. And, this guide will outline the top seven free things to do in New York that every New Yorker and visitors should plan
Now, for those of us, who want to make every weekend a fun trip of exploring. You would enjoy exploring with these top 7 free day trip in New York during the weekend or holiday.
Remember that all of the COVID restrictions still apply. Please visit your local government website for the most recent updates. And Click Here for the latest updates from CDC. Remember to wear your mask, wash your hands frequently and explore places that are in your neighborhood
This post is about the top seven (7) free things to do in New York that can be enjoyed by both New Yorkers and visitors alike.
This is a great way for locals to explore New York despite the travel restrictions. And, remember to wear your face mask and stay socially distant.
sweet peach box
Table of Contents
1. Brooklyn Bridge Walkway
Address: Brooklyn Bridge, New York, NY 10038
If you want to avoid large crowds or if crowds have been your excuse to avoid exploring New York. Then, the best time to visit Brooklyn Bridge is first during cooler weather or very early in the morning. Second, due to Covid-19, there are very few visitors in New York. So no hassle of crowds for locals, And, also this gives you an opportunity to plan your hike, bike, or even a drive that you may have been putting off
Walk the Brooklyn bridge
For your visit, plan at least 45 minutes to an hour to walk the bridge, and this includes stopping to admire the iconic New York scenes, as well as taking pictures. If you are not planning to make any stops, the Brooklyn bridge walkway can definitely be done in 30 minutes. To walk the bridge you will have to use the Brooklyn Bridge pedestrian walkway, which can be accessed both by the Brooklyn side or the Manhattan side. Both of these options have scenic views to explore. The Brooklyn Bridge walkway spans approximately 1.2 miles between the two walkways
What to wear for a walk?
In Fall and Winter – In order to keep the chilling cold air out, put on layers the correct way. First, start with a base layer something that will be made of polyester. Polyester is water-resistant and dries up very quickly. Second, top your base layer with an insulating (mid) layer such as a shirt, fleece as its job is to keep the body warm. Finally, don’t forget to grab an outer layer that is windproof and or water-resistant (depending on the weather). And, I personally love to carry fingerless gloves, without having to take out the gloves each time to click pictures.
In Summer – Summer is much more fun and colorful. Though, do not make the mistake of wearing clothes that are a hindrance to your walking, wear comfortable shoes for walking. To be comfortable, choose loose breathable clothing like nylon. Also, opt for light colors, because dark clothes will absorb the heat and make you really uncomfortable. Light colors reflect the sun’s rays and in return keeps you cool. Don’t forget to wear sunglasses and sunscreen SPF 30 or higher, re-apply as directed
To enter from the Brooklyn side walkway to Lower Manhattan
If you are entering the Bridge from downtown Brooklyn. The walkway will begin on Tillary Street and Boerum Street. This side of the walkway can also be accessed via the underpass on Washington Street. If you like capturing Instagram worthy shots, use the Brooklyn side walkway to manhattan as it has very scenic views
Places to Explore: entering from the Brooklyn side walkway, you will land in Lower Manhattan. And, will a ton of beautiful and historical places to explore. Most of these historic places are within walking distance and free of cost.
To enter from the Manhattan side walkway to Brooklyn (DUMBO)
This walkway is ideal for a biker or hiker. As you will enter the Brooklyn bridge park located in DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass). The park is a gorgeous site for more hiking and scenic views a well as has six piers to explore
Picture to take: Iconic picture of the Brooklyn bridge (Instagram worthy.) This spot is between the two buildings at the corner of Washington Street and Front Street Click Here for directions
Foods to eat: DUMBO is famous for some of the best pizzas in New York. There are a couple of places to try, most located on Fulton and Front Street
2. Statue of Liberty – Staten Island Ferry
Staten Island Ferry operates 24/7 and departs at the south ferry section of the lower manhattan from the Whitehall Terminal. 4 South Street New York, NY 10004 United States. Do not confuse this with the Statue Cruise (Not a free option).
What is the difference between the Staten Island Ferry and the statue cruises you may ask! Here is all the information you need:
sweet Peach box
Staten Island Ferry (Free)
Staten Island Ferry takes people from Whitehall Terminal in lower Manhattan (near Battery Park) to St. George terminal in Staten Island. The ferry runs every 30 minutes all day, with every 15 minutes during the peak times. Peak times are 6:30 am-9:30 am and 3:30 pm-8 pm on weekdays). The ride takes about 25 minutes (one way). This is free of cost and you can take pictures of the scenic view. However, the ferry does not stop at Liberty Island where the Statue of Liberty is, instead stops at the St. George Terminal on Staten Island. Passengers on the ferry are not permitted to stay on, So, to make a return trip, you will have to disembark and loop back in through the St. George terminal to return to Whitehall terminal in lower Manhattan.
Why take the Staten Island Ferry
Staten Island Ferry starts at Whitehall Terminal in Lower Manhattan that takes you to the St. George Terminal on Staten Island. First, you should take the Staten Island Ferry if you just want to snap far away pictures of the Statue of Liberty and scenic skyline views. Second, this is a good option if you want to take a break from walking and enjoy a free ferry ride. Passengers from Staten Island can transfer to a subway or bus in Manhattan, after riding the ferry (you do not have to take the ferry back). And, once you arrive on Staten Island, you can spend a couple of hours at the Empire Outlets shopping
The ride is approximately 20 minutes each way. Click Here is for the Free ferry ride schedule. Just be reminded that no cars are permitted on the ferry (There are 2 parking lots at the St. George Terminal, but very few public parking options at the Whitehall Ferry Terminal. And if you have a bicycle instead, the ferry is welcoming
Where to take the Staten Island Ferry
At Whitehall terminal connections are available to the New York City Subway. Trains 1 and R are operated at all times. Where N train is run late nights and the W train is during weekdays only. You can take train 4 or 5 at Bowling green, or take train J or Z at Broad Street. There is an option for bus connections as well, which are M55, M15 and M20
Food: There is a snack bar on every ferry and is open whenever it is running.
The Statue Cruise (not a free option)
(this is a paid option and takes you to the Statue of Liberty) This option takes you to Liberty Island (home to the statue of liberty) and Ellis Island (National Immigration Museum, and Immigration history center). The tickets for the statue cruise are $19.25 for adults, $14.00 for seniors (62+), and $9.00 for children (4-12) for updates on prices and to purchase tickets Click Here or buy tickets in person at the Castle Garden in Battery Park.
3. Stroll the Fifth Avenue
For this one, you can really start anywhere on 5th avenue. There are so many places to explore. 5th Avenue is also known for its high-end shopping including Fendi, Chanel, Loui Vuitton. Here is a suggested route, Start Here at the Rockefeller Center, entry is free to the Rockefeller though there is a fee if you are lookng to get to the top)
This is a fun experience for people to watch, window shop, or just enjoy good food. Walk down East to 5th avenue and you will be in one of the most luxurious fashion avenues. This street has mass brands like H&M. Upscale like Bergdorf Goodman, multinational like ZARA, and high-end like Louis Vuitton. As you Enjoy these retailers, do not forget to stop by north of Madison in St. Patricks Cathedral, dating back to the eighteenth century, it has beautiful architecture and the background makes for stunning photos. As you walk down 5th Avenue, stop by LEGO store, Cartier, Nike, Versace, ZARA, Lindt Chocolate Shop and many more
4. Brooklyn Bridge Park
Address: 334 Furman Street, Brooklyn Heights, New York 11201
Brooklyn Bridge Park is one of the top parks to visit in Brooklyn. The Brooklyn Bridge Park is located in DUMBO ( Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass) This would be a fun trip to explore in itself, and close to Soho. Brooklyn Bridge Park has it all; a beach, fishing station, and sports court, all divided into a total of six piers with their own unique features to explore. They also have plenty of public transportation options as the parking is very limited. or you could just hike or bike there from Brooklyn Bridge. To get here using public transportation Click Here to get the correct transportation option
Pier 1
is a beautiful panoramic view of the Lower Manhattan, good scenic views, this would be an ideal place to relax and stroll through
Pier 2
This pier is surrounded by the waterfront and is dedicated to active recreation. This pier has courts such as basketball, handball, pin pong, and shuffle ball. And, If you want to skip the courts, no worries you can make use of the picnic tables available by the waterfront. There is also a free summer kayaking program. If you are into active recreation; check out pier 5 & 6 for additional options to explore
Pier 3
This pier has the infamous Greenway terrace, which is a peaceful place away from the rush and noise of the city. And the Glade Lawn is just south of the Greenway terrace and provides beautiful views of the skyline. I would great for pictures and relaxing
Pier 4
Enjoy the water’s edge on the Beach on pier 4. If you are into nature and birds, this pier is fun and great for exploring native birds. This pier is also home to salt habitats, grasses, and shrubs. This pier is also known for the bird island.
Pier 5
Home to athletic grounds and a picnic area with 24 grills available to use. There are also turf fields that can be used for soccer, rugby, or other outdoor sports that you enjoy. They also offer community programs that are low-cost or free like fishing, sailing, kayaking.
If you are into active recreation check out pier 2 & 6 for additional options to explore
Pier 6
Pier 6 has amenities including a volleyball court and 4 themed playgrounds to explore. There are also food concessions. If you are into active recreation check out pier 2 and 5 for additional options to explore
5. The Oculus
Another free site to visit in Manhattan is a train stop. And, whoever would want to visit a train stop, and why is on the top list)
Well, Oculus is a modern, sleek architecture, the outside looks like an eagle ready to land. It is a $4 billion structure. Do not confuse this place with the World Trade Center (9/11 memorial site (Not Free)). And is adjacent to the Oculus.
Oculus is free to visit and is located between the World Trade Center 2 and World Trade center 3
It is also a memorial site since it is built to replace the stations that were under the towers. Oculus is the World Trade Centers transportation hub, besides train stations. There are lots of places to shop at including some high-end places.
6. Financial District
One of the most visited areas in New York is the geographical location of Wall Street. A term used for the financial market as well as the literal street. Here you will see men and women bustling in suits running the financial world, somewhat of how movies portray. Also, skyscrapers and restaurants are filled with professionals and tourists.
Wall Street is home to the New York stock exchange and NASDAQ. There are several other banks and financial institutes located here, including the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. In this area, expect to walk on some cobblestone streets (so definitely wear comfortable shoes). Also, you will come across spectacular waterfront views, that you could enjoy while your stroll.
Things to do
Food lover: Check out the famous stone street for European vibes and many food options with dining in the open pedestrian-only street
Charging Bull: Is located on Broadway Street and is a gigantic statue weighing almost 71000 pounds of bronze. This bull symbolizes rising stock and is located at the intersection of Morris and Broadway street. This is directly north of Bowling green park on Broadway.
Fearless Girl: Statue stands right outside the New York Stock Exchange building (address). This statue is small in size compared to a lot of other famous ones like the charging bull. The fearless Girl symbolizes the women in the United States. As well as across the world that are fighting for equal rights, a safe work environment, and fair treatment at work.
7. Free Museum Visit
Museums are a fun way to look at beautiful art, learn history or spend a day learning on a new topic. New York has a couple of museums that are Free Admission. Though, you may have to reserve a spot online to avoid being turned down due to the COVID-19 capacity restrictions. Below, I have listed museums in New York City that are free and open re-opened in 2021
American Folk Art Museum – Free Admission and is open for 2021 to explore, Click Here for directions. This museum display folk art from the 18th century to the present.
MoMA PS1 – Free Admission for NYC residents and is re-opened for 2021. This museum is one of the largest and oldest museums in the United States and a must-visit. Click Here for direction
Queens County Farm Museum – Free entry to the Farm Museum. And, this is a 47 acre of historic farmland, greenhouse, and farm animals. They also host special events like wreath-making and auto shows (special events are not free) Click Here for directions
General Grant National Memorial New York – Admission is free, This is a beautiful architecture, where Ulysses S. Grant, American Civil War general and former president of the United States is entombed in the mausoleum. This is located in Riverside Park overlooking the Hudson River. Click Here for Directions
Summary
This post is about Top 7 free things to do in New York that every local and visitor should plan to visit. These top 7 places are a must-visit because:
- All 7 places listed are free admission
- All 7 listed places are iconic and every New Yorkers and visitors should visit
- Beautiful architecture, to get some Instagram-worthy pictures.
Blog post you may like: Must-Visit, Fun one day trip to Peddlers Village