13 free tours in New York that you need to know!

The first time I visited NYC I was running out of money. It was the end of my exchange at Disney, and my dollars had already been spent on giant Mickey plushies and other useful things.

My friends were in the same situation, and after talking about it, we made the following decisions: we would only eat at cheap restaurants (like fast food), and we would try to do as many free tours in New York as possible!

This second part was much easier than expected, because even the city's main attractions are free or very cheap. You know those streets and parks that you see in all the movies and dream of visiting? You don't need to spend anything for this!

In this post, I separated the best tours, those that are unmissable same, and that you can do without paying anything or, at least, without breaking your budget! 

How to get around New York

The best way to get around New York is using the subway. My suggestion is to buy the 7-day unlimited pass for US$35, so you can use the transport as many times as you want. The city is huge and has several lines, which take you to Times Square, Wall Street, Brooklyn, Queens, Central Park and other attractions. There's a blog post explaining how the city's subway system works and how not to get lost!

Where to stay in New York

Imagine yourself, in the city that never sleeps, walking all day for several hours… only to end up needing to take the subway for half an hour and then walk another ten minutes to your hotel. It can't, right?

Even with the subway taking you everywhere, the ideal is to stay close to the main tourist attractions. And it doesn't have to be very expensive, you know? During my travels I tried different accommodations in various price ranges. The ones I most recommend are:

• There's a post here on the blog with a full review.. Booking rating: 8,4.
• Here on the blog there is also a post with other cheap accommodation options in New York!

  ---

  13 Best Free Tours in New York

  1 Times Square

  

  It is no surprise that the first tour is Times Square, the iconic street that gives meaning to the name “the city that never sleeps". Here you can see the largest concentration of tourists, shops and performances, like people dressed as characters demanding to take a photo. Highlight for the M&M's store with three floors, and the biggest Forever XXI I've ever seen in my life!

  Open 24 hours (it's literally a street), and I suggest being careful to stop “out of nowhere” and take photos, you will probably be pushed.

  You can also enjoy a Broadway musical while you're there! I suggest purchasing tickets while still in Brazil, so there is no risk of the show being sold out. On the WePlann website you can buy tickets for the best shows, and payment is made in reais, without the IOF fee and in up to 6 interest-free installments on your card!

  

  2.Central Park

  

  Another tourist attraction that needs no introduction, Central Park is a huge green area in the middle of the city. In the warmer seasons it is common to find people running or enjoying the day outdoors, activities that are almost impossible in winter due to the amount of snow.

  In addition to walking around the region, Take the opportunity to visit monuments such as Alice in Wonderland, pictured in the photo, and Strawberry Fields, in honor of John Lennon. O Central Park Zoo, famous after the Madagascar film, really exists, but you need to buy tickets to visit.

  Don't go without making an itinerary, as the park is more than 3000km² and the monuments are spread out. There are even maps inside, but knowing which streets are closest to your points of interest can save you a lot of time.

  » I stayed at Crowne Plaza Times Square on this trip, and the location was excellent. The entrance is in the best part of Times Square, I recommend it!

  3. 5th Avenue

  

  The right street for those who like shopping, with designer stores like Chanel, Prada, Louis Vuitton and even some cheaper ones like Polo Ralph Lauren and Guess. This is also where the famous Apple store is located. of glass, where you have to take an elevator to the basement to see the products.

  It's a nice trip even without money, to see the impressive shop windows and do a bit of shopping. people watch. I recommend starting at 5th and 58 St., where the part bordered by Central Park ends, and heading towards the streets with lower numbers.

  ---

  What if something happens during the trip?

  One tip I always give my readers is to buy travel insurance! For the United States it is not mandatory, but it is super important as health services are very expensive! I already wrote a post on the subject, where I even showed a case where a patient had to pay 3,355.96 DOLLARS to get three stitches after cutting his finger cutting avocado! No one deserves to blow their budget for a situation like this, right?

  With travel insurance, you contact your insurer in any medium emergency, and they will direct you to the nearest hospital or emergency room. The main companies in Brazil already resolve the financial part immediately and cover all expenses, you don't need to pay a penny. Coverage also applies to situations such as flight delays or cancellations, as well as lost luggage.

  I like to buy with Seguros Promo, a company that compares plans from the main insurance companies in Brazil, and offers unbeatable prices. You can pay your purchase in up to 12 installments, and you can also count on support from professionals prepared to answer all your questions. International insurance starts at 9 reais per day!

  Blog readers can still use the code “ALYSSAPRADO5” and get a special discount!

  If you're not sure how travel insurance works, or don't know how to choose the right one for you, there's a blog post talking about the subject and telling you about my experience using some of the most popular insurance companies!

  
  
  

  ---

  4.Brooklyn Bridge

  

  The Brooklyn Bridge connects Brooklyn to Manhattan, and is one of the best options to see the skyline from the island without spending. It is possible to cross on foot, by bicycle and by car, and I recommend being careful not to accidentally walk on the road. bike, which is next to the pedestrian path.

  The only time I crossed (I skipped this trip in the winter), I took the subway to Brooklyn and walked all the way back. The other direction is also a good option, as it ends at the Brooklyn Bridge Park, which they say is beautiful.

  " O New York There's a super complete post on how to get to the bridge, how to cross and what to do afterwards. I recommend reading.

  5. HighLine

  

  Another trip that I didn't take in winter, because of the cold. O Highline is a suspended park, built to revitalize an old railway line that crossed the city. 

  In spring it is super flowery, looking like a park, and is ideal for walking, catching some sun and spending some time. Without a doubt, one of the most enjoyable free tours in New York.

  My photo is kinda bad (I wasn't a blogger at the time, LOL), but Juliana from the Juny blog around the world has one very complete post about the High Line, with several images and showing better how beautiful it is.

  6. Chelsea market

  Next to the High Line, Chelsea Market is a market full of mini shops, with crafts, wonderful food, art and fashion. I confess that to this day I dream about a lemon cookie I ate there.

  It's great for those who want to do some different shopping and get to know local artists. I recommend walking through the park to W 16th St, getting off at that point and entering the market.

  7. New york public library

  

  With breathtaking architecture, book lovers will delight in the New York Public Library. There are rooms and more rooms with books from ceiling to floor, exhibitions and study tables.

  Exploring the place is free, but to get a membership card and borrow books you need to live (or pay taxes) in New York. Students who are in the city can apply for a temporary card.

  Tip: even if you don't plan on going to the library or aren't even in NY, take a look at the website! There are several current nominations, with lists of all genres.

  » Discover the best accommodation deals in New York and save on your trip!

  8. Soho

  Chosen as a place of residence by several famous artists, SoHo (short for South of Houston) is a super charming cool neighborhood in New York. 

  It was a surprise for me, because I went there thinking it would be a bit tedious. I was completely wrong, as the streets are lively, with lots of young and very happy people. I saw local and fashion brands, as well as giant ones Topshop, Forever XXI e H&M.

  I only spent one morning exploring the region, but it became one of my favorite free tours in New York and I can't wait to go back and discover more points.

  9.Grand Central Station

  

  Spotted at Grand Central, bags in hand: Serena van der Woodsen. #saudadesGossipGirl

  The famous train station is worth a visit even if you're not taking a train. With an eye-catching architecture, full of details, the place is magnificent, busy at all times and with a food court for those who want to have a snack.

  In fact, a tip for fans of the classic series Sex and the City, and for everyone who loves sweets: there is a Magnolia Bakery at the station, much emptier than its famous branch. The quality is the same and you feel like Carrie Bradshaw herself.

  10. Rockefeller Center

  

  A commercial building and square, the Rockefeller Center complex has shops, cafes and fast-food restaurants, as well as specific attractions for each season. In winter, for example, the traditional Christmas tree and skating rink are set up.

  This is also where Top of The Rock is located, an observation deck where you can see the Empire State Building and other city landmarks.. Although visiting the square is free, climbing to the top costs around US$32.

  11. St. Patrick's Cathedral

  I confess that visiting churches is not a trip that appeals to me, but I will make an exception for St. Patrick's Cathedral, on 5th Avenue. Take advantage of the visit between one store and another and take a peek inside, with a super rich decoration (it's style neo-gothic, I read it on Google).

  For those who like to go to mass, timetables can be found on the official website.

  12. Museums

  

  It is possible to visit most of New York's museums for free or for very little, just a little planning.

  O MoMA, for example, has free entry on Friday nights, sponsored by UNIQLO. This is the case for almost all of the city's museums, and I suggest looking at the official website to find out when it is possible to visit each of them for free.

  O Natural History Museum, even more famous for the film Night at the Museum, has entry suggested from US$22, and this is the price you pay by purchasing tickets in advance or at the kiosks. If you go to the ticket office, however, you can get the price you want. Wish, such as US$2. O MET (The Metropolitan Museum of Art) follows the same scheme.

  Remembering that this post was updated in December 2017 and that the day/time for free visits to each museum may have changed. Always consult the official website before putting together your schedule.

  13. Statue of Liberty Ferry

  This was the tour on the list that I haven't done yet, but I thought it was so cool that I decided to include it anyway. Deborah from the blog Focus on the World I've been there and said everything went well, so I think it's worth the recommendation.

  Visiting the Statue of Liberty, including the ferry that takes you to the island, costs around US$25.

  With the metro card, however, it is possible to take the The Staten Island Ferry, which travels from Manhattan to Staten Island (and back). You won't step foot on the statue island, but you will get close enough to get some good photos. Great option to save money without giving up seeing the Statue of Liberty.

  » The blog Aprendiz de Viajante has a post with 50 Things to Do for Free in New York. It's worth a read if you want even more attractions or if you already know the ones I mentioned!

   

  Ready to put together an itinerary with several free tours in New York? Which tip did you like best?

  » Find the best hotels in New York and start planning your trip!

  Did you like this post? Save to Pinterest to read later!

  

  Some links in this post are affiliate links.