I traveled to New York back in February and although I was so excited to visit the city for the first time, I was really nervous about how much the trip was going to cost me. It's no secret, and I can confirm now that I've been, that certain parts of New York are soooo expensive. My Auntie and I at one point got a pint and a slice of pizza each...we were $26.
Although pricey, there are lots of ways to spend time in New York and some of them are completely free! It's all about planning in advance and knowing NOT to fall for the people who try and draw you on the street tricking you into buying tickets for experiences that are actually free.
One money saving tip, although not free, is to take the subway to as many destinations as you can rather than taxis or busses. You'll get to most places twice as fast for half the price.
One money saving tip, although not free, is to take the subway to as many destinations as you can rather than taxis or busses. You'll get to most places twice as fast for half the price.
Want to see the Statue of Liberty?
Don't pay the ridiculous fees they charge to stand in lines for hours just to get a close up view..unless you really want too. The trick to getting what I think is a better view of this iconic landmark is to take the Staton Island Ferry. The Ferry is completely free and whilst you enjoy the 20 minute trip across you see incredible views of the skyline and pass right by Lady Liberty. Another bonus, you see it again from a different angle on the way back. Theres even a wee cafe on board to keep you warm with a coffee if your there during winter months.
Don't pay the ridiculous fees they charge to stand in lines for hours just to get a close up view..unless you really want too. The trick to getting what I think is a better view of this iconic landmark is to take the Staton Island Ferry. The Ferry is completely free and whilst you enjoy the 20 minute trip across you see incredible views of the skyline and pass right by Lady Liberty. Another bonus, you see it again from a different angle on the way back. Theres even a wee cafe on board to keep you warm with a coffee if your there during winter months.
Visiting the 9/11 Memorial
Something I think everyone should see is the memorial to all those who lost their lives in 9/11 and related terror attacks in this city. The area itself where the two towers stood left me with chills, seeing the endless amounts of names etched onto the memorials broke my heart, but I am so glad I have been there and was able to take in and remeber a huge part of history. There are two parts to the memorial area, the memorial itself and then a museum which takes you through the events and gives you stories about those involved and the day itself. The museum is the only part you have to pay for. You can go to memorial site, like myself, and just wander round reading the names and taking a moment to remember. Please visit if you are in NYC, its an eye opening experience.
Something I think everyone should see is the memorial to all those who lost their lives in 9/11 and related terror attacks in this city. The area itself where the two towers stood left me with chills, seeing the endless amounts of names etched onto the memorials broke my heart, but I am so glad I have been there and was able to take in and remeber a huge part of history. There are two parts to the memorial area, the memorial itself and then a museum which takes you through the events and gives you stories about those involved and the day itself. The museum is the only part you have to pay for. You can go to memorial site, like myself, and just wander round reading the names and taking a moment to remember. Please visit if you are in NYC, its an eye opening experience.
DUMBO - Brooklyn
Something I have wanted to tick off my bucket list for so long is to see this amazing view in DUMBO, Brooklyn. Pictures don't even do it justice, the view is breathtaking in real life. Its such a busy little street surrounded by not much else, its crazy how a view can attract people from all over the world. Just standing at he top of the street watching everyone posing, laughing and enjoying themselves is entertainment in itself. Also, if you walk towards the view at the bottom of the street you reach the viewing point where I took the picture below - stunning.
Friends Apartment Building
Another thing, if your up for a walk in NYC is finding the Friends apartment building which for any fan is so cool to see in person. Its tucked away, it took us a couple of wrong turns to find it but its worth it. Underneath is a little cafe, although not Central Perk, but is still nice to pop into.
Central Park
One of the most awesome places Ive visited in my life, Central Park. The bonus is its completely free to have a wander around, we spent six hours walking about seeing lots of different statues and areas of the park, its absolutely bloody massive! What I loved about walking through Central Park is that its miles and miles of green grass, trees and animals with the towering buildings still visible around the outside, it's really quite something to take in.
Be so careful if your wanting a carriage ride or a rickshaw ride. Rickshaws are around $40-50 for an hour but then an additional (ridiculous amount of money) on top of that for every 15-20 minutes. Every rickshaw driver will charge whatever they fancy, its not a set price.
Be so careful if your wanting a carriage ride or a rickshaw ride. Rickshaws are around $40-50 for an hour but then an additional (ridiculous amount of money) on top of that for every 15-20 minutes. Every rickshaw driver will charge whatever they fancy, its not a set price.
If you do fancy spending a few pennies their are a couple of coffee stops on the way round AND the best thing of all ... a Merry-Go-Round! I turned into a five year old all over again and went on twice! Its a fab surprise to stumble upon in the middle of a park in the middle of NYC.
The Strawberry Fields (named after The Beatles track 'Strawberry Fields Forever') is a memorial place for John Lennon, best known as one fourth of The Beatles. Its not much, but a very peaceful spot to sit in and more than likely listen to someone singing Beatles songs on a loop! If you wanted you can also lay roses and tributes to him on this beautiful memorial. Another cool feature is the Alice In Wonderland statue which is a stunning piece of art to see. This warmed up my Disney heart to no end, it also made me want to read the original books.
Times Square
Even if you dont go into any of the shops that surround Times Square, just wandering around and taking it all in can pass hours of your day. What an amazing place Times Square is, its one of those places that you see on the big screen so when your there its like stepping into a movie. If your a Disney fan like me, make sure you go for a wander inside the Disney Store on Times Square. Its so magical, totally decorated with Disney magic. Its fabulous!
Taking in all the billboards and signs is quite breathtaking and one thing thats worth doing if your a musical fan is going for a walk and finding all the theatres. Each one is decorated and dressed up for the show its hosting and is awesome to see, especially the likes of Beetlejuice, Waitress and Wicked.
Be warned however that the characters and people busking on Times Square don't take pictures for free, don't let them rope you into spending money you don't want to. The same with people that try and get you to hold a CD, they will then make you pay for it as you have it in your hands. Just be confident, if you don't want them to approach you, walk on with purpose and ignore.
So if you are heading out to New York anytime soon and are feeling a bit like I was regarding money, just know that there are loads of amazing things to do and see that are totally free. I didn't even touch the side of all the things I could have done as I was only there for four days, I cant wait for an excuse to go back. Hope your all having a lovely day, let me know if your heading to the big apple anytime soon as I would love to hear what you are going to get up too.
Amy x
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