Best Free Things to Do in New York

New York is one of the best travel spot for locals, other people from US and international folks. There are so many things to see and do there and it does not have to expensive affair. There are a quite a few things one can do and see which are free or cheap and still enjoy the what New York has to offer, here are some of my recommendations. New York is best place for visitors from all over the place, including recreational and businessvisitors.

• Ride the Staten Island Ferry: The Staten Island Ferry is used daily by thousands of commuters. Ride it for a great view of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, New York Harbor, and the lower Manhattan skyline. You can’t beat the price: free
• Attend a Gospel Service: All around New York, you’ll find Sunday gospel services, but for some special soul-stirring, head to Harlem and the Abyssinian Baptist Church or Brooklyn and the Brooklyn Tabernacle. Services are free, but when the basket is passed, don’t be stingy.
• Visit Free Museums: Believe it or not, there are museums in New York that don’t charge admission. Two of my favorites are the National Museum of the American Indian and the Federal Hall National Memorial.
• Take in a Game at the West 4th Street Basketball Courts: On West 4th Street and Sixth Avenue, you’ll find the legendary public hoops courts. I don’t know what’s more entertaining: the moves on the court or the inventive trash talk accompanying the games.
• Walk. Anywhere: New York City is the most walkable city in the world that I know of. Since most of it is planned on the grid system, it’s hard to get lost (except in the West Village, where it’s fun to get lost). Avenues go north and south, streets go east and west. You will never find a better way to get to know New York. I would recommend starting at the foot of the city, where it all began over 400 years ago, then strolling up Broadway, the only street in Manhattan that goes from one end of the island to the other. You can actually walk the entire length of Manhattan, a walk that, done briskly, would probably take you about six hours. That’s a 13 1/2-mile hike, by the way!
• Other Suggestions:
• Window shop your way into an alternative reality. Go to Bergdorf Goodman and act like you belong there. Try on purfume samples at Saks Fifth Avenue. See what the deviants are up to at Purple Passion, London or the Leatherman. If nothing else, the toy store can provide hours of entertainment for the young at heart.For a musical feast, wander around the Times Square subway station at rush hour, or watch break dancing at Grand Central.
  1. Bergdorf Goodman
     754 5th Avenue (58th Street)
     (212) 753-7300
     Where the rich shop.
  2. Saks Fifth Avenue
     611 Fifth Avenue (between 49th and 50th Streets)
     Where the rich also shop.
  3. Purple Passion
     212-807-0486
     242 West 16th Street between 7th and 8th Aves
     Definitely don’t bring the kids.
  4. London
     84 Christopher Street 212-647-9195
     85 Christopher Street 212-647-9106
     between Bleecker and 7th Avenue South
     A bit tamer than the other two, if you are curious but don’t want to be overwhelmed, try London BTQ at 85 Christopher Street. London Fetish is definitely more on the wild side.
  5. Leatherman
     111 Christopher Street between Bleecker and Hudson
     Mainly catering to gay men, this store is open to all.
  6. FAO Schwartz
     Fifth Ave and 58th Street
     The world’s best toy store!
  7. Times Square Subway Station
     Underground beneath Times Square
     42nd and Broadway
     There is music all over, so just walk around and follow the pleasing sounds. If a crowd is gathered, but there’s no performance, that means they are about to start. Just wait a few minutes.
  8. Grand Central Station
     42nd and Park
     Break dancers are usually near the subways. There are also occasionally trios playing string instruments and opera singers as well.

  Source: NY Visitor guide and about.com