English
Français
Deutsch
Español
Italiano
Welcome to the 1st of our 4-part series of videos New York Habitat will be posting in the coming weeks dedicated to showing you tons of things you can do in New York City for FREE.
Get the Flash Player to see this player.
Click above to watch this video on Free Views of New York (2:40)
Of course, if you’re goal is to spend a lot of money, New York City is certainly a place to do just that. But what if you want to come to New York without breaking the bank? We’ve got good news for you; there are lots of things you can do in this city that are absolutely free.
New York Accommodation: 2-bedroom vacation rental in Tribeca (NY-12877) photo
You can start saving money even before you arrive by renting a fully furnished apartment through New York Habitat. With hundreds of apartments that are cheaper than hotels in New York, a vacation rental makes sense for the budget-minded traveler. In a future video we’ll talk more about this. Just keep in mind that, dollar-for-dollar, you’ll get more and pay less.
The Staten Island Ferry:
Once you’ve settled into your apartment, it’s time to do some free stuff. One of the most well known free activities in New York City is the Staten Island Ferry. Known as “One of the world’s greatest (and shortest) water voyages”, the Staten Island Ferry provides service to around 60,000 passengers a day not including weekends). The Ferry runs between St. George on Staten Island and Whitehall Street in lower Manhattan… and it’s completely free!
With its majestic views of Lower Manhattan, New York Harbor and the Statue of Liberty, this boat ride is completely free.
Free Ikea water taxi:
Another fun (and free) boat ride is the Ikea water taxi. It runs shoppers back and forth between Ikea in Brooklyn and Pier 11 in Lower Manhattan. You’ll have some great views along the way.
Battery Park:
Another great place to check out is the southern most tip of Manhattan. There you’ll find Battery Park – a 25 acre green space with great views of the Statue of Liberty. This is also where you can catch the ferry to go see lady liberty up close. But for that, my friends, you’ll have to pay…
If you’d like to make lower Manhattan your base of operations during your trip to New York, consider this Studio Vacation Rental in Soho (NY-12760). It’s located in Soho, so you’ll be near plenty of galleries, boutiques, restaurants, bars and coffee shops.
If you need more room, this 2 Bedroom Vacation Rental in Tribeca (NY-12877) sleeps 6 and will keep you in the heart of the action.
New York Apartment: studio accommodation in Soho (NY-12760) photo
The Tram at Roosevelt Island: (59th St and 2nd Ave)
Of course, if you’re starting to get sea sick from the free boat rides, why not take to the sky? The Roosevelt Island Tram is ALMOST free. You’ll pay the same price as a subway ride. It spans the East River and connects Roosevelt Island to Manhattan.
Brooklyn Promenade:
Everyone knows that the Empire State building offers one of the best views of New York, but where can you get some more great, and free, views of the city?
Hop on the subway and head to Brooklyn.
Just south of the Brooklyn Bridge you’ll find the Brooklyn Promenade, which is a 1/3-mile long walkway that provides a fantastic place to stroll along with some of the most stunning views of the Manhattan skyline.
So as you can see, for a few dollars in subway and tram fares, you’ve got a few days worth of cool things to do – all for free. Be sure to check out other videos where we’ll show you even more things to do for free in this great city. If you know of other free and fun things to do in New York, please share them in the comments sections below.
Related apartment rental posts from New York Habitat:
- Free things to do in New York – Free Guided Tours
- Free things to do in New York – Free Museums and Music
- Free things to do in New York – The Great Outdoors and Indoors
- A Day at the Beach in New York City
- Discover New York’s Seaside Escape - City Island
May 21st, 2009 at 2:28 pm
Great job on the video blog! Who knew there were so many free things to do in New York City?!
May 21st, 2009 at 3:14 pm
I agree the views from the Broolyn promenade are great. If you are staying in New York City this defemitely something to to and it is free!
May 21st, 2009 at 5:13 pm
Honestly, the Staten Island ferry is great to just jump on the boat and have a great view of the Statue and of the southern tip of Manhattan….being free, it is well worth it!
May 22nd, 2009 at 5:23 pm
Anything free = good in my book. Just about anything. Especially in New York.
May 23rd, 2009 at 2:29 pm
Wow! Never a dull moment in the city that never sleeps. Everyone that comes, lives or passing through should take advantage of this. It is a beautiful city.
May 23rd, 2009 at 3:58 pm
Apartment (12877) is on my wish list! And by this I mean the money I can save by really seeing New York up close, personal and Free will give me the pleasure of staying in that beautiful apartment.
May 24th, 2009 at 12:24 pm
I once took the ferry to Staten Island with a friend just for a causal ride. We got on, we didn’t pay. We got off and we didn’t pay, so i entertained the notion in my head that we pay when we got back on. We got back on and off the ferry and still there was no place to pay. My friend who was from Germany found this a surprise and a gift!
May 26th, 2009 at 3:44 pm
I agree with Winston the vacational rental 12877 is really a beautiful accomodation located in downtown Manhattan!!
May 27th, 2009 at 3:26 pm
Karl, way to go. It was Janice Coplin who song about nothing if it’s ain’t free! My family and I are so looking forword to visit New York City this summer and take advantage of the many places and events that been offered. We are bring our walking shoes!
May 31st, 2009 at 11:50 am
Way to go Anthony. I just visited New York City. Besides the fact that I had the greatest time of life, I also had a great deal on an apartment with a wonderful view over Central Park. Vacation rentals are a great deal when you think how much you can save comparing to going to a hotel.