Explore NYC in a Better way!!!
NEW YORK GREETERS
Enrich your experience by enlisting a local volunteer from Big Apple Greeter for a free and unscripted walk through a neighbourhood of your, or their, choice. The only fee you’ll have to front is the gratuity. Founded in 1992, the program aims to break down the city’s stereotypes while ensuring travellers experience the unique tapestry of New York’s streets. It gives proud New Yorkers the opportunity to share their enthusiasm for an often misunderstood city.
More than 300 volunteer Greeters give up to 7000 visitors a year a peek into 100+ distinct neighbourhoods. You can make a request through their website for up to six guests travelling together, and walks are conducted in more than 20 languages.
FREE TOURS BY FOOT
This organisation will have you pounding the pavement through Harlem, Chinatown, over the Brooklyn Bridge and various other areas for a “pay-as-you-wish” fee. While walking is their speciality, they also offer food, bike and bus tours. See freetoursbyfoot.com
HOP-ON HOP-OFF BUS
When you’re tired of walking, a great way to get to the core of the Big Apple is with a hop-on hop-off bus tour. Big Bus New York has five different routes and 35-plus stops that’ll drop you right by the most sought-out attractions. All tours include an English-speaking tour guide and the option to listen to a prerecording in 10 other languages.
CULTURAL EXCURSIONS
New York’s museums and galleries are home to some of the world’s most priceless art, sculpture, historical finds, architecture and photography. But admission fees do mount up. Allow flexibility when planning your cultural excursions, and don’t overlook the small ones so you can access a number of museums – such as the New York Transit Museum Annex & Store, The Bronx Museum of the Arts and The Harbor Defense Museum to name just a few – without spending a dime. Discounts can also be found at certain times at a diverse offering of locations. The 9/11 Memorial & Museum is free to all from 5pm to close. The Museum of Jewish Heritage is free on Wednesdays, 4pm-8pm, the Museum of Chinese America is free on the first Thursday of each month, and the Museum of Modern Art is free Fridays, 4-8pm.
EXPLORE THE OUTDOORS
Go on an art adventure and uncover and admire masterpieces splashed throughout urban neighbourhoods and subway stations. During the warmer months, the High Line, Prospect Park and the Brooklyn Botanic Garden present free events throughout the year, as do many of the city’s parks.
