Are you visiting New York City for the first time?
In this video i'm going to share with you, 10 Free Things That you Can do on your first trip
To New York
It costs so much money to come here
To stay here
But it really doesn't have to be that expensive
Kayak the Hudson River
This may be my favorite free activity on the list
Because not only do you get to enjoy this scenery
From the Hudson River
But it also keeps you in shape
Yes this is absolutely free
With three locations in Manhattan
We tried out Pier 26
Sign up is super quick and easy
Even the sun screen is free
So what are you waiting for?
Grab a paddle and get in there
If you happen to have a sunny day like my twin and I had last summer
It feels pretty surreal just kayaking away on the Hudson
No charge at all
Take the Staten Island Ferry
True story guys
I used to take the Staten Island Ferry to work. So i have been on that boat so many times
That I've probably taken it for granted
It is one of the best free activities you can do
On that first New York City Trip
Located at the bottom of Manhattan
Take the escalator up to the terminal
You're hitching a free 30 minute ride
That has tons of photo opportunities in built in
Grab a slice of pizza
Board and sit on the right side of the boat
You'll see why shortly
Wave goodbye to Manhattan
And enjoy some incredible views of the largest city in the United States
Oh remember why I said to sit on the right side
Get your camera out and boom that Statue of Liberty Shot you always wanted
Is right there
Feeling fancy?
Head downstairs for another angle of the statue of liberty if you dare
Bonus tip
If it's the summer
Catch a Staten Island Yankees Minor League game
It's affordable and if the game bores you
The views of the water won't
Walk the Brooklyn Bridge
Is there a more iconic bridge than here
For a first time trip New York City?
Probably not..
But an insider tip
Come at sunrise if you want to take photos
Without a million people in the background
I filmed this mid afternoon on a Sunday
There was a swarm of people walking at the same time
But there's something about the architecture and vibe
That just makes you feel like you're a part of the city
Take in sweeping views of the Manhattan Skyline
I prefer to finish on the Brooklyn side so you can add exploring Dumbo to your day
There's plenty to do there
Oh.. word of caution
Stay out of the bike lane when you across the bridge
Unless.. you want to see and hear some of that famed New York Hospitality
Spend the day at Rockaway Beach
A beach in New York City?
Really?
Well..unlike our neighbors in Jersey
We don't charge any money to access a public beach
And this one's special
You will have to spend something to get there
Either a $2.75 subway ride
Or a $2.75 ride on the ferry
And with views like that
I vote for the latter
The water feels great on a hot day
This is a perfect spot to pass a day with your family
Insider tip
For a great burger
And beer
Hit up Rippers on the boardwalk
Thank me later
Vist Grand Central Station
Calling Grand Central Station
Just a train station
Is like calling Central Park
Just a park
Stepping foot in here. Is like going back in time
You don't have to buy a train ticket to just wander around this gem of the city
Built over 100 years ago
With old fashioned signage all over
Even the ticket windows look like they're from a black and white film
You can easily spend an hour just taking photos of the old chandeilers
Or look straight up and see a zodiac constellation in the main hall
Okay if you must be a good tourist
Head to the whispering hall next to the oyster restaurant
And say something to your friend listening on the other side
Insider tip
If you're hungry I think the food court on the lower level is one of the best in the city
Where else can you find a shake shack and a magnolia's bakery stand?
This vlogger opted for eat a pita for a much needed lunch break
During filming
Wander Central Park
Central Park has to be on your list..
It's the most visited Urban Park in the world for very good reason
You can easily spend an entire day here
And if you just want to sit and get tan
This is also the place to go
I might take that advice actually
I want to encourage you to forget about the big city for a bit
And take in a free spot
That to many New Yorkers including myself
Don't visit enough
Feed ducks
Climb rocks
Take a date on the carousel
Play whatever it is those dudes were
Or find these two kids rocking out on the guitar
The options are limitless
Walk the Highline
We're in front of the highline on the westside of Manhattan
A former freight track turned into one of the best public spaces in the city
And to think..
It's less than 10 years old
This 1.5 mile elevated park hovers over the meatpacking and chelsea districts
While it's kind of touristy.. i have no problem roaming the old rail road tracks
Any chance I get
Lounge around on the many benches
Spy on the city from above
It's a very family friendly place
My favorite thing to do is to browse the various art vendors
There's even some pretty unique art installations
I'm still not quite sure what that was
The highline feels like a world of its own
High above the city
Don't skip it
Explore Roosevelt Island
Roosevelt Island
Nestled between Manhattan
And Queens
This little Oasis
Needs to be visited
While it's technically not free to get there
You need to use a subway card swipe to access the tram
Riding a skytram above the city
Is half the fun..
And at just two miles in length
You can easily walk the entire thing
And feel a bit of peace right across from the hectic bustle of Manhattan
Check out the abandoned small pox hospital
From outside
And just roam around
See the lighthouse
And admire the stunning views
See the midnight moment in times square
Visiting Times Square sounds like one of the most obvious things a first timer to New York City
Should do..
But if you're willing to stay up a little bit late
I've got a unique experience
That most people don't even realize occurs here
Times Square the only place locals know to avoid
Because it's just to damn crowded
You're not into watching street performers
Or the statue of liberty
Swiping right on tinder
Why not experience something else
The midnight moment is the world's largest digital art exhibit
Every night from 11:57 to 12 AM
Look up at the Times Square billboards
And you'll see a running theme
This was some kind of abstract animation
And i swear most people had no clue.. it was even going on
But you've done your homework
Well played
Go Art Gallery Hopping in Chelsea
New York City has over 1,000 art galleries ..many of them clustered right here in Chelsea
But what if I told you , you could make an entire night
Out of just hopping between them
Every Thursday is gallery night in Chelsea
Where many of the local places hold exhibits.. completley free
And open to the public
I recommend you go with Todd from Meetup.com
As he leads a group from one spot to another
You'll see some quirky art work
And there's even free booze
So meet new people
And pretend you know what you're staring at
Sounds like the recipe for a fun night to me
Remember this list was made specifically for first timers..
On this channel
I generally specialize in the more off the beaten path adventures
So subscribe if you're new
And you want to find out more
About New York City
Guys thank you so much for watching
Until next time