FREE THINGS TO DO IN NEW YORK CITY

  • 1. Central Park – For more than 150 years, visitors have flocked to Central Park’s 843 green acres in the heart of Manhattan. Since 1980, the Park has been managed by the Central Park Conservancy, in partnership with the public. Central Park is open 6 am to 1 am daily. Visit the official website of Central Park to learn more about Park happenings and activities and to learn how you to help Central Park!
  • 2. The High Line – This elevated railway turned public park provides fantastic views of the Hudson River and New York City skyline on Manhattan’s West Side. The 1.5-mile High Line draws travelers to its lush horticulture, art installations and community programs. Here, you can have a leisure stroll along the structure and admire colorful murals and installations all around. Other must-sees of the area include the Chelsea Market, the Whitney Museum of American Art and the Vessel. Hear the story behind this unique greenway on a free tour led by knowledgeable guides which takes place on some days.
  • 3. Times Square – Central area in NYC that has many shops, restaurants, office buildings and flashing billboards around it.
  • 4. Grand Central Terminal – Grand Central Terminal is the most extraordinary public space in New York City. Opened to the public in 1913, this historic train terminal is a world-famous landmark in Midtown. Its rich history is a story of immense wealth and great engineering. Grand Central is one of the busiest train stations in the world, with approximately 750,000 visitors every day. It is the home of Metro-North Railroad, a subway station, iconic restaurants, shops, and the world’s most alluring Apple Store. Some of the highlights to see along your tour of Grand Central include the opal-faced clock, valued at $20 million, above the Information Booth, the Largest Tiffany Glass Clock in the World below the 48-foot, 1500-ton Transportation statue overlooking 42nd Street at Park Avenue, and the mystifying acoustics of the Whispering Gallery in front of the Oyster Bar and Restaurant. Audio and guided tours are available for those with a passion for history. More information regarding tours and ways to plan your visit can be found on the Grand Central Terminal website.
  • 5. Brooklyn Bridge – Opened in 1883, the Brooklyn Bridge provides passage between Brooklyn and Manhattan for motorists, trains, bicycles and pedestrians. One of the primary symbols of New York City, it is a marvel of design and provides spectacular views of the city’s skyline.
  • 6. Broadway – Midtown Manhattan is home to one of the world’s most famous theatre districts, with iconic musicals and well-loved plays staged live at over 40 theatres.
  • 7. Staten Island Ferry – Avoid the traffic of the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge by taking the free ferry to Staten Island, where you can marvel at the beauty of New York’s coastline along the way. The iconic orange ferry sails right through New York Harbor and is one of the best ways to see the Statue of Liberty and Manhattan skyline. Snap photos, watch life pass by, and even look out for the Brooklyn Bridge in the distance. Upon arrival in Staten Island, be sure to visit the National Lighthouse Museum and the Empire Outlets mall, located right next to the terminal.
  • 8. Chelsea Market – Chelsea Market is a world-famous food hall in the heart of New York City’s Meatpacking District. Commonly featured in walking and food tours, the market has an array of dining options that draw both locals and travelers. Set aside a couple of hours to conquer the corridors of this sprawling indoor marketplace. Many travelers load up on fresh produce, prime cuts of meat, artisanal cheeses, and even imported Italian dry goods. For more elbow room, visit either early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Plus, keep a lookout for delicious free samples and the quaint bookstore on site.
  • 9. New York Public Library – New York Public Library’s monumental main branch is known for its stunning architecture and remarkable historical collections. Take a break from the city’s hustle and bustle at the Rose Main Reading Room, amid chandeliers and an ornate ceiling with murals. Enjoy the free guided tour of the building and view masterpieces like the first Gutenberg Bible, and bring the kids to see the original stuffed animals that inspired the Winnie the Pooh stories. The library is served by multiple subway lines and is adjacent to the gorgeous Bryant Park, where you can unwind after the visit.
  • 10. Rockefeller Center – Rockefeller Center is a national historic landmark in the heart of Midtown Manhattan. Home to Top of the Rock Observation Deck, NBC Studios, Radio City Music Hall and much more. Shop, dine and explore at one of New York’s most inspiring locations.

BEST NON-FREE THINGS TO DO IN NEW YORK CITY

  • 1. New York in One Day Guided Sightseeing Tour – Make the most of your time in the city that never sleeps on a guided tour of NYC’s top attractions. Travel by both the Staten Island Ferry and bus as you swing by the 9/11 Memorial, Central Park, Rockefeller Center and more. Then hop aboard a one-trip Ferry ride for a sightseeing cruise past the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, complete with stunning views of the world-famous skyline and Brooklyn Bridge.
  • 2. Empire State Building Admission Ticket – Marvel at the 360-degree, unobstructed views from the Empire State Building, and explore its interactive museum and more, with this combo ticket. See NYC’s landmarks from the 86th-floor observatory, and enjoy the exhibitions displays on its 2nd and 80th floors. You can also upgrade for skip-the-line entry—or to ascend all the way to the 102nd floor.
  • 3. Statue of Liberty Super Express Cruise – Don’t waste precious hours on your NYC vacation at the Statue of Liberty when you can try this speedy Lady Liberty cruise that’s perfect for travelers with limited time. Just hop aboard and soak up the sea breeze as you’re whisked past Lady Liberty. You can marvel at the statue from the water, learn about the landmark from your guide’s live narration, and snap a few up-close photos with unobstructed views of this must-see NYC attraction.
  • 4. Dinner Cruise with Live Music – Set sail on a luxurious sunset dining adventure aboard the newest boat in New York Harbor with breathtaking skyline vistas. Admire the panoramic views including iconic landmarks like the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, Manhattan Bridge, and many more. Savor your delectable 5-course dinner at your own private table accompanied by live music. Opt for our standard cruise or upgrade to our exclusive VIP experience available for only 22 people each evening! Standard Cruise: Feast on a 5-course meal. Delight in a charcuterie board of premium cheese, meats, nuts, and more followed by salad, seafood, entrees, desserts, and unlimited non-alcoholic beverages all served on our Main Deck.
  • 5. Helicopter Tour: Manhattan Highlights – See New York City’s breathtaking skyline and sights of the city during this helicopter flight. Soar over the Big Apple with an exclusive sightseeing tour of the Manhattan skyline and beyond, including the Empire State Building and Central Park, plus the Statue of Liberty. A variety of departure times are available throughout the day to fit into almost any schedule.
  • 6. Helicopter Tour with Statue of Liberty Views – Admire unparalleled views of the Statue of Liberty from the air during a short but thrilling sightseeing helicopter ride. On this flyover tour you’ll also get to see Ellis Island, Governor’s Island, and Wall Street in Lower Manhattan. Get your cameras ready for the Brooklyn and Manhattan bridges, too. Receive personalized attention as this is a small-group flight.
  • 7. Central Park Pedicab Guided Tours – Hop aboard a pedicab—a bicycle-powered cab—for a private ride around New York City’s Central Park. Enjoy the undivided attention of your guide and the chance to customize your itinerary to include four stops of your choosing among more than 20 local attractions. Riding in a pedicab will get you around the 843-acre (341-hectare) park much more efficiently than you ever could on foot.
  • 8. One World Observatory Admission Ticket – See New York City at your feet with admission to the One World Observatory, a 3-story destination on top of the western hemisphere’s tallest building. Ride to the 102nd floor and watch the virtual city skyline transform across centuries of history. Learn about the construction of the skyscraper, which has sweeping views across the city, enjoying New York from a whole new perspective.
  • 9 – Carriage Ride in Central Park (VIP – PRIVATE) Since 1964 – Don’t settle for seeing Central Park through the window of a non-stop tour bus. Instead, make the most of good weather and enjoy a tour of the park in one of New York City’s iconic horse-drawn carriages. Hear about the history of Central Park and the Big Apple from your driver and take advantage of photo stops at park highlights made famous in so many movies, books, and television shows.
  • 10 – All-Access 9/11: Ground Zero Tour, Memorial and Museum, One World Observatory – In remembrance of the events of September 11, 2001, take this guided tour of Ground Zero and the 9/11 Memorial. Walk through the space of the former World Trade Center in NYC, and get a deeper understanding of the events that took place on that day. Your ticket includes skip-the-line access to the 9/11 Museum and Memorial, as well as the One World Observatory for panoramic views of the city.

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BARS NEAR THE CRUISE PORT