subject: New York on a budget [print this page] Author: Paul Buchanan Author: Paul Buchanan
New York is a city famed for its fabulous shopping and fast paced lifestyle, and is a truly iconic city in the eyes of many. But its It is also renowned for being expensive, a fact that puts many off visiting; however, there is much to see and do without breaking the bank, in fact some of them are free. Central Park is a must-see for all who visit New York and has 843 acres to explore with a scattering of gardens, large swathes of open area, water features and pathways. Visitors can Eenjoy a brief break from the towering buildings of New York in this green paradise. There are also free guided tours provided by the Central Park Conservancy. Though technically free, The Metropolitan Museum of Art does request a small donation. Whether you pay or not, the museum is a real treasure trove. With works of art, sculpture, photos and cultural artefacts which give you so much to look at, you can spend hours meandering through the exhibits. Buzzing Times Square is best seen after dark as its neon signs flash and scroll to create a truly illuminating experience that will leave you open-mouthed and entranced. Every year over more than 26 million people visit Times Square to dine, see a Broadway play or just to stop and stare. The Staten Island ferry is a great (though not particularly fancy) way to see the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island and the glittering lights of Lower Manhattan for free from the water. The trip takes roughly 25 minutes and is a perfect opportunity to get some amazing photos, especially of the Statue of Liberty in all her splendour. The Brooklyn Bridge was once the longest suspension bridge in the world and now, though not the longest, it is still a beautiful feat of engineering. The walk itself can take anything upwards of 25 minutes, depending on how many times you stop for pictures as you wander between Manhattan and Brooklyn. New York is the setting of many television shows and its studios host a multitude of talk shows. If you feel like getting your face on television you can get live studio tickets for free, though unfortunately it often means queuing for the privilege. So next time someone mentions the Big Apple, you can relax in the knowledge that you can have a great time on New York holidays, without spending a small fortune.About the Author: