The Best Things In Life Are Free: A Day Off In NYC

New York City is expensive. Just about everything costs money. From the $3 Coke to the $12 movie ticket, it all adds up- and quickly. If you have some free time and want to spend an afternoon around New York City, below is a list of ways to have a good time without spending a dime.

If you have any interesting ideas of your own, add them as a comment on this article to share it with others. Let’s create a list of fun things to do that are totally free.

Attend a TV Show Taping

Since NYC is a major home to television filming, one of the first things you need to do is watch a TV show taping. Depending on your mood, interests, and time schedule, you can see everything from NBC’s The Today Show to CBS’ “The Late Night Show” with David Letterman. Some shows are filmed outdoors, such as “The Today Show” and no tickets are necessary – others will require a little more ingenuity and persistence to score seats.

The following is a brief list of shows that film in New York City: The Today Show, The Early Show, Good Morning America, The View, Live with Regis and Kelly, Rachel Ray, Total Request Live, Montel Williams, The Daily Show, The Colbert Report, Late Night with Conan O’Brien, and Saturday NighT Live.

For a complete list of shows that film in New York City, their filming times, and any other relevant information, check out this link.

Free Central Park Concerts

Odds are, during the summer months, something music related is going on in Central Park. From free shows of the New York Philharmonic to cultural festivals, the City of New York provides plenty of opportunities to hear great music while enjoying the great weather in the summertime. For more information, check out CentralPark.com and Summerstage.org for all the details. Check out their calendar and print a copy of the schedule so you’ll always know what’s going on in the park this summer.

Keep in mind, Central Park isn’t the only place to hear free music. From Bryant Park to Washington Square, with free acts ranging from John Legend to bands you’ve never heard of, explore this link for more ideas and information. 

Window Shopping To The Extreme

From the Macy’s Flagship Store to all of Fifth Avenue, New York City is home to some of the biggest names and most famous fashion stores in the world. Spend some time walking down Fifth Avenue, checking out the stores of fashion icons such as Fendi, Prada, and Louis Vuitton. With Tiffany and Co., Bergdorf Goodman, and even F.A.O Schwartz, within walking distance, even if you don’t buy, you can still have a pretty good time. Make time to explore the NBA Store along Fifth Avenue, the Apple Store near Central Park, and the shops inside the Time Warner Buildings. 

See The NYC Landmarks

From the Brooklyn Bridge to Wall Street, New York City has some of the world’s best landmarks. Make a list of places you want to see, such as Grand Central Station or the Empire State Building, and spend the day covering the town. Think about all the famous architecture around the city, from the glass cube Apple Store to Rockefeller Plaza. You can use the subway to around quicker (its only $2 per ride), but it’s more interesting to see the city by foot.

Take A Dip In The Pool

With 54 public pools open all summer long, spend a day swimming or working on your tan. The New York City Department of Parks and Recreation works hard to keep clean pools open around the city. Depending on the weather, there are numerous indoor and outdoor pools to choose from. On their website, you can find pools based on their location and find out other details, such as maps, addresses, and hours of operation. Visit the New York City Parks Website (www.nycgovparks.org/) and go to “Things To Do,” or click here.

Your Turn

So you didn’t think it was possible - to spend an afternoon in one of the most expensive cities and not spend any of your cash. This is just the start, share you ideas below.