Taking a vacation to New York can sometimes become stressful what with having to reserve hotel rooms and check out rates for New York rental cars. But don’t fret, taking a vacation doesn’t mean that you have to declare bankruptcy! New York offers plenty of free events like tours and demonstration that just can’t be seen anywhere else. Taking in the sights in your New York rental car is practically an event in itself! AAMCAR has taken the time to gather information on some of the most exciting and interesting things to do for free in the Big Apple, so read on for some money saving tips!
New York City Tapings
New York City is home to many national television show tapings. From Good Morning America to TRL on MTV, why not take a drive downtown in your New York rental car to check out the taping of one of your favorite shows? New York is also the home of late night TV, so how about taking in a laugh with Dave or Conan? Note that although these tapings are free, you may have to wait in line for tickets so plan ahead and get your requests in early.
The New York Stock Exchange
Never thought you’d get the chance to see the floor of one of the most influential buildings in the US? Well, when you visit New York, stop by the NYSE for the chance to take in all the action money makes. The New York Stock Exchange offers free tours along with an interactive education center located on Broad Street, perfect for entertaining the kids!
Central Park
What could be better than strolling hand in hand with your sweetie through Central Park? Or how about taking the kids to play on the over 20 playgrounds throughout the tree filled oasis? Central Park is by far the best free attraction in all of New York, so drive on over in your New York rental car and spend the day outdoors just relaxing.
Street Festivals
Throughout the year some of New York’s main streets are transformed into carnivals of fun filled games and attractions. Street performers come out in full force showcasing their unique talents along with local street vendors displaying their one of a kind merchandise. Why not take and afternoon to simply enjoy the laughter and browse the displays.
Places of Worship
New York has a wide variety of churches that are not only religiously awe-inspiring but also architecturally moving. Uptown offers the Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine, that includes a biblical garden and a children’s sculpture garden along with the Riverside Church which features the highest carillon tower at 400 feet. Downtown is best known for St. Patrick’s Cathedral, which was built in 1879. All of these buildings are open to the public and offer a different form of sightseeing.
Museums
New York is home to some of the largest museum collections in the world, from artifacts to sculptures, masterpieces to memorabilia. Although these museums normally charge an admission fee, keep a watch out for special days when the fee is waived.
Historical Tours
These walking tours allow you to explore the monuments and buildings in the lower Manhattan region at your own pace. These self-guided tours begin at the Heritage Trails visitor centre at the foot of the Federal Hall National memorial.
Other free attractions in New York include the Battery Park Conservatory, the South Street Seaport, Wave Hill and the Wine Tasting at Union Square .