Free Things to Do in NYC This Weekend

New York City is one of the most iconic and vibrant cities in the world. Its history dates back to the founding of the Dutch settlement of New Amsterdam in the 17th century, and the city has grown to become one of the most diverse and culturally rich cities in the world. With its many neighborhoods, landmarks, and attractions, New York City is a playground for tourists and locals alike. Here, we will explore some of the best free things to do this weekend in NYC.

A Brief History of New York City

New York City’s history is a long and complicated narrative of growth, colonization, immigration, and more. The Dutch settlement of New Amsterdam was established in 1624, and it was the first permanent European settlement on Manhattan Island. By 1664, the Dutch had surrendered the city to the English, and it was renamed New York after the Duke of York.

In 1790, New York City was established as the capital of the United States, and it soon became a major economic and cultural hub for the country. The 19th century saw a massive influx of immigrants from Europe, and this influx helped fuel the city’s growth. By the late 19th century, New York City was one of the most populous cities in the world. As the city grew, so did its cultural and economic significance.

Today, New York City is the most populous city in the United States with more than 8 million people living within its five boroughs. It’s also one of the most visited cities in the world with over 60 million tourists each year. Tourists flock to New York City to experience its iconic attractions such as the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, and Times Square.

Must-See Attractions

No visit to New York City is complete without visiting some of its iconic attractions. These attractions are what make New York City such an exciting and vibrant place to visit. Here are some of the top attractions to check out this weekend:

Statue of Liberty

The Statue of Liberty is one of the most iconic symbols of freedom and democracy in the world. Located on Liberty Island in New York Harbor, this iconic statue was a gift from France to celebrate the centennial of the United States. The statue stands 305 feet tall and is a symbol of freedom for millions of people around the world.

Visiting the Statue of Liberty is a must-do for any traveler to New York City. You can take a boat tour around Liberty Island or take an elevator up to the top of the statue for breathtaking views of New York Harbor and Manhattan.

Empire State Building

The Empire State Building is another iconic symbol of New York City. Located in Midtown Manhattan, this 102-story skyscraper was once the tallest building in the world and is still one of the most recognizable buildings in the city.

Visitors can take a self-guided tour to the top of the Empire State Building for stunning views of Manhattan and beyond. The building also has an observation deck on the 86th floor where you can take in panoramic views of New York City.

Times Square

Times Square is a bustling neighborhood in Midtown Manhattan that is known for its bright lights and grand theaters. This vibrant neighborhood has something for everyone, from shopping to dining to entertainment. It’s also home to some of Broadway’s most popular theaters, making it a great place to catch a show this weekend.

At night, Times Square comes alive with its neon lights and giant billboards. It’s a great place to take a stroll and take in all that New York City has to offer.

Free Events and Activities

In addition to some of New York City’s iconic attractions, there are also many free events and activities that you can enjoy this weekend. Here are some great things to do this weekend:

Central Park

Central Park is an iconic 843-acre park located in Manhattan’s Upper West Side. The park is home to a variety of activities, events, and attractions such as boating, jogging, nature walks, and ice skating rinks.

Central Park is also home to many free musical performances throughout the year, such as concerts by local musicians or performances by street performers. It’s also a great place to take a stroll or have a picnic with friends or family.

Brooklyn Bridge Park

Brooklyn Bridge Park is located on the East River in Brooklyn and offers visitors stunning views of Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn Bridge. It’s also home to many free events throughout the year such as outdoor movies and concerts.

The park also has plenty of recreational activities such as kayaking, paddle boating, cycling, and fishing. It’s a great place to spend a day outdoors with friends or family this weekend.

Museum Mile

Museum Mile is one of New York City’s most popular attractions for visitors. This stretch of Fifth Avenue is home to some of the city’s most renowned museums such as The Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, and The Jewish Museum.

Many of these museums offer free admission on certain days or at certain times throughout the year, so make sure to check their websites for more information before planning your visit this weekend.

Popular Tours

In addition to exploring some of New York City’s iconic attractions, you can also go on guided tours that will allow you to explore more of what the city has to offer. Here are two popular tours that you can book this weekend:

Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Tour

This tour allows you to explore two iconic destinations in one day: The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. You’ll get to take a ferry ride across New York Harbor to Liberty Island where you can explore all that The Statue of Liberty has to offer. On Ellis Island, you’ll get to explore immigration history in America as you learn about how millions of immigrants passed through Ellis Island during its years as a major immigration center from 1892-1954. This tour also includes access to Ellis Island’s museum where you can explore artifacts from immigrants who came through here on their journey to start anew in America. Book this tour here.

High Line Tour

This tour takes you through one of New York City’s most iconic public parks: The High Line Park. This park was built on an elevated section of an abandoned railway line and offers stunning views of downtown Manhattan while giving visitors an up-close look at some of NYC’s most famous landmarks such as The Empire State Building, One World Trade Center, and The Statue of Liberty. You’ll also get to explore some hidden gems along The High Line Park such as art installations and other attractions while learning about its fascinating history from your knowledgeable guide. Book this tour here.

Conclusion

New York City is one of the most vibrant cities in the world with plenty for tourists to explore this weekend. From iconic attractions such as The Statue of Liberty and The Empire State Building to free events such as Central Park concerts or Museum Mile tours, there are plenty of fun things for visitors to do this weekend in NYC without spending any money at all! And if you’re looking for something more immersive, there are plenty of guided tours available that will allow you to explore further into what makes NYC so special while learning more about its history along the way. So don’t forget your camera—you’re sure to make lasting memories this weekend in New York City!