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The 100 Best Free Things to Do in New York City

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The 100 Best Free Things to Do in New York City

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Old Jul 16th, 2008, 04:00 AM
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Standing outside of the Ed Sullivan's theatre stage door during taping of the Letterman show to see who might come out.
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Old Jul 16th, 2008, 05:53 AM
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Forbes Gallery
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Old Jul 16th, 2008, 06:19 AM
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TO Tuscanlifeedit - what is UES????
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Old Jul 16th, 2008, 06:22 AM
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UES = Upper East Side

UWS = Upper West Side
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Old Jul 16th, 2008, 06:29 AM
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For info on Free museums (all the time or at designated times) see:
http://www.ny.com/museums/free.html

There are many to choose from!
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Old Jul 16th, 2008, 09:04 AM
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MFNYC gave a comprehensive list of free museums. One I would suggest visiting (because most tourists don't) is the Museum of the City of New York. Free on Sundays between 10 and noon.
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Old Jul 16th, 2008, 09:49 AM
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During the summers, free visits and tours of Governors Island, and concerts.

Every Columbus Day Weekend, Open HouseNY, where many sites normally closed to the public, or open at a fee, are free of charge. It gets better every year.

Visit to a state or federal courthouse and see justice at work.

Some of my favorite walks are along the East River, Riverside Drive, and along the river behind the Winter Garden.

The Met in the Parks and the Philharmonic Concerts in the parks.

Afternoon rehearsals at Avery Fisher Hall.

And already mentioned, but agree with the SI Ferry and just walking all the neighborhoods - especially when the crowds are gone.
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Old Jul 16th, 2008, 09:59 AM
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Now I'd add the Ikea ferry. Very interesting view of the skyline and Statue of Liberty from the pier there. Come for the view, stay for the Swedish Meatballs!
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Old Jul 16th, 2008, 02:36 PM
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Dohlice---have you taken the ferry there yet?
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Old Jul 17th, 2008, 09:05 AM
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The summer is such a great time for free NYC activities. One of my very favorite things to do is watch outdoor movies, and there are so many! I also enjoy outdoor dancing and concerts.

Here are a few resources for free summertime activities:

River to River festival:
http://www.rivertorivernyc.com/

Hudson River Park:
http://www.hudsonriverpark.org/events.asp

Central Park SummerStage:
http://www.summerstage.org/
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Old Jul 17th, 2008, 03:40 PM
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Central Park is my saving grace

If I need a change of scenery and want to stay in the 'hood- then I head to Riverside Park.

On Sundays, there are free kayaking at 70th street in Riverside Park. There are other locations too.

Outdoor movie nights- Monday nights at Bryant Park, sundown in the summer.

Mid-summer Night Swing at Lincoln Center. If you want to dance on the stage they put up there is a fee, but you can boogie free or just enjoy the great music on the plaza. Even if you don't dance, great for people watching. I once saw a man swing dancing with his cat.
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Old Jul 21st, 2008, 05:57 AM
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lp-- thanks for the heads up about the dancing at Lincoln Center.

For anyone who is interested:
http://www.lincolncenter.org/load_sc...er_Night_Swing

Through July 26th
Tuesdays- Swing music
Saturdays- Salsa
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Old Jul 22nd, 2008, 05:49 PM
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Adding one more, kid/family friendly option- The Science Barge.

http://nysunworks.org/?page_id=31

Looks interesting, haven't visited, only seen it while biking along the Hudson. It's parked at 70th street and the river for July and August.
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Old Jul 23rd, 2008, 06:41 AM
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There are lots of free walking tours.
http://nymag.com/guides/cheap/walkingtours/

Go to the auction houses during the viewing period to see great art, jewelry, furniture. Even more fun is going for an auction.

http://www.christies.com/

http://www.sothebys.com/

http://www.doylenewyork.com/default.htm
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Old Jul 23rd, 2008, 10:42 AM
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A visit to Katz's Deli and Lombardi's Pizza are a must! I also like walking across the Brooklyn Bridge and sipping a cocktail on the rooftop of the Gansevoort Hotel.
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Old Jul 23rd, 2008, 06:34 PM
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The reading room and kid's classic tuesdays in Bryant Park is fab.
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Old Jul 24th, 2008, 01:45 PM
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I did the Ikea ferry last Friday. I had to wait in line for 40 minutes to get on... they only let 74 people on per ferry, and the 75th has to wait for the next one. I would NOT recommend this during rush hours, especially in the Manhattan-to-Brooklyn direction. Lots of commuters are using the free ferry as a free ride, rather than to go to Ikea.

But I will admit, it was a fun trip, and you can't argue with the Swedish Meatballs!
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Old Jul 24th, 2008, 02:01 PM
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Could someone please explain what the Ikea ferry is (and what's up with the Swedish meatballs??!!) and where to get it? I'll be in NY for 2 days the first week of August and might like to give it a try! Thanks
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Old Jul 24th, 2008, 05:07 PM
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It is a ferry from Manhattan that goes to the new Ikea store in Brooklyn, where you can eat meatballs.
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Old Jul 25th, 2008, 11:50 AM
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where do you catch it?
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