Nomadic African

 by H.D. Bien 

 Manhattan is famous for being an expensive place to live. Fortunately for budget travelers, it's densely packed with so many attractions that there's plenty of free things to do also. Here's a short guide to the most popular free things to do for any tourists visiting Manhattan.

Learn some history at the New York Public Library

Established in 1895, the New York Public Library is the third largest public library in the world with over 50 million items available to check out. There are 82 branches throughout New York City, 35 of which are in Manhattan.

The Stephen A Schwarzman Building is the most famous library, which recently turned one century old. It's located just east of Times Square. Although primarily a library, some would mistaken it as a museum. There are exhibits featuring copies of historical documents, such as the Gutenburg Bible and the Declaration of Independence. Free tours are given on weekday afternoons.

Visit the Broadway District and Times Square

After a visit to the New York Public Library, walk west to find yourself at the heart of the Broadway District. Over 40 million visitors come to Times Square annually. Take your time to explore the streets. Watch the passing tourists, taxi drivers, and businesses. If you can spare a few dollars, purchase a pretzel from one of the food carts for a cheap meal on the go.

Times Square, also known as the crossroads of the world, is the hub of Broadway. Look above and you'll find gigantic electronic billboards advertising well known brands. At the center of Times Square is the One Times Square building, headquarters to the New York Times. Originally called Longacre Square, this intersection was renamed after the newspaper corporation moved its headquarters here.

Take a free ferry ride from Manhattan to Staten Island

The Staten Island Ferry transports 20 million people a year, usually around 60 thousand passengers per day. The ride is about half an hour long and goes for 5 miles along the New York Harbor. From the deck, you'll have a fantastic view of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Although primarily for commuters, the ferry is often used by tourists to experience the New York Harbor. Amazingly, all of this is provided for free!

Relax and catch some air at Central Park

Right in the heart of Manhattan, Central Park is the largest urban public park in the United States. The park is huge and filled with many free and cheap activities. Inside you'll find a zoo, ice skating rinks, a conservatory garden, and even a castle. Before your trip, be sure to check New York's Central Park website to see if any events are happening during your trip. The city tends to throw free events like concerts or Shakespeare plays.

Central Park didn't exist until 1857. Before then, New Yorkers would gather at cemeteries just to get away from the population and for fresh air. Once the urban park was established, it quickly became a National Historic Landmark in 1962. 

Have some more time to explore Manhattan? I've written a visitor's guide to the city at What To Do in Manhattan. It's full of destinations, tips, and a bit of history. I hope you'll find it useful. I've also written a longer list of What To Do In Manhattan For Free.