Free Things to do in New York City 2007

New York is a seriously expensive city for those of us in the U.S. I know, it’s like bargain shopping for our friends in the U.K., but for everyone else it’s one hard city to have a good time in on a budget. There are still things you can do on your business trip to the city that won’t break the bank.

Summer Stage is a series of free concerts and events that take place throughout the summer in Central Park. It breaks my heart in to a million pieces that I missed the Cat Empire show last weekend, but there are still loads of things to see.

Shakespeare in the Park in Central Park will show A Midsummer Night’s Dream from August 7 to 9th this year.

My Open Bar is the greatest resource for information on everything from free admission to bars to fun promotion like free drinks for those wearing masks. The site is a MUST check for your nighttime activities. Even if your budget isn’t that restricted (mine is), the site is sure to point you in the direction of great places to go.

The Brooklyn Bridge. After spending entirely too much money on dinner in Little Italy (I know, we should know better than eating on Mulberry Street), my roommates and I had a little walk/photo shoot on the bridge before making our way back to Jersey. It’s a great place to walk with spectacular views of the city. Stay the hell out of the bike lane or your will get yelled at.

Socrates Sculpture Park. The park is free to see and offers Cinema in the Park throughout the summer.

Bryant Park Summer Film Festival offers movies on Monday nights in Bryant Park throughout the summer. Bring a blanket and dinner and grab your spot around 5:00-ish.

River to River Festival is ongoing through September 29 and offers free concerts, theater, performances, entertainment and tours throughout lower Manhattan. There are SO many events, it’s hard to list them all. Pick a day and see what’s going on.

Brooklyn Performing Arts Festival is held from July 14 to August 11 at Prospect Park.

Seaside Summer Concert Series offers free concerts each Thursday at Coney Island.

Lincoln Center Out of Doors is a free festival will performances and activities on the outdoor plazas of the Lincoln Center.

Open House New York, from October 6 to 7 lets you tour buildings throughout the city for free.

Central Park. It’s pretty – go walk or jog. And lots of events go on there.

Kayaking on the Hudson River. You can take a short paddle in a protected area of the Hudson from the New York City Downtown Boathouse. They provide a kayak, life jacket, paddle and some tips. All you have to know is how to swim. They’ll even give you a hose to rinse off the pollution when you’re finished.

And of-course most New York museums offer a free day at some point in the week.

Do you know of any other great free things to do in the city?