Exploring the City that Never Sleeps: Free Things to Do in New York City

New York City, known for its bright lights, bustling streets, and endless entertainment options, can sometimes be overwhelming for visitors and locals alike. However, you don’t have to break the bank to experience the best of the Big Apple. From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, there are plenty of free things to do in New York City that are just as exciting and memorable.

1. Visit Central Park: This 843-acre green oasis in the middle of Manhattan offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Take a stroll, have a picnic, or rent a bike and enjoy the scenery.

2. Explore Museums: Many of NYC’s world-class museums offer free admission on certain days or at specific times. For example, the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) is free on Fridays from 5:00-8:00 PM.

3. Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge: Take in the stunning views of the Manhattan skyline and the East River while walking across this iconic bridge.

4. Discover Street Art: The city’s streets are a canvas for talented artists. Explore neighborhoods like Bushwick, Williamsburg, and the Lower East Side to discover vibrant murals and graffiti.

5. Visit Times Square: While it may be crowded, Times Square is a must-see destination. Catch the bright lights, giant billboards, and lively atmosphere without spending a dime.

6. Attend TV Show Tapings: Be part of a live studio audience for shows like The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Saturday Night Live, or Good Morning America.

7. Explore Iconic Neighborhoods: Take a self-guided walking tour of historic neighborhoods like Greenwich Village, SoHo, and Chinatown to experience the unique culture and charm of each area.

8. Visit the High Line: This elevated park built on an old rail line offers stunning views of the Hudson River and cityscape.

9. Enjoy Outdoor Concerts and Movies: During the summer, many parks in NYC host free outdoor concerts and movie screenings.

10. Take a Ferry to the Statue of Liberty: While visiting the statue itself requires a fee, taking the ferry to Liberty Island is free, offering breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline and the iconic landmark.

From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, there are countless free things to do in the city that never sleeps. So, take a stroll, explore a new neighborhood.

Written by: Regina Gigi Rodriguez 

Real Precyse

Real Precyse is a Producer and DJ from the Boston, M.A. region who focuses on Trap & EDM, but has skill sets in many other genres. With a vast Hip Hop background Precyse has managed to cultivate a unique edge on expanding his imagination whilst honing desires to become a staple in the industry by having his own unique approach. One of Precyse’s favorite quotes details the synapses and mindset he maintains. “Both desire and imagination are stored in the mind of the individual and when stretched, both have the potential to position a person for greatness” – Eric Thomas.

The Ever Failing System

A considerable amount of American citizens live a life of poverty. Some are impoverished due to unemployment, some are disabled, others earn low wages. They are all impoverishment none the less. The American government created social service agencies to assist these vulnerable citizens in life or at least that is the claim.

In New York State The Department of Human Resource Administration is the agency that was appointed to assist low income families that are living in poverty. This is a system that is failing miserably. Let me explain further.

The ultimate goal of the Human Resource Administration is to provide temporary assistance to needy citizens of New York State. This hardly ever happens. Instead HRA creates dependency for some.

The Back To Work program is inadequate! The program does work for some but the reality is that very few public assistance recipients find work while attending the Back To Work program. In my opinion the purpose of the Back To Work Program is to justify the modern day slavery that is called the Work Experience Program or WEP.

The Work Experience Program does not benefit the public assistance recipient. In fact the recipient skills, qualifications, certifications and interest are never evaluated when issuing these WEP assignments. A computer randomly picks an assignment in a location that is not more than an hour away in traveling time.

When a public assistance recipients is fortunate enough to obtain employment they are deterred. The Human Resource Administration makes returning to work inconvenient. A person who is recently employed must now take days off from work to respond to mandatory appointments. If this is not enough child care sometimes lapse for working parents because someone neglected to file the paperwork properly. Even worse than that a working person can have issues with housing due to departmental errors.

This is bureaucracy intended to keep the impoverished depended on a failing system.

Written by: Regina Alston