Albeit having obtained quite a pricey reputation, I reassure you that Manhattan can be experienced on a very limited budget. The beating heart of the city that never sleeps offers a plethora of activities which won't cost you a cent, and will widen your perspective and deepen your appreciation of this NYC borough. Here are my top 5!
5. People-watching
What better way to experience a place than through the people? Find yourself a bench with a good view on a busy avenue, blink, and take it all in. It's that simple.
4. Explore Central Park
Sometimes referred to as the lungs of Manhattan, this 3.41 km squared green space is the perfect place to get a breath of fresh air in the midst of the bustling metropolis. Head to Sheep Meadow for a picnic and scenic skyscraper views or slip into your favourite pair of Nike's and go for a jog: you'll blend right in with the locals! Alternatively, Central Park is a paradise for skaters, longboarders, rollerbladers... name a sport, you'll find someone doing it there.
3. Head out onto the The High Line
We stumbled upon this hybrid public space quite by accident on our first trip to New York, and I'm so glad we did! Saved from demolition and opened in 2009, this park built on an elevated historic freight rail connects Manhattan's west side, and is a unique scene for nature, arts and culture, acting as an attraction in its own right, and a connection for some of NYC's most exciting districts, including Soho and Chelsea. Iconic spots include the Von Furstenberg sundeck and water feature( I haven't been to this particular one yet but it looks seriously cool) and Chelsea Thicket. Plus, it can be accessed at lots of points along its route. Wandering through this feat of urban planning is not only awe-inspiring but completely free.
2. Take the Staten Island Ferry
At first I couldn't believe that this ferry trip didn't cost a cent. The crossing from Manhattan to Staten Island is a passenger ferry route which runs 5.2 miles through New York Harbour, and offers not only free transport via boroughs but breath-taking, instagram-worthy views of the Statue of Liberty and the iconic downtown Manhattan skyline.
1. Cycle!
“Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of riding a bike” – John F Kennedy
Manhattan’s Bike Paths, Bike Lanes & Greenways cover more than 240 miles, and I admit I utterly agree with this American president: cycling is one of my favourite pass-times and there are few ways more exciting and immersive to discover the Big Apple than on a bike. A friend introduced my cousins and I to the bike path which runs parallel to the Hudson on Manhattan's west side, taking us from Inwood Hill Park to Battery Park via Columbia University, Ground zero and the infamous site of the Sully landing. One heck of a greatest hits tour, all on our two wheels, and of course completely free! Due to the varied scenery I loved this particular ride, but with hundreds of miles of bike routes across the city, you're bound to find more that get your wheels turning!
Useful links:
Google maps- https://www.google.com/maps
High Line info- https://www.thehighline.org/visit/
Staten Island Ferry info- https://www.siferry.com/
Bike routes- http://www.nycbikemaps.com/maps/manhattan-bike-map/ #
Photo creds to my auntie the incredible Lea Jones. Definitely worth a follow on insta!
Comments