New York – New York
T
he subway is an attraction in itself and you will inevi tably spend much of your vacation time checking out routes and ducking in and out of the various stations, armed with a MetroCard and a copy of the iconic subway map. Here are 5 of the best free NYC activities. TAKE THE HIGH ROAD Once an abandoned and unsightly stretch of elevated railroad track, the High Line was transformed in 2009 into a snaking day park, suspended 9 meters above the ground connecting the Meatpacking District with Chelsea’s market and art galleries. From wonderful views of the Hudson River to lush gardens, art installations and sculptures, this shining example of urban renewal is full of hidden moments and perspectives. Architecture fans will love looking down 18th Street, and over at 17th and 30th Streets, steel cut-outs frame the scenes below. After experiencing this unmissable free attraction, explore Chelsea’s nearby art galleries situated mainly around 21st to 24th Streets and 10th to 11th Avenues, and time your visit for wine-and-cheese openings on Thursday evenings.
Museum of Modern Art (MoMA).
Colourful mosaic mural at one of New York city’s subway stations.
14th Street and 8th Avenue A WALK IN THE PARK
Central Park.
Big Apple – Small Budget Enjoying many of the Big Apple’s biggest attractions like the Empire State Building, a Broadway show or the Guggenheim Museum can be expensive. However, purchasing a seven-day, unlimited ride, $32 MetroCard on New York’s subway system, opens up a world of free experiences. by Andrew Marshall Photos: Paul Marshall
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WOW Power to the people
Just like most ordinary parks, New York’s Central Park is free to visit, but Central Park is no ordinary park. This 340-hectare swathe of green is jam-packed with free events, points of interest, familiar scenes from the movies and some of the world’s best people-watching. It would be easy to spend loads of time here. Some top picks to get you started include a visit to Strawberry Fields, a tranquil garden area created by Yoko Ono in memory of John Lennon, a free Shakespeare in the Park production at the Delacorte Theater during July or August, picnicking in Sheep Meadow, strolling the Literary Walk or watching street performers at the ornate Bethesda Terrace and Fountain.
The High Line.
51st Street Subway Station
A visitor checks out a Jackson Pollock painting at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMa).
Street and 7th Avenue A NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) showcases arguably the most comprehensive collection of modern masterpieces on the planet including classics such as Van Gogh’s Starry Night, Andy Warhol’s Campbell’s Soup Cans and Jackson Pollock’s
New York City subway map.
