One Free Day in NewYork

To begin with, there is always something new to see in NewYork city, from temporary street arts to permanent art installations. 

This itinerary covers only the two boroughs among the five: Manhattan and Staten Island. It starts at 9am in the morning ending at 9pm in the night; starting and ending at Times Square having the list of stuff you can do for free in one day. I have covered the important attractions of NewYork city. 

Tip: Be prepared to walk 3-4 miles and make sure you wear comfortable shoes.

Grand Central Terminal

Grand Central terminal is a historic NYC landmark which is not only a transportation hub—it’s a shopping, dining, and cultural destination. The zodiac ceiling in the massive, cathedral-like Main Concourse features 12 constellations painted in gold leaf plus 2500 stars—59 of them illuminated by LEDs.

 

 

Tip: NewYorkers do not appreciate tourists randomly stopping on the streets to click pictures. Move aside let the flow pass and then click as many pictures as you please.

One World Trade Centre

As all the attractions are relatively close to the station commuting in the subways is preferable . Subway is much cheaper and faster than Uber. There is a subway station within the Grand central on the 42nd street. Take 4 or 5 service number trains going downtown and get off at Fulton subway station.

Start walking to the One world trade centre which is 0.4 miles from the subway station and should take about 10mins to get there. It is the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere and the sixth-tallest building in the world. The top floor of One World Trade Center is 1,368 feet (417 m) above ground level and the tower’s antenna brings it to a pinnacle height of 1,776 feet (541 m). It is said that the World Trade Centre moves when its windy. So keep an eye to see the movement.

 

 

9/11 Memorial

The National September 11 Memorial & Museum (also called 9/11 memorial) is a memorial and museum in New York City commemorating the September 11, 2001 attacks, which killed  thousands of people. Start walking to the 9/11 Memorial which should take about 10mins from the one world trade centre.  You can also go to the museum if you are a museum enthusiast. You can purchase tickets at the museum or can buy them online saving time surpassing the big lines.

TIP: The museum is free on Tuesdays.

Trinity Church

Trinity Church Wall Street has been an integral part of New York City’s history for more than 300 years. Trinity church is 0.5 miles from the memorial towards the Wall Street.

New York Stock Exchange

You cannot miss the New York stock exchange when touring in NYC. It is by far the world’s largest stock exchange by market capitalization of its listed companies. Continue walking on the Wall Street to The New York Stock exchange which is 5 mins away from the church. Click a picture of the NYSE and with the NYSE.

Don’t forget to take a picture with The President George Washington who stands in front of the Federal Hall.

Charging Bull

Here he comes, one of the most instagrammed attractions in NewYork. He stands 5 minutes away from the NYSE. You should reach the bull by lunch.

The 3,200 kg sculpture stands 11 feet (3.4 m) tall and measures 16 feet (4.9 m) long. The oversize sculpture depicts a bull, the symbol of aggressive financial optimism and prosperity, leaning back on his haunches and with head lowered as if to charge. He attracts thousands of tourists a day, so forget getting a solo picture with him. There are going to be crowds and be prepared to photobomb other’s pictures and be prepared for photo bombers.

 

 

 

I know its a lot of walking from morning. Newyork is well known for its street food. try some halal food. Street food is as cheap as $2 for a hotdog and $6 for chicken over rice and it is really tasty. My favourite is Chicken over rice.

TIP: Carry cash. Not all street vendors accept cards.

Staten Island Ferry

Head to the battery park which is 5 mins walking from the charging bull. Get on the ferry to the staten Island.  It is the only direct mass-transit connection between the two boroughs Manhattan and Staten Island. There are ferries every 15-20 mins during peak times and every 30mins during off peak operating 24/7 and the trip only lasts for about 25 minutes. Staten Island Ferry is free offering great views of the skyline and a closer view of the Statue of liberty.

P.S: You can also purchase tickets to statue of liberty. Tickets to the Statue of liberty

 

 

 

These are few pictures I clicked from the Staten Island ferry. 

Times Square

At this point of time – after all the walking, all I can think of is a chilled beer or a chilled coke. Once you reach battery park walk to White Hall street which is 0.1 miles. Take trains N or R to Times Square and get off at the 49th Street.

Times Square is a major commercial intersection, tourist destination, entertainment center and neighborhood in the Midtown Manhattan section of NewYork city. Times Square is one of the world’s most visited tourist attractions, drawing an estimated 50 million visitors annually. Dine at one of the oldest restaurants or a roof top bar. I would recommend the 230 Fifth Rooftop Bar from where you can also have a bird’s eye view of the city without having to buy tickets for the view. You can see the Empire State building on one side and the Chrysler Building on the other.

I haven’t included the Empire State Building but please feel free to squeeze it in.

Hope you loved it !