• The Bronx Zoo, free to the public every Wednesday.
  
  
• Learn about New York's historic neighborhoods on a free tour sponsored by the Municipal Arts Society (212-439-1049).
  
  
• Rockefeller Center self-guided tour (pick up free maps in the main lobby of 30 Rockefeller Center,
  212-698-2950)
  
  
• Informative walking tour of Grand Central and the surrounding neighborhood offered on Fridays. Justin Ferate reveals many secrets and nuances about Grand Central Terminal and the neighborhood. (The tour is free, but you can still tip your guide)
  
  
• At Federal Hall, stand on the spot where George Washington was sworn in as America's first President. Explore numerous exhibits tracing New York's role as America's capital, always free at this national park.
  
  
• Explore New York's unique neighborhoods with a Big Apple Greeter. These cheerful and informed locals offer free tours of their neighborhoods for visitors. Be sure to schedule early, they stay busy.
  
  
• The Staten Island Ferry is free. The route offers views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island and the Manhattan skyline.
  
  
• New York Public Library. Explore the breathtaking, beaux arts New York Public Library. Regular events, including visual arts exhibits and music and dance performances, at the different branch locations are always free.
  
  
• Village Alliance free walking tours through St. Marks Place 212-777-2173.
  
  
• The Queens Library regularly hosts free cultural events open to the public. Check their website for listings of poetry readings, concerts, and performances.
  
  
• Wave Hill is known as one of New York's premier cultural centers. Weekly poetry performances and notable author readings are set among the scenic botanical gardens. Catch one on Tuesday when admission is free at different times of the day.
  
  
• Chelsea Brewing Company Tours. The guided tours take you up close to the grain silos, copper barrels and bottling system, which caps 2,000 bottles an hour. Chelsea Brewing Company, Chelsea Piers, Pier 59, W 19th St at the Hudson River (212-336-6440, chelseabrewingco.com). Sat 2–6pm on the hour.
  
  

Architechtural Design

Lobbys - Take a look around these famous lobbies.

• The art deco lobby of the Empire State Building
  
  
• Chrysler Building and lobby are classic examples of art deco.
  
  
• Woolworth building lobby
  
  

Churches - New York City has its fair share of impressive churches.

• Admire the 16th-century Flemish windows at Riverside Church.
  
  
• Tour the gardens of uptown's Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine.
  
  
• Enjoy the Gothic architecture of St. Patrick's Cathedral.
  

 

Other -

• Tour of the Plaza Hotel. Take a 45-minute guided peek into the luxurious Plaza (including some areas normally off-limits to tourists) on this tour led by architecture critic Francis Morrone. (Call ahead; reservations are required.)
  The Plaza Hotel, 768 Fifth Ave at Central Park South- 212-546-5477. Tue, Sat at 3pm.

 

Parks -

• The Central Park Conservancy offers volunteer-led walking tours.This vast urban green space offers almost every outdoor amenity. Keep an eye out for one of the many free concerts or plays performed primarily during the warmer months.
  
  
• Bryant Park is one of the city's premier outdoor cultural locations. Free concerts are performed during the summer, and feature-length movies are often projected on large screens. (or just lounge around on one of the 2000 movable chairs provided).
  The Pond is the centerpiece of Bryant Park's winter season, which also includes the annual Holiday Shops at Bryant Park. The 170' x 100' rink features free admission ice skating, in addition to high quality rental skates, skating shows, special events, and activities.
  
  
• From Battery Park you can admire the scenic vista of the Statue of Liberty or hop on the free Staten Island Ferry for an even better view.
  Castle Clinton National Monument, at Battery Park. learn about the forts important military history from park rangers. Free. (212) 344-7220
  
  
• Riverside Park. During the warmer months a limited number of kayaks can be borrowed for free.