14 Free Ways to Make the Most of New York City
Free Walking Tours of NYC
In addition to free tours of places such as the Conservatory Garden in Central Park and the Federal Reserve Bank, there are a large number of other free walking tours in New York City where you’re only asked to tip if you enjoyed the experience.
Companies such as Free Tours By Foot, NYCgo, and New Europe Tours (among others), offer tours of virtually every neighborhood in the city. There’s sure to be something for everyone. Some of the tours are even offered in languages other than English to accommodate even more visitors.
The companies are usually staffed by locals who know the city’s secrets unlike anyone else and are a great way to learn about the history and culture of New York City in an enjoyable and laid-back way.
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Take a Free Tour of the Brooklyn Brewery
A favorite activity among beer enthusiasts whenever they go on vacation is taking a brewery tour. In New York City, The Brooklyn Brewery offers visitors the chance to take a free tour of one of the largest and most well-known craft breweries in the country. You’ll join a group tour where you’ll learn about the history of the brewery, get a look at the behind-the-scenes operations of the brewery, and enjoy a guided tasting of four of the beers they produce.
The tours take approximately 45 minutes. Monday through Friday, tours are only offered by reservation and cost $18 (booking dates open 60 days in advance). However, tours are completely free on the weekend. On Saturdays and Sundays, the brewery offers drop-in tours limited to 40 people every half-hour.
The tours are only open to those 21 years of age or older, but they do allow children come along with their parents. They also frequently host public events in their Tasting Room (think games, food vendors, live music) so checking the calendar during your trip could be well worth it.
