The Big Apple... The City that Never Sleeps... no matter what you call it, New York City is a vacation destination on many people's lists. There are tons of great things to do while on your vacation in New York, and much of it can be done without spending much cash.
New York Unearthed
This museum allows you to discover the history of the New York area over the last 6000 years. Visitors can see dioramas as well as archaeological artifacts. It is completely free, and very educational.
Central Park
Central Park is one of the places that most people think of when conjuring up New York in the mind's eye. It covers 843 acres and is located in Manhattan. You can hike or jog along the trails, take a paddleboat ride on the lake, or visit Strawberry Fields, a memorial to the life and music of John Lennon. You can even take a free Central Park Conservancy Tour, led by a volunteer, and learn about the history and ecology of the park.
Socrates Sculpture Park
The Socrates Sculpture Park, located on the East River in Queens, is also free. It has a number of giant sculptures and an impressive view of Montana.
The Bronx Zoo
No matter when you come to the city, you will find the Bronx Zoo open to the public. It is one of the most famous zoos in the world, and no trip to New York City is complete without a visit. You can see animals from around the globe, including monkeys, reptiles, bears, and tigers along with many more. You can even ride a camel or take the Skyfari across the park.
Ferry
Take a ride on the free Staten Island Ferry, which shuttles passengers between Manhattan and Staten Island and offers a terrific view of the city and the Statue of Liberty.
Statue of Liberty
One of the most iconic things you can do is take a walk to the top of the Statue of Liberty. The statue is a symbol of freedom known around the world.
Brooklyn Bridge
Apart from the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building, one of the most famous New York structures is the Brooklyn Bridge. You can drive across, or take the popular footpath to get some great views of the both Brooklyn and Manhattan.
Keep in mind that you will want to have plenty of money for cabs unless you decide to rent a car or take a subway. Since the city is so large, it may be in your best interest to take cabs to many of the sights and attractions, as getting off on the wrong subway stop can leave you miles from where you need to be. Still, you might want to take a subway ride simply for the atmosphere.
While you're in New York, don't forget to grab a hot dog from a street vendor and stop into one of the many pizza parlors for a slice of New York's finest. It doesn't get much better than that!