Visiting New York City on a budget might sound a bit far-fetched for some travelers, but with a little careful planning, you can have a successful trip to NYC on any budget. While New York City is known to be one of the world’s most expensive cities, there are plenty of ways to have an incredible trip without breaking the bank. There are hundreds of free things to do in NYC, including visiting some of the best museums, attending incredible performances and seeing the most famous attractions in the world, like the Brooklyn Bridge. If you are looking for free NYC walking tour you may consider Big Apple Greeter, a network of volunteers who share their love of the city.
Book absolutely free NYC walking tour
Since 1992, Big Apple Greeter’s free “welcome visitor” service has promoted New York City worldwide and helped more than 120,000 visitors discover the City’s ethnically and culturally diverse neighborhoods through the eyes of those who know it best – New Yorkers. With an increase in travel to the United States from foreign countries, Big Apple Greeter’s services are more in demand than ever.
A visit with a Greeter leaves a lasting impression of the city, the warmth of its people, and the diversity of its neighborhoods. All Greeters are volunteers – they are not paid professional tour guides. During a visit, your Greeter will spend two to four hours with you, introducing you to life in the city as it is experienced by New Yorkers.
A Greeter visit is informal, unscripted, and does not follow a pre-set itinerary as a public walking tour would. During the Greeter visit, if the Greeter thinks of something the visitors might like to see or do, then they can quickly change plans and go in a different direction.
Greeters come from varied backgrounds and can welcome visitors in over 20 languages. Greeters and visitors are paired according to language, neighborhoods requested, and interests, whenever possible.
Big Apple Greeter services are free of charge, and there is a no tipping policy. Big Apple Greeter welcomes all visitors without regard to race, color, creed, gender, age, sexual orientation, country of origin, marital status, or disability.
If you want to meet a volunteer greeter, you must fill in the Visit Request Form.
Things to know before you book free NYC walking tour:
- Request a Greeter at least 3-4 weeks before arriving in New York City.
- Be sure to contact your Greeter when you arrive.
- To support their mission of enhancing New York City’s image, Big Apple Greeter require that visitors’ accommodations be within the 5 boroughs of New York City.
- A minimum two-night stay in the city is required.
- Greeters are volunteer “friends,” not professional tour guides.
- Greeters meet up to 6 people, including children.
- Greeter’s knowledge of New York City is personal knowledge gained from living and working here.
- Greeter “visits” have no pre-set itineraries, theme tours or start times.
- If your plans change, contact your Greeter immediately.
Travelers with Disabilities
Big Apple Greeter launched its Access Program in 1993 to inform travelers with disabilities of accessible travel options within New York City, and to help travelers with disabilities get the most from their visit by matching them with a volunteer Greeter who will show them a favorite section of the city. Since then, Big Apple Greeter welcomed several thousand visitors with disabilities along with their travel companions.