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New York Fun for Free
Get a feel for New York as a real New Yorker sees it with a guided tour by a Big Apple Greeter . These experienced, local volunteers will happily share the secrets of their favorite neighborhoods at no charge. Make an appointment at least 3–4 weeks in advance (212/669-8159)
Admire folk paintings, furniture, pottery, quilts and other decorative arts from the 18th century to the present at the American Folk Art Museum , which now houses its collection in two locations. The smaller branch, the Eva & Morris Feld Gallery on Columbus Avenue (212/595-9533), offers free admission at all times. The museum's new home on West 53rd Street (212/265-1040, www.folkartmuseum.org) charges admission ($9 for adults, 5$ for students and seniors, free for children 12 and under), but is free on Fridays from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Historical and contemporary design can be viewed for free at The Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum , Tuesday evenings, 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. (212/849-8400, www.si.edu/ndm. Unique urban art is showcased at the Municipal Art Society's Urban Center Gallery at no charge, 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The gallery is closed on Sundays and Thursdays (212/935-3960, www.mas.org).
Explore the largest collection in the world devoted to Native American history and culture at New York's National Museum of the American Indian (212/514-3700, www.si.edu/nmai).
The museum is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (8:00 p.m. on Thursdays).
Catapult into the future at the Sony Wonder Technology Lab , where high-tech interactive exhibits thrill kids of all ages (212/833-8100, www.sonywondertechlab.com).
By calling in advance, you can attend free tapings of popular television shows including Late Night with David Letterman (212/975-5853, www.cbs.com/latenight/lateshow/); Live with Regis and Kelly (212/456-3054, www.tvplex.go.com/buenavista/livewithregis/) and The Montel Williams Show (212/830-0364, www.montelshow.com).
You can explore the majestic Art Deco masterpiece Rockefeller Center on a free, self-guided tour. Pick up maps in the main lobby at 30 Rockefeller Plaza (212/332-6868, www.rockefellercenter.com).
Taste farm-fresh produce, homemade breads, cheeses, cider and more at the Union Square Green Market , where some vendors offer free samples of their wares (212/477-3220, Union Square, East 17th Street & Broadway: Mon, Wed, Fri & Sat, Year Round / www.cenyc.org). Or browse for bargains at the two Greenflea markets: the Columbus Avenue market (at West 76th Street) is open on Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and the West 84th Street location (between Columbus and Amsterdam) is open during the same hours on Saturdays (212/721-0900).
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