This is How You Do Summer in NYC

It’s summer and the heat is rising from the pavement in The Big Apple. It’s a time when many New Yorkers think about escaping to Cape Cod or Nantucket.

And that’s a shame because NYC literally vibrates with things to do, festivals to attend and places to see.

And best of all, many of them are free.

Check out these free summer activities, yours for the taking!

1. Macy’s Fourth of July Parade

What could be more American than Independence Day, a parade, and fireworks? An original score, big name artists, a full orchestra and thousands of dollars in fireworks make Macy’s salutes the fourth of July memorable. This  year’s theme is “Brave”.

See how Macy’s lights up the sky in this video.

2. Walking Tours of NYC Neighborhoods

For the price of a good pair of walking shoes you can see NYC up close and personal. Free Tours by Foot’s expert guides will lead you on a tour of Manhattan and Brooklyn. You can experience the taste sensations of Lower East Side, Greenwich Village and Chinatown when you take the food tour. The only cost is your food. Check out the NYC food tour options at: http://www.freetoursbyfoot.com/new-york-tours/food-tours/

Try a walking tour of notable Harlem landmarks like the Apollo Theater.

Go thrift store shopping in Gramercy.

Experience those breathtaking river views from Chelsea.

Check out all the options run by local volunteers who work for tips only at: http://www.freetoursbyfoot.com/new-york-tours/

3. Explore Central Park

This large, green space in the heart of the city contains 80 acres of woodland, 250 acres of lawns and 150 acres of water.

You can wander about at will or you can sign up for a free tour with an expert guide.

Central Park Conservancy has a long lineup of free tours aims. See attractions like Belvedere Castle, Bethesda Terrace and Fountain or Harlem Meer.

Take a walk through the 80-year-old Conservatory Garden.

You can find more details here.

4. Brooklyn Brewery Tour

Learn about Brooklyn’s famous suds-making. Free tours of Brooklyn Brewery are offered every Saturday on the half hour between 1pm and 5pm. After your adult tour, you can relax at one of the brewery’s indoor picnic tables and sample some of the brewery’s popular creations including: Brooklyn Lager, Brooklyn East IPA and special summer beers.

You can also take the SingleCut informal tour of its facilities every Saturday Sunday, at 3:00 pm or 4:00 pm. Relax before or after the tour in the tap room where you can sample their products.

Find all the important details here.

5. Check out Grand Central Neighborhood

Find out what Grand Central’s neighborhood has to offer with a free tour every Friday at 12:30 pm. This ninety-minute guided walk is led by an urban historian. Stops include Grand Central Station’s Whispering Gallery, secret passageways, the Chrysler Building and Pershing Square and the original Lincoln Memorial.

6. See NYC by Bicycle

Explore the city on two wheels and cover ground you’ve never seen before.

Learn more here.