30 Free Things to Do in Manhattan

1 - 8: A feast for the senses on Fifth Avenue and Times Square.

Window shop your way into an alternative reality. Go to Bergdorf Goodman and act like you belong there. Try on purfume samples at Saks Fifth Avenue. See what the deviants are up to at Purple Passion, London or the Leatherman. If nothing else, the toy store can provide hours of entertainment for the young at heart.

For a musical feast, wander around the Times Square subway station at rush hour, or watch break dancing at Grand Central.

Essential Details

1. Bergdorf Goodman
   754 5th Avenue (58th Street)
   (212) 753-7300
   Where the rich shop.
2. Saks Fifth Avenue
   611 Fifth Avenue (between 49th and 50th Streets)
   Where the rich also shop.
3. Purple Passion
   212-807-0486
   242 West 16th Street between 7th and 8th Aves
   Definitely don't bring the kids.
4. London
   84 Christopher Street 212-647-9195
   85 Christopher Street 212-647-9106
   between Bleecker and 7th Avenue South
   A bit tamer than the other two, if you are curious but don't want to be overwhelmed, try London BTQ at 85 Christopher Street. London Fetish is definitely more on the wild side.
5. Leatherman
   111 Christopher Street between Bleecker and Hudson
   Mainly catering to gay men, this store is open to all.
6. FAO Schwartz
   Fifth Ave and 58th Street
   The world's best toy store!
7. Times Square Subway Station
   Underground beneath Times Square
   42nd and Broadway
   There is music all over, so just walk around and follow the pleasing sounds. If a crowd is gathered, but there's no performance, that means they are about to start. Just wait a few minutes.
8. Grand Central Station
   42nd and Park
   Break dancers are usually near the subways. There are also occasionally trios playing string instruments and opera singers as well.

More > Ideas 9-15: Nudity, Skaters, Books and Sculptures; Ideas 16-25: Diamonds, Shoeshines and Central Park landmarks; Ideas 26-30: 26-30: Kayaking, Concerts and An Abandoned Railway