Free attractions

Walk the Brooklyn Bridge: We took the subway to Brooklyn to walk with Manhattan in our sights. It takes less than an hour, depending on crowds.

September 11 Memorial and St. Paul's Chapel: We skipped the September 11 Memorial Museum ($24 adult, $15 youth), instead spending time at the memorial and exhibits at the nearby St. Paul's Chapel, which first responders used as a refuge and resting place after the attacks (free; donations accepted).

Staten Island Ferry: Sit in back when leaving Manhattan for great views of the Statue of Liberty and city skyline. You have to get off and re-board for the return trip.

The High Line: Built along an unused 1.45-mile section of elevated rail line on the West Side, this park is an unusual, tranquil oasis with views over the Hudson River.

Central Park and more: In addition to New York City's crown jewel, we enjoyed Washington Square Park in Greenwich Village and Bryant Park near Times Square. Find free events: www.nycgovparks.org/events.

Getting around

7-day unlimited MetroCard, ($30 per person) covers all subway and bus travel. Add a $5 AirTrain ticket to connect from JFK. (Taxis are flat rate from JFK to Manhattan, $54 plus tolls and tip).

The NYTransit Mobile web app is priceless, http://tripplanner.mta.info/MyTrip. Also, save the subway map (PDF) to your smartphone: http://strib.mn/nycsubway.

Accommodations

Holiday Inn Express Madison Square Garden: Free breakfast. Clean, small rooms. Aim for a higher floor: www.madisonsquaregardenhotel.com.

COLLEEN KELLY