Sports and leisure activities New York (Manhattan)

Budget & Tips

Wherever you are in the world, the cheapest sporting activity is still running, and when you do it in Central Park, it takes on a whole new dimension! And when the weather's nice, all the city's parks offer free outdoor sports sessions: dance, yoga, Pilates, bootcamp, CrossFit... In season, sporting events are listed on the New York Parks website(www.nycgovparks.org), and all you have to do is register online to reserve your place. Bryant Park, in particular, becomes every summer the incredible epicenter of free activities, with its ping pong tables, board games, readings, yoga sessions, fencing and painting classes..

It's an aspect of New York that we tend to forget, but the city, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean, is blessed with lovely sandy beaches! For a dip, just take the subway to Coney Island, Brooklyn, or the ferry to Rockaway Beach, Queens. Fancy a dip?

Finally, if your dream is to go and see a basketball, baseball, field hockey or American soccer game during your stay in New York and you haven't bought your tickets in advance, here's a tip: download the GameTime app(www.gametime.co) and check out the ticket prices on the day. Tickets still available are often sold out at unbeatable prices!

What's very local

Europeans may find it hard to understand the appeal of baseball, but it's one of America's favorite sports! In Central Park alone, there are 26 baseball and softball fields. You're welcome to sit on the grass and watch the players, amateurs and professionals alike.

For a more cerebral activity, try a game of chess in Washington Square Park or Union Square. The atmosphere, the cheeky players, the curious passers-by... You'll experience one of those typically New York moments when you feel like you're in a movie.

Finally, if your dream is to skate outdoors, do as the locals do, shunning the tourist-invaded rinks in Bryant Park, Rockefeller Center and Central Park's Wollman Rink in favor of the Trump Lasker Rink, north of Central Park, and the LeFrak Center rink in Brooklyn.

To be booked

If you plan to attend a basketball game, buy your ticket before you leave, especially to watch the Knicks play at Madison Square Garden : the earlier you get started, the cheaper tickets you will find. Apart from that, if there is one event that requires an organization of madness, it is the New York Marathon! Depending on how you unhook your bib (lottery, purchase of a package from an operated tour;if you are a volunteer, qualifying time or running for a charity, you will need to start preparing 9 to 12 months in advance. But participating in the world’s largest marathon with 50,000 other runners will make you forget these challenges!

Main events

Americans follow four sports with devotion: football (season from September to February, culminating in the Super Bowl), baseball (season from late March to September), basketball and hockey (season from October to April for both). During the season months, you can watch the city's teams play in their respective stadiums, or watch them in bars with New Yorkers. Among the sports events that draw crowds, the New York Marathon, held on November 3 each year, is obviously at the top of the list. There is also tennis, which takes place every August during the US Open.

Tourist traps

Tickets sold on the sly outside stadiums just before matches start are rarely official tickets. At your own risk..