Almost Free Guided Tours

While in New York I found a website that advertised free tours of different parts of the city (actually, you are expected to tip the guide at the end of the visit, and the going rate is about $10, but it's still cheaper than many alternatives). I took tours of Harlem and Brooklyn Heights, as well as a culinary tour of The Village, but there are many more available. You have to book online beforehand. I found the tours to be an interesting way to learn more about the history and unique atmosphere of each neighborhood. They last about 2 hours each, plenty of time to get to know the different parts