FREE NYC: Take a Walk on the Wild Side

Want to learn more about New York City from the eyes of those who live here? Take a free walking tour and discover the "undiscovered" places that have made New York City the greatest place on earth.

Here are some free walking tours that I recommend:

8th Street Walking Tour
Discover the site of Jimi Hendrix's Electric Lady recording studio, Jack Kerouac's local haunts, and Edward Hopper's home! This tour is guided by Arthur Marks.
• Saturdays from May through October at 11:30 a.m.; tour lasts an hour and a half
• Meet at the northwest corner of St. Marks Pl. and Second Ave.; 212-777-2173; villagealliance.org
 
The Federal Reserve Bank
Show me the money! The Federal Reserve offers free tours, that will take you five stories underground into their gold vaults, showcasing how the bank functions, and let you test your new knowledge at Fedworks multimedia center. They will even give you some (shredded) money at the end of the tour. Call to make a reservation at least a week in advance.
• Monday through Friday, 9:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m.; tour lasts one hour
• 33 Liberty St., btw. Nassau and William Sts.; 212-720-6130; newyorkfed.org

Brooklyn BreweryWant to learn how brew is brewed? Take this free tour at the Williamsburg brewhouse. You will get a  beer sample to finish off the day! (Tour is all ages; sample for those 21+ only.)
• Saturdays at 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m., and 4 p.m.; tour lasts 30 minutes
• 79 North 11 St., btw. Berry and Wythe Sts.; 718-486-7422; brooklynbrewery.com