The Top 10 Free Wifi Spots in Manhattan

Posted on 10. Jan, 2011 by KrebStar [archives]

Maybe you’re at this page because you refuse to pay a monthly fee for home internet.  Maybe you just like to mix up your browsing atmosphere.  Or maybe you just picked up an iPad and are enjoying for the first time the portability of a computer under 2 pounds.  Whatever the case may be, here’s a break-down of the 10 best places to get free wifi in Manhattan. Use it wisely:

10. Bryant Park – When the weather is nice, this park, which is covered from corner to corner with wifi, is the perfect outdoor computer spot. Grab a coffee and get down to business while getting a tan.

9. Cosi – Most, if not all, Cosi locations have free wifi at this point. When you need to escape the office for a bite but want to stay connected, Cosi is a safe bet.

8. City Hall Park – Sure, the financial district is busy, but even investment bankers take Sundays off (sometimes at least). Park here on a Sunday for a surprisingly peaceful experience (and at noon if you want any sun – skyscrapers can be a nuisance).

7. Barnes & Noble – The Union Square, Upper West Side, Tribeca and Lincoln Center locations all have free wifi for their customers. Surf away in the tranquil atmosphere of a library, and pick up a book when your eyes are burning from the luminous screen!

6. Grey Dog Coffee – Both locations (Union Square and the West Village) have free wifi. They also have the best chocolate chip cookies I’ve ever tasted, and a great atmosphere during the day (warning: can get a little too busy for computer work in the evening.)

5. Waldorf Astoria – Gorgeous hotel in midtown. I’ll skip the description, as this site offers a better one.

4. Battery Park – Enjoy views of Hoboken, Jersey City, and the Hudson River. Wifi here is spottier, but its as peaceful a park as you’re likely to find in Manhattan. You may even forget the concrete jungle for an hour.

3. South Street Seaport – The food court at the always-bustling South Street Seaport will connect you for free. So the next time you think about passing on that South Street Seaport event (summer concert series, ‘Bodies’ exhibit) because you need to be productive, set up base on the 3rd floor and knock out your to-do list first.

2. Whole Foods Tribeca Cafe – If every Whole Foods had free wifi, this would be a perfect world. Until then, at least the massive Tribeca location hooks its cafe customers up.

1. Starbucks - When in doubt, just go to Starbucks! Because chances are, you’re about 10 feet away from one right now. In 2010 they opened up free wifi at all of their Manhattan locations.

Hope this helps.  Know any other gems?  Don’t be selfish, share with your fellow Manhattanite!

Posted on 10. Jan, 2011 by KrebStar[archives]