One of the secrets of surviving in New York is learning how to have fun on as little money as possible, because this city tends to be even more expensive than you imagine. And you’ll learn that on your trip to New York! Whether you love dining out, seeing Broadway shows, or dancing till dawn, I guarantee you’ll end up spending more than expected.
Luckily, there are tons of amazing free activities in NYC to enjoy. Amazing parks and museums. Historic sites. Cool neighborhoods where just walking around is an adventure. All you need is a Metrocard (preferably unlimited) to enjoy your visit!
That said — things change over the years, and New York in 2022 is not New York in 2012. On one hand, attractions like the Metropolitan Museum of Art are no longer offering pay-what-you-wish admission to all; it’s now only for locals. On the other hand, fun free Instagram-friendly attractions like Little Island have popped up, becoming new classics.
And parts of Brooklyn, the borough once sniveled at by Miranda Hobbes, is now more expensive and trendy than much of Manhattan. Queens is right behind.
One thing’s for sure — this city is always evolving. And no matter what your budget is, whether you’re a solo female traveler in New York , having a weekend getaway with your buds, or visiting with your kids, you can find plenty of fun free things to do in New York City.
Table of Contents
So Many Free Things to Do in NYC Classic Free New York Experiences Ride the Staten Island Ferry Enjoy Times Square at Night Walk the Brooklyn Bridge Little Island Rockefeller Center Grand Central Station The High Line 9/11 Memorial and National September 11 Memorial Museum Attend a Live TV Taping Shakespeare in the Park Oculus New York Public Library Governor’s Island Free Museums and Attractions in NYC Bronx Museum of the Arts Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace St. Patrick’s Cathedral Hamilton Grange National September 11 Memorial Museum African Burial Ground National Monument National Museum of the American Indian Museum at FIT Queens County Farm Museum Free Wednesdays at the Bronx Zoo Free Fridays Morgan Library Free Parks, Beaches, and Outside Spaces Visit the Good Parts of Central Park Prospect Park Brooklyn Bridge Park Visit New York’s Beaches Bryant Park Socrates Sculpture Park Wave Hill Garden and Cultural Center Green-Wood Cemetery Washington Square Park Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Cool Neighborhoods and Free Places to Visit Brighton Beach Roosevelt Island Explore Harlem and Its Outstanding Architecture DUMBO Explore Bushwick and its Murals
Even just taking a walk around a different neighborhood is a nice free thing to do in New York!
So Many Free Things to Do in NYC
What are some of the best free things to do in NYC? Some of the best free things to do in NYC are riding the Staten Island Ferry , taking a stroll on the High Line , checking out the many free museums . What are some good free things to do with kids in NYC? Kids will absolutely love spending a morning at Governor’s Island , all the fun chaos of Times Square , and of course exploring Central Park . What are some cool free things to do in Brooklyn? Take a nice walk along the piers of Brooklyn Bridge Park , go mural-hopping in funky Bushwick , and for something different, head to Soviet-flavored Brighton Beach . What are some free museums to visit in NYC? The National Museum of the American Indian , Museum at FIT , and Bronx Museum of the Arts always have free admission! Many others have free days or times each week.
Classic Free New York Experiences
Let’s start with the iconic free things to do in NYC! And you can’t do better than the Staten Island Ferry.
Ride the Staten Island Ferry
Submitted by Katie from KatieCafTravel.com
A lot of tourists come to New York City and pay lots of money to take a harbor cruise or the ferry to the Statue of Liberty — but what most people don’t know is that there’s an even better boat that runs 24/7, and it’s free to ride!
The Staten Island Ferry is a favorite open secret in New York City for being the best time you can have without spending a single dollar.
Operating since 1905, the Staten Island Ferry runs a boat every 15 minutes between Staten Island and Manhattan, 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
In the daytime, you can get a great up-close view of the Statue of Liberty, and at night the ferry offers fantastic views of the New York Skyline all lit up.
The Staten Island Ferry has also become known as a party spot, with lots of people BYOB-ing their drinks onboard while they enjoy the view. Sometimes there are even birthday parties onboard! Making the Staten Island Ferry the best free party venue in Manhattan.
You can take the Staten Island Ferry from the Whitehall Ferry Terminal in south Manhattan.
Tip: Sometimes some guys try to sell tickets to the Staten Island Ferry outside of Whitehall Terminal — don’t give them any money! The ferry is 100% free for everyone to use, people claiming to sell tickets are just scammers. (Note from Kate: Just say, “I’m local,” and everyone will stop bothering you.)
Make it a cheap activity: Both ferry terminals sell food and beverages, including beer, wine, and mixed canned drinks, and it’s legal to drink on the ferry. Spice things up!
Times Square, via Andrey Bayda on Shutterstock.
Enjoy Times Square at Night
Submitted by Rasika from Bae Area and Beyond
Times Square is one of the most iconic destinations in New York City. It’s known as “the Crossroads of the World” because it’s where Broadway and 7th Avenue meet 42nd Street.
It’s also one of the biggest tourist attractions in NYC because of its high concentration of theaters and hotels, and bright lights that attract visitors from all corners of the world. It’s the heart of New York City, and has been since 1904. Today, it’s home to some of the world’s biggest brands and biggest attractions. It’s a great place to people-watch and it’s full of iconic landmarks.
Grab a spot on the red staircase at the TKTS booth for a wide view of Times Square. There are plenty of interesting shops to check out, from Hershey’s Chocolate World to Hard Rock Cafe.
Times Square is great to visit at any time of day, but night is the best time of all. This is when all the lights come on, and it’s easy to find a spot for taking photos. If you are visiting during the day, you can still get some good shots by walking around the area and shooting from different angles. There are also some street performers who perform on certain days, which adds to the fun of this place!
Walk the Brooklyn Bridge
Submitted by Jess from Uprooted Traveler
The Brooklyn Bridge, constructed in the late 1880s, is an icon in New York City, with over 116,000 vehicles, 30,000 pedestrians and 3,000 cyclists crossing the bridge each day! There’s something so magical about walking from the shadows of the towering skyscrapers of Manhattan and, with each step, getting closer to the Brooklyn skyline as Manhattan shrinks behind you.
Start on the Manhattan side, so you’ll get to explore areas of Brooklyn, like DUMBO, once you reach the other side of the bridge. I recommend taking the 4, 5, or 6 train to City Hall / Brooklyn Bridge or the J or Z train to Chambers Street.
Once entering the bridge, make sure to stick to the left hand side of the walkway or you might get run over by a bicyclist! The bridge is a little over a mile long and will take approximately half an hour to walk across.
For the best photos, be sure to get to the bridge early — it’s an extremely popular destination with visitors, as well as an important thoroughfare for the city, so if you come any later than around 7:30 AM, expect your photos to be full of other people. To get one of the classic photos of the bridge, be sure to walk close to the center pylons, so that their Gothic arches fill the camera’s frame.
Make it a cheap activity: If you’re staying in Manhattan, consider taking the ferry back (just $2.75!), once you’re done exploring Brooklyn- it leaves from Dumbo and will provide epic views of the Manhattan skyline for 45 minutes until you’re dropped off at 34th street.
Little Island
Submitted by Catherine Xu of Nomadicated
With an epic view of the Manhattan skyline, stroll around the winding pathways and pot-shaped structures on one of New York City’s newest public parks, Little Island. Open in May 2021, the creation of Little Island transformed the damaged Pier 54 into an urban oasis.
Little Island is an artificial island floating just off West 13th Street on the Hudson River. This small 2.4-acre area features more than 400 species of plants, meant to symbolize a leaf floating on water.
Perfect for visitors passing through Greenwich Village and Chelsea, this public park is also a great starting location for other New York sights like the Vessel and the Highline.
A visit to this recreational area is open to the public and free for all. However, special events at the Amph require a paid ticket to attend. Check out the calendar of events for near daily shows ranging from Afro Latin Jazz Ensemble and Interpretive Dance to Clowning Comedy and everything in between.
Little Island is open, rain or shine, 365 days a year starting at 6:00 AM, save for severe weather. Closing hours depend on the season, with summer hours ending at midnight and winter at 9:00 PM.
Rockefeller Center
Submitted by Sam Opp from Find Love & Travel
Did you even visit New York City without exploring Rockefeller Center? This free attraction is easily one of the top things to do in New York City. Commissioned by John D. Rockefeller Jr., this complex is one of the most recognized National Historic Landmarks.
Rockefeller Center stretches an entire avenue and several blocks full of Art Deco buildings, including Radio City Music Hall! This is the perfect place to marvel at Manhattan architecture and art from the 1930s!
If you are visiting New York in December , Rockefeller Center is a must-see for the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree! Millions of people come from all around the world to see this famous Christmas tree all lit up with its giant Swarovski star atop. Better yet, the Saks Fifth Avenue Christmas light show faces the opposite way of the Christmas Tree. This gives you the best of both worlds, and all for free! It is really quite spectacular!
Rockefeller Center is also the place to be if you want to attend a free live TV taping. Shows including Saturday Night Live and The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon are all done right here at 30 Rockefeller Plaza.
Additionally, throughout the year, Rockefeller Center has free events open to the public. Many free activities include fun interactive art installations for everyone to enjoy.
Grand Central Station
Submitted by Noel from Visit California and Beyond
If you really want to feel the pulse and beat of New York City, then head out to Grand Central Station. Located in the heart of the city at 42nd street and Park Avenue, the station is the hub of all rail, metro and public transportation in and out of New York City.
Grand Central Station plays an active role in the growth and development of the city and rail transportation regionally to the outside regions and surrounding areas of the state. Grand Central Depot was established in 1871 and represented three participating railroads to the main hub in the city. The Vanderbilts bought out all the separate lines and created a vast transportation network that reshaped the region and made Grand Central a very busy and important transportation hub.
The Grand Central terminal was created with innovative engineering, practical design and beautiful aesthetics that were made with marble, lofty arches and beautiful details that combined both function and efficiency with an elegant structure. You’ll enjoy seeing all the gorgeous craftsmanship and detailed art when you walk around the vast hallway and interior building.
When you enter the main hall of the station, you will immediately be in awe of the grand scale but at the same time see the fine details of decorative flourishes, bronze and stone carvings, vaulted ceilings with chandeliers and marble everywhere. Grand Central Station is truly a working transportation terminal but also a building of art and design.
Make it a cheap activity: Head downstairs to grab a snack in the Grand Central Dining Concourse, or enjoy a bowl of New England Clam Chowder from the Oyster Bar.
The High Line, via GagliardiPhotography on Shutterstock
The High Line
Submitted by Lori of Italy Foodies
When it comes to fabulous free things to do in NYC, it’s hard to beat a walk on the High Line, an elevated linear park on the city’s west side that’s nearly a mile and a half long.
Starting in the Meatpacking District, the High Line runs from Gansevoort Street near 14th Street, through Chelsea and up to the West Side Yard on 34th Street near the Javits Center.
The Park itself is built on the site of the abandoned western spur of the New York Central Railroad. Today it is a stunning urban greenway dotted with unique sitting areas, living natural spaces, and intimate gardens.
Especially mind-blowing for art lovers are the number of commissioned art and sound installations that have been curated since the Park’s inception, many of which feature the Hudson River and the history of the industrial age manufacturing plants that once stood here.
Perhaps as equally impressive as the project itself is the community effort involved in creating it. What started as a small grassroots effort in 1999 eventually gained the support of the citizens, Mayor Bloomberg and major corporate donors and construction finally began in 2006. Three years later in 2011, this phase was opened at 14th and 16th Street and two more phases began and finished in 2014.
Don’t miss a stop at the Chelsea Market on 15th Street or a visit to the new wing of The Whitney Museum of American Art near the High Line’s south end on Gansevoort Street.
9/11 Memorial and National September 11 Memorial Museum
Located in lower Manhattan, the 9/11 Memorial occupies the land on which the Twin Towers once stood. Today, it’s a beautiful and somber art installation.
Each of the Twin Towers is outlined on the ground and turned into a fountain, water cascading to hidden depths. Around the edges are the names of each person who died on 9/11. You’ll see roses in some of the names, and each day the memorial staff puts a rose in the names of people on their birthdays.
You can also see the one tree that survived 9/11 and is thriving to this day.
Please know that this is a place for quiet reflection. Many New Yorkers lost loved ones here; others were traumatized forever. Some people travel here to honor their dead relatives. It’s hurtful to see tourists treat the 9/11 Memorial like a wacky selfie backdrop. Do that literally anywhere else in the city. Not here.
One Republic performs on GMA’s Summer Concert Series, via Lev Radin on Shutterstock.
Attend a Live TV Taping
Submitted by Merry Allison from Virginia Vacation Guide
Attending a live tv taping is an iconic New York experience! There is a wide range of diverse shows that are filmed in the city in front of a live audience, and general admission for these events is free to the public.
Watching a live tv taping gives you the unique opportunity to see how television shows are produced, including how lighting, mics, cameras, and teleprompters all come together to bring a show to life on the small screen. You also get the chance to see hosts and guests in a more relaxed setting during commercial breaks.
Some of the main tv programs that have a live tv audience are morning shows, such as The Today Show and Good Morning America (but be prepared to get up early!); late night shows like The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon , The Daily Show with Trevor Noah, and The Late Show with Stephen Colbert ; talk shows like The View ; and variety shows like Saturday Night Live .
Each show has its own protocol for how to request tickets to attend a live taping. You can visit the show’s website to learn more about how to attend a live taping.
Some shows, such as Saturday Night Live , are incredibly popular and can be very difficult to get tickets to. (Note from Kate: I’m a huge SNL fan and there’s a lottery you sign up for at the beginning of the season. I’ve never gotten tickets.)
For other shows, like the Today Show , you can simply go to the location of the filming (in this case Rockefeller Plaza) and stand outside for a chance to be part of the show when the hosts come out to greet visitors.
One unique live tv taping experience is technically a tv show and live concert rolled into one. Good Morning America hosts a Summer Concert Series every Friday in the summer. You will have to request a ticket online first, but then you can just line up the morning of the concert and see a free outdoor concert, plus get a chance to be part of the live tv broadcast.
One strong recommendation when attending a live tv taping is to make sure to line up well in advance. Even if you have a ticket to the event, most shows are oversold, which means you are not guaranteed admission.
Attending any live tv show taping will generally take a bit of patience and a fair amount of time waiting in line, however, the experience is definitely worth it.
Shakespeare in the Park
Submitted by Anwar from Beyond My Door
One of the premier summer activities in New York, the Public Theater hosts two Shakespeare Performances annually in Central Park’s Delacorte Theater.
Originally conceived by Joseph Papp in 1954, the series of plays has grown and moved until it found its present location in Central Park in 1962. The Series of productions draw a high caliber of directors and actors with several famous film and theater actors starring in productions over the years.
Each of the productions runs for about 4-5 weeks, with shows running from Tuesday through Sunday. Some of the shows will stay very true to the original Shakespearean production, while others will modernize elements for current events and crowds. The modern interpretations mean that even with previous staging of the plays, it will be a new experience for attendees.
This is also a very popular event for spotting celebrities in the audience!
Shakespeare in the Park tickets are free , and there are several options for obtaining. Hopeful theater goers can line up for tickets at Delacorte the morning of productions, later in the day for standby tickets, or lottery tickets at the Public Theater downtown or online via TodayTix.
The Oculus in its full glory, via Shutterstock.
Oculus
Submitted by Sean from Living Out Lau
Perhaps one of the most beautiful places in NYC architecturally speaking is the Oculus, which coincidentally is completely free to visit. Also known as the World Trade Center, this is a transportation hub that connects Lower Manhattan with New Jersey via the PATH. The complex also features plenty of retail spaces, boutiques shops, and luxury brands.
As one of the buildings that were built following the attacks on 9/11, the architecture of the Oculus is impressive. The structure has steed-clad ribs that act as the structural integrity of the building, proving that functionality and elegance can be achieved at the same time.
(Note from Kate: When the Oculus was built, some New Yorkers questioned whether a shopping mall was an appropriate reconstruction near the former Ground Zero. Others pointed out that there’s already a 9/11 memorial and adding in a new, cool-looking mall was quintessentially NYC move.)
The interior of the building is all white, with the floor completely made out of marble, making it extremely photogenic. The best thing to do in the Oculus is to just walk around and admire the details that went into constructing this architectural masterpiece.
After you are done exploring the massive venue, check out the photo platform on the second floor of the northwestern part of the building. From there, you can capture the beauty of this place in perfect symmetry. If you are a tourist in NYC, there is no better spot to take a selfie than here! And the best part, it is all free!
New York Public Library, via DepositPhotos
New York Public Library
Submitted by Kim Swanson from Traveling Swansons
When in NYC, one of the best free things to do is visit the New York Public Library Main Branch; also known as the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building. This library is located next to Bryant Park at 476 Fifth Avenue and 42nd Street.
New York Public Library is no ordinary library. This Beaux-Arts style library is absolutely stunning, marked by two famous marble lions at the entrance. As you walk in, you will be in awe of the magnificent, ornate architecture throughout.
A big draw to the library is the Polonsky Exhibition of The New York Public Library’s Treasures. You can obtain a free timed ticket from an electronic kiosk at the library or reserve your time online.
At the Polonsky Exhibition, you will find many historical articles including manuscripts, art, letters, recordings and more. Some of these treasures include the Gutenberg Bible, the original copy of the Declaration of Independence handwritten by Thomas Jefferson and original sheet music from Mozart and Beethoven.
If you are in New York City with kids or are a Disney fan, make sure to take a look at the real stuffed animals that inspired Winnie-the-Pooh and friends.
Your might also be interested in knowing that New York Public Library is a designated NYC Cooling Center. This is a free public facility offering cooling relief to all in hot weather. So if your looking for a place to cool down in the heat of the NYC summer, come here.
Governor’s Island
Submitted by Megan from Your Brooklyn Guide
One of the best free things to do in New York City that’s a bit under the radar for most tourists is enjoying a few hours (or whole day) at Governor’s Island . This island is free to visit on weekends before noon.
This former military base, located on an island in New York Harbor, has been transformed into one of the best urban green-spaces the city has to offer accompanied by some of the best unobstructed views of the Statue of Liberty and Lower Manhattan skyline.
Beyond the views, there are several awesome things to check out once you’re here. Open year-round, you can enjoy picnicking at the various lawns, rent bicycles to explore the island, visit the in-house artists and their exhibitions inside the former military homes, take a ride down the longest slide in New York City on Slide Hill, rejuvenate at the new QCNY Spa, or even stay the night at the luxury glamping yurts with Collective Retreats (not free, but worth the splurge).
There are various food vendors, cafe, and biergarten all on the island as well. You can spend as little or as much time here as you have.
To get to Governors Island you have to take the ferry from Lower Manhattan at The Battery Maritime Building (daily) or Pier 6 at Brooklyn Bridge Park or Atlantic Basin in Red Hook (both Brooklyn ferry departures are weekends only) and is completely free to visit on the weekends before noon.
Make it a cheap activity: Visit any other time for as little as $4 for a round trip ferry ticket.
Free Museums and Attractions in NYC
New York has lots of free museums and attractions worth visiting. Some of the top-notch museum have free times to visit (though keep in mind these tend to be very crowded times to visit); others are free all the time!
Beyond that, there are New York’s National Historic Landmarks, which are free to visit all the time. Here are some of our favorites.
Bronx Museum of the Arts
Submitted by Gerry Isabelle from Dominican Abroad
The Bronx Museum of the Arts is a cultural gem for the South Bronx community, and well worth visiting for visitors from anywhere in New York City. This museum recognizes the contributions of the Bronx, including important movements such as hip hop, graffiti art, and Caribbean jazz. Today, the museum owns over 2,000 works of contemporary art by American and local Bronx artists.
In addition to that, they host various special exhibitions. Currently, there are two you can visit. The first is Gerardo Dexter Ciprian’s Medicina de Amor, which uses mixed mediums, oral histories, and folklore to highlight the Dominican diaspora’s stories, resilience, and beauty. The second is Jamel Shabazz’s Eyes on the Street, which features local New Yorker’s street culture and traditions through photography.
The Bronx Museum of Art also offers guided tours, poetry slams, family days, and other events listed on their museum calendar. Best of all, this is one of many free museums in NYC — an amazing way to keep the arts and culture accessible to the local community.
Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace
Submitted by Carole from Travels with Carole
Visiting one of New York City’s old brownstone townhouses is always a treat, though usually it requires an invitation or fee. But not at the Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace national historic site, where you can drop in during visiting hours and the tour of the 4-story Dutch brownstone is free. (Note that the attraction is currently closed for renovations but should be reopening shortly.)
Arrive for your 40-minute ranger-led tour about a half-hour early so you have time to peruse the ground-floor displays, which include a sweet exhibit of teddy bears and another of antique political cartoons. You can also view a film about the life of Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th president of the United States and the first U.S. president born in NYC, who lived here until he was 14.
The tour includes five period rooms on two floors, re-created as to their 1920s appearance. Though it has large rooms and high ceilings, the narrow house is not a mansion. Exterior features include a mansard roof and a high stoop above the basement. Approximately 60% of the furnishing are original to the house.
After, since this is located in the Flatiron District near Union Square, just head down Broadway for a plethora of places to get a snack and, perhaps, a browse in the legendary Strand Book Store with its “18 miles of books.”
St. Patrick’s Cathedral at night, via DepositPhotos
St. Patrick’s Cathedral
Submitted by Christine from Guide to Day Trips
The architecture of New York City is a kaleidoscope of styles. Buildings of all designs can be appreciated by even those who have no interest in architecture. St. Patrick’s Cathedral is one shining example.
It’s impossible to miss this cathedral in Manhattan, which takes up a whole city block between 50th and 51st streets, Madison Avenue, and Fifth Avenue. If you’re looking for the best free things to do in New York that are easy to access from each other, you’re in luck. This magnificent cathedral is right across from another NYC landmark worth visiting: Rockefeller Center.
Originally erected as a replacement for Chinatown’s Old St. Patrick’s Church in the 1800s, the cathedral has since undergone numerous renovations. Enormous bronze doors and a high altar in a Neo-Gothic style are some of the most notable features of this architectural wonder. You’ll find a Tuckahoe marble slab and a rose window among its prominent design features. The enormous Pietà sculpture and the thousands of stained-glass windows are also not to be missed.
St. Patrick’s Cathedral is a must-see regardless of your religious beliefs, and it provides visitors with an enriching cultural experience that is distinctly New York.
Hamilton Grange
Submitted by Francesca of Homeroom Travel
Hamilton Grange National Monument, also known as The Grange or The Hamilton Grange Mansion or simply The Grange, is one of the best free things to do in New York City, especially for history lovers and should be added to any New York City itinerary . This area is run by the National Park system and was once the country home of Alexander Hamilton.
Hamilton was born and raised in the West Indies and came to New York at the age of 17 to attend Columbia University. In the early 1800s Hamilton commissioned the Grange to be built and it served as his home for two years.
Although the Grange does not lie on its original location, the house is a restored original. The house was moved in the late 1800s to help ensure its preservation. The Grange is currently located on 414 West 141st Street.
To get there, visitors can hop on the A to 145 St. From there, it is a 4 block walk from the subway station. The inside of the Grange is open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, so make sure to plan accordingly.
You can book a self-guided tour through recreation.gov for $1. Tickets are released at 10:00 AM one week or two days in advance. Tours leave every 15 minutes. If you do not reserve tickets ahead of time, several of the tours are reserved for walk-up tickets only. National Park Rangers on site to answer any questions you may have.
