60 Free Things to Do in New York City: Your Ultimate Guide

New York City is known for being one of the most expensive cities in the world. However, it is also home to some of the most incredible free attractions and activities. From iconic landmarks and world-class museums to lush parks and hidden gems, there is no shortage of things to do in the Big Apple without breaking the bank. In this article, we will highlight 60 free things to do in New York that are sure to make your trip to the city unforgettable.

Explore the City’s Iconic Landmarks

No trip to New York City is complete without visiting some of its most famous landmarks. Fortunately, many of these landmarks are free to visit.

Central Park

Central Park is one of the most famous parks in the world, and for good reason. The park covers 843 acres and offers a variety of activities, including walking, biking, boating, and ice skating. Visitors can also enjoy free events and performances throughout the year.

Walk or bike through the park

Central Park is one of the best places in New York to take a leisurely stroll or bike ride. With over 800 acres of green space, there’s plenty to explore, including lakes, gardens, and iconic landmarks like the Bethesda Fountain and Conservatory Garden.

Visit the Central Park Zoo

While the Central Park Zoo isn’t entirely free, visitors can enjoy free admission to the sea lion exhibit and the outdoor Delacorte Clock.

Attend a free concert or performance

Throughout the summer, Central Park hosts free concerts and performances at the SummerStage Festival. From indie rock to classical music, there’s something for everyone

Walk around Times Square

Times Square is one of the most iconic places in New York City. This bustling commercial and entertainment hub is known for its bright lights, billboards, and crowds. Visitors can walk around and take in the sights and sounds of the city, watch street performers, or just people-watch.

See the Statue of Liberty

While visiting the Statue of Liberty may not be free, you can still get a great view of the iconic landmark from the Staten Island Ferry. The ferry runs 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and it’s completely free.

Take a stroll on the Brooklyn Bridge

The Brooklyn Bridge is an architectural marvel that connects Brooklyn and Manhattan. Walking across the bridge offers stunning views of the city skyline and the East River.

Empire State Building

The Empire State Building is another iconic New York City landmark. While admission to the observation deck comes with a fee, visitors can still admire the building’s art deco architecture from the street.

See the Statue of Liberty from Battery Park

While visiting the Statue of Liberty itself can be pricey, visitors can see the iconic landmark from Battery Park for free. From there, they can also enjoy views of the harbor and the city skyline.

Visit World-Class Museums

New York City is home to some of the most renowned museums in the world. While some of these museums charge admission, many offer free entry on certain days or during certain hours.

American Museum of Natural History

The American Museum of Natural History is a must-visit for science enthusiasts. The museum’s collection contains more than 33 million specimens of plants, animals, fossils, minerals, rocks, meteorites, and human cultural artifacts. The museum offers pay-what-you-wish admission, meaning visitors can enter for free if they choose to.

Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)

The Museum of Modern Art, located in Midtown Manhattan, houses an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art. The collection includes paintings, sculptures, photographs, design objects, and films. While admission is typically quite expensive, the museum offers free entry every Friday evening from 5-9 pm.

Metropolitan Museum of Art

Located on the eastern edge of Central Park, the Metropolitan Museum of Art is one of the largest and most comprehensive art museums in the world. The museum has an extensive collection of more than 2 million works of art spanning over 5,000 years of world culture. Admission to the museum is technically a suggested donation, meaning visitors can pay as much or as little as they want.

National Museum of the American Indian

The National Museum of the American Indian is a Smithsonian museum that showcases the history and culture of Native Americans. Admission to the museum is free year-round.

Visit the Brooklyn Museum

The Brooklyn Museum is one of the largest art museums in the United States, housing a vast collection of Egyptian, African, and contemporary art. The museum is open Wednesday through Sunday. Admission is free on the first Saturday of every month from 5 pm to 11 pm.

New York Public Library

The New York Public Library is one of the largest public libraries in the world and a landmark of New York City. The library’s main branch is located on Fifth Avenue and 42nd Street and contains over 53 million items, including books, manuscripts, maps, photographs, and more. Visitors can take free tours of the library, which includes exhibits of rare books and manuscripts.

Discover Art and Culture

New York City is a hub of artistic and cultural activity, with countless theaters, galleries, and performance venues.

Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts

Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts is a world-class venue for music, dance, and theater. Visitors can catch free performances at the center’s public plazas and parks.

Brooklyn Academy of Music

The Brooklyn Academy of Music is a cultural institution that offers a wide range of performances, from music and dance to film and theater. The academy also hosts free events throughout the year, including outdoor concerts and film screenings.

The Cloisters

The Cloisters is a branch of the Metropolitan Museum of Art that focuses on medieval art and architecture. The museum features medieval art and architecture, as well as beautiful gardens with stunning views of the Hudson River. The museum is located in a beautiful park in upper Manhattan and offers free admission to visitors under 18.

The Bronx Museum of the Arts

The Bronx Museum of the Arts is a contemporary art museum located in the Bronx. Admission to the museum is always free.

Enjoy Outdoor Activities

New York City is home to many beautiful parks and outdoor spaces that offer a respite from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Prospect Park

Prospect Park is a 526-acre public park in Brooklyn that offers miles of walking and biking trails, as well as areas for picnicking, birdwatching, and playing sports. The park also hosts free concerts and events throughout the year.

Central Park

Central Park is one of the most famous parks in the world, and for good reason. The park covers 843 acres and offers a variety of activities, including walking, biking, boating, and ice skating. Visitors can also enjoy free events and performances throughout the year.

Visit the High Line

The High Line is a 1.45-mile-long elevated park that runs along the west side of Manhattan. Visitors can enjoy stunning views of the city skyline and explore the park’s numerous art installations and gardens.

Brooklyn Bridge Park

Brooklyn Bridge Park is a waterfront park located in the Brooklyn Heights neighborhood. The park offers spectacular views of the Manhattan skyline, sports fields, playgrounds, and gardens, as well as many events and programs throughout the year.

Battery Park

Battery Park is a waterfront park located at the southern tip of Manhattan. The park offers stunning views of the harbor and the Statue of Liberty, as well as many historical monuments and memorials.

The New York Botanical Garden

The New York Botanical Garden is a beautiful oasis in the Bronx, featuring more than one million plants and flowers from around the world. While admission to the garden can be expensive, visitors can enter for free on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 9 am to 10 am.

Relax in Bryant Park

Bryant Park is a 9-acre park located in Midtown Manhattan. Visitors can relax on the lawn, enjoy a free outdoor movie, or attend a free concert or performance.

Go for a hike in the Hudson River Park

The Hudson River Park is a 550-acre park that stretches along the Hudson River. Visitors can enjoy a variety of free activities, including hiking, biking, and fishing.

Coney Island

Coney Island is a classic New York City attraction, featuring a boardwalk, amusement park rides, and the famous Nathan’s Hot Dogs. While some attractions require a fee, visitors can walk the boardwalk and enjoy the atmosphere for free.

Governor’s Island

Governors Island is a small island located in the New York Harbor, just a short ferry ride from Manhattan or Brooklyn. The island offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city and features beautiful parks, historic buildings, and public art installations. Visitors can take a free ferry to the island and enjoy walking trails, art installations, and historic sites.

The Bronx Zoo

The Bronx Zoo is one of the largest metropolitan zoos in the world. The zoo features over 6,000 animals, including tigers, gorillas, and elephants.

Kayaking along the Hudson River

There are several places in New York City where you can go kayaking for free, including the Downtown Boathouse in Manhattan, the Long Island City Community Boathouse in Queens, and the Brooklyn Bridge Park Boathouse in Brooklyn. These organizations provide free kayaking sessions for both novices and experienced kayakers, along with all the necessary equipment and safety gear. However, it’s important to check their schedules and availability before heading out, as they may have specific hours of operation and weather-dependent cancellations.

Immerse yourself in history

New York City is home to several historic landmarks and museums that offer a glimpse into the city’s rich history. Some of the best historic attractions include:

9/11 Memorial & Museum

The 9/11 Memorial & Museum is dedicated to honoring the victims of the September 11 terrorist attacks. The museum features several artifacts and exhibits that showcase the events of that fateful day.

Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration

Ellis Island is a historic site that served as the main gateway for millions of immigrants coming to the United States. The museum features several exhibits and artifacts that showcase the immigrant experience.

Hamilton Grange National Memorial

The Hamilton Grange National Memorial is a historic home that once belonged to Alexander Hamilton, one of America’s founding fathers. The home has been preserved as a museum and features several exhibits and artifacts.

African Burial Ground National Monument

This outdoor memorial honors the lives of enslaved and free Africans buried in Lower Manhattan during the 17th and 18th centuries.

Federal Hall National Memorial

This historic building served as the nation’s first capitol building and was the site of George Washington’s inauguration. Today, it offers free tours and exhibits on American history.

Experience the City’s Diverse Neighborhoods

New York is home to numerous vibrant and diverse neighborhoods, and many of them offer free activities for visitors.

Chinatown

Chinatown is a vibrant and bustling neighborhood in Lower Manhattan, known for its authentic cuisine and cultural landmarks. Visitors can explore the area on foot and sample everything from dumplings to bubble tea.

Little Italy

Stroll through the streets of Little Italy and enjoy delicious Italian cuisine, as well as festivals and events celebrating the neighborhood’s heritage.

Greenwich Village

Greenwich Village is a bohemian neighborhood that is home to numerous artists and creatives. Visitors can explore its numerous galleries, shops, and restaurants, and attend free events like concerts and poetry readings.

Wander around the trendy Lower East Side

The Lower East Side is a trendy and up-and-coming neighborhood in Manhattan. Visitors can explore its numerous shops and restaurants, visit its art galleries and museums, and attend free events like street fairs and festivals.

SoHo

Shop at the boutiques and galleries in this trendy neighborhood, known for its cast-iron architecture and cobblestone streets.

Harlem

Experience the rich cultural history of Harlem, home to historic landmarks, jazz clubs, and soul food restaurants.

Explore Local Markets and Street Fairs

Union Square Greenmarket

The Union Square Greenmarket is a farmer’s market located in the heart of Manhattan. Visitors can browse the stalls and purchase fresh produce, baked goods, and other treats.

Smorgasburg

Smorgasburg is a popular food market that takes place in various locations throughout the city. The market features over 100 food vendors, offering everything from tacos to lobster rolls.

Grand Central Market

Located inside Grand Central Terminal, this market features specialty foods

Brooklyn Flea

Brooklyn Flea is a popular outdoor market in New York City that showcases a wide variety of vendors selling vintage and handmade goods, antiques, furniture, clothing, jewelry, and more. In addition to shopping, the Brooklyn Flea also offers a range of food and beverage options, with a rotating selection of local and international vendors serving up delicious eats and drinks.

Attend free events and festivals

Shakespeare in the Park

Since 1954, the Public Theater has been offering free performances of Shakespeare’s plays in Central Park. The performances are held at the open-air Delacorte Theater, and tickets are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis on the day of the performance.

Bryant Park Movie Nights

Every summer, Bryant Park transforms into an outdoor movie theater, showing free films on Monday nights. Bring a blanket, a picnic, and enjoy a movie under the stars.

SummerStage

Presented by the City Parks Foundation, SummerStage is a series of free outdoor concerts held throughout the city during the summer months. From indie rock to salsa music, there is something for everyone.

Harlem Week

Celebrate the rich history and culture of Harlem during this week-long festival held every August. Events include live music, food festivals, and cultural performances.

New York City Marathon

The New York City Marathon is one of the largest and most prestigious marathons in the world. While registration can be expensive, watching the race is free and a great way to cheer on the runners while taking in the city’s sights and sounds.

Get a taste of New York

New York is a foodie’s paradise, and there are plenty of ways to sample the city’s diverse culinary scene without breaking the bank. Here are a few spots to add to your list:

Brooklyn Brewery

Brooklyn Brewery is a popular craft brewery located in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Visitors can take a tour of the brewery and sample the beer for free.

Chelsea Market

Chelsea Market is a food hall and shopping destination located in the Meatpacking District. The market offers a wide variety of food options, from artisanal cheeses to fresh seafood, as well as unique shops and boutiques.

Eataly

Eataly is a gourmet Italian market located in the Flatiron District. The market offers a wide variety of Italian foods, from fresh pasta to artisanal cheeses, as well as restaurants and cooking classes.

The Bronx Beer Hall

Located in the Arthur Avenue Retail Market, the Bronx Beer Hall offers craft beers from local breweries, as well as snacks and live music.

Russ & Daughters

This century-old appetizing store is a New York institution, serving up bagels, lox, and other Jewish delicacies

Levain Bakery

Levain Bakery is a popular bakery located on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. The bakery is known for its delicious cookies and other baked goods.

Di Fara Pizza

Di Fara Pizza is a legendary pizzeria located in Midwood, Brooklyn. The pizzeria has been around for over 50 years and is known for its delicious pies.

Enjoy free concerts and performances

New York City is a cultural hub with a thriving music and arts scene. Here are some venues and events where you can enjoy free concerts and performances:

Carnegie Hall

The legendary concert hall in Midtown Manhattan offers free weekly concerts in its Weill Music Room.

Lincoln Center Out of Doors

This annual festival takes place in Lincoln Center’s Damrosch Park and features free performances by top musicians, dancers, and theater companies.

The Today Show Summer Concert Series

This free concert series takes place every Friday morning in Rockefeller Center and features performances by top music artists.

Brooklyn Bowl

This popular music venue in Williamsburg offers free concerts by up-and-coming artists on certain nights.

The Apollo Theater

This historic theater in Harlem has a long tradition of hosting free concerts by top artists, especially during its annual Amateur Night.

Take a walk or bike ride

One of the best ways to see the city is by taking a leisurely walk or bike ride. Here are some of the best routes to explore:

Brooklyn Greenway

This 14-mile path runs along the Brooklyn waterfront, offering stunning views of the Manhattan skyline and the Statue of Liberty.

The Battery

This 25-acre park at the southern tip of Manhattan is a great place to take a stroll and enjoy the harbor views.

Hudson River Greenway

This 11-mile path runs along the Hudson River from Battery Park to the George Washington Bridge, passing by many popular attractions along the way.

Randall’s Island Park

Located in the East River between Manhattan, Queens, and the Bronx, this park has over five miles of scenic waterfront paths for walking, jogging, or biking.

Astoria Park

This park in Queens features a scenic waterfront trail that is perfect for a leisurely walk or bike ride.

Take a free tour

New York City is home to many famous landmarks, institutions, and neighborhoods that are best explored on a guided tour. Here are some free tours to check out

Grand Central Terminal

This iconic train station in Midtown Manhattan offers free daily tours that take you behind the scenes and reveal its fascinating history and architecture.

The New York Stock Exchange

This famous financial institution offers free tours that give you a behind-the-scenes look at the trading floor and the history of Wall Street.

The Federal Reserve Bank of New York

This institution offers free tours that take you underground to see its gold vault and learn about the history of money and banking.

Central Park Conservancy

This organization offers free guided tours of Central Park that cover its history, landmarks, and natural features.

New York Public Library

This iconic institution in Midtown Manhattan offers free daily tours that take you behind the scenes and reveal its stunning architecture, artwork, and history.

In conclusion, New York City has a lot to offer, and it doesn’t have to come at a high cost. There are plenty of free things to do that allow visitors to experience the city’s culture, history, and beauty without spending a dime. From exploring museums and landmarks to enjoying outdoor spaces and festivals, there are plenty of options for budget-friendly activities. So, next time you visit the Big Apple, consider adding some of these free activities to your itinerary.