The 25 Best Free Things To Do NYC – 2024
Free things to do NYC? You might be rolling your eyes right now but just hang tight.
From personal experience, I’ve found out the hard way how expensive New York can be. I paid $23 for a low-shelf vodka soda at a rooftop bar once, and my view of New York was forever changed since then.
If you’re planning on visiting New York, do your research and you can definitely find ways to cut back and find good bargains along the way without having to sacrifice the quality of your trip or take away from the experience.
This article lists out some of the best free things to do in NYC for your trip or even if you’re a local looking for fun (and free) things to do.
🗽👉Take a peek at Fodor’s super helpful NYC travel guide for top restaurant and neighborhood guides to bring with!
The Best Free Things to do in NYC
It might sound a little make-believe, but there are actually a ton of things that you can do in New York that won’t cost you any money whatsoever.
If you’re a sightseer or you’re out to see the architecture here in New York, you’re in luck.
Here’s a list of activities or sights to see that will cost you absolutely nothing!
1. Walk Across the Brooklyn Bridge
This spot is open 24/7 and provides sweeping views of the Manhattan skyline as well as the Brooklyn skyline. To walk across the entire thing, give yourself up to an hour if you’re taking your time to leisurely stroll, take pictures, and enjoy the views.
2. Explore Central Park
In New York’s giant green section, the possibilities are endless. There are bridges, tons of architecture, musicians playing for free, bikes to rent, and a lot of ground to cover and you have plenty of opportunities to enjoy the green and beautiful scenery that surrounds you.
3. Take the Staten Island Ferry
Take the scenic Staten Island Ferry that travels from the tip of Manhattan to Staten Island. You’ll catch glimpses of Lower Manhattan, Ellis Island, the Statue of Liberty, and Governor’s Island.
4. Visit Grand Central Terminal
One of my favorite places. There’s just something so magical about standing in the middle of Grand Central Terminal. The hustle and bustle around you, the architecture, the celestial ceiling. It’s free. Don’t miss this spot.
5. Explore the NYC Public Library
If you’re an architecture and history buff check out the Public Library where you’ll be greeted by Patience and Fortitude (the two giant lions outside of the library). Take an official tour or go at your own pace.
6. Walk The High Line
Check out this elevated green walkway that was an abandoned railway line converted to a huge tourist attraction. Along the walk you’ll find an immense amount of plants, great views, and food and drink spots. Walk along the High Line for the views and scenery along the way but be prepared for the large crowds that gather.
7. Visit the 9/11 Monument and Museum
Pay your respects or learn more about the tragic event at the 9/11 Memorial. It’s made up of two massive waterfalls and reflective pools and lists names of the victims all along the outside wall. This memorial marks the spot where the Twin Tower buildings once stood.
8. Explore Brooklyn Heights Promenade
Check out this pedestrian walkway located in Brooklyn Heights that offers stunning views of Lower Manhattan. It’s open 24 hours a day so you’re never in danger of missing out on the great views (sunrise or sunset is a great time to visit).
9. Enjoy Free Outdoor Concerts
If it’s summertime and the weather is good, be sure to check out the schedule at various parks within the city. There are often free concerts to enjoy with the added bonus of beautiful scenery and a backdrop. Best part: it’s free!
Tip: Check out Picnic Performances in Bryant Park or Sunset on the Hudson at Pier 45. Two great locations for an outdoor show and also amazing ambiance.
10. Reserve tickets for Hudson Yards “The Vessel”
Opened to the public in March 2019, this intricately connected flight of stairs (over 2,500 steps!) is a masterpiece designed by Thomas Heatherwick. Be sure to order your tickets online at least a week or two in advance as spots fill up fast, but they’re free!
(Update in 2022: The Vessel is currently closed to the public but you can still visit the ground level for free)
11. Go Kayaking for Free!
This nonprofit strives to give the public access to the water for free. They are doing this through public kayaking programs that include: free kayaking access to the public along with several classes held throughout the week. Enjoy!
View this post on Instagram
12. Visit the Breathtaking Oculus
If you’re looking for a unique and free thing to do in NYC, head to the Oculus. This stunning transportation hub, which was completed in 2016, is located in the heart of Lower Manhattan. The Oculus is an architectural marvel, with a soaring glass roof and intricate steel beams.
It’s also home to a world-class shopping mall and the city’s newest subway station. But even if you’re not interested in either of those things, the Oculus is worth a visit for its breathtaking beauty alone. This makes for an amazing spot for pictures in NYC.
13. Visit the Bushwick Collective for Street Art
If you’re looking for an interesting and unique way to spend your time in New York City, then head to the Bushwick Collective. This is a street art mecca, with walls covered in colorful murals from some of the world’s best artists.
The collection is constantly changing, so you can visit often and always see something new. It’s a must-see for those who love street art, or art in general. And the best part is that it’s free!
Free things to do in NYC at Night
If you’re looking for free things to do in NYC at night, there are plenty of free options available. From exploring neighborhoods to taking in a show, here are some of the best ways to spend an evening in the city that never sleeps.
14. Head to Times Square
If you’re looking for a lively and exciting place to spend an evening, look no further than Times Square. This world-famous plaza is home to some of the best shopping in the city, as well as awe-inspiring displays of lights and color. People-watching here is also a popular pastime, as the square is always packed with tourists and locals alike.
Related: Things to do in Midtown, Manhattan
15. Reserve Tickets for a Live TV Show Taping
Interested in seeing what it’s like to be on set for a live taping of a TV show? Request tickets in advance of when you are visiting so you can enjoy this experience for free. On my live taping bucket list: Late Night with Jimmy Fallon.
16. Watch a Movie in Bryant Park
A unique way to spend a summer night in NYC is to catch a movie at Bryant Park. Located in midtown Manhattan, this open-air theater offers free movie screenings throughout the summer months.
Moviegoers can bring their own blankets, snacks, and drinks to enjoy while taking in the show. For those who want to get a good seat, it’s best to arrive early. Movies start at 8 pm but the lawn opens up around 5pm.
This is one of the best free things to do in NYC in the summer! You won’t regret watching a good movie in one of New York’s coolest parks.
17. Ice Skating at Bryant Park
Bundle up and enjoy some winter fun ice skating at Bryant Park! It’s a great activity for people of all ages. The 17,000-square-foot rink is open daily through the Winter Village season, and ice skating is free admission. You do pay for the rental skates, just a heads up. There are also free ice skating shows and other fun events to enjoy.
Make sure you reserve your time to skate ahead of time at this website.
Free Indoor Activities NYC
Whether you find yourself visiting NYC on a rainy day or even an ice-cold freezing winter day, there’s no shortage of fun, free things to do in NYC. Check out this list of some of the best free indoor activities NYC has to offer.
18. Explore Chelsea Market
If you’re looking for a fun and free indoor activity in NYC, then you should definitely check out Chelsea Market. This bustling marketplace is home to some of the best food in the city, as well as a wide variety of shops and boutiques. You can easily spend an afternoon or evening here browsing through all the different stalls and vendors. And if you get hungry, there are plenty of delicious restaurants to choose from.
Get lost in a good book at Posman Books, which is a unique bookstore that stocks a wide selection of books for readers of all ages. They have a friendly staff that are always happy to help with book recommendations. It’s a great place to spend an hour or two getting lost in a good book
19. Take Advantage of Free NYC Museums
There are so many museums in New York and there are a good amount that offer free admission from time to time or all of the time. Check out this list for museums with constant free admission and also hours and days for several museums that offer free entrance throughout the week.
Tip: The Guggenheim Museum has free admission (pay what you want) from 6-8pm on Saturdays. Highly recommend for the amazing architecture of the place alone.
20. Go Shopping
Okay, so shopping isn’t technically free, but if you don’t buy anything, window shopping is free- so go ahead and take a look around!
Shopping in New York City can be a truly magical experience. From the world-famous stores of Times Square to the unique boutiques of Chelsea Market and Bushwick Collective, there is something for everyone. Shopping in NYC is a great way to explore the culture and discover something new.
For those who want to splurge on a luxurious experience, head to the Shops at Columbus Circle or Brookfield Place.
Even More Cheap or Free Things to Do NYC
21. Bike along the Hudson
The last time I was in the city I rented a Citi Bike to explore the area around Central Park and then peddled all the way down the scenic path by the Hudson River. It’s super affordable and a great way to see a lot all at once. Beware of other bikers and people who walk in front of you!
22. Grab Discounted Broadway tickets
Interested in seeing a Broadway show while you’re in town? Head to TKTS to find INSANELY discounted tickets for Broadway shows. So many great shows to choose from, and while it’s not free, it can be a steep discount.
23. Skip the Rooftop Admission – Head to the Roof!
New York is literally filled with skyline-friendly rooftops. Rather than pay to head up to a tourist-filled observation deck, opt to head to a rooftop bar and grab a small plate or drink while enjoying the view. I dedicated an entire post to this subject of the best rooftop bars in New York.
View this post on Instagram
24. Catch an Off-Broadway show
If you can’t afford to pay for tickets to a show currently on Broadway, try the alternative: find a much cheaper live show that’s off-Broadway. Check out this site for tickets to off-Broadway shows.
25. Check out a Comedy Show
Head to Hell’s Kitchen, specifically the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre, and reserve a low-cost ticket to laugh ’til you cry at a comedy performance.
How to Get from the Airport to NYC
If you’re staying in Manhattan, getting from either of the airports (JFK or LaGuardia) can be quite a costly feat.
Rather than racking up a huge bill for an Uber or Lyft (or worse, the dreaded taxi fares) opt instead to use public transportation when possible.
If you’re flying into JFK, opt for the subway system. If you’re flying in from LaGuardia, use the bus or schedule a shuttle from the airport to your destination.
Where to Stay in New York City on a Budget
I think to clear the air here you should know that if you choose to stay in Manhattan itself, you’re looking at $150-$200 as a typical price per night for a hotel.
To put it bluntly: get the heck out of Manhattan if you are willing to sacrifice in location.
Look for cheaper hotel alternatives in one of the other boroughs, or New Jersey, as these can have better pricing options with the advantage of still being fairly close.
Keep in mind that if you’re spending a good amount of time in Manhattan, you will need to get back and forth between where you’re staying and the city. This option can easily become more expensive depending on how far out you are or what price you put on convenience.
Translation: it’s okay to rent out a private room within an apartment with the tenant there, but it’s not necessarily legal to rent out the entire apartment to yourself.
In most cases, hostels are illegal in New York, so this isn’t necessarily a viable option either.
Recommended Budget Stays:
🏠 Pod 39 in Murray Hill – Small rooms but extremely affordable and great rooftop!
🏠 Moxy NYC in Times Square – Incredible location, cozy room and another awesome rooftop
What is the Best Way to Get Around NYC?
Traffic is no joke here in New York. Not to mention the residents who jaywalk like it’s their profession and the taxi drivers who weave in and out of cars and honk horns as if they’ve been doing it their entire lives.
Coming from someone who grew up nearby (hello, Jersey), driving in New York is an absolute disaster.
Depending on where you’re from you’re not going to be used to the way people drive around New York, and even if you do get the hang of it, parking is going to cost you a fortune.
Use public transportation. The subway is a perfectly simple and cost-savvy option.
Be on the lookout for my post on how to take the New York subway. It costs $2.75 one way (plus the cost of a new MetroCard for $1) but you can purchase an unlimited pass for 7 days, which is probably the best option.
Check out the ferry system as well as it can be a very cost-effective way to get around.
My last piece of advice if public transportation just isn’t your thing: use Uber Pool. Save money by riding with others who are going in the same direction.
Plan a Trip to New York City
Traveling to New York can be one of the biggest expenses on your trip. How can you avoid the huge expense of flying into New York?
Use a site like SkyScanner, with its calendar option, to find the times of the month or year that offer the cheapest flight prices.
Know what times of the year are the most popular to visit and which offer a slight discount due to high tourism months. For example, July and August during the summer is one of the most expensive times to visit New York. Try to avoid busy times like these.
Opt instead for the fall months following summer (think: September or October) or, if you can handle it, the winter months (January or February) as these aren’t very popular.
If you’re traveling from the east coast, consider taking a train or bus to New York instead to save money.
Cheap Eats & Restaurants in NYC
In one of the most diverse places in the world, it would be easy to use up your entire travel budget dining out on the most exquisite foods and restaurants that NYC offers.
But, for the sake of a budget, skip the tourist attraction restaurants. Opt for local spots off the beaten path. You’ll get a more authentic experience anyway. Check for the “A” inspection sticker in the window of any restaurant in case you’re in doubt of its cleanliness or food safety scoring.
Another fantastic way to save on food is to get your hands on a great list of happy hour restaurants and eat dinner at happy hour. Seriously, take full advantage here!
New York style pizza is a fan favorite and famous dish while you’re in the city. Pizza by the slice is honestly very cheap and it’s also tasty and, dare I say, life changing. Bagels in the morning will fill you up and are pretty affordable as well. As far as the carbs? You’ll walk them off anyway here in the streets of New York.
List of Best Free Walking Tours in NYC
You don’t necessarily have to buy that expensive sightseeing package that shows you around New York City. There are several free resources offered that can substitute for these high-priced tours.
Here’s a great list of free walking tours in New York City by various locations, interests or hobbies. Also, check out Big Apple Greeters.
Check out this site for an incredibly full library of free walking tours or “pay-what-you-wish” donation costs.
The Wrap-Up: Cheap or Free Things to do NYC
Don’t cross New York off your bucket list just because you’ve heard it’s far too expensive. You’ll be surprised at all of the free activities New York City offers and places to go in NYC for free.
Hopefully this list gave you several ideas of what you are able to do in New York for free or for an affordable cost. It’s hard to be bored in the city that never sleeps and offers so much 24/7.
Happy traveling (and saving)!
—
Did this list surprise you? Have any great free activities in New York you’d like to share? Let me know below!
