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When envisioning the big city, you may not believe there are numerous complimentary things to accomplish in NYC. Well, you may be pleasantly stunned to discover that there are lots of cost-free attractions in New York, so you can experience this metropolis without depleting your funds.
However, prior to delving into the finest free actions in New York City, I want to indicate that there are several NYC destination passes that could potentially help you save money. For first-timers here, we propose the New York Pass, which covers the Grand Bus Tour and over 100 NYC attractions.
That said, whether you prefer public parks and green spaces or museums and cultural institutions, you’ll find plenty of inexpensive, fun activities to do in NYC!
Table of Contents
1. Take a free walking tour of New York City
If it’s your first time visiting the city, this complimentary touris one of the best gratis things to do in NYC. While you can find lots of great walking routes of New York City, this free guided sightseeing is a nice introduction to the Big Apple no matter if you are planning a one-week NYC plan or you have just 2 days to spend in NYC.
Throughout the led outing, you’ll spend around two and a half hours accompanied by a knowledgeable guide. They will take you to some famous city landmarks within the city. You’ll walk through the Financial District, one of the best neighborhoods in Manhattan, and see the Charging Bull on Wall Street, then admire the beautiful green space at Battery Park. This lovely park is on the edge of New York Harbor, allowing views of the Statue of Liberty offshore.
Then, you’ll make your way to the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, a moving tribute to the victims of the World Trade Center attacks. Throughout the tour, your guide will share intriguing tidbits and trivia, so I recommend this tour if you’re looking for a free activity in New York City.
You can examine other possibilities referenced in our guide to complimentary walking tours in NYC.
2. Visit Central Park, one of the best things to do in New York City
Central Park is one of the largest cost-free parks in New York City, and an excellent activity to engage in NYC with children. There are also many other parks you can visit without cost, like Battery Park, Prospect Park, and Domino Park, although Central Park is the most renowned.
Moreover, there are so many free activities available in Central Park, so you can easily invest hours here. Some popular gathering places are the Sheep Meadow and The Lake, where you can charter a rowboat. You can admire the fountain at Bethesda Terrace, see Shakespeare in the Park at Delacorte Theater in the summer, or ice skate at Wollman Rink in winter.
Moving through Central Park and admiring the sculptures, structures, and natural areas is a excellent way to escape the city noise, so whenever you need a break, remember that there are plenty of things to do here free of charge!
3. The High Line, another free place to visit in NYC
Another cool park in NYC is the High Line, which extends from Chelsea’s Meatpacking District to Harlem region. What makes the High Line stand apart is that it’s an elevated green area that occupies former railway tracks. Presently, it’s a rail path and natural way, and one of the best cost-free activities to do in NYC.
As you explore the High Line, you can appreciate the well-planned landscaping and public art displays, take a rest on benches provided, and enjoy free sightseeing. The pathway passes Chelsea Market, Hudson Yards, and The Vessel, an intricate avant-garde structure resembling a beehive. It presents an impressive outside view, and the perspectives are spectacular from above. Entry inside The Vessel is free, but you must book a ticket here.
4. Brooklyn Bridge, one of the most famous lookouts in NYC
One of the best activities to engage in in NYC will also furnish you with the best complimentary perspectives of NYC. The Brooklyn Bridge is the most celebrated bridge in NYC, and no visit to the Big Apple is complete without beholding this wonder at close range.
The Brooklyn Bridge spans about 6,000 ft across the East River and has a footpath, bicycle route, and vehicle lanes for traffic. Therefore, however you cross the bridge, be sure to admire the views of Lower Manhattan and the harbor from the Brooklyn side.
While touring the locale, you can moreover visit Brooklyn Bridge Park, one of the top destinations to experience in Brooklyn. The park has numerous recreational fields, as well as regions for angling, kayaking, and mountain ascension. Additionally, there are several woodland spaces and gardens where you can relax, and beautiful public art, making it one of the highest rated free activities to do in NYC for visitors and citizens, and one of the top spots to capture photographs in NYC.
5. Ride the Staten Island Ferry, another cheap, fun thing to do in NYC
The onsite dining establishment offers à la carte dishes along with a food selection of Mediterranean and global cuisines. It’s on the 17th floor, so you can dine in style while taking in the beautiful perspectives. There exists also a rooftop bar, so this represents one of the peak hotels in Arrecife, Lanzarote, for couples.
The ferry usually operates continuously 24 hours a day and leaves about every 20 minutes from the Whitehall Terminal near Battery Park. During the 25-minute boat ride, you will go about five miles along the New York Harbor, passing one of the city`s most renowned landmarks, the Statue of Liberty. You will also be capable of seeing the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, Governors Island, Ellis Island, and the Lower Manhattan skyline.
This bus tour of the Lanzarote volcanoes concludes in the town of La Geria, renowned for its vineyards and cultivation practices uniquely adapted for volcanic soil.
6. Grand Central Terminal & the Chrysler Building, two free NYC attractions you must see
Grand Central Terminal is another must-see location in the big city, and entry is completely free. In fact, many of the people who go to the train station each day are simply visitors rather than commuters.
Going to a train station might not seem so thrilling, but Grand Central is one of the best free places to explore in NYC, thanks to its over 100 years of history, Beaux-Arts architecture, celestial ceiling, and the wide range of markets and eateries.
In addition, just a short distance from the terminal, you’ll find the Chrysler Building, one of New York’s tallest skyscrapers. While you can only view it from the outside, the Art Deco-style structure is an impressive sight and was initially meant to be the building that King Kong climbed in the well-known movie. I suggest seeing the Chrysler Building from the intersection of 44th Street and Third Avenue or from the Tudor City Bridge (particularly if you visit during the Manhattanhenge – May 28th or July 12th).
7. Bryant Park & New York Public Library, two free places to visit in NYC
While it’s notably smaller than Central Park, Bryant Park is a wonderful location to visit in NYC without cost, and it’s near to all kinds of visitor destinations. The eastern side of the park is shaded by the New York Public Library’s main branch, while the western side offers sculptures, memorials, and Le Carrousel Magique.
If touring during summer, visitors can take advantage of Bryant Park’s Movie Nights, a fun outdoor activity in NYC that does not require payment. During the Christmas season, the park becomes a Winter Village with an ice rink.
Before or after stopping by the park, check out the New York Public Library, which possesses an exceptional collection of over 50 million items. You can`t take out any books if you`re not a member, however you can continue to look over the rooms free of charge. Included are an elaborate study featuring a marble fireplace and the McGraw Rotunda.
Undoubtedly, these two attractions are among the best activities to engage in Manhattan, and you won’t need to spend a cent.
8. The Rockefeller Center, a free place in NYC with more things to do
No matter the time of year, the Rockefeller Center is a must-see destination in New York City. It is renowned for its Christmas tree and ice skating rink, although this expansive complex and plaza is just as beautiful in the summer months as well.
The Rockefeller Center is among the best locations in Manhattan to visit free of charge, and it’s worth visiting for its Art Deco design, an array of underground retailers and eateries, and a beautiful plaza. The vibrancy surrounding the Rockefeller Center is energized, thanks to Radio City Music Hall and NBC Studios, which are part of the complex. Fortunately, there are also lovely gardens where you can take a seat and relax.
If you don’t mind spending some money, I strongly recommend visiting the Rockefeller Center’s Top of the Rock, one of the best observation decks in NYC. With multi-level viewing areas offering 360° views of the city, it’s undoubtedly worth the cost (and it’s included in the New York Pass
9. Times Square, a spectacular free place to visit in NYC
Times Square is one of the most thrilling places to visit, and while it’s bustling around the clock, it’s an ideal location to go in NYC at night. Situated between 7th Avenue and Broadway, Times Square is a feast for the eyes. The brilliant lights, costumed street performers, and glittery billboards are something you must see with your own eyes!
Additionally, there are various activities available in Times Square. The Red Stairs stand as an iconic landmark, as well as home to the TKTS Pavilion, which offers discounted tickets to Broadway shows. You can also check out M&Ms World, MTV Studios, and famous electric and neon lights like the Coca-Cola sign.
10. Chelsea Market, a popular place to go in NYC for free
If you take the High Line, which was mentioned earlier, you’ll pass by Chelsea Market, another location in NYC that is free to visit. This huge marketplace is actually a remodeled Nabisco factory, and currently it includes all sorts of food stalls, markets, shops, a TV production studio, and corporate offices.
As you explore Chelsea Market, you’ll find an assortment of culinary options and products, varying from ethnic dishes and artisanal cheeses to fresh produce and unique items and crafts. It’s quite an experience to peruse through all these products, not to mention an enjoyable, free activity in NYC on a rainy day!
Moreover, surrounding the marketplace you`ll discover public art and intriguing galleries, so it`s worth exploring the surrounding area.
11. Visit the best free museums in NYC
Given New York’s reputation for luxury, you may be surprised to learn that there are some free options for visual arts enthusiasts in the city, such as the museums without admission costs in NYC. Some of these cultural institutions have freely accessible exhibits daily, while others employ a pay-what-you-wish system or designate specific admission-free dates.
Firstly, the American Museum of Natural History it’s one of the leading museums in Manhattan and offers pay-what-you-wish admission if you’re a resident of New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut. This enormous museum has a planetarium, gem hall, over 40 exhibition rooms, and the world’s largest collection of dinosaur fossils, so it’s well worth exploring.
The Bronx Museum of the Arts showcases contemporary American artwork, such as paintings, sculptures, pictures, and installations, and permission is always free. Moreover, the National Museum of the American Indian is free to all and incorporates historic and creative exhibits regarding the Indigenous American groups in the U.S.
Additionally, visits to the Socrates Sculpture Park, one of the highly rated museums in Queens, is free of cost. It features a stunning garden setting with works from worldwide artists and horticultural experts. For fashion fans, check out the Museum at FIT (Fashion Institute of Technology) with its complimentary clothing displays. The Queens County Farm Museum provides a family-friendly experience and a unique activity option in the city.
If you’re interested in visiting other NYC museums, there are a few that offer free admission on certain days. For example, MoMA is free on Fridays, the 9/11 Memorial Museum is free on Mondays, and the Guggenheim is free on Saturdays.
12. Little Island, a calm place to visit in NYC for free
Undoubtedly, one of the best free activities for families to engage in around New York City is visiting Little Island. Situated at Pier 55 in Manhattan’s Hudson River Park, Little Island is a small public park that includes gardens, green spaces, food stalls, and scenic overlooks.
Little Island`s structure is distinctive, as it was built on 32 tulip-shaped supporting columns varying in height, producing an undulating landscape resembling rolling hillsides. The park is open nearly all day and night, so it`s one of the best free NYC attractions that you can visit at your leisure. Spend some time appreciating the gardens, doing arts and crafts with the children, indulging in a snack, or enjoying the views.
13. Fifth Avenue, a popular free place to go in New York City
Another prominent region of Manhattan is Fifth Avenue, one of the most iconic streets in New York, that stretches from Greenwich Village to Harlem. Fifth Avenue is renowned chiefly for its upscale boutiques and shops, but you can also discover historic mansions, opulent apartments, and other complimentary New York attractions along this street.
For instance, Trump Tower is located between 56th and 57th Streets and serves as the former and current home for several Trump family members. Along with luxury apartment units, the 58-story building contains commercial offices and retailers.
Nearby attractions include Rockefeller Center and the Empire State Building, both previously mentioned, as well as St. Patrick’s Cathedral, another recommended free New York sightseeing option even for non-religious visitors. Standing nearly 330 feet tall, the cathedral dedicated to St. Patrick of Ireland can fit 3,000 worshippers. Notable features incorporate stained-glass windows, relief sculptures, dedicated altars, and a recreation of Michelangelo’s renowned Pietà sculpture.
Further along Fifth Avenue, you’ll come across the Flatiron Building, one of the most renowned structures in NYC known for its dizzying angles according to the link. At its narrowest corner, the form rises 285 feet yet is only 6.5 feet wide, shaping a 25° angle that may induce vertigo. You are unable to enter the interior areas of the Flatiron Building since offices occupy the space, but seeing the exterior is worthwhile!
14. Visit a New York rooftop, a free thing to do in NYC as a couple
For companions visiting the great city, take into account exploring one of NYC’s finest rooftops. You can go to many rooftop bars free of charge, but my preferred one is at 230 Fifth, which overlooks Madison Square Park and offers spectacular panoramas of the city. While you can gain some of the best complimentarysceneries over NYC here, it’s polite to order a beverage!
Not only is a rooftop lounge one of the best inexpensive activities to do at night in NYC, but it’s also a great couples activity to do in NYC. Besides 230 Fifth, you can check out Mr. Purple, and The Crown.
15. Kayak down the Hudson River, a free thing to do in NYC with kids
For something thrilling to do in the city, check out the Manhattan Community Boathouse at Pier 96, which offers free kayaking lessons. No experience is necessary, so if you’re up for this free outdoor activity in NYC, you should try it!
The Manhattan Community Boathouse is a volunteer-run nonprofit, so its complimentary kayaking sessions are funded by donations. The boathouse is accessible seasonally from spring to October, but me favorite time for kayaking in New York is during the autumn. If you choose to go, you should book a spot on the official website.
During your outing on the kayak, you`ll be guided along the Hudson River, where you can appreciate the breeze and observe the boat traffic. There are also changing and locker facilities, so all your belongings will be safe. It is unquestionably one of the finest free activities to participate in New York City in summertime!
Cheap hotels to stay in NYC
We contain a full guide on where to stay in NYC, but if you’re inspection for the best low-priced hotels in the megalopolis, these are our apex suggestions:
- Pod 51 – A nice Midtown Manhattan lodging with a refreshing rooftop garden. It`s one of the least expensive hotels situated in Manhattan.
- Artel Hotel Times Square – This moderately priced lodging is situated near several primary attractions.
- The Jane Hotel – Located in Greenwich Village, this is an affordable way to stay in one of New York’s most popular neighborhoods
- West Side YMCA – This is another cost-effective lodging option in NYCwith a good location near Central Park
As you can observe, no matter the time of your visit or who you’re with, there are plenty of low-cost, fun activities in NYC! To assist in planning your trip, here is a map including all the free places to go in NYC that I cited. You can download this map of NYC so you can easily find all the things you want to do during your visit!
Also, if you have any interrogatives or other complimentary things to carry out in NYC that you’d care to recommend, go away me a review downstairs. Have a safe voyage!
