Free Things to Do in New York City

Are you planning a trip to New York City and feeling anxious about the costs? Relax! If you know where to look, New York can be an affordable destination. In fact, there are many free things to do in New York City that can make your visit unforgettable without breaking the bank.

Explore New York for Free: 20 Must-Do Activities

If you’ve managed to snag a great flight deal and found a charming Airbnb or a reasonably priced hotel, you’re already on the right track! Many of New York’s attractions are completely free. Don’t believe it? Here are 20 fantastic free activities in New York City that will enrich your travel experience.

⭐ Also, be sure to check out our 100 things to see and do in New York!

1. Central Park

Central Park, the green heart of Manhattan, offers a beautiful escape from the city's hustle and bustle. Spend an entire morning exploring its serene landscapes, historical statues, and peaceful lakes. You can find more detailed information on what to see and do in Central Park.

2. Staten Island Ferry

Want to catch a glimpse of the Statue of Liberty? Hop on the Staten Island Ferry, which offers stunning views of the statue and the Manhattan skyline—all for free. Check out the schedules here.

3. Gospel Mass

Experience a Gospel Mass in Harlem. While donations are appreciated, the service itself is free. Arriving early is advisable since the 8 AM mass is often less crowded and more authentic than the tourist-filled 10 AM service. We attended the Bethel Gospel Assembly, and it was one of our most memorable experiences in New York. You can read more about it here.

4. Stroll Through New York's Neighborhoods

Exploring the city on foot is one of the most rewarding ways to discover its secrets. While using the subway is necessary to get from one place to another, don’t miss the chance to walk through iconic neighborhoods like Chinatown, Little Italy, Nolita, and West Village.

⭐ Here’s a comprehensive guide to New York's neighborhoods.

5. Kobra's Mural Route

Take a walk to admire the stunning murals by Kobra. This Brazilian artist is renowned for his vibrant colors and geometric designs, capturing famous personalities in a way that is both realistic and profound.

6. Brooklyn Bridge

Cross the iconic Brooklyn Bridge, a staple in countless films set in New York. The best approach is to take the subway to Brooklyn, explore the Dumbo area, and then walk back to Manhattan across the bridge. The skyline views are breathtaking, especially at sunset. Don’t forget to also walk across the Manhattan Bridge for a different perspective of the city.

7. Capture the Perfect New York Photo

Don’t miss capturing the stunning view of the Manhattan Bridge framed by the brick buildings at the corner of Front St and Washington St in Dumbo. It’s one of the most Instagrammable spots in New York, and best of all, it’s free!

Save on New York's tourist attractions with the Go City Pass, the most comprehensive one available. Use code ‘MOCHILEANDO’ for a 5% discount.

8. High Line

The High Line is an urban park built on a historic freight rail line elevated above the streets of Manhattan. It features lush green spaces, public art installations, and stunning views of the city. It’s one of the most surprising and beautiful spots in New York. Learn more about the High Line here.

9. Free Tour of New York

Join a Free Tour. While it’s not entirely free since you should leave a tip for the guide, this experience allows you to discover the city through the eyes of a local who knows all the hidden gems. You can choose your own price for the service. You can reserve one here.

10. Free Museums in New York

Did you know that you can enter many museums in New York for free? Some museums are always free to enter, including:

• Federal Hall National Memorial
• Federal Reserve (with reservation)
• The Bronx Museum of the Arts
• Hispanic Society of America (temporarily closed in 2023)
• National Museum of the American Indian
• The New York Public Library
• Harbor Defense Museum

Other museums operate on a suggested admission basis, meaning you can pay what you wish. Additionally, some museums offer free admission on specific days of the week:

• 9/11 Museum (Monday afternoons)
• Whitney Museum (Fridays)
• Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) (Fridays from 4 PM to 8 PM)
• Guggenheim Museum (Saturdays from 5 PM to 7:45 PM)

Always check the official websites for the latest information as these schedules may change.

11. Free Kayaking in New York

For a unique experience, consider kayaking for free on the East River or the Hudson River. This activity is a fun way to see the city from a different perspective. You can find more details here.

12. Brooklyn Brewery

If you enjoy beer, consider joining the free tours at the Brooklyn Brewery on Saturdays to learn about the beer-making process. However, if you want to taste the beer, there is a small fee of $5. Location: 79 N 11th St. For more information, check their website.

13. Public Pools

If you’re visiting in the summer and need to cool off, New York City offers several public swimming pools for free. Our favorite is the one in Astoria, but you can find a list of the best options here.

14. Fearless Girl Statue

Snap a selfie with the “Fearless Girl” statue, located right in front of the New York Stock Exchange, symbolizing women's empowerment in the workplace.

15. Bushwick Street Art Tour

If you’re a fan of urban art, you must explore the Bushwick neighborhood, known for its vibrant street art scene. We’ve documented our route through this artistic enclave here.

16. Williamsburg Exploration

Williamsburg is an intriguing Brooklyn neighborhood known for its hipster vibe mixed with an Orthodox Jewish community, creating a fascinating cultural contrast. Discover what awaits you in Williamsburg here.

17. The Vessel

Visit The Vessel, the stunning new monument at Hudson Yards that has captured the attention of tourists worldwide. Make sure to check if any free access opportunities are available during your visit.

18. Transmitter Park

Enjoy breathtaking views from Transmitter Park in Greenpoint, the Polish neighborhood of Brooklyn. It’s one of our favorite spots to watch the sunset over the Manhattan skyline.

19. Little Italy in the Bronx

Experience the more authentic Little Italy in the Bronx, which is far less touristy than its Manhattan counterpart. While both have their charms, the Bronx version feels much more genuine. Read about our visit to the Bronx's Little Italy here.

20. Red Hook

The Red Hook neighborhood may not be the most touristy, but it offers a pleasant atmosphere and great views of the Statue of Liberty.

There are countless more free activities in New York: visit Grand Central Terminal, explore the Public Library, admire St. Patrick's Cathedral (which has free Wi-Fi), play games in Bryant Park, or take in the views of Manhattan from the Brooklyn Heights Promenade. As you can see, exploring New York on a budget is not only possible but also quite easy!

Do you know of other free things to do in New York? Share your tips in the comments!

10 must-see places in New York for your first trip

Things to do in New York when it rains or is very cold

Top 10 New York viewpoints with amazing views