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Free Things To Do in NYC
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items People always say New York is expensive — and it is — but one of the perks of growing up here is knowing that some of the best things to do are completely free. You don’t need to spend $50 on brunch every weekend just to have fun. Here are my go-to s...
Make sure to wear some comfortable shoes since the bridge is 1.1 miles long. But walk one of the most iconic bridges in the country! Makes for some great and classic photo-ops. Make sure to go during sunrise or sunset for an extra amazing view!
Walk the Brooklyn Bridge
Located in the Ford Foundation building, there is a mini rainforest built indoors. Full with beautiful trees, flowers, and even a reflective pool. Very tranquil spot and a great switch up from the hustle and bustle of NYC
Immerse Yourself in a Secret Rainforest
Spend the day in NYCs largest park. Perfect for a picnic or just a stroll. Run into some of the most impromptu but captivating street performers
Spend the Day in Central Park
Stretching 1.45 miles long, be sure to wear some comfortable shoes! Enjoy some of the little nature NYC has to offer. Is like a giant rooftop garden, mixing with different art installations
Walk The High Line
Formerly a military base, this 172 acre island is off the coast of Manhattan. Has several historical buildings, restaurants, gardens, parks, and a whole lot to explore! You can even rent a bike to help get around
Visit Governors Island
One of Manhattan’s newest parks. An artificial island park built on pit shaped pylons in the water
Visit Little Island
Tickets are highly coveted, so be sure to plan well in advance. But always an amazing performance and worth the hunt to track down
Free Shakespeare in the Park
The Staten Island ferry is one of the only free forms of transportation around NYC, and it’ll take you the closest you can be to the Statue of Liberty without ever spending a dime!
Ride the Staten Island Ferry
On Wednesdays admission to the Bronx Zoo is free to the general public. Be sure to reserve your tickets (max of 4) by the Monday before your visit!
Visit the Bronx Zoo
Kayak in the Hudson River for Free at Pier 96 Boathouse! Participants must be over 18 (unless accompanied by a parent or guardian) and know how to swim. Otherwise, it's first-come, first-serve.
Kayak in the Hudson River
Filling up an entire city block, this gigantic and gorgeous cathedral is open to the public. NYCs largest church. Both the in and outside are absolutely captivating
Visit St. Patrick's Cathedral
Window shop some of the most luxurious stores and boutiques. Enjoy the picturesque cobblestone streets
Window Shop in SoHo
Wednesdays at this museum is free for all! Enjoy seeing how NYC has developed and changed through the ages
Visit the Museum of the City of New York
Always free for all New Yorkers, and a suggested admission rate of $10 for all other visitors. The MoMA PS1 is the contemporary art affiliate of the MoMA, focusing specifically on cutting-edge and experimental contemporary art
Visit the MoMA PS1
A graphic design and advertising poster museum/display. Tickets are free the first Friday of every month, and there is even extended programming this day (10am-9pm)
Visit Poster House
Located at the World Trade Center, pay respects and learn more about what happened on September 11th, 2001, when a tragic terrorist attack took place in New York City. Tickets are free for New Yorkers on Sundays from 4-7pm
Visit the 9/11 Memorial & Museum
Free general admission on Thursdays from 2-6pm. It’s like stepping behind the scenes of film, TV, and digital media — from vintage cameras to interactive exhibits where you can try your hand at sound editing or stop-motion. It’s part history lesson, ...
Visit the Museum of the Moving Image
Makes for great photo ops. Times Square is the city turned all the way up — massive LED billboards stacked on top of each other, costumed characters hustling for photos, street performers, and a nonstop rush of people at every hour of the day. It’s c...
Take on Times Square