New York City is one of the most vibrant and exciting cities in the world, but it can also be expensive. However, there are plenty of things to do in the Big Apple that won’t cost you a dime. From outdoor activities to cultural experiences, here are some of the best free things to do in New York City.

Visit Central Park

Central Park is a massive green oasis in the middle of Manhattan. It’s free to enter and explore, and there are plenty of things to see and do, from jogging and cycling to picnicking and people-watching. You can also visit some of the park’s famous attractions, such as the Central Park Zoo and the Conservatory Garden, for free during certain hours.

Grand Central Station

Grand Central Station, located in Midtown Manhattan, is a world-famous landmark and transportation hub that opened to the public on February 2, 1913. It serves the northern parts of the New York metropolitan area.

The beautiful station is not just a train station, but also the heart of a remarkable urban campus, a sprawling complex of shops, office towers, hotels, and restaurants. There are 35 dining options available at the station, including fine dining, classic cocktail bars, and grab-and-go fast-casual restaurants. Some of these restaurants include Sparks Steak House, Benjamin Steakhouse Prime, Wokuni, Docks Oyster Bar and Seafood Grill, The Capital Grille, The Campbell Bar, Cipriani Dolci, and Grand Central Oyster Bar (seen in the current opening of Saturday Night Live).

Grand Central Station Website

MoMa *free for certain ages, military, and NYC residents only

Discounted & Free Admission to MoMA

• Children 16 and under are always free at MoMA – Booking your timed entry tickets in advance is highly recommended. For the best availability, book tickets in advance online. Free admission does not apply to children in groups.
• Active Military and their families are FREE – MoMA offers one free admission to active members of the US military with valid ID as well as free admission for military families with dependent cards. Tickets are available at the Ticketing Desk.
• NIQLO NYC Nights – FREE for NYC Residents ONLY -These tickets for UNIQLO NYC Nights are FREE for New York City residents ONLY. They must be reserved in advance, are available for up to two adults, are subject to availability, and proof of residency may be required. These tickets are released one week before each event.

Read More HERE

Visit the 9/11 Memorial & FREE Museum Days

The 9/11 Memorial is a powerful tribute to the victims of the September 11th attacks. Admission is free, and you can also visit the adjacent museum for free during certain hours. Free Admission Mondays – Free Admission Monday tickets will be available on the website each Monday beginning at 7 a.m. ET and are first come, first serve. You can use these tickets and visit the Memorial and Museum on Mondays between 3:30 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. Children 6 years and younger are also FREE.

Shakespeare in the Park

The event is held at Central Park’s open-air Delacorte Theater. The shows are always free (you may have to wait in line or enter a lottery to win tickets) and feature performances of some of Shakespeare’s famous plays. Sometimes, famous actors participate in the plays at Shakespeare in the Park as well. Some who have joined the cast in the past include Natalie Portman, Meryl Streep, Liev Schreiber, and John Lithgow.

Free Tours

Take a free tour of many of the city’s museums and landmarks, including the Brooklyn Brewery and the Federal Reserve Bank of New York (also its Museum and Learning Center offers free group tours). Check their websites for schedules and details.

New York Public Library

The New York Public Library (NYPL) is one of the largest and most renowned public library systems in the United States, located in New York City. Its iconic main branch, known as the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, is situated on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan. This magnificent Beaux-Arts building, with its grand marble facade and majestic lion statues guarding the entrance, has become an architectural symbol of the city.

Inside the library, visitors can explore a vast collection of over 53 million items, including books, manuscripts, maps, photographs, and more. The library also offers a variety of educational programs, exhibitions, and public events. It hosts lectures, discussions, author readings, and workshops, fostering intellectual and cultural enrichment for people of all ages and backgrounds.

Tour the New York Public Library

Little Island

Discover Little Island – Little Island is a new public park, located in Hudson River Park, where all New Yorkers and visitors can experience nature and art in a unique urban oasis on the Hudson River.

Alexander Hamilton’s Harlem Estate

See Alexander Hamilton’s Harlem Estate – A great activity for history buffs, those interested in American history, and fans of the Broadway Musical. Only open Fridays through Sundays. All tour tickets are free and they are given first come, first served. Tickets may book up before your chosen tour time, so please be sure to arrive early.

FREE For KIDS

Kids Free at Brooklyn Botanic Garden

Brooklyn Botanic Garden ***ONLY kids under 12 years of age are FREE

Free Days and Hours at Brooklyn Children’s Museum

Children 1 and under are always free at Brooklyn Children’s Museum. The museum also offers Amazon Free Hours on Thursday afternoons from 2 pm–5 pm.  Reservations should be booked in advance.

Take the Kids to a Playground

When my kiddos were little, I was so excited to see a playground when we were on vacation. They never seemed to run out of energy! New York City has MANY playgrounds that little ones will enjoy. This includes the Ancient Playground next to the Metropolitan Museum of Art – with climbing areas inspired by Egyptian art at the Met.

Queen’s County Farm

At Queen’s County Farm Museum, you can see steers, hens, alpacas, sheep, goats, and pigs. They also offer hay rides and have a seasonal farmstand where you can purchase eggs and produce (usually open in the spring).

General Admission to the farm is free to the public, except for special ticketed admission days and group visits. They are open daily, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Queens County Farm Museum // 73-50 Little Neck Parkway – Floral Park, New York 11004-1129 // 718.347.3276

Watch a Movie in Bryant Park

Watch a movie in Bryant Park – Bring a blanket and a friend to see the 10 screenings on summer Mondays nights at Bryant Park. The lawn opens at 5 p.m. for anyone who brought a picnic and the movie begins at 8 p.m. Food and beverage offered by Hester Street Fair will be available for purchase on the Fountain Terrace starting at 4 p.m. Beer, wine, and snacks can be bought on the back lawn from Stout NYC.

Harry Potter Store

The Harry Potter Store in NYC is a haven for fans of the wizarding world, located in the heart of New York City. As you step through the store’s grand entrance, you are instantly transported into the enchanting realm of Harry Potter. With stunning displays, interactive exhibits, and captivating decor, it is a must-do for Harry Potter fans. You can pose at Platform 9¾ or step into Hagrid’s giant boots, these experiences add an extra touch of magic to the visit.

Beyond the merchandise, the store also houses a cozy café where you can sip on Butterbeer and indulge in wizarding-themed treats. It’s the perfect spot to relax and soak in the enchanting atmosphere.

Drama Book Store

Drama Book Store is a very cool bookshop with Broadway Play Memorabilia. This store is partially owned by Lin Manuel Miranda and he wrote “In the Heights” here.

TV Show Tapings

TV Show Tapings – There are tons of great shows that are taped in New York. Tickets to these tapings are free and you can request tickets to attend a taping. There are some shows that have standby tickets to fill extra seats. so even if you miss tickets you can give that a shot! You can also check out 1iota.com for tickets (scroll down to NYC Daytime Shows and NYC Late Night Shows).

Bronx Zoo

Bronx Zoo (scroll down the page to Wednesday’s section) – Limited Admission is free all day on Wednesdays at the Bronx Zoo. ADVANCE-TIMED TICKETS ARE REQUIRED. The Wednesday Ticket Store opens on Mondays at 5:00 pm for that Wednesday’s reservations. You can’t visit the zoo without a reserved ticket.

Brooklyn Bridge Park

Brooklyn Bridge Park – This park is open 7 days a week from 6 a.m. to 1 a.m. and entry is free. Within Brooklyn Bridge Park, Pier 6 is a favorite spot for kids. There is a splash pad, slides, and rope swings. See an interactive map HERE (just click on Pier 6 or any spot to see activities and photos). This park offers hundreds of free activities and events here, for kids and adults.

Free Kayaking at Downtown Boathouse

Go Kayaking at the Downtown Boathouse – The Downtown Boathouse offers the world’s largest FREE Kayaking program. They give free 20-minute kayaking tours on the Hudson on the weekends. Just come by the Boathouse on weekends & holidays from the end of May to the first of October 10:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. The last boat goes out at 4:30 p.m. and no reservations are needed.

Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge

The Brooklyn Bridge is an iconic landmark that connects Brooklyn and Manhattan. Walking across the bridge is free, and you’ll get amazing views of the city skyline and the East River.

Tour the High Line

The High Line was a former railway that has been repurposed. It is about 1.45 miles long. It runs from The Meatpacking District all the way to Hudson Yards in Midtown. This area features art installations, and beautiful gardens full of perennials and wildflowers, and offers free public tours. While here you can also see/visit Chelsea Market, The Vessel, Gansevoort Market- plus many restaurants, bars, and coffee shops!

Coney Island Beach

Coney Island Beach – A beach? In New York? YES! Coney Island Beach is a popular summer destination located in Brooklyn, New York. The beach stretches nearly 3 miles along the Atlantic Ocean, offering visitors a beautiful and family-friendly sandy beach. Established in 1824, Coney Island has a rich history as a seaside resort and is home to the iconic boardwalk. The beach is closed for the winter but opens for swimming on Memorial Day weekend.

Attend a FREE Concert or Performance

There are plenty of free concerts and performances throughout the city, especially during the summer. Check out the NYC Parks website for schedules and locations. Here’s the 2023 list of free concerts and events.

Visit a Farmers’ Market

There are dozens of farmer’s markets throughout the city, and many offer free samples and cooking demos. It’s a great way to taste some fresh local produce and support small businesses.

Take a Walking Tour

New York City is full of historic neighborhoods and landmarks, and there are plenty of free walking tours available online. You can explore the city at your own pace and learn about its rich history and culture.

You can see a list of free walking tours here or from a local historian here or use the New York Map and Walks app to take your own self-paced walk. At The High Line (mentioned above), free docent-led public tours are offered on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays from May to October, and on Wednesdays and Saturdays from November to April. Sandemans New Europe also offers free tours of downtown Manhattan that last about 2 1/2 hours. This tour covers many historic sites in New York City like the 9/11 Memorial, Wall Street, and the Charging Bull.

Remember that these tours are free, but it is good etiquette to tip the tour guide, so you might want to have some cash on hand.

Join Club Free Time

New York City offers about 50 free events a day throughout the year. You can see gallery openings, join free tours of different neighborhoods, go to free jazz and classical music concerts, hear free talks/lectures/seminars at NYU and Columbia U, and/or listen to a free reading by a famous author. Join Club Free Time to see all of the free events available during your visit.

New York City may be expensive, but there are plenty of free things to do that will give you a taste of the city’s vibrant culture and history. Whether you’re a tourist or a local, there’s always something new to discover in the Big Apple.

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