New York City isn’t known for its affordability and it can be difficult finding free activities in NYC or deals that won’t break the bank. As a native New Yorker, I compiled a list of the 101 best FREE things to do in NYC. Hopefully, this list will be a tremendous help for anyone on a budget (or rather not having a budget at all!).
Let’s jump in and explore all of the best free activities in NYC!
Wondering where to stay while visiting New York City? Finding a great deal on a hotel in New York City can be challenging. As a Native New Yorker, I am going to include some suggestions below that I usually recommend to friends and acquaintances who are visiting NYC for the first time or who prefer to stay in a good location close to Manhattan.
- Budget: The Row | The Jane | Pod 39 |
- Mid-Budget: The Hudson | The James Soho | The Renwick | The Redbury
- Luxury: The Bowery | The Dominick | The St. Regis | The Plaza
For more in-depth information about the best NYC neighborhoods to stay in, and the hotels in those areas, read this complete guide on Where to stay in New York City.
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101 of the Best Free Things to Do in New York City – Top Fun Free Activities in NYC
1) Take a ride on the Staten Island Ferry
This is a great way to pass by and take a closer look at the Statue of Liberty and, of course, take pictures.
2) Stroll through a public park
NYC has an abundance of parks to choose from, the most notable being Central Park. Bring food and have a picnic while indulging in one of my favorite pastimes, people watching. Check out our list of the best parks in New York City to enjoy!
3) Join a Tango lesson in Central Park
In the summer, you can partake in free dance lessons offered in Central Park – check the website for further info. Also, check out our recommendations on the top things to do in Central Park NYC.
TIP: If you are still adding New York’s top attractions to your NYC itinerary, then you should consider purchasing the New York City Explorer Pass, which provides savings on over 85 tours & attractions.
4) Play chess with a pro in Union Square
If you’re looking for a chess partner, then Union Square Park is your destination. It’s free to play but be prepared to be challenged and, more likely, losing!
5) Visit Smorgasburg, a fun weekly market at various locations in Brooklyn
Visit this vast outdoor market in Williamsburg or Park Slope and listen to live music.
6) Walk the High Line
Nothing beats going for a walk on the iconic High Line, with its unique architecture and views of Chelsea and New Jersey across the Hudson River.
7) Check out Chelsea Market
While in Chelsea, stroll along this indoor food market, and get inspired by its sights and smells.
Tip: You can also take this budget-friendly tour that takes you around the Meatpacking District, now the pinnacle of the New York art, leisure and foodie cultures. In addition, to taking you to tour the Chelsea Market and the Highline.
8) Outdoor yoga at Bryant Park
On a few select days per week, you can bring your mat and participate in a free group yoga session, while breathing in some of that fresh city air.
9) Go for a run on the Brooklyn Bridge
Very much free and it clears the mind! If running isn’t for you, walk instead.
10) Visit the MoMA on Friday evenings
Entrance to The Museum of Modern Art is free every Friday from 4pm-8pm, and a popular stop to start the weekend. TIP: The line is usually around the corner, so get there early.
Check out our Guide to the Best Museums in New York City!
11) Visit The Neue Gallerie on the first Friday of every month
This gallery has standing Austrian and German artists in their collection, including one of my favorites, Gustav Klimt. Instead of paying the usual entrance fee, get in line on any Friday; it’s worth the wait and savings.
12) Visit the Bronx Zoo on Wednesdays
Lines can get long, so get there early; but, once inside, you can spend a full day here for free. Lots to do and see!
If you prefer a guided tour, there is an affordable tour that takes you from Manhattan to Visit Little Italy in the Bronx for a 3-hour guided walking tour. This tour includes the history of the borough + you can sample some culinary treats, and see other Bronx treasures including the Bronx Zoo.
13) Visit the Botanical Gardens on Wednesday, or Saturday mornings
Those are the reserved times for free admission into the Bronx Botanical Garden. If you can, visit on a Wednesday when it’s less crowded.
14) See a summer movie in the park (Bryant Park on Monday nights!)
Many parks throughout the City offer movies in the park, but Bryant Park is one of the most popular. Showings are every Monday night after sunset, but you have to get there at 5pm when the lawn opens and bring your own seating.
15) Tour the Brooklyn Brewery
To tour this brewery, it will cost you nothing! Free tours are usually offered on Saturdays and Sundays. If you’re lucky, maybe it will include a small tasting afterwards and you can try some of their award winning beer.
You can also consider purchasing this brewery tour with a local in the trendy neighborhood of Long Island City in Queens.
16) Get tickets for a late-night show
You have to request tickets in advance but, if selected, the tickets are free. The same goes for day-time shows taped in New York City, such as the View or Wendy Williams. The chance of getting a prize during your visit is just an added incentive!
Here are some other ideas for things to do at night in NYC
17) Visit the New York City Public Library
New York has some of the best and most luxurious looking libraries around, and the entrance is always free! My favorite is the main one on 42nd Street and 5th Avenue (abutting Bryant Park).
18) Admire the ceiling at Grand Central Station
Even if you’re not taking a train, it’s worth a stop to visit Grand Central Station, if only to admire the architecture, its famous, celestial ceiling and famed opal clock above the Information Booth. Exit at 42nd Street and Park Avenue to view the second-most famous clock at Grand Central (a Tiffany’s clock, no less) and the viaduct.
19) Do window-shopping along Fifth Avenue
It doesn’t cost you a dime to just look at the window displays of the stores along 5th Avenue. Stroll along and just take a peek. You never know what you’ll see!
Pro Tip: If you do want to budget shopping in NYC, there are plenty of amazing spots, some that only locals like me know about. Check out this wonderful list of the best places to shop on a budget in NYC that you cannot miss!
20) Watch the Halloween Parade in the East Village
Free to participate, and the best costumes can also walk in the parade, if desired. A fun, annual Halloween event where everyone is welcome!
21) Visit a Christmas Market
No need to buy anything, but you can marvel at the Christmas décor and take in the smells of candied nuts, hot drinks, and waffles.
You might also enjoy: The Best Christmas Markets in New York City
22) Take a selfie in front of the Rockefeller Christmas Tree
It’s the best place to take an iconic Christmas-themed picture to send to family and friends. If the selfie does not look good, just ask someone to take it, as I did.
23) Visit the Museum of Moving Image on Friday evenings
It’s free every Friday from 4-8pm, and a must-see for movie and TV lovers alike.
24) Go to the Williamsburg Art and Historical Center on a weekend
It’s free to visit the exhibits on weekends from 12-6pm. Or go on Museum Day, when it participates, as many others do, with free admission all day.
If you are visiting during a beautiful day, I would recommend this street art and sightseeing tour, which goes from Manhattan, crossing the iconic Williamsburg Bridge, into Brooklyn.
25) Join a tour at City Hall
Tours of City Hall are free and held in the morning, hosted by the Design Commission.
26) Tour St. Patrick’s Cathedral weekday
Take a guided tour of the church and grounds of this massive cathedral at 10am, which is when it’s free.
27) Swim in a public pool
Public pools are all free to enter. All you need to do is bring your own bathing suit, towel and whatever else you want to need for swimming and lounging by the pool. Don’t forget your sun block!
Personally, I go to the one in my neighborhood of Astoria (an Olympic pool).
28) A canoe tour on the Gowanus Canal
The tours are free and even include a history lesson.
29) Play ping-pong in the summer at Bryant Park
There are 2 tables available for a fun game between friends.
30) Go Rollerblading in Prospect Park
If you have them at home, strap them on, and cruise around Prospect Park
31) Picnic at Central Park
Bring your basket with snacks and drinks from home, and organize a lovely picnic for yourself and maybe a few friends. Caring is sharing!
32) Watch musicians in Washington Square Park
There’s always entertainment to watch in this park with a free, front row seat on a bench or patch of grass. If you can be generous, give a few dollars to the artist in appreciation.
33) Marvel at the options available at the Queens International Night Market
Stroll through the Night Market, admire the different food stalls, and bring a blanket to sit on the lawn, in case you decide to buy a thing or two to eat.
34) Visit the Brooklyn Aquarium on Wednesdays
After 3pm on Wednesdays, you can enter the aquarium based on “pay what you wish” cost which can be nothing or simply a dollar.
35) Plan a beach day on Coney Island
Grab a beach bag, and spend the day swimming and relaxing on one of New York’s popular public beaches. There’s also a wonderful boardwalk to explore!
You might also like this: The Best Beaches in New York
36) Participate in a Gotham Writer’s Workshop
If you want to test your writing skills, try one of their free workshops and see if you’ve got talent.
37) Attend an Open House viewing
Who doesn’t like seeing how the other half lives? Even if it’s affordable, open houses allow you a glimpse into NYC living without signing a lease yourself.
38) Do a self-guided Graffiti Tour through Bushwick, Brooklyn
Bushwick is an industrial Brooklyn neighborhood with awesome graffiti art. Download a map online and go on a tour. Don’t forget to bring your camera!
If you still, prefer to go on a detailed street art tour, I recommend this 2-hour one which is still quite affordable.
39) Volunteer at KittyKind, or various other organizations
If you’re looking for some active engagement, then try volunteering. It’s free, you meet some wonderful people along the way, and you’re doing your part for the community. It’s definitely time well spent, well appreciated and good for your karma!
40) Watch the sunset at the East River State Park
Sunsets in New York City are quite beautiful and the view is unobstructed at Brooklyn’s East River State Park. It is one the best free things to do in NYC.
YOU MIGHT ALSO ENJOY THIS: The best views in NYC for free
41) Do yoga at Yoga to the People
This is for all levels, whether you’re a pro or beginner. It’s donation-based, and provides a great opportunity for people to come together.
42) Listen to a concert in Central Park
Other parks around the City have them too, but Central Park has the largest gatherings by far. It’s a great way to spend a night out on the town.
43) Attend a Gospel Church Service
Gospel services are incredible to witness and a perfect activity for a Sunday morning. There are many all around the City, in different boroughs, but I’d check out the ones in Harlem.
44) Take a bike ride along the river
If you have a bike, don’t hesitate and take it out for a leisurely ride along any river. Otherwise, you can always rent one.
45) Visit any of the many art galleries found in Chelsea
Most of them are free, as surprising as this might sound, and it’s a great way to discover a new, favorite artist! Check them out online and find the best one that suits you.
46) Check out the New York Earth Room
This is a unique, “earthy” art installation; a quiet and serene place to visit, especially if you want to get away from the craziness of the City
47) Check out the exhibit at the Japan Society on Friday evenings
Fridays after 6pm you can enter for free; the venue is beautiful and not to be missed!
48) Enjoy a sunset performance of Shakespeare
If you like Shakespeare, then you will love the summer shows at Brooklyn Bridge Park.
49) Go birdwatching in Central Park
You can go all out and join a club, unless you prefer birdwatching at your own, slow pace. Birds are abundant here and you’ll find many species to observe.
50) Free comedy at the Knitting Factory on Sunday nights
Every Sunday night there’s free and genuinely funny comedy to experience at this Williamsburg venue. A fun free thing to do in NYC during the night time!
51) See the General’s Ulysses S. Grant National Memorial
A memorial for the 18th president located in Washington Heights. It’s his final resting place, where he lies alongside his wife, Julia.
52) Pay homage to John Lennon at Strawberry Fields
Any music lover will be drawn to this memorial in honor of John Lennon. It’s unchanged and many devotees are maintaining it by their visits, bringing flowers, and with their commitment and love for the late John Lennon.
53) Tour a public cemetery
You could tour the Green-Wood Cemetery, for instance, located in Brooklyn. The architecture alone is worth a visit.
54) Visit farm animals at Queens County Farm Museum
Where else in the City can you enjoy the company of ducks and horses for free? Right here in Queens!
55) Walk along the riverfront at Carl Schurz Park
With its pretty river promenade, it makes for a scenic pitstop for walking or running.
56) Visit the 9/11 Memorial
The museum isn’t free, but the memorial is. It’s very touching and emotional, but a must-see for every New Yorker or visitor alike.
57) Watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade
Watching a NYC parade requires no tickets, but it’s usually loads of fun. Dress appropriately (warmly) and get there early. Most watch it on TV, but you might want to venture out and see it in person at least once in your lifetime!
58) Experience the ball drop on New Year’s Eve
If you don’t mind wearing diapers and standing in line all day long, go ahead, and experience it for free in Times Square! There’s tons of free entertainment and you definitely won’t ring in the New Year alone!
59) Watch fireworks at the Grand Army Plaza
Watch the New Year’s Eve fireworks here and celebrate with other Brooklynites.
60) Pay a visit to the Frick Museum on Wednesday afternoons
It’s pay what you wish from 2-6pm on Wednesdays so, basically, free admission for an awesome museum.
61) Attend a private Party
As long as you know someone, private parties are free to attend and provide you with a typical New York experience, even if it’s not a Halloween party. You just need to ask around!
62) Look at Christmas lights all around the city
When the holiday season starts, lights and decorations pop up everywhere. A stroll through a neighborhood such as Park Slope, Brooklyn, or Midtown, Manhattan, will definitely get you into the Christmas spirit. It is one of the best free things to do in New York City during Christmas time.
In addition, do not forget to explore the best Christmas markets in NYC!
63) Enjoy Times Square while sitting on their iconic red steps
Times Square is quintessential New York and, despite its touristy feel, it’s a famous location that everyone should get to see at least once in their lifetime.
64) Play basketball at McCarren Park
A large public park in Brooklyn with basketball courts that are just waiting to be used!
65) Dance salsa or watch a rooftop movie at Industry City
At Industry City, an entertaining business park in Brooklyn, you can dance or watch a movie for free on one of its rooftops. Yoga is just another option!
66) Visit a farmer’s market and get some free tastings
There are usually a few stalls offering free samples, and you can almost make a full meal out of it, if you go from stall to stall. Might be a ‘ghetto’ way to piece together a free meal but there’s no shame in my game!
67) Play Volleyball at Domino Park
A fairly recent addition to Brooklyn, this park offers Volleyball right by the river. It’s a beautiful location that can’t be beat.
68) Visit Fort Tryon Park and The Cloisters (suggested donation)
Fort Tryson Park is where the Cloisters are located. As a NYS resident, the admission fee is a suggested $25, but you’re not obligated to pay and can enter for free. The park alone is awesome, with its views of the Hudson River.
69) Admire the art located in the Socrates Sculpture Park, located in Long Island City
A unique park because of its art installations and sculptures all around you! It’s a one-of-a-kind place in Long Island City.
Bonus: Near The Sculpture Park, there is the Noguchi Museum. The museum offers free educator–led gallery talks that take place every Wednesday through Sunday at 2 pm. It is open to all individual visitors and reservations are not required. In addition, on the first Friday and second Sunday of every month, gallery talks are also available in Japanese.
70) Stop to rest and read in the Rose Main Reading Room
The most beautiful reading room you’ll ever encounter! Bring a good book and get lost in it.
71) Visit Hamilton’s former home, The Hamilton Grange
Hamilton, the Musical, is very expensive, but how about visiting his home for free? It doesn’t get more historical and authentic than this! The tour includes a little more background about what led to his duel with Aaron Burr, Jr.
72) Participate in a movie trivia-night at Syndicated Bar in Bushwick
The Trivia-nights are free, with a chance to even win free drinks and entrance to the movie theatre, if you’re on a roll.
73) A wine tasting at Astor Wine & Spirits
Their weekly tastings are free and delicious. If you can’t afford alcohol, this is a great way to enjoy a free happy hour!
74) Tour Gracie Mansion, the mayor’s residency, on Mondays
You must reserve a spot in advance, but the tour itself is complimentary. If you ever wondered what the mansion looks like from the inside, this is your chance to see it up close and personal.
75) Free kayaking at Hudson River Park
At 3 different piers in this Park, you can kayak for free and it also comes with a basic lesson, hopefully, to help you avoid falling into the water! Makes for a great afternoon activity. It is one of the best free things to do in the summer in NYC!
76) Poetry readings and jazz at Soho’s Ear Inn
Yes, they are free to listen to! And you’re not even required to buy a drink, but probably should, if you can.
77) Trade books or get a free drink for a used book at Molasses Books
If you have any old, unwanted books, bring them here and, in exchange, either get a free book or a glass of beer or wine. Either way, you come out winning!
RECOMMENDED: The Best Bookshops in NYC!
78) An author’s reading at Barnes and Nobles
These readings are for the public and generally free to attend. Check out their rotating schedule of upcoming readings.
79) A book club session or reading at Astoria Bookshop
You don’t have to become a member, but can just drop by to talk and exchange ideas about a specific book, or social issue. There’s a book club for everyone!
80) Do a self-guided photography tour through Central Park
It’s so picturesque that it’s hard to take a bad picture. There are so many photogenic and iconic locations that you may not be able to get to them all, but pick your favorites and let yourself go!
Just to mention a few, you can photograph Bethesda Fountain and the Terrace, the Bow Bridge, Cop Cot, The Boathouse, the John Lennon Memorial, or the Mall and Literary Walk. It’s beautiful, picture-worthy, and doesn’t cost you a dime.
Check out our guide to the best things to do in Central Park NYC!
81) Morning bootcamp at Bryant Park
For early risers, this is the way to start your day right. Every Wednesday from 6:30-7am you can get your butt kicked into gear by this free, outdoor bootcamp class.
82) Run with the NYC Fun Run Club at 7pm every Wednesday
They meet at a bar, go for a run, and end up back at the same bar. If money allows, go inside afterwards, and join your fellow runners for a drink but, otherwise, you can just join in for the run and be in good company.
83) A food history lesson at Brooklyn Brainery
Check their schedules for free food lessons through the Masters of Social Gastronomy. They’re valuable lessons that can definitely be used in your day-to-day life.
84) Take a picture in front of the Bull in the financial district
The iconic bull, as seen in many movies, can and should be part of your memories of NYC. He won’t mind!
85) Organize a flash-mob with friends at Madison Square Park
For the outgoing among you, get your friends together, and rehearse a flash-mob. This can be done in any park, but I’ve seen them often done at Madison Square and I think it’s a great space for it!
86) Participate in an open-mic event
Ever wondered if you can make people laugh or if you have a talent for singing? Try it out for free by partaking in an open-mic event! They’re all over the city, so check different neighborhoods and their upcoming schedules.
87) Meditation session at Lululemon
Their sports clothing is on the more expensive side but, I think to counteract that, they offer free yoga and meditation classes. Check their website and sign up for one in advance. They tend to fill up quickly.
88) Sign up for a casual walking tour in the neighborhood of your choice
Check out Freetoursbyfoot.com and join a walking tour through The Village, Harlem, or Lower Manhattan, among other visitors like yourself (a local might slip in the mix, you never know). You don’t pay a thing upfront, but should tip the local tour guide in the end to show your appreciation.
89) Snacks at the buffet of Ryan Mcguire’s Restaurant and Bar
Every weekday, from 5-7pm, their buffet is free! You might want to order a drink with your free food, but the meal doesn’t cost you anything.
90) Visit the Museum of Jewish Heritage on Wednesdays or Thursdays
From 4-8pm, on both Wednesdays and Thursdays, you can enter the museum for free. It’s unique and an important part of history.
91) Visit famous Movie and TV locations throughout the city
You can take a free tour, or do it on your own, visiting famous places from movies, such as Rockefeller Center, Wollman Rink at Central Park, The Bow Bridge, and so many more!
92) Visit the Bronx Museum of the Arts
This museum is always free and a great place to explore!
93) Go to the Brooklyn Museum on the first Saturday of the month
It’s open very late for a Museum and free from 5-11pm on that first Saturday, as well as Thursdays from 5-10pm.
94) Tour the Columbia University campus
The campus is gorgeous, and no one can prove that you’re not interested in attending so, contact them and sign up for a free tour. It’s just a little white lie for a good reason – increase your knowledge. Isn’t that what higher education is all about?!
95) Get on a swing or monkey bars at a playground
Who says playgrounds are only for kids? Be a big kid again and pick an off-time to swing, slide, or just hang from the monkey bars!
96) Watch a free tennis tournament during Fan Week
Right before the US Open, you can watch games in a small setting, for free, at the Jean King National Tennis Center. It’s unique, to say the least, since US Open tickets can sell for hundreds of dollars. Great way to preview the players!
97) Play the lottery for free tickets to Shakespeare in the Park
It’s worth a shot and, if you win, the tickets are free and the performances are grand!
98) Attend the Rockefeller Tree Lighting Ceremony
Every year in late November/early December the tree is lit in an unforgettable ceremony. Don’t miss it, if you happen to be around. Media coverage is a given, so be prepared for big crowds.
99) Free yoga at Prospect Park’s Long Meadow
Every Thursday in the summer, from 7-8pm, you can join a free yoga session. It’s casual and you might make a friend or two.
100) Stroll through a Street Fair
Streets fairs are a constant source of frivolity and entertainment in New York City, and sometimes happen without warning. It’s the best way to mingle with locals, check out vendors selling special wares and enjoy all of the yummy scents coming from the food vendors.
101) Browse through a local flea market
Check the local papers or online information for any small flea markets in your neighborhood. Oftentimes, you can find some real bargains.
Otherwise, just look and see what’s being offered. No need to buy anything, just appreciate what’s for sale. TIP: If I find something I like, I’ll take pictures, sometimes even get a business card to return before closing to see if there’s any flexibility in price, or to check if I can find a better bargain online.
Finding free things to do in NYC does require some research, but there’s plenty to choose from, once you get the hang of it. That’s one of the great things about New York City: There’s something for everyone – for every budget, or even non-existing budgets, in every neighborhood around town.
So, let’s save some money and dive into these free activities in NYC. Shall we?
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I have never been to NYC and it will take me a while before I get there… but you have just gathered for me all I would enjoy doing in this famous city! Thanks!
Thank you for your sweet comment. I am very happy to hear this. My city is amazing and there is so much to do. You will love NYC!