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11 Top Free Things to Do in NYC + More

When you think of NYC, the word you look for to describe it is never ‘cheap’. It’s known as the most expensive US city to live in. Eating out, going to shows, and all the attractions are easily double the price of many other cities and can quickly empty your pockets.

It’s also a city where you can never run out of things to see and do, which makes a lot of visitors pack in their schedules. Luckily, though there’s an endless list of activities that cost money, there are also plenty of free options.

The Ultimate Guide to Free Things to Do in New York City - Free NYC Attractions - Free Museum Days and More // Local Adventurer

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Last Updated: October 11, 2020

YOUR COMPLETE GUIDE TO FREE THINGS TO DO IN NYC

We’ve compiled a list of all the free things to do in the city. First, we listed the top 11 most popular spots, and then you can see the rest organized by category below or by location with the map below. Keep in mind that there are always exceptions (special events and/or holidays), so it’s always good to double-check each site before visiting.

Everything is Always Free unless noted otherwise and PAYW = Pay As You Wish.


11 POPULAR FREE THINGS TO DO IN NYC

1. Chelsea Galleries

Chelsea is home to a ton of art galleries, and you can find most of them between West 14th Street and West 29th Street. A lot of them have museum-quality exhibits and are open to the public during opening hours.

Local Tip: A lot of the galleries serve complimentary wine or beer during opening nights. We went to the Yayoi Kusama exhibit at David Zwirner Gallery had lines wrapping around the building. We got there an hour before it opened and still waited 2 hours.

Yayoi Kusama Festival of Lights at David Zwirner Gallery, Chelsea Galleries + 151 Free Things to Do in NYC // localadventurer.com
Yayoi Kusama Festival of Lights at David Zwirner Gallery, Chelsea Galleries + 151 Free Things to Do in NYC // localadventurer.com

2. The Oculus, World Trade Center’s Transportation Hub

Although the nearly $4 billion dollar price tag has raised a lot of debate over the space, photographers all flock to this spot. The beautiful and clean design make for amazing photos. You can also pay respects at the 9/11 Memorial. The museum has a fee, but the outdoor memorial is always free.

The Oculus, World Trade Center's Transportation Hub, New York City + 25 Most Instagrammable Spots in NYCPin

3. Staten Island Ferry

Most ferries have some sort of fee, but the Staten Island Ferry is always free. It’s a great way to get out onto the water to see the city from a different view.

Staten Island Ferry - The Best Free Places to Go in NYC - NYC on a Budget - Free NYC Attractions (pc: Malcolm Brown) // localadventurer.com
photo: Malcolm Brown

4. The High Line

The High Line is a beautifully designed elevated park. Read about the history, take in the art, and there’s even a viewing window to the traffic below. On Tuesdays at dusk, telescopes are set up by the Amateur Astronomers Association and anyone can take a peek.

New York High Line Photos + 25 Best Photoshoot Locations NYCPin

5. New York Public Library

This historic building is a must stop for anyone who appreciates grand architecture. It’s also a great spot for movie buffs (how many movies can you name that were filmed there?). They also have period exhibits and author talks.

6. Grand Central Station

Even if you’re not hopping on the train, you should stop by Grand Central Station. It’s over 100 years old and an iconic spot in NYC. There are also Pay As You Wish tours on Fridays at 12:30 pm.

Grand Central Station - The Best Free Places to Go in NYC - NYC on a Budget - Free NYC Attractions // localadventurer.com

7. Live Tapings

There are a few live tapings in NYC, but the two most popular are probably the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon and Saturday Night Live. Free tickets are released a month in advance for the Tonight Show and SNL is done on a lottery system.

8. Brooklyn Brewery Tours

You can tour one of New York’s most popular local craft breweries. They do tours every half hour on the weekends (12:30 pm – 6 pm on Saturdays and 1 – 4 pm on Sundays).

Pro Tip: They fill up quickly, so be sure to get a ticket early. We showed up 30 minutes ahead of the tour we wanted to go on and we were fine. You can always grab a few beers while you’re waiting (unfortunately not free) or there’s a Joe’s Pizza a few blocks away if you’re hungry.

Brooklyn Brewery Tours - Your Complete List of Free Things to Do in New York // Local Adventurer

9. Brooklyn Bridge

Take a walk over the iconic Brooklyn Bridge, but don’t miss the views from the Brooklyn Bridge Park as well. It runs along the waterfront and you get amazing views of the skyline.

Brooklyn Bridge Pictures + 25 Best Instagram Spots in NYCPin

10. Central Park

Central Park is full of endless corners to explore, but a great way to see the park is through the free guided tours put on by the Central Park Conservancy. They have different programs throughout the year and if you’d rather go at your own pace, check out the self-guided tours.

Related: 45 Central Park Secrets Plus Popular Attractions You Can’t Miss

Central Park + Your Complete Guide on All the Free Things to Do in Manhattan // localadventurer.com
Central Park + Your Complete Guide on All the Free Places to Go in NYC / localadventurer.com

11. Times Square

As touristy and crowded and unpleasant as the experience might be, it’s something you have to see at least once. There isn’t anything quite like it. If you get lucky, there will be a pop-up exhibit or event there.

Local Tip: If you take a photo with any of the characters on the street, they will expect payment. If you want to see it without any crowds, try going at 4 am. It was also pretty empty on a rainy night.

Times Square ManhattanPin


FREE NYC ATTRACTIONS

OUTDOORS + URBAN PARKS


FREE NYC MUSEUMS

Art Museums

Botanical Gardens, Aquariums & Zoos

Children’s Museums

Commemorative Museums & Memorials

Cultural Museums

History Museums & Libraries

Specialty Museums

Murals

New York City is full of amazing murals and is like an ever-changing art gallery. We spent an entire afternoon exploring ones just in the SOHO / East Village area. We also found a lot walking around different Brooklyn neighborhoods.


FREE NYC SHOWS

Comedy & Talk Shows

Music, Movies, & Theater

  • Arthur’s Tavern – Oldest Continuously Operating Bar in the City – Live Jazz/Shows
  • Central Park’s SummerStage – Most Performances Free
  • Trinity Church and St. Paul’s Chapel Concerts
  • Harlem Meer Performance Festival
  • Hip to Hip Theatre Company
  • St. Peter’s Church – PAYW for Jazz on Wednesdays 1 pm
  • Julliard SchoolSome Free Recitals
  • Movies Under the Stars  (Most Popular one is at Bryant Park)
  • Prospect Park‘s Summer Concert Series
  • Shakespeare in the Park
  • Subway Musicians / Buskers – PAYW There are so many talented musicians in the subways. We started making it a habit to carry around cash for tip.

Trivia

  • Syndicated Bar in Bushwick – Free Movie Trivia Tuesdays 8 pm
  • Videology in Williamsburg – Free Move Trivia Tuesdays 8:30 pm

FREE NYC TOURS

Boats & Ferries

Brewery Tours & Wine Tastings

New York Distilling Co + Your Complete Guide to Free Things to Do in NYC - 11 Most Popular Free Attractions in NYC + A List of 151 Free Things to Do // Local AdventurerNew York Distilling Company + Your Complete Guide to Free Things to Do in NYC - 11 Most Popular Free Attractions in NYC + A List of 151 Free Things to Do // Local Adventurer

Neighborhood & Building Tours


ESSENTIAL TIPS FOR NYC

  • Some museums do not allow large bags and rules on what’s considered a large bag varies per location. Before visiting, check their respective sites to see rules.
  • Free events and entrances can always change if there are special events. It’s always good to double-check before heading over.
  • When using the subway system, Google Maps is really helpful. You will lose service so it helps to screengrab directions.
  • Phone batteries die really quickly in the city. When you’re on the subway, it’s constantly searching. Go to airplane mode on long rides, and bring an extra battery pack!
  • If you’re visiting in the winter, here’s a packing list and ways to survive the winter in NY.
  • Also read, 21 Things You Need to Know Before You Visit New York.

WHERE TO STAY


MAP OF FREE THINGS TO DO IN NYC

Use this map if you’re looking for something free near you, and if you only want to see specific categories, just check or uncheck the boxes in the legend.

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“Discovery consists not of seeking new lands but in seeing with new eyes” – M. Proust

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ESTHER + JACOB

Esther and Jacob are the founders of Local Adventurer, which is one of the top 5 travel blogs in the US. They believe that adventure can be found both near and far and hope to inspire others to explore locally. They move to a new city every year and currently live in NYC.

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This Post Has 2 Comments

  1. Emily

    Thanks for this list of reminders! I am taking my cousin for her first visit to NYC in a few weeks and I can’t wait! Hope you guys are enjoying your time there so far.

    1. Esther JuLee

      NP! That’s gonna be so great for her to have someone who knows the area to show her around. :) We…. are. It’s just been cold. haha

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