New York City is known for its vibrant culture, iconic landmarks, and bustling city life. While many activities in the Big Apple can be expensive, there are plenty of free things to do in NYC that allow you to explore the city without breaking the bank. Many of them guarantee a great time for both tourists and locals! Whether you’re a local or a visitor, here are of the best free things to do in NYC.

Best free things to do in NYC

Ride the Staten Island Ferry

The Staten Island Ferry offers a fantastic opportunity to get close to the Statue of Liberty without the cost of a pricey ticket. Departing from Battery Park, hop on the ferry, find a good viewing spot, and appreciate the stunning skyline of NYC. If you have time, consider exploring Staten Island and visiting Snug Harbor, a cultural center and botanical garden.

Relax in the Sand at the City’s Public Beaches

You don’t have to travel to the Hamptons to enjoy a day at the beach. NYC has several public beaches that are easily accessible. Head to Coney Island for a combination of beach fun and amusement park rides. Brighton Beach offers a taste of Eastern European and Russian culture alongside its sandy shores. For a more relaxed beach experience, take a trip to Rockaway Beach and indulge in delicious food from the Rockaway Beach Surf Club.

Go Bird-Watching in Central Park

Central Park is not only a haven in the heart of the city but also a paradise for bird-watchers. With approximately 210 different species of birds, including migratory birds along the Atlantic Flyway, Central Park offers fantastic bird-watching opportunities. Check out the Central Park Conservancy’s Birding Guide for tips and the best viewing points.

Check Out the Public Art at Socrates Sculpture Park

Located in Astoria, Queens, Socrates Sculpture Park is a free outdoor museum set on an abandoned landfill. The park showcases temporary exhibitions from emerging and renowned artists, allowing visitors to witness the creative process. While there, consider visiting the nearby Noguchi Museum for an additional art experience.

Pay Your Respects at the 9/11 Memorial

The 9/11 Memorial is a poignant tribute to the lives lost during the tragic terrorist attacks in 1993 and 2001. The memorial features two reflecting pools, symbolizing the footprints of the Twin Towers. Names of the victims are inscribed along the pool’s edge. Visiting the memorial is free, and the museum offers free admission on Mondays from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.

See the Mausoleums at the Green-Wood Cemetery

Step into history at the Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn. This National Historic Landmark spans 478 acres and houses an impressive collection of 19th- and 20th-century mausoleums. Notable figures like Leonard Bernstein and Jean-Michel Basquiat are buried here. Entrance to the cemetery is free, though guided trolley tours and special events may have additional costs.

Walk Across the Brooklyn Bridge

The Brooklyn Bridge is an iconic symbol of NYC and offers breathtaking views of the city’s skyline. Take a leisurely walk across the bridge and appreciate its impressive architecture. Arrive early to avoid crowds and capture stunning photos.

Take a Free Walking Tour

Explore the city’s history by joining a free walking tour. Sandemans New Europe offers a two-and-a-half-hour tour of downtown Manhattan, covering notable sites like the Charging Bull sculpture, Wall Street, and the 9/11 Memorial. While the tour itself is free, it’s customary to tip the guides.

Let the Kids Loose in Inventive Playgrounds

NYC is home to unique and imaginative playgrounds where kids can unleash their energy. Ancient Playground, next to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, features pyramid-shaped climbers inspired by Egyptian art. The Imagination Playground at Burling Slip encourages creativity with giant foam blocks. Pier 6 in Brooklyn Bridge Park offers Sandbox Village and the Water Lab for hours of fun in the sand and water.

Hang with Farm Animals at the Queens County Farm Museum

Experience farm life at the Queens County Farm Museum, one of the longest continuously farmed sites in New York state. Explore the 47-acre museum and meet cows, sheep, pigs, and more. Certain event days may have an entrance fee, but regular admission is free.

See Shakespeare in the Park

Enjoy a live theater performance at the Delacorte Theater in Central Park during the Free Shakespeare in the Park series. This summer event draws crowds with the chance to see celebrity actors perform classic Shakespeare plays. Free tickets are distributed through lotteries, standby lines, and digital systems.

Tour the Brooklyn Brewery

Discover the art of beer-making with a free tour of the Brooklyn Brewery. Every Sunday from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., the brewery offers hourly tours. While you wait for your tour, sample their beers in the tasting room and learn about the brewing process.

Kayak at Brooklyn Bridge Park

Experience the thrill of kayaking at Brooklyn Bridge Park. Join the Brooklyn Bridge Park Boathouse on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, or Sundays during the summer for a 20-minute paddle in the protected embayment. Reservations can be made in advance, but limited walk-in slots are available.

Take a Tour of the New York Public Library

Explore the historic Stephen A. Schwarzman Building of the New York Public Library. Take a free one-hour guided tour and learn about its fascinating past, including its role during World War II and the McCarthyism era. Reservations are required, and tickets can be obtained one week in advance.

Admire Craft Creations at the American Folk Art Museum

Immerse yourself in the world of self-taught artists at the American Folk Art Museum. With over 7,000 works of art, including quilts, portraits, and handcrafted board games, the museum showcases four centuries of creativity. Admission is free, but it’s recommended to reserve tickets in advance.

Walk Around the Floating Art Installation, Little Island

Experience the unique floating park, Little Island, located on the Hudson River. This public park features pathways, curated gardens, and artificial hills. Enjoy live performances and events during the summer. Entry to Little Island is always free, while some shows may require tickets.

Learn About the City’s Diverse Communities at the Bronx Museum of the Arts

Discover the Bronx Museum of the Arts, where contemporary art meets social justice. The museum aims to reflect the spirit of the borough’s vibrant communities and offers free admission to its temporary exhibitions. Marvel at the architectural design of the building while exploring the various galleries and education programs.

See Alexander Hamilton’s Harlem Estate

Step back in time at Hamilton Grange National Memorial, the restored home of Alexander Hamilton. Take a free guided tour and learn about the life and legacy of one of America’s founding fathers. Reservations are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Channel Your Inner Flower Child at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden

Escape the city’s hustle and bustle and find tranquility at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. Explore the beautiful gardens and immerse yourself in nature’s beauty. From roses to water lilies, the garden offers a peaceful retreat. Pay-as-you-wish admission is available on weekdays from December through February.

Tour the High Line

Discover the elevated urban park known as the High Line. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through this former freight line-turned-park while learning about its history, design, and landscape on a free docent-led tour. Enjoy the views while walking around the area!

Take a Fun (and Educational) Trip to the Brooklyn Children’s Museum

Engage your children’s curiosity at the Brooklyn Children’s Museum. This interactive museum features hands-on exhibits designed for kids aged six months to 10 years. Thanks to a partnership with Amazon, the museum offers free admission on Thursdays from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Step Inside One of the World’s Most Beautiful Libraries

Visit the Morgan Library & Museum, J.P. Morgan’s private library-turned-museum. Admire the stunning architecture and peruse its collection of rare books and manuscripts. On Fridays between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m., entry is free, but make sure to reserve tickets in advance.

Catch a Live Taping of an NBC Show

Experience the excitement of a live TV show taping at 30 Rockefeller Plaza. Shows like Saturday Night Live, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, and Late Night with Seth Meyers offer opportunities to secure free tickets through lotteries and standby lines. Visit NBC’s website for more information.

Watch a Movie in Bryant Park

Enjoy a movie under the stars at Bryant Park’s free Movie Nights series. Arrive early to secure a spot on the lawn and bring your own snacks for a picnic. Movies start at 8 p.m., preceded by blanket and picnicking time at 5 p.m.

Now that you know about these amazing free things to do in NYC, make the most of your time in the city without spending a fortune. From exploring parks and museums to enjoying cultural experiences, NYC offers an abundance of free activities for everyone to enjoy. Embrace the spirit of the city and create lasting memories without breaking the bank.