Free Things to do in NYC
Sightseeing
Standing at 150 ft high with 154 flights of stairs, make your way to the top around sunset for some epic views! It is located in the Hudson Yards which has a whole upscale shopping mall, food, the famous Edge Sky Deck, and a connection to the Highline.
Update: Unfortunately, you can no longer climb the Vessel, for free, however, you can still enjoy it from the ground for free.
Address: The Shops and Restaurants at Hudson Yards, New York, NY 10001
195 locals recommend
Vessel
20 Hudson YardsStanding at 150 ft high with 154 flights of stairs, make your way to the top around sunset for some epic views! It is located in the Hudson Yards which has a whole upscale shopping mall, food, the famous Edge Sky Deck, and a connection to the Highline.
Update: Unfortunately, you can no longer climb the Vessel, for free, however, you can still enjoy it from the ground for free.
Address: The Shops and Restaurants at Hudson Yards, New York, NY 10001
On either side find murals, greenery, and views of NYC through the Chelsea neighborhood ! The Highline is 1.45 miles and ends at Gansevoort St.
FYI: If the weather is nice, be prepared for lots of other visitors unless you go early in the morning. There are also a lot of cute photo spots on the Highline you can take advantage of.
Insider tip: If you’re feeling hungry, you can walk the Highline all the way down to Chelsea Market where you can eat and explore like a local!
2323 locals recommend
The High Line Park
On either side find murals, greenery, and views of NYC through the Chelsea neighborhood ! The Highline is 1.45 miles and ends at Gansevoort St.
FYI: If the weather is nice, be prepared for lots of other visitors unless you go early in the morning. There are also a lot of cute photo spots on the Highline you can take advantage of.
Insider tip: If you’re feeling hungry, you can walk the Highline all the way down to Chelsea Market where you can eat and explore like a local!
Speaking of Chelsea, if you happen to be in NYC on a Thursday night and love art, make your way down to the Chelsea Galleries! This was one of my favorite things to do as a broke fashion college student! Enjoy free wine, bites, and awesome art around/after 6:30 PM! You can find the Chelsea Galleries between 10th and 11th Ave from 19th to 26th street. You’re welcome for this very local NY’er gem of a spot!
Dresden Art Galleries
401 7th AvenueSpeaking of Chelsea, if you happen to be in NYC on a Thursday night and love art, make your way down to the Chelsea Galleries! This was one of my favorite things to do as a broke fashion college student! Enjoy free wine, bites, and awesome art around/after 6:30 PM! You can find the Chelsea Galleries between 10th and 11th Ave from 19th to 26th street. You’re welcome for this very local NY’er gem of a spot!
Grand Central Station is probably one of the prettiest subway stations in NYC. Who knew a train station could be NYC must-do on your itinerary?!
Besides being the backdrop of more movies than I can count, the ceiling art is stunning, and it’s a great place to people watch. While inside, you will find restaurants, a farmers market, the whispering walls, and shopping. After hanging out at Grand Central, you can take the S line right into Times Square, win, win!
Did you know Grand Central has around 750,000 visitors a day? Second to Times Square! If you love learning about history, this NYC landmark has a lot of it! You might even want to consider taking a tour.
781 locals recommend
Grand Central Terminal station
89 E 42nd StGrand Central Station is probably one of the prettiest subway stations in NYC. Who knew a train station could be NYC must-do on your itinerary?!
Besides being the backdrop of more movies than I can count, the ceiling art is stunning, and it’s a great place to people watch. While inside, you will find restaurants, a farmers market, the whispering walls, and shopping. After hanging out at Grand Central, you can take the S line right into Times Square, win, win!
Did you know Grand Central has around 750,000 visitors a day? Second to Times Square! If you love learning about history, this NYC landmark has a lot of it! You might even want to consider taking a tour.
Did you even visit NYC without walking through Times Square? This is easily one of the top things to do in NYC especially for first-timers that of course, is also free.
With huge billboards, the M&M store (yum), the naked cowboy, people doing street performances, it’s definitely an interesting place to experience, to say the least! It is also one of the best free things to do at night in NYC!
While most local New Yorkers avoid Times Square, it’s nice to feel the hustle and bustle of the city that never sleeps.
NYC Travel Tip: I would recommend heading around here during the day and evening so you can see the city all lit up.
2037 locals recommend
Times Square
Did you even visit NYC without walking through Times Square? This is easily one of the top things to do in NYC especially for first-timers that of course, is also free.
With huge billboards, the M&M store (yum), the naked cowboy, people doing street performances, it’s definitely an interesting place to experience, to say the least! It is also one of the best free things to do at night in NYC!
While most local New Yorkers avoid Times Square, it’s nice to feel the hustle and bustle of the city that never sleeps.
NYC Travel Tip: I would recommend heading around here during the day and evening so you can see the city all lit up.
Washington Square Park is another one of my favorite places to hang in the city, especially on a Spring or Summer day.
Head here to hang around the fountain, people watch, eat a snack, and view the Washington Square Arch. During the Summer, they also hold different free activities you can check for!
946 locals recommend
Washington Square Park
Washington SquareWashington Square Park is another one of my favorite places to hang in the city, especially on a Spring or Summer day.
Head here to hang around the fountain, people watch, eat a snack, and view the Washington Square Arch. During the Summer, they also hold different free activities you can check for!
The Oculus
The Oculus is a part of the new World Trade Center Transportation hub that acts as both a mall and subway station. This architectural gem was designed by Santiago Calatrava.
Make sure to check out the Oculus from both the inside and outside since both are very picturesque! They often have a farmers market inside the Oculus along with a Christmas Market during the holidays. It is also a part of a larger shopping hub with tons of stores.
Insider tip: While at the Oculus, you can also view the 9/11 memorial for free. If you also plan on visiting the 9/11 museum, it’s free on Tuesdays from 5 PM – 8 PM – UPDATE: This has been paused. Call to confirm.
24 locals recommend
Oculus Center
185 Greenwich StThe Oculus
The Oculus is a part of the new World Trade Center Transportation hub that acts as both a mall and subway station. This architectural gem was designed by Santiago Calatrava.
Make sure to check out the Oculus from both the inside and outside since both are very picturesque! They often have a farmers market inside the Oculus along with a Christmas Market during the holidays. It is also a part of a larger shopping hub with tons of stores.
Insider tip: While at the Oculus, you can also view the 9/11 memorial for free. If you also plan on visiting the 9/11 museum, it’s free on Tuesdays from 5 PM – 8 PM – UPDATE: This has been paused. Call to confirm.
The Brooklyn Bridge
Make your way to the famous Brooklyn Bridge and cross over to DUMBO (Down Under Manhattan Bridge Overpass), Brooklyn. The bridge spans 1.1 miles and was once the largest suspension bridge.
When the bridge originally opened, it actually wasn’t a free NYC activity to do. It cost a penny to cross by foot, and 5 cents by horse and carriage.
Thankfully, we can add crossing the Brooklyn Bridge to one of the many awesome free things to do in NYC now! When crossing the Bridge, you will also be treated to fantastic views of Manhattan!
Fun NYC Travel fact: After a mass panic happened about safety during the first week of the bridge being open, they ensured safety by letting 21 elephants cross into lower Manhattan.
1505 locals recommend
Brooklyn Bridge
Brooklyn Bridge PromenadeThe Brooklyn Bridge
Make your way to the famous Brooklyn Bridge and cross over to DUMBO (Down Under Manhattan Bridge Overpass), Brooklyn. The bridge spans 1.1 miles and was once the largest suspension bridge.
When the bridge originally opened, it actually wasn’t a free NYC activity to do. It cost a penny to cross by foot, and 5 cents by horse and carriage.
Thankfully, we can add crossing the Brooklyn Bridge to one of the many awesome free things to do in NYC now! When crossing the Bridge, you will also be treated to fantastic views of Manhattan!
Fun NYC Travel fact: After a mass panic happened about safety during the first week of the bridge being open, they ensured safety by letting 21 elephants cross into lower Manhattan.
Another epic and free view of New York City is from the Brooklyn Heights Promenade (Esplanade). Stretching 1,826 ft long, this pedestrian walkway is a favorite among locals! Even my mom always talks about her days hanging there! From the Dumbo, Brooklyn side facing Manhattan, it is to the left by Pier 4 beach. It is open until 1 AM if you want to see the city all lit up!
126 locals recommend
Brooklyn Heights
Another epic and free view of New York City is from the Brooklyn Heights Promenade (Esplanade). Stretching 1,826 ft long, this pedestrian walkway is a favorite among locals! Even my mom always talks about her days hanging there! From the Dumbo, Brooklyn side facing Manhattan, it is to the left by Pier 4 beach. It is open until 1 AM if you want to see the city all lit up!
Domino Park in Williamsburg, Brooklyn is a great way to have a nice day with great views of Manhattan across the East River. The park offers 5 acres and was designed by James Corner Field Operations who also designed The Highline!
Enjoy an elevated walk, lawn areas, dog run, volleyball, a playground, and more! It is a great non-touristy and free thing to do in NYC! During the summer, you can also head over to Smorgasburg in Williamsburg! Located by Charlotte Beach, you will find dozens of amazing food vendors!
432 locals recommend
Domino Park
15 Kent AveDomino Park in Williamsburg, Brooklyn is a great way to have a nice day with great views of Manhattan across the East River. The park offers 5 acres and was designed by James Corner Field Operations who also designed The Highline!
Enjoy an elevated walk, lawn areas, dog run, volleyball, a playground, and more! It is a great non-touristy and free thing to do in NYC! During the summer, you can also head over to Smorgasburg in Williamsburg! Located by Charlotte Beach, you will find dozens of amazing food vendors!
Since we are talking about Williamsburg, it would be doing you a disservice to not free tours at the Brooklyn Brewery! Brooklyn Brewery and even tour their distillery! On Sundays from 1 PM – 6 PM, you can tour the microbrewery for free, although I can’t promise you won’t grab yourself a Brooklyn Lager by the time you leave!
456 locals recommend
Brooklyn Brewery
79 N 11th StSince we are talking about Williamsburg, it would be doing you a disservice to not free tours at the Brooklyn Brewery! Brooklyn Brewery and even tour their distillery! On Sundays from 1 PM – 6 PM, you can tour the microbrewery for free, although I can’t promise you won’t grab yourself a Brooklyn Lager by the time you leave!
Did you say free transportation in NYC?! I know, shocking right! I guess they had to make it up somewhere for charging us locals over $15 USD to cross into Staten Island over the Verrazano Bridge.
Anyways, so why would you even want to take a ride on this ferry you ask? Well because it’s the closest you will get to the Statue of Liberty for free!
While on the ferry, you can stand in the front and back of the boat while in motion to get a really nice view of the Statue of Liberty and that stunning NYC Skyline.
For epic views of the NYC skyline, head around sunset!
The Staten Island Ferry is located at 4 Whitehall Street New York NY 10004
254 locals recommend
Staten Island Ferry
Staten Island FerryDid you say free transportation in NYC?! I know, shocking right! I guess they had to make it up somewhere for charging us locals over $15 USD to cross into Staten Island over the Verrazano Bridge.
Anyways, so why would you even want to take a ride on this ferry you ask? Well because it’s the closest you will get to the Statue of Liberty for free!
While on the ferry, you can stand in the front and back of the boat while in motion to get a really nice view of the Statue of Liberty and that stunning NYC Skyline.
For epic views of the NYC skyline, head around sunset!
The Staten Island Ferry is located at 4 Whitehall Street New York NY 10004
If architecture fascinates you, pay a visit to one of NYC’s most photographed buildings for its unique triangular shape splitting the streets. This 22 story building originally known as the Fuller Building opened in 1902.
304 locals recommend
Flatiron Building
175 5th AveIf architecture fascinates you, pay a visit to one of NYC’s most photographed buildings for its unique triangular shape splitting the streets. This 22 story building originally known as the Fuller Building opened in 1902.
Soho happens to be one of my top 3 favorite neighborhoods in all of New York City! I worked in Soho for 2 years and the cute cobblestone streets, art, and shopping make it the perfect place to explore.
If you are a Nespresso lover like me, they have a flagship store on Spring and Prince street, which is where I worked during my college days.
While the art is always changing, some noteworthy places to check out are:
Bowery New York Mural on 76 E Houston St.
Flowers mural by Jet MartinezAddress: 250 Mulberry St., New York, NY 10012
Yumi Kim trash can mural 105 Staton St #1, New York, 10002
Color Factory Wall 251 Spring St 251 Spring St, New York, NY 10013
909 locals recommend
SoHo
Soho happens to be one of my top 3 favorite neighborhoods in all of New York City! I worked in Soho for 2 years and the cute cobblestone streets, art, and shopping make it the perfect place to explore.
If you are a Nespresso lover like me, they have a flagship store on Spring and Prince street, which is where I worked during my college days.
While the art is always changing, some noteworthy places to check out are:
Bowery New York Mural on 76 E Houston St.
Flowers mural by Jet MartinezAddress: 250 Mulberry St., New York, NY 10012
Yumi Kim trash can mural 105 Staton St #1, New York, 10002
Color Factory Wall 251 Spring St 251 Spring St, New York, NY 10013
All the hype has been around the new New York City Public Park, Little Island! This is a really unique and free public park because it is actually built on 132 pillars, making it an artificial island. The park is 2.4 acres and is located at Pier 55 on the Hudson.
114 locals recommend
Little Island
West 13th StreetAll the hype has been around the new New York City Public Park, Little Island! This is a really unique and free public park because it is actually built on 132 pillars, making it an artificial island. The park is 2.4 acres and is located at Pier 55 on the Hudson.
Not to be mistaken for Long Island, NY, I feel like Long Island City which is in Queens is often forgotten. Quite frankly, it is a shame because Long Island City (LIC) offers great restaurants, museums, and one of my favorite parks, The Gantry Plaza State Park.
256 locals recommend
Gantry Plaza State Park
4-44 47th RdNot to be mistaken for Long Island, NY, I feel like Long Island City which is in Queens is often forgotten. Quite frankly, it is a shame because Long Island City (LIC) offers great restaurants, museums, and one of my favorite parks, The Gantry Plaza State Park.
Another excellent and free park to visit in NYC is the Flushing Medows Park! You might remember this park from the Movie Men and Black with the two observation towers! Located in Flushing, Queens, it is also the 4th largest park in NYC!
The park is also widely known as the home of the 1939 and 1964 Wold Fair! Additionally, if you visit during the spring, you will have the opportunity to see some really beautiful cherry blossoms!
250 locals recommend
Flushing Meadows Corona Park
Van Wyck ExpresswayAnother excellent and free park to visit in NYC is the Flushing Medows Park! You might remember this park from the Movie Men and Black with the two observation towers! Located in Flushing, Queens, it is also the 4th largest park in NYC!
The park is also widely known as the home of the 1939 and 1964 Wold Fair! Additionally, if you visit during the spring, you will have the opportunity to see some really beautiful cherry blossoms!
This can’t be a full list of free things to do in NYC without adding the famed Coney Island Boardwalk. It is especially nice to visit during the spring/summer when the weather is nice. You can enjoy getting some sun at the beach and people watch some really interesting characters! If this is your first time in New York and you are pressed for time, I would leave this one out, however.
Coney Island Boardwalk Garden
Stillwell AvenueThis can’t be a full list of free things to do in NYC without adding the famed Coney Island Boardwalk. It is especially nice to visit during the spring/summer when the weather is nice. You can enjoy getting some sun at the beach and people watch some really interesting characters! If this is your first time in New York and you are pressed for time, I would leave this one out, however.
Since I am always listening to my readers in the comments, I had to add Roosevelt Island to my list of free things to do in NYC. While taking the tram to Roosevelt Island technically isn’t “free”, the cost is literally the same as your MetroCard, $2.75.
Not only do you get to see some of the best NYC views from the Roosevelt Island Tram, but those views continue once you cross over the East River. This New York island actually has quite a bit of history. This is where they used to keep smallpox patients, had asylums, and prisoners. Now the island is frequented by those looking to relax on the benches along the river and take in the views. The Roosevelt Tramway runs every 7-15 minutes.
87 locals recommend
Roosevelt Island
Since I am always listening to my readers in the comments, I had to add Roosevelt Island to my list of free things to do in NYC. While taking the tram to Roosevelt Island technically isn’t “free”, the cost is literally the same as your MetroCard, $2.75.
Not only do you get to see some of the best NYC views from the Roosevelt Island Tram, but those views continue once you cross over the East River. This New York island actually has quite a bit of history. This is where they used to keep smallpox patients, had asylums, and prisoners. Now the island is frequented by those looking to relax on the benches along the river and take in the views. The Roosevelt Tramway runs every 7-15 minutes.
The very brand new Rooftop Park at Pier 57 will surely be all the rage this year. This awesome and free park has been built right next to Little Island and has pretty epic views of the skyline. The space in total is 80,000 square feet, 2 acres of which is a public park from the Google Campus. I am sure you will find tons of locals enjoying this new free park space this year!
Pier 57 Rooftop Park
57 Hudson River GreenwayThe very brand new Rooftop Park at Pier 57 will surely be all the rage this year. This awesome and free park has been built right next to Little Island and has pretty epic views of the skyline. The space in total is 80,000 square feet, 2 acres of which is a public park from the Google Campus. I am sure you will find tons of locals enjoying this new free park space this year!