This free things to do in NYC post is a complete guide for free attractions. This free thing to-do list includes major tourist attractions free of charge. Hop on and join the ride!
Main Museums and Parks in NYC
The freebies include the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Guggenheim museum, both worth visiting on their own merits, but also as part of an itinerary that involves other free cultural sites.
The Met
The Met, as it’s called, is one of the largest museums in the world. A suggested donation of $25 gets you access to over 2 million works of art spanning 5,000 years of history. You could easily spend a whole day here and only scratch the surface.
The Guggenheim Museum
The Guggenheim is another must-see museum. Its Frank Lloyd Wright-designed building is iconic, and the collection inside is world-renowned. Again, a suggested donation of $25 will get you in.
If you are a fan of art, and you’d like to see your favorite pieces in exhibits and galleries over and over again, note down that these places are cost-free or pay-what-you want at all times: Bronx Museum, American Folk Art Museum, The Cloisters or the MoMA on Fridays.
Central Park
Other free things to do in NYC include visiting Central Park, or checking out some of the city’s many street art murals. All of these are great options for free things to do in NYC, and they’ll help you get a feel for the city’s culture and history. This free attraction in the heart of Manhattan is an 843-acre oasis of green that’s perfect for a relaxing walk, bike ride or picnic.
Every summer you can catch free outdoor concerts in Central Park as part of the SummerStage series. Check the schedule in advance to see who’s playing when and where.
Brooklyn Bridge
No matter what time of year you visit, there are always going to be free things to do in NYC. So don’t let the cost of accommodation or food stop you from experiencing all that this incredible city has to offer. Take a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge! A walk or bike ride across this iconic bridge is a must-do when visiting New York City. It offers amazing views of both the skyline and the Brooklyn borough.
With a little planning, you can enjoy everything NYC has to offer without spending a penny.
Free Things to do in NYC with Your Kids
Once a year , but it’s definitely worth it! Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting with your children! Yes, indeed! This free annual event takes place in early December and is a great way to get into the holiday spirit. There are also a number of other free events at Rockefeller Center throughout the year. These include free guided tours, free movie screenings, and free performances.
Staten Island Ferry
This free ferry ride offers stunning views of the Statue of Liberty, the Brooklyn Bridge, and Lower Manhattan. It’s a great way to see some of the most famous landmarks in New York City without spending a dime. The ferry departs from Battery Park in Lower Manhattan and travels to Staten Island. It’s a 25-minute ride each way, and you can get on and off at any of the stops along the way. The ferry runs every day from 7am until midnight. Staten Island is a great place to visit if you’re looking for free things to do in NYC. There’s the Staten Island Zoo, which is home to more than 500 animals, and the Alice Austen House, which is a historic house museum.
Prospect Park
There are a lot of fun free things to do in Prospect Park, especially if you’re a kid! You can play on the playgrounds, watch tennis matches, or just go for a walk and look at all the birds. One most favorite thing New Yorkers do is go on a picnic with their families. They usually bring some sandwiches and fruit, and then they find a spot under a tree to sit down and eat. It’s really nice to relax in nature and enjoy the fresh air. Plus, it’s a great way to get some exercise!
Light and Action at Time Square
This world-famous tourist attraction is always free to wander around (although it can be quite crowded). Take a walk down Broadway, check out the giant electronic billboards, and grab a bite to eat in one of the many restaurants and cafés. Times Square is an amazing place for tourists and locals alike. It’s a great place to take a stroll down Broadway and people-watch. And it’s free to wander around!
The Broadway Theater District is also free to explore, with dozens of theaters showcasing everything from classic plays to the latest musicals.
Our Personal Top Free Picks
We have offered you a few of the free things to do in NYC. But the ones we like most are definitely The New York Public Library and Grand Central Terminal Station. The New York City Public Library, which has locations all over the city has various free options. For example, go to the Schwartzman Building and grab a 1-hr free NYPL guided tour! A stop by Grand Central Terminal Station is a must-see for visitors to New York City! Not only is it the busiest train station in the world, but it’s also home to some of the most beautiful architecture in the city. Plus, it’s free to visit!
Coney Island and Other Outdoorsy Free Things to Do in NYC
There are plenty of free things to do in Coney Island! And it is our third top costless attraction in the Big Apple. You can check out the amusement park rides, go for a walk on the beach, or check out the local shops and restaurants. Another great free option is to visit the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. You can explore the various gardens and exhibits, or take a free tour on Sundays. If you’re looking for something a little more active, why not check out one of New York City’s free outdoor yoga classes? There are classes all over the city, so you’re sure to find one close to you.
Bryant Park is a lovely green space in the heart of Midtown Manhattan. It’s a great place to relax and catch some sun, or enjoy a free concert or movie screening in the summer. There’s also a great playground for kids, and plenty of places to sit and people-watch. Ice-skating and other 1000 activities are costless too!
So there you go! Free admissions to top landmarks of NYC! With a little exploration, you’re sure to find many more. So don’t let the cost of travel stop you from experiencing all that this great city has to offer. See you soon, Folks!
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