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New York has a reputation as one of the most expensive cities in the world, and hotels and restaurants can certainly prove it. But some of the best things to do in the city cost nothing at all. Here are 25 of our favorites, from famous landmarks to local secrets.
Parks and outdoor spaces
1. Central Park
The city's backyard covers 843 acres. Walk the Mall, see Bethesda Terrace and Fountain, visit Strawberry Fields and relax on the Great Lawn. In summer, look out for free concerts and Shakespeare in the Park.
2. The High Line
An old elevated railway turned into a park, running from the Meatpacking District to Hudson Yards. Gardens, art and city views all the way.
3. Brooklyn Bridge Park
Waterfront lawns, piers and some of the best views of the Manhattan skyline, especially at sunset.
4. Prospect Park
Brooklyn's answer to Central Park, designed by the same team. On weekends, combine it with the Smorgasburg food market (food costs money, browsing is free).
5. Little Island
A park on tulip-shaped pillars floating over the Hudson River at Pier 55, with great sunset views.
6. Bryant Park
A green oasis behind the New York Public Library. In winter it hosts a free-admission ice rink (skate rental costs extra) and a holiday market.
Bridges, ferries and views
7. Walk the Brooklyn Bridge
The classic New York walk. Start on the Brooklyn side so the Manhattan skyline is in front of you. Go early in the morning to avoid the crowds.
8. Ride the Staten Island Ferry
A free 25-minute ride across New York Harbor with close-up views of the Statue of Liberty and the downtown skyline. It runs 24 hours a day.
9. Walk the Manhattan or Williamsburg Bridge
Quieter than the Brooklyn Bridge, with great views of it.
10. Roosevelt Island
Walk the island's riverside paths for views of Midtown. (The tramway there costs a subway fare.)
11. Gantry Plaza State Park
In Long Island City, Queens, with one of the best views of the Midtown skyline across the East River.
Museums with free or pay-what-you-wish admission
Many New York museums are free on certain days or evenings, or let local residents pay what they wish. A few highlights:
12. The 9/11 Memorial
The two reflecting pools on the footprints of the Twin Towers are free and open to all. (The museum next door charges admission, with free hours on some days.)
13. The Bronx Zoo
General admission is free on certain days of the week. Check the zoo's website for the current free day and reserve in advance.
14. The Museum of the City of New York, the Frick, MoMA and others
Several major museums offer free or pay-what-you-wish times, often on one evening a week or for New York State residents. Policies change, so check each museum's site before you plan around it.
15. National Museum of the American Indian
This Smithsonian museum in the beautiful Alexander Hamilton U.S. Custom House near Battery Park is always free.
16. Federal Hall
The site where George Washington took the oath of office as the first US president. Free, and right on Wall Street.
17. Gallery hopping in Chelsea
Dozens of contemporary art galleries between 10th and 11th Avenues open their doors free of charge.
Iconic sights and neighborhoods
18. Times Square
Bright, noisy and best seen at night. It is free to stand in the middle of it all.
19. Grand Central Terminal
Look up at the celestial ceiling in the Main Concourse, and try the Whispering Gallery near the Oyster Bar.
20. New York Public Library
The Stephen A. Schwarzman Building on Fifth Avenue is free to enter. Don't miss the Rose Main Reading Room.
21. St. Patrick's Cathedral
A stunning neo-Gothic cathedral on Fifth Avenue, free to visit.
22. Wall Street and the Charging Bull
Walk the Financial District, see the New York Stock Exchange and the famous bull statue.
23. Explore Greenwich Village and SoHo
Washington Square Park, brownstone streets, street performers and cast-iron buildings.
24. Chinatown and Little Italy
Wander the streets, browse markets and soak up the atmosphere. (The dumplings are cheap, not free.)
25. Free TV show tapings
Several late-night and daytime TV shows give out free tickets to their studio audiences. Request them online well in advance.
Save on the things that do cost money
If you plan to visit several paid attractions, such as the Empire State Building, the Top of the Rock or the Statue of Liberty pedestal, compare tickets and sightseeing passes on Tiqets and Klook. Our things to do in New York page shows tours and tickets on one map with prices.
Where to stay in New York for less
Midtown hotels are the most convenient, but staying in Long Island City, Brooklyn or Jersey City can cut the cost a lot while keeping you a short train ride from Manhattan. Compare prices on our New York hotels page.
Getting to New York
New York has three major airports (JFK, LaGuardia and Newark), so there is plenty of competition. Compare fares from Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, Atlanta and Dallas.
Frequently asked questions
- What is free to do in New York City?
- Central Park, the High Line, the Brooklyn Bridge, the Staten Island Ferry, Times Square, Grand Central Terminal, the New York Public Library and the 9/11 Memorial pools are all free.
- Is the Staten Island Ferry really free?
- Yes. The Staten Island Ferry is free and runs 24 hours a day, with great views of the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline.
- Which New York museums are free?
- Some, like the National Museum of the American Indian, are always free. Many others offer free or pay-what-you-wish hours on certain days. Check each museum's website for its current policy.