Free Things to Do in New York City

New York is the most expensive city in America — but it also gives away an absurd amount of world-class culture, entertainment, and beauty for free. You could spend a week in NYC without buying a single admission ticket and still see more than most tourists.

Free Museums & Culture

National September 11 Memorial — The twin reflecting pools at the World Trade Center site are free and open to the public (the museum has an admission fee, but the memorial itself is free).

The Met (pay what you wish for NY residents) — The Metropolitan Museum of Art charges $30 for out-of-state visitors but is “pay what you wish” for New York state residents.

Brooklyn Museum (free first Saturday) — Free admission on the first Saturday of each month with live music, dancing, and special programs.

Museum at FIT (Fashion Institute of Technology) — Free fashion exhibits in Chelsea.

The Bronx Museum of the Arts — Always free. Contemporary art with a focus on diverse artists.

Federal Hall (Wall Street) — The site where George Washington was inaugurated as first president. Free museum inside a Greek Revival masterpiece.

Parks & Green Spaces

Central Park — 843 acres in the heart of Manhattan. Walking paths, Bethesda Fountain, the Bow Bridge, Strawberry Fields (John Lennon memorial), the Great Lawn, the Reservoir running track, and the Belvedere Castle. Free. You could spend an entire day here.

The High Line — Elevated park built on a former freight rail line on Manhattan’s West Side. 1.45 miles of gardens, art installations, and views of the Hudson River and city skyline. Free.

Brooklyn Bridge — Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge from Manhattan to Brooklyn (or vice versa). The views of Lower Manhattan, the Statue of Liberty, and the bridge’s Gothic arches are iconic. Free.

Brooklyn Bridge Park — Waterfront park on the Brooklyn side with playgrounds, lawns, and Manhattan skyline views.

Free Experiences

Staten Island Ferry — A free 25-minute ferry ride between Manhattan and Staten Island with views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the Lower Manhattan skyline. Free. The best deal in New York.

Times Square — The spectacle is free. Neon, LED screens, street performers, and the pulse of the city. Best experienced at night.

Grand Central Terminal — The main concourse ceiling painted with constellations. The whispering gallery (stand in diagonal corners of the archway outside the Oyster Bar). Free.

Washington Square Park — NYU’s front yard. Street musicians, chess players, and the Washington Square Arch. The fountain area is a gathering place for performers.

Free Entertainment

Shakespeare in the Park (Central Park, summer) — Free tickets to world-class Shakespeare productions in the Delacorte Theater. Lines form early; digital lottery also available.

SummerStage (Central Park) — Free concerts and performances throughout summer in Central Park.

Jazz at Lincoln Center atrium — Free performances in the atrium space on select evenings.

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