20 Awesome Free Things to Do in New York City
New York City may be infamously expensive, but there are plenty of free activities for locals and tourists to enjoy year-round!
Written by Jacqulyn Graber
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
In an Empire State of Mind?
New York, New York
is the city that’s so nice they named it twice—but if you don’t know where to look, “NYC” might seem synonymous with “expensive.” In reality, there are plenty of free activities to enjoy year-round!At
Jerry
, we’re more than just a car insurance
expert and super app
—we’re also passionate about helping you have fun while saving money! That’s why we’ve put together the ultimate list of some of the countless free activities and attractions around the Big Apple. We’ve included things you’ll be sure to love whether you’re a native New Yorker or visiting for the very first time! RECOMMENDED
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Free outdoor adventures in New York City
Address: Manhattan, New York between W 110th St and Central Park South
When you think “NYC,” you probably don’t immediately think of sprawling open spaces—but that’s exactly what Central Park is! Dividing the Upper West Side from the Upper East Side of Manhattan, the iconic Central Park covers a whopping 843 acres. Not only is it the most visited urban park in the United States, but it’s also the most filmed location in the world!
You can enjoy an abundance of free activities in the park year-round, and you won’t run out of options no matter how many times you visit.
Take a stroll down
The Mall
, a large pedestrian esplanade that leads to Bethesda Terrace
. You’ll typically enjoy an abundance of street performers and artisan sellers, especially in the warmer months! From May to August, theater nerds can enjoy a classic Shakespearean play at
Shakespeare in the Park
! Throughout the years, some huge superstars have graced the Delacorte Theater
, from Meryl Streep to Al Pacino to Denzel Washington. Find yourself in NYC during the winter months? Grab your sled and race down one of the park’s many
snowy slopes
. Or, ice skate for free on the Conservatory Water
—just bring your own skates.Address: Manhattan, New York 10011
The High Line is another public park—but we assure you it’s unlike anything you’ve ever seen before. This 1.45-mile-long elevated linear park was built on the former New York Central Railroad system, and remnants of the tracks are used aesthetically!
Leisurely stroll through the park yourself, or catch a
free walking tour
on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays. Address: Manhattan, New York 10036
Okay, we’ll admit it—most local New Yorkers avoid Times Square. But, if you’ve never visited NYC, experiencing the hustle and bustle of this major commercial intersection and entertainment district in Midtown is a must!
Fortunately, much of the excitement to be had in Times Square is absolutely free. In addition to plenty of photo ops, you’ll likely run into street performers, colorful characters, and free pop-up events. Relax on the iconic red bleachers and take it all in.
Address: Brooklyn, New York 10038
Every New York transplant can recall the exact moment that they fell in love with the City that Never Sleeps—and, for many, their first walk across the Brooklyn Bridge is exactly that.
Opened in 1883, the Brooklyn Bridge is an immaculate cable-stayed/suspension bridge that spans the East River between the Dumbo neighborhood of Brooklyn and downtown Manhattan. It was the first fixed crossing of the East River, and today serves as a primary vein for motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians.
We recommend walking from Brooklyn to Manhattan for the most breathtaking views. In addition to taking in the impressive infrastructure, you’ll see all of Downtown Manhattan splayed out in front of you, and Lady Liberty herself standing proudly in the river to your left. On your right, you’ll get prime views of the equally impressive Manhattan Bridge.
Keep in mind—this experience will look completely different at day and at night, so don’t hesitate to take the 1.1-mile walk more than once.
Address:4 Whitehall St, New York, NY 10004
You read that right—the Staten Island Ferry is a free mode of public transportation in NYC! It runs 24/7 (though it will come much more frequently on weekdays during rush hour) and connects Manhattan’s Whitehall Terminal with Staten Island’s St. George Ferry Terminal.
But why would you want to ride the ferry, you ask? Well, it’s the closest that you can get to the
Statue of Liberty
for free! Stand at the front or back of the boat to get the best views of Lady Lib and the iconic NYC skyline. For the most Instagram-worthy photos, we recommend going out around sunset.Address: Manhattan, New York 10018
Located right next to the flagship location of the
New York Public Library
, between Times Square and the fashionable Fifth Avenue
, is a 9.6-acre public park affectionately known as Manhattan’s town square.Bryant Park is famous for lush seasonal gardens, al fresco dining, and year-round free activities. In the warmer months, enjoy free movie screenings, dance and fitness classes, artisan markets, and more!
During the holidays, stroll through the whimsical
Bank of America Winter Village
, which is bursting with local holiday shops, pop-up Christmas-themed food vendors, heated winter igloos, and a free ice skating rink. New York City’s free events and festivals
Address: Manhattan route changes annually
The NYC Pride March is a joy-filled event celebrating the city’s LGBTQIA+ community. It is one of the largest annual Pride celebrations in the world, attracting tens of thousands of marchers and millions of sidewalk spectators each June.
Whether you’re personally a member of the LGBTQIA+ community or a supportive ally, you’ll enjoy countless colorful performances by local groups like
Cheer New York
and major celebs like Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande. Address: The Manhattan-based route always ends at the flagship Macy’s in Herald Square
For many Americans, the televised Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is what kicks off the holiday season. In person, the parade is even more joyful and the famous balloons are even bigger.
The route is well-advertised each year, but make sure to arrive at your chosen location early for the best chance of getting front-row views!
Pro tip In addition to attending the parade, you can also catch the giant balloons being inflated for free. Keep an eye on local New York City news sources in the days and weeks leading up to Thanksgiving for details regarding when and where balloon inflation is happening.
Address: Manhattan, New York 10036
If the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is what kicks off the holiday season, the New Year’s Eve Ball Drop in Times Square is what ends it. Viewers tune into the televised festivities from around the globe—but did you know that you can attend the annual event in person for free?
That’s right—you can count down to midnight on a first-come, first-serve basis. Keep in mind that while the celebration typically begins around 6:00 pm, gates always open much earlier in the afternoon—and you’ll want to arrive as early as possible to secure a spot.
Plus, once you leave Times Square, you won’t be allowed back in. So make sure to bundle up and come prepared for several hours outside in New York’s winter weather!
Address: Various locations throughout the five boroughs
This beloved cultural celebration takes place in Manhattan’s vibrant Chinatown, as well as in
Flushing, Queens
and Sunset Park, Brooklyn. Dazzling dragons romp through the streets, drawing crowds of hundreds of thousands of spectators who come to see the elaborate floats, martial artists, traditional musicians, acrobats, and more.
In addition to the parade, you can also visit the Firecracker Ceremony and Cultural Festival, as well as the Lantern Festival—all for free!
Address: Fifth Ave, between 49th and 57th St
New York winters can be long and gray, which is why the springtime Easter Bonnet Festival is a long-awaited springtime tradition for generations of Manhattanites. Since its beginnings in the 1870s, each year on Easter celebrants get decked out in elaborate pastel outfits complete with over-the-top headwear.
Either bring your bonnet and join the parade, or just stand along the sidelines taking in the brightly colored sights! The best place to watch is from the steps of
St. Patrick’s Cathedral
. MORE:
Best coffee in New York
Free museums, monuments, and more
Address: 5th Ave between 50th and 51st streets
This breathtaking Catholic cathedral in Midtown Manhattan is the seat of the Archbishop of New York. But it’s worth a visit whether or not you’re religious! Completed in 1878, the massive, marble-clad building occupies an entire city block.
You can explore the insides of this New York City designated landmark at no cost—just be respectful as there are often live masses occurring!
Address: 89 E 42nd St, New York, NY 10017
If you arrive by train or utilize the subway system while in Manhattan, you might end up at Grand Central out of utility. However, we suggest carving out a visit regardless.
The distinctive architecture and striking interior design have earned the terminal’s station house several landmark designations, including being dubbed a National Historic Landmark.
Address: 1071 5th Ave, New York, NY 10128
Located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, just steps away from Central Park, is the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Guggenheim. This museum of modern art is part of a UNESCO World Heritage site and is known for its architecture as much as it is for the exclusive art collections contained inside.
While they typically charge admission, there are plenty of opportunities to visit the Guggenheim for free. For example, every Saturday from 6-8 pm, visitors can enjoy “pay-what-you-wish” admission. You can absolutely opt to pay nothing at all—you just have to
reserve your tickets in advance
. Address:180 Greenwich Street, New York, NY 10007
Located at the
World Trade Center
, the 9/11 Memorial & Museum is the country’s principal institution concerned with exploring 9/11, documenting its impact, and examining its continuing significance. Honoring those who were killed in the 2001 and 1993 attacks is at the heart of their mission.The centerpiece of the humbling memorial is two massive fountains, which stand where the Twin Towers once did. The names of the victims are engraved in the fountains’ black marble.
Visiting the outdoor memorial is always free, while the museum offers free admission to all visitors on Mondays between 3:30 and 5:00 pm. If you are a 9/11 family member, a 9/11 rescue and recovery worker, or an active/retired member of the U.S. military, admission is always free.
Address: Just below the intersection of Broadway and Morris St
Wall Street and the Financial District are synonymous with NYC culture, and this bronze sculpture—sometimes called the Bull of Wall Street—has become the unofficial mascot. Symbolizing aggressive financial optimism and prosperity, the sculpture was designed in the wake of the 1987 Black Monday stock market crash.
If you head to FiDi to snap a pic with the sculpture, be sure to give its unmentionables a quick rub for a financially prosperous future! Then, spend some time relaxing in
Bowling Green
, the city’s oldest public park. Unique free activities in New York City
Address: 79 N 11th St, Brooklyn, New York 11249
Brooklyn has become inundated with craft microbreweries in recent years, but the beer that comes out of this Williamsburg producer is loved worldwide. Free tours run every half hour from 1 pm to 6 pm on Saturdays and Sundays.
Address: 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, New York 10112
Tickets to watch a live taping of SNL are absolutely free—but you’ll need a bit of luck to score some. They’re dished out once a year via a lottery, and because the show is synonymous with New York comedy, countless entries are received. If you’re already in New York, you can try getting a standby ticket by waiting outside of NBC Studios before 7 am.
Address: Varies across all five boroughs
Regardless of your taste in movies, chances are that one of your very favorite major motion pictures was filmed right here in New York. See the
firehouse
that housed the Ghostbusters, sip coffee at the diner
frequented by Jerry and Elaine, or have your own street cart breakfast while strolling through Tiffany’s. Address: E Rd, New York, NY 10044
Roosevelt Island is a narrow island in the East River, lying between Manhattan and Queen, below the Queensboro Bridge. For much of the early 1900s, it was nicknamed Welfare Island, for it was abundant in asylums, prisons, and almshouses.
Most of these buildings have long since fallen into disrepair, but they remain the only ruins in New York City listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This includes the Renwick Ruins—an old smallpox hospital made obsolete by the vaccine in the 1950s.
These days, the ruins serve as home to a feral cat colony, and they make a great backdrop for creepy selfies.
How to get cheap, customized car insurance
Before you let New York City completely consume your state of mind, take a minute to think about your car insurance policy!
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FAQ
When is the best time to visit New York City?
New York is beautiful and bustling all year round! While you’ll likely never avoid crowds, we suggest avoiding the coldest months (January and February) unless you’re used to the winter, as well as the hottest months (July and August) unless you love the sweltering heat!
