I was 19 when I went to New York, on my very first solo trip abroad. I was too scared to do very much apart from the Empire State Building and Statue of Liberty, so I’m glad that Chrysoula from Travel Passionate has put together this guest post of the best free things to do in New York City.
New York City – the city that never sleeps – is chock full of fun and exciting things to do so you can spend several days in New York and still not see everything! However, many of them cost money, like going to the top of the Empire State Building or One World Trade Center, seeing a Broadway show or visiting the Statue of Liberty. But there are some excellent free things to do in New York City too. And the best part is that they are scattered all over the city, so no matter where you are you will be able to experience the best free activities in New York City and enjoy NYC on a budget.
How to Make the Best of New York City on a Budget
I love finding free things to do wherever I travel, and you can have an amazing time with a very limited budget. However, some things might be worth paying for if you have the budget to do them. Perhaps by compromising and saving money on some things, you can afford to splurge a little on something you really want to do.
For example, you could save money by staying in cheap accommodation and doing lots of free activities in New York City, and then treat yourself to some paid activities or New York City tours to learn more about something you’re interested in.
If you have the budget to treat yourself a little bit, these are some of the most popular tours and activities in New York that you might be interested in:
- Walking Tour of SoHo, Little Italy, and Chinatown
- Tour New York Catacombs by Candlelight
- NYC Skyline Sightseeing Cruise
- Greenwich Village Pizza Walk
Or you can browse more activities and tours in New York City – there are so many unique and fun things to do. That said, no matter what budget you have, there is no need to pay for activities in New York City if you don’t want to. You can still have an amazing New York City vacation without spending a lot of money and have some unique experiences you will remember forever!
The Best Free Things to Do in New York City
Cruise with the Staten Island Ferry
Get the best views of Manhattan, Brooklyn, and the Statue of Liberty while riding the Staten Island ferry. This free ferry runs 24 hours a day, seven days a week and travels between the Whitehall Ferry Terminal at the tip of Manhattan to St George Terminal on Staten Island.
The ferry is completely free, so don’t fall for any scammers offering to sell you tickets!
Free Things to do in New York – Walk Through Central Park
Central Park may be one of the most famous parks in the world, featuring in numerous movies and tv shows. It is perfect for a stroll, as you can spend a good bit of time exploring the various nooks and crannies of this 843-acre park.
Some of the most popular places within the park include Strawberry Fields, the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir, the Bethesda Fountain and Bethesda Terrace, and Sheep Meadow.
Stroll along the High Lane
Another great place for a long walk is along the High Line. This former elevated rail line runs along the west side from 34th Street to 14th Street and is full of art installations and gardens.
In summer months and in the evenings, there are often video or dramatic performances along the line. The High Line continues to develop, with open-air food courts and piazzas that overlook the city streets below.
The best way to explore is just to wander and stop where you desire, as you can get in and out of the High Line from a variety of places along the rail line.
Check Out the Free Museums in New York
There are a number of museums in NYC that offer free admission, either every day, on certain days of the week, or during specific hours, and that list includes some of the best in the city, like the MOMA, 9/11 Memorial and Museum, and the Guggenheim. This website breaks down the free museums so you can plan your day around visiting.
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Visit Stonewall and the Gay Liberation Monument
New York is one of the most LGBTQ+ friendly cities in the US, partly because of the city’s LGBTQ+ history and the fabulous mix of people who make the city their home. In 1969 the riots at Stonewall sparked the beginning of the gay liberation movement, and the site is now a National Monument.
In Christopher Park, you can visit the Stonewall National Monument and see the Gay Liberation Monument, learn about the LGBTQ rights movement from photographs displayed on the fence around the Monument and take a self-guided LGBT history tour of Greenwich Village.
You can also go for a drink at the Stonewall Inn itself, although that isn’t free of course!
Visit the Impressive New York Public Library
The main branch of the New York Public Library is located at 41st St and 5th Ave. It is an impressive Beaux Arts building on the site of the former Croton Reservoir. Parts of the foundation of the reservoir can be seen on the lower level of the library.
The Astor Hall is the most visited as it is directly inside the Fifth Avenue portico, though there are various reading rooms and other halls accessible to the public.
Explore Grand Central Station
Grand Central Station is one of the most visited destinations in New York City. Its vaulted ceiling in the main concourse, which features a painting of the zodiac in gold leaf, is an iconic spot, as is the information clock in the same hall. This is where many New Yorkers meet friends or family.
The information booth beneath the clock answers more than 1000 questions per day! Other highlights of Grand Central include the famous Oyster Bar on the lower level, the Jackie Kennedy Onassis Foyer, the Whispering Gallery, the Campbell Bar, and the Park Avenue facade.
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Go inside St Patrick’s Cathedral
St. Patrick’s Cathedral, at 5th Avenue between 50th and 51st Streets, is a beautiful neo-Gothic cathedral across from Rockefeller Center.
Built in 1879, the building is made from marble quarried in New York and Massachusetts while the slate roof came from Maine, and the spires rise 330 feet from street level. The cathedral is known for its art and stained glass.
Tour the Brooklyn Brewery
The Brooklyn Brewery is located in Williamsburg, just north of the Williamsburg Bridge. The brewery began in the early 1980s as a way to honour the original brewing and manufacturing era of Brooklyn.
The team behind the Brooklyn Brewery is heavily involved in community involvement and they offer free tours on Saturday and Sunday only.
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Walk Across Brooklyn Bridge
The Brooklyn Bridge is a popular spot for a long walk. The view of Brooklyn from Manhattan highlights the warehouses and piers of the island while the view of Manhattan from the bridge and the Brooklyn side is spectacular.
Walkers can also spot the Statue of Liberty. The bridge is 1.13 miles long and most visitors take about an hour or so to walk it. Once you get to the Brooklyn side, make sure to get a slice of pizza or visit some of Brooklyn’s galleries before heading back across to Manhattan.
You can also walk across the Manhattan and Williamsburg Bridges, but the Brooklyn Bridge is probably the most iconic.
Museum & Gold Vault Tour
Learn about the responsibilities and roles of the United States Federal Reserve with a free tour at the Federal Reserve Bank. Some of what they do include “setting monetary policy, promoting financial stability, and serving communities to advance economic growth,” according to the museum website.
The New York Federal Reserve acts as the guardian and custodian of gold on behalf of governments, central banks, and international organisations, not private individuals.
Tours are only offered at 1pm and 2pm Monday to Friday. Each tour takes one hour, and all visitors MUST register in advance for the tour (so do this before you leave home!). You will be required to show your government-issued (passports for non-US citizens) and the name on the ticket has to match the name on the ID.
New York City has some amazing things to do and many people will fill their time with Broadway shows, museums, food tours or experiences, and shopping. This list of free things to do in New York City will help flesh out any New York itinerary with budget-friendly ideas, whether its exploring Central Park and Midtown Manhattan, strolling along the High Line through fashionable Chelsea, or taking in the view from an alternate location like the Brooklyn Bridge or Staten Island ferry!
Where to Stay in New York City
It’s best to visit New York City in the off season for truly affordable hotel prices. Or stay somewhere outside of Manhattan and take the subway into the city. Here are some New York City hotel options:
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The Washington by LuxUrban: This Financial District hotel in New York City offers luxurious amenities, including contemporary furnished rooms, a modern cocktail lounge with an outdoor terrace offering gorgeous views of the city. A stay here will be worth every penny saved on the free activities you do in the city. >>>CHECK REVIEWS & PRICES
- 42 Hotel: Provides guests with an array of amenities such as stylishly designed rooms (many are ADA compliant), a fitness center, and complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi. Located in the trendy Williamsburg neighborhood in Brooklyn, it’s easy to get into the city on foot if you’re adventurous or using the subway. >>>FIND OUT MORE
- Holland Hotel: Offers modern amenities including comfortable rooms, complimentary breakfast, free parking, and free Wi-Fi. It’s located in Jersey City, close to the waterfront and spectacular views of the NYC skyline. Plus, it’s close to public transportation, getting you into the city quickly. >>>CHECK PRICES AND AVAILABILITY
Hostels, on the other hand, are much more affordable! Here are some of the top options for hostels in New York City:
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HI NYC Hostel: Stay in a hostel in a historic castle-like building minutes from Central Park and Times Square. Provides amenities such as shared and private rooms, a huge communal kitchen, two floors of vibrant common areas with an in-house theater, free billiards table, and Manhattan’s largest private outdoor patio, organized social activities, and free Wi-Fi. >>>CHECK REVIEWS & PRICES
- The Local NYC: All rooms at this modern Queens hostel have ensuite bathrooms, linens and towels, reading lights, bed dividers, large windows and locked storage space. Plus, stylish and artsy decor, a lively on site bar and lounge, a communal kitchen, and a cozy outdoor terrace with views of the city. >>>FIND OUT MORE
- NY Moore Hostel: Conveniently located in the trendy, up-and-coming East Williamsburg neighborhood of Brooklyn, offering budget-friendly dorms and private rooms, a spacious common area including a courtyard, a fully equipped communal kitchen, and free Wi-Fi. >>>CHECK PRICES AND AVAILABILITY
If you’d like more options, you can browse all hostels in New York City on Hostelworld, or find great value hotels on Booking. Expand your search to neighboring boroughs or even hotels right across the river in New Jersey. There are also various options for Airbnbs in New York City, too, take a look at some of the rental homes available here.
About the Author
Chrysoula is a travel blogger with a professional background in Tourism and Marketing. Her blog Travel Passionate is in English and French and is focused on luxury travel, cultural and culinary experiences around the world. She enjoys exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations and she is interested in presenting the best locations, attractions and accommodation in each area she visits. Travelpassionate is a trusted resource for travel tips and destination guides that aims to inspire others to travel and experience different cultures. You can also find her on Facebook and Twitter.
NYC Travel Tips
Now we’ve shared our favourite free things to do in NYC, check out our top travel tips to help you book your New York vacation on a budget:
Getting There
- Use Skyscanner to find cheap flights to your destination.
- Public buses are the cheapest ways to get to your accommodation from the airport, but a shared shuttle transfer is quicker and cheaper than a taxi - you can pre-book those on GetYourGuide or Viator
- Try Omio for booking trains and Busbud for buses including Greyhound and Flixbus.
Where to Stay
- For hotels, I use Booking.com to check reviews and find the best deals on hotels and apartments wherever I'm travelling to. Hotels.com is another good site.
- If you're on a tight budget, use Hostelworld to find the best hostels all over the world
Hire a Car
- Get a quote for car hire with Discover Cars who compare car rental deals from many companies so that you can choose which is best for your trip.
Book Tours and Activities
- I use GetYourGuide or Viator to book everything from skip-the-line entry tickets to food tours as I can compare options from several companies and choose the best one for me
- If you're staying in a hostel, check out their tours and activities which are usually free or very cheap - and a great way to meet people!
Get Travel Insurance
- Unfortunately, things can and do go wrong when you travel. I never leave home without travel insurance, so consider getting insurance for your trip to cover things like adventure sports and activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, stolen items, trip cancellation and more.
- Get a quote for your trip from True Traveller if you're based in the UK, or World Nomads or SafetyWing which both offer travel insurance for backpackers and long-term travellers. Alternatively, use a comparison site like Travel Insurance Master to find the best cover for you.
Check Your Travel Documents
- Don't forget to check the validity of your passport and any other documents for your trip. Use iVisa to check if you need a visa to visit your destination, and get up to date official travel advice from your government, for example on the Department of State website in the US or the UK government website.
Get Cheap Currency
- When travelling abroad, using a travel bank account like Wise means you get great deals on foreign currency - including a fee-free transfer of up to £500 when you use this link to sign up.
Top Money Saving Tip for Backpackers
- Work exchanges are a great way to travel for longer and extend your trip as you can save a ton of money on accommodation. Get an extra $10 discount on Worldpackers here or learn more about work exchanges.
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