This is your inside guide to the best things to do for free in New York City. You don’t always have to drop a ton of cash when you check NYC highlights off your list. Here are some amazing activities you can do without spending a dime. These attractions will make you wonder why it’s free and satisfying to find a smart and affordable way to explore the city.
Top 17 Things to Do for Free in New York City
Many people will ask themselves whether there are quality things to do in New York City for free. Our answer is: Yes! Here are some of the top highlights in NYC that won’t break the bank.
01
Cross the Brooklyn Bridge
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dumboour highlights
The Brooklyn Bridge is used by more than 120,000 vehicles, 4,000 pedestrians, and 3,000 bicycles across its six lanes each day. The view of New York from the Brooklyn Bridge is spectacular, and crossing the bridge is a must during any trip to New York. This is one of the most photogenic places in New York, especially during sunrise and sunset. Be prepared to be surrounded by a lot of people.
02
Brooklyn Bridge Park
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dumboYou can find the start of Brooklyn Bridge Park just below the Brooklyn Bridge. With amazing views of the skyline across the water and great places to sit and enjoy the view, this park is a must-visit! For those who like to run, this is an amazing place, especially with its incredible views of the Manhattan skyline. There are also numerous green spaces, basketball courts, volleyball courts, and soccer fields.
03
Squibb Park Bridge
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Brooklyn HeightsThe Squibb Park Bridge serves as a notable and essential gateway to the park, providing a convenient and breathtaking route to Brooklyn Bridge Park. Crossing this iconic bridge offers unparalleled views of Lower Manhattan.
With its unique design and engineering, the Squibb Bridge offers a captivating journey that meanders from Squibb Park in Brooklyn Heights to Brooklyn Bridge Park’s Greenway at Pier 1.
04
staten island ferry
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staten islandOne of New York’s most popular tourist attractions is the Staten Island Ferry, which travels between the southern tip of Manhattan and Staten Island. The crossing is free!
The five-mile trip takes about 20 to 25 minutes and offers breathtaking views of skyscrapers and the Statue of Liberty.
05
Pier 54 – Little Island
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Meatpacking DistrictLittle Island, not far from the Meatpacking District and the High Line, is one of New York’s newest attractions and a very special place. This park sits on 132 beautiful tulip-shaped concrete columns on the Hudson River!
06
Pier 57 Rooftop
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chelseaRight next to beautiful Little Island is Pier 57 Rooftop NYC. As the name suggests, you can climb to the rooftop of this massive pier for amazing views of the city skyline.
07
Highline
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Meatpacking Districtour highlights
Few parks are as unique as the High Line. The elevated freight rail line was repurposed into a public green space that opened in 2009 and now offers great views of the city and a place to relax. The plants here are directly based on those that grew there during its abandonment, giving the park a unique and interesting atmosphere! The High Line runs from the Meatpacking District to Hudson Yards-34th Street.
08
9/11 Memorial
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financial districtNow Ground Zero is a place of quiet reflection. This beautiful memorial with two huge swimming pools to commemorate those who lost their lives on 9/11 attracts attention from people from all over the world. New York City will never forget 9/11, and the memorial is the perfect embodiment of that spirit.
09
tudor city bridge
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murray hillThe Tudor City Bridge is a small bridge that spans 42nd Street and is a short walk from Grand Central Terminal. The bridge itself isn’t very interesting, but the view west across 42nd Street, including the Chrysler Building, is even more beautiful. It’s definitely a great photo opportunity and it’s completely free.
10
Roosevelt Island Tramway (almost free)
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Midtown ManhattanThis is one of the New York attractions you should never miss! All you need is a subway ticket to ride the cable car that crosses the East River at over 200 feet. The views from the cable car are amazing and equally impressive from Roosevelt Island!
With a 7-day unlimited MetroCard, you can ride the Roosevelt Island Tramway for free!
11
new york public library
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Midtown ManhattanThe New York Public Library is one of the most famous buildings in New York. Featured in numerous movies and photos, this library is one of the best public libraries in the country. The New York Public Library is not only a destination for students, professors, and bookworms, but is also a must-visit for tourists in New York.
12
grand central terminal
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Midtown ManhattanGrand Central Station is probably the most famous commuter station in the world. Every day, thousands of locals and tourists pass through the busy and fast-paced terminal. This New York City commuter rail terminal has been featured in countless movies and TV shows and is an iconic location in the city. Tourists visiting NYC make sure Grand Central is on their itinerary.
13
Times Square
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theater districtour highlights
Times Square is one of New York City’s most famous attractions. Like the Statue of Liberty or the Empire State Building, Times Square is an iconic place. When people think of “the city that never sleeps,” they likely think of Times Square, a city filled with lights and activities happening 24 hours a day. Standing amidst so many bright, flashing billboards is like nothing else in the city. Times Square is the heart of New York and the true embodiment of The Big Apple.
14
Central Park
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Midtown Manhattanour highlights
Central Park stretches from midtown Manhattan to Harlem. It has approximately 340 hectares of land and is a popular meeting place for New Yorkers. With approximately 35 million visitors per year, this man-made park is a tourist attraction as well as a tourist attraction. New Yorkers love Central Park and its tranquility. Many events are held here, including the NYC Marathon. There are also numerous green spaces, walking trails, and bike paths. Central Park has many attractions, including Sheep’s Meadow, Bow Bridge, Bethesda Terrace, and the Central Park Zoo.
15
5th avenue
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Midtown ManhattanFifth Avenue is one of the most famous shopping streets in the world and a must-visit if you want to shop in New York! Fifth Avenue begins at Washington Square Park in Greenwich Village and extends to 143rd Street in Harlem. Fifth Avenue is over 11 km long and takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes to walk.
16
bull charging
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financial districtThe Charging Bull of Wall Street was created by artist Arturo Di Modica in 1998. The ‘statue’, which weighs 3,200 kg, symbolizes people’s optimism and strength after the 1986 stock market crash. For his work, Arturo Di Modica received the famous “Ellis Island Medal of Honor”.
17
st patrick cathedral
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midtown manhattanIn the heart of Midtown, across from Rockefeller Center, is America’s largest neo-Gothic cathedral. St. Patrick’s Cathedral New York City is the most breathtaking church building in New York. The slender tower rises almost majestically to a height of over 100 metres.
my tips
You can save more!
Want to save more money? Check out the New York City Attraction Pass! It includes most of the city’s major attractions, so you can save money and still see as much as possible!
New York Pass Comparison
Want to save even more?
Unfortunately, not all attractions in New York are free! Some highlights require tickets, including the Empire State Building, Top of the Rock, and many museums. If you want to save up to 50% on entrance fees, we highly recommend purchasing a tourist pass!
