New York guide

Free Things to Do in New York

You don't need to spend a cent to have an incredible time in New York. Here are the best free experiences the city has to offer.

No budget needed

Free activities in New York

Central Park

843 acres of free green space in the middle of Manhattan. The Bethesda Fountain, the Ramble, and Bow Bridge are iconic. Free Shakespeare in the Park runs every summer — queue at the Delacorte Theater.

Walk the High Line

An elevated park on a former rail line through Chelsea and the Meatpacking District. The landscaping, art installations, and city views from above are all free. Go at sunset for the best light.

Brooklyn Bridge Walk

Walking across the 1883 bridge is free and offers some of the best skyline views in the world. Start from the Brooklyn side for the Manhattan approach. Early morning is quietest.

Staten Island Ferry

A free 25-minute ferry ride past the Statue of Liberty with Manhattan skyline views. It's the best free attraction in New York — bring a beer and enjoy the ride. Runs 24/7.

Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Met's pay-what-you-wish policy for New York residents means you can explore one of the world's greatest museums for whatever you can afford. The Temple of Dendur and the rooftop bar are highlights.

Grand Central Terminal

The Beaux-Arts interior is free to admire — the celestial ceiling, the whispering gallery, and the main concourse are architectural masterpieces. The Grand Central Oyster Bar downstairs is worth a look.

DUMBO Waterfront Walk

The Brooklyn waterfront park with Manhattan Bridge views — the famous Washington Street photo spot is here. Jane's Carousel is nearby and the sunset views of Lower Manhattan are stunning.

Greenwich Village Walk

Wander the tree-lined streets of the Village for free — brownstones, jazz clubs, Washington Square Park, and the stoop where Friends supposedly lived. The neighbourhood embodies New York charm.

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Photo credits

Hero — Michael Discenza / Unsplash · Central Park — Jet Lowe / Public domain · Walk the High Line — Geoff Stearns from San Francisco, CA, USA / CC BY 2.0 · Brooklyn Bridge Walk — Currier and Ives / Public domain · Staten Island Ferry — Diliff / CC BY 2.5 · Metropolitan Museum of Art — Wikimedia Commons / CC0 · Grand Central Terminal — Fcb981 ; Eric Baetscher (attribution required) / CC BY-SA 3.0 · DUMBO Waterfront Walk — Original uploader was Mwanner at en.wikipedia Later version( / CC BY-SA 3.0 · Greenwich Village Walk — Jazz Guy from New Jersey, United States / CC BY 2.0