Top 24 Free Attractions in New York City

There’s no shortage of cool things to do in New York City, from visiting historic sites to indulging in the world’s finest cuisine and capturing stunning photographs of the city’s iconic skyline. While some of the best experiences come with hefty price tags, you might be pleased to discover an abundance of free activities that provide profound insights into the city’s rich history and vibrant culture. Therefore, you can enjoy your visit without straining your budget.

Ride the Staten Island Ferry

The Staten Island Ferry offers a fantastic opportunity to get close to the Statue of Liberty without spending a dime. Secure a good viewing spot for breathtaking skyline vistas as the ferry departs from Battery Park. If you opt to disembark and explore Staten Island, visit Snug Harbor, a cultural hub and botanical garden, that makes the trek quite rewarding.

Relax in the Sand at the City’s Public Beaches

Your beach escape doesn’t need to lead you to the Hamptons. Instead, visit Coney Island for a mix of beach fun and amusement park adventures, featuring the iconic Coney Island Cyclone. Alternatively, Brighton Beach offers delightful Eastern European and Russian cuisine. For a unique experience, hop on the ferry and head to Rockaway Beach, where you can savor excellent food and enjoy an exhilarating beach day.

Go Bird-Watching in Central Park

Central Park is home to approximately 210 different bird species, many migrating through during spring and fall. Bird-watching enthusiasts can find helpful tips and maps in the Central Park Conservancy’s Birding Guide.

Check Out the Public Art at Socrates Sculpture Park

Socrates Sculpture Park is a free outdoor museum located on a transformed riverside landfill in Astoria, Queens. The park features temporary exhibitions by emerging and well-known artists across five beautiful acres, many created in an on-site studio. Admission is free year-round, making it a must-visit destination for art lovers.

Pay Your Respects at the 9/11 Memorial

The 9/11 Memorial features two reflecting pools where the Twin Towers once stood, honoring those lost in the tragic events of 1993 and 2001. The names of the deceased are inscribed along the edges of the pools. Visiting the memorial is free, and the museum offers complimentary entry on Mondays from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.

See the Mausoleums at the Green-Wood Cemetery

Established in 1838, the Green-Wood Cemetery spans 478 landscaped acres in Brooklyn and serves as a destination for history and art enthusiasts. It features one of the oldest outdoor collections of mausoleums, with burial sites of notable artists and musicians, including Leonard Bernstein and Jean-Michel Basquiat. Entrance is free, while guided tours incur additional costs.

Walk Across the Brooklyn Bridge

The Brooklyn Bridge ranks among New York City’s most iconic landmarks. Completed in 1883, it was the longest suspension bridge globally. Today, it stands as a National Historic Landmark, offering stunning views of downtown Manhattan. To fully appreciate its beauty, visit early, as crowds tend to gather throughout the day.

Take a Free Walking Tour

For a unique perspective of New York’s history and sites, consider a free walking tour. Sandemans New Europe offers complimentary two-and-a-half-hour tours of downtown Manhattan, highlighting iconic locations such as Wall Street and the 9/11 Memorial. While the tours are free, tipping the guides is appreciated.

Let the Kids Loose in One of the City’s Inventive Playgrounds

New York City offers numerous playgrounds, but some stand out. At Ancient Playground, adjacent to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, kids can engage with pyramid-shaped climbers inspired by Egyptian art. The Imagination Playground at Burling Slip offers creative play with giant foam blocks. Meanwhile, Pier 6 in Brooklyn Bridge Park features unique play areas like the Water Lab, which ensures a lively summer day.

Hang with Farm Animals at the Queens County Farm Museum

The Queens County Farm Museum is home to various farm animals and is one of the longest continuously operating farms in New York state, dating back to 1697. Spread over 47 acres, it offers free entry, perfect for learning about the region’s agricultural heritage.

See Shakespeare in the Park

Attend the Public Theater’s Free Shakespeare in the Park, a beloved summer series featuring top-tier performances at the Delacorte Theater. Tickets are accessible through in-person standby and digital lotteries on the day of the performance.

Tour the Brooklyn Brewery

Experience the beer-making process at Brooklyn Brewery’s free tours, which run every hour from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays. Visitors can sample various beers in the tasting room while waiting for their tour to commence.

Kayak at Brooklyn Bridge Park

Take a kayaking adventure at Brooklyn Bridge Park any Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, or Sunday throughout summer. The Brooklyn Bridge Park Boathouse offers 20-minute sessions, and no prior experience is required. Reservations can be made two weeks ahead, with limited walk-in slots also available.

Take a Tour of the New York Public Library

Explore the storied past of the New York Public Library at the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, where you can join a free one-hour tour and discover its historical significance and architectural beauty.

Admire Craft Creations at the American Folk Art Museum

Home to over 7,000 works of self-taught artists, the American Folk Art Museum on the Upper West Side offers free admission from Wednesday to Sunday. Visitors are encouraged to reserve tickets in advance to explore a rich collection from various artistic periods.

Walk Around the Floating Art Installation, Little Island

Since its opening in 2021, Little Island has become a go-to public park set on stilts over the Hudson River. It merges art with outdoor recreation, featuring curated gardens and various summer performances, all with free entry.

Learn About the City’s Diverse Communities at the Bronx Museum of the Arts

The Bronx Museum of the Arts emphasizes contemporary art and social justice, reflecting the borough’s diverse community. With free admission, it includes temporary exhibitions within a beautifully designed 16,000-square-foot building.

See Alexander Hamilton’s Harlem Estate

Visit the Hamilton Grange National Memorial, showcasing the restored home of Alexander Hamilton, completed in 1802. The house has been relocated several times and now rests within St. Nicholas Park. A free 25-minute guided tour of the well-furnished historic space is available, so plan accordingly to secure a spot.

Channel Your Inner Flower Child at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden

Surround yourself with diverse flora at the tranquil Brooklyn Botanic Garden, covering 52 acres. During weekdays from December through February, admission is pay-as-you-wish, allowing you to enjoy this lovely escape.

Tour the High Line

The High Line, a renowned elevated park, is free to enter. Explore the space’s history and design by joining a free, docent-led tour available on select dates.

Take a Fun (and Educational) Trip to the Brooklyn Children’s Museum

With engaging exhibits geared for children ages six months to ten years, the Brooklyn Children’s Museum offers free admission on Thursdays from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., thanks to its partnership with Amazon. This allows families to enjoy a day of fun and learning.

Step Inside One of the World’s Most Beautiful Libraries

The Morgan Library & Museum hosts J.P. Morgan’s stunning private library, a must-see for book lovers. Enjoy free admission every Friday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., although reservations are required.

Catch a Live Taping of an NBC Show

Fans of Saturday Night Live, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, and Late Night with Seth Meyers can score free studio audience tickets at 30 Rockefeller Plaza. Each show has its unique ticketing process, so visit NBC’s website for details and upcoming shows.

Watch a Movie in Bryant Park

One of the seasonal highlights is Bryant Park’s free Movie Nights series each summer. Bring your favorite snacks and enjoy an open-air screening, with the lawn opening at 5 p.m. for blankets and picnicking before the movie begins at 8 p.m.