21 Amazing Free Attractions in New York City

New York City evokes both high-rise luxury and savvy deals. However, the best offer in town is the plethora of free attractions available for all to enjoy. You could spend a lifetime here ticking off incredible experiences, but given the steep rental prices, it’s beneficial to seek out concerts, museums, and tours that won’t cost a dime.

1. See One of the World’s Loveliest Final-Resting Places at Green-Wood Cemetery

Once the nation’s most visited tourist attraction outside Niagara Falls, the gorgeous Green-Wood Cemetery was built in 1838 and today is the eternal home to approximately 600,000 souls. This 478-acre cemetery is lush and tranquil, featuring Brooklyn’s highest point, Battle Hill – named after a Revolutionary War skirmish and now marked with a statue of the Roman goddess of wisdom, Minerva.

Planning Tip: Look out for the vibrant green parakeets at the cemetery’s Gothic-style entrance pavilion; these birds are a local legend, having reportedly arrived after a mishap at JFK Airport in the 1980s.

2. Visit the Moving African Burial Ground National Monument

In 1991, construction workers uncovered a burial ground containing over 400 caskets of enslaved Africans from the 17th and 18th centuries—a period when New York had more people in bondage than any American city outside Charleston, South Carolina. This monument offers a poignant space for visitors to reflect on the history of the African American community in early New York City.

3. Discover Unsung Talent at the American Folk Art Museum

The American Folk Art Museum showcases a diverse collection of self-taught artists’ works, including photographs, quilts, and weather vanes. Admission to this inspiring institution is always free, making it a must-visit for those interested in folk art from various eras.

4. Hear Sizzling Live Jazz at Barbès

New York City has been pivotal in the careers of legendary jazz artists. The club scene is rich with history. While iconic venues may stretch your budget, you can find stellar nightly performances for free at Barbès in Brooklyn—tips for the band are always appreciated!

5. Pay Your Respects at Grant’s Tomb

This impressive granite structure holds the remains of the Civil War hero and 18th president, Ulysses S. Grant, and his wife, Julia. Built after a major fundraising campaign in the late 19th century, Grant’s Tomb is the largest mausoleum in the USA and draws architectural inspiration from one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

6. See Haute Stuff at the Fashion Institute of Technology Museum

Experience Fashion Week every day at the FIT Museum, which offers rotating exhibits by students along with a collection of 50,000 garments dating from the 18th century to the present. This vibrant space is free to enter, welcoming fashion enthusiasts year-round.

7. Admire the Bushwick Collective’s Curated Street Art in Brooklyn

The Bushwick Collective, curated by local artist Joe Ficalora, is like an unofficial graffiti museum, showcasing temporary and legal street art by top global artists across multiple buildings. It’s a must-see for art lovers and a vibrant alternative to traditional galleries.

Planning Tip: The Bushwick Collective organizes a free block party every June—an excellent event to experience the community and local art scene if you’re in the city during the summer months.

8. Get a Culture Fix in the Bronx at the Bronx Museum of the Arts

This scrappy and vibrant institution promotes cross-cultural dialogue by making art accessible to diverse urban audiences. The Bronx Museum, founded in 1971, focuses on contemporary and 20th-century art and has been free to enter since 2012, showcasing the best of local culture.

9. Savor Each of Central Park’s 843 Acres

Access to Central Park, one of New York City’s most celebrated urban oases, is completely free for everyone. While the surrounding real estate is among the world’s priciest, the eclectic paths, lush groves, and delightful water features within the park create an enchanting atmosphere for leisurely exploration.

Don’t miss the Imagine mosaic at Strawberry Fields, a tribute to John Lennon, located just steps from where he was tragically shot in 1980.

10. Gallery-Hop in West Chelsea

For art lovers, Chelsea presents the most concentrated area for a gallery crawl in NYC. Numerous galleries, from small startups to well-known institutions, offer free entry. Visit on a Thursday evening when many galleries host wine-and-cheese openings for a delightful experience.

11. Hop on a Boat to Bike Around Governors Island

The ferry to Governors Island is free on weekends before noon (usually a $3 round trip). Entry to this serene 172-acre island costs nothing as well. Visitors can enjoy a range of attractions including a bike path, beautiful views, and cultural events throughout the year.

12. Admire Lady Liberty from the Staten Island Ferry

While ferry tours to Liberty Island can be pricey, the Staten Island Ferry operates 24/7, offering stunning views of the Statue of Liberty at no cost. This service has been operational since 1905, connecting millions with the iconic landmark each year.

13. See How the Magic Happens During a Brooklyn Brewery Tour

Free tours of Brooklyn Brewery in Williamsburg take place every Saturday and Sunday, starting at 1 PM. It’s a great way to learn about beer-making and enjoy the atmosphere, with the option to linger in the tasting room afterward.

14. Catch a Cool Show at BRIC House and Celebrate Brooklyn!

BRIC House is a hub of cultural activity in Brooklyn, featuring free multimedia performances and gallery space. During the summer, Celebrate Brooklyn! offers a variety of live music and performances in Prospect Park, many of which are free and open to the public.

15. Promenade on the High Line

This public park, fashioned from an abandoned elevated railroad, stretches 1.5 miles and provides a unique view of the city. The High Line connects different neighborhoods, and wandering its pathways reveals stunning views of the Hudson River and street life below.

Planning Tip: Don’t miss Hudson Yards, which features free movie screenings every Friday night.

16. Explore Native American Culture at the National Museum of the American Indian

Located in the magnificent Alexander Hamilton U.S. Customs House, the museum houses a premier collection of Native American art, focusing on cultural representation rather than historical documentation. Visitors can enjoy its extensive exhibits for free.

17. Get Inspired at the New York Public Library

The New York Public Library, located in a stunning Beaux-Arts building, is a site worth exploring. The Rose Main Reading Room is particularly breathtaking, and the library offers free tours and exhibitions showcasing its vast collection of historic manuscripts and books.

18. Attend a Shakespeare Play

During the summer, you can try your luck at winning free tickets to Shakespeare in the Park at the Delacorte Theater in Central Park. This beloved tradition brings the timeless works of Shakespeare to life against a stunning natural backdrop.

19. See a Work of Art Made from 140 Tons of Dirt

Walter De Maria’s Earth Room is an innovative installation located in SoHo, filled with 280,000 pounds of dirt. This unique experience combines the urban environment with nature, making it an intriguing destination for art lovers.

20. Interact with the Art at Socrates Sculpture Park

This outdoor museum and public park overlooking Roosevelt Island features large-scale interactive sculptures and multimedia art installations. On Wednesdays during the summer, visitors can enjoy free movie screenings accompanied by exciting music and cultural performances.

21. Admire the World’s First LGBTIQ+ Dedicated Art Space

The Leslie-Lohman Museum of Gay & Lesbian Art is the first museum dedicated solely to LGBTIQ+ themes, showcasing a diverse array of works by both US and international artists. Additionally, the museum hosts lectures, performances, and film screenings, offering a variety of cultural engagement opportunities.

Ready to Plan Your Trip to NYC?

With these amazing free attractions, you can explore the heart and soul of New York City without spending a fortune. Enjoy the diverse array of cultural experiences and artistic offerings that whiskey lovers and travelers alike can appreciate.