This is our insider guide to the best free things to do in New York City. You don’t always have to drop serious amounts of cash when checking the highlights of NYC off of your list, there are some amazing activities that you can do without spending a penny. These attractions will all leave you wondering why they are free and content with your choice of finding a smart and cheap way to explore the city.
Top 17 Free Things to Do in New York City
Many people will be asking themselves whether there are quality things to do in New York City for free. Our answer is: YES! These are our TOP highlights of NYC that you won’t need to spend any money on:
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01
Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge
Building
in
DumboOur Highlight
The Brooklyn Bridge is used by over 120,000 vehicles across its 6 lanes, 4000 pedestrians, and 3000 bikes, per day. The views of NYC from the Brooklyn Bridge are spectacular and it is an absolute necessity that you walk across the bridge during your trip to NYC. Especially at sunrise and sunset this is one of NYC’s most photogenic spots. Just be prepared to be surrounded by a bunch of people.
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02
Brooklyn Bridge Park
Park
in
Dumbo
You will find the beginning of Brooklyn Bridge Park just below Brooklyn Bridge. With amazing views of the skyline across the water and some great places to sit and enjoy the view, this park is a must-visit! For those of you who like running, this is an amazing place to do so, especially with the amazing Manhattan skyline view. There are also tons of green spaces, basketball, volleyball courts, and soccer fields.
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03
Squibb Park Bridge
Other Attraction
in
Brooklyn Heights
Squibb Park Bridge serves as a remarkable and essential gateway to the park, providing you with a convenient and breathtaking route to Brooklyn Bridge Park. As you stroll across this iconic bridge, you’ll be treated to unparalleled views of Lower Manhattan.
With its unique design and engineering, the Squibb Bridge offers a captivating journey, meandering from Squibb Park in Brooklyn Heights to the Greenway in Brooklyn Bridge Park at Pier 1.
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04
Staten Island Ferry
Cruise
in
Staten Island
One of New York’s most popular tourist attractions is the Staten Island Ferry, which commutes between the southern tip of Manhattan and Staten Island. The crossing is free of charge!
The 5 mile journey takes about 20-25 minutes and offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the skyscrapers and the Statue of Liberty.
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05
Pier 54 – Little Island
Other Attraction
in
Meatpacking District
Not far from the Meatpacking District and the High Line, Little Island is one of the newest attractions in New York and is something very special: a park on 132 beautiful tulip-shaped concrete stilts in the Hudson River!
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06
Pier 57 Rooftop
Pier
in
Chelsea
Right next to the beautiful Little Island is the Pier 57 Rooftop NYC. As the name suggests, you can go up to the roof of this huge pier and enjoy a sensational view of the city skyline.
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07
High Line
Park
in
Meatpacking DistrictOur Highlight
There are few parks as unique as the High Line. The elevated freight rail line was repurposed as a public green space that opened in 2009 and now offers amazing views of the city, as well as a place to relax and unwind. Its plant life is based directly off what was growing there while it was abandoned, giving this park a unique and interesting atmosphere! The High Line stretches from The Meatpacking District all the way to Hudson Yards-34th Street.
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08
9/11 Memorial
Building
in
Financial District
Ground Zero has now become a place for quiet reflection. With two huge pools to commemorate the lives lost during 9/11 the beautiful memorial attracts people from far and wide. NYC will never forget 9/11 and the memorial is the perfect embodyment of this spirit.
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09
Tudor City Bridge
Other Attraction
in
Murray Hill
The Tudor City Bridge is a small bridge over 42nd Street and it is just a short walk away from Grand Central Terminal. The bridge itself is not that exciting, but the view over 42nd Street to the west including the Chrysler Building is even more beautiful. Definitely a great photo opportunity – and completely free.
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10
Roosevelt Island Tramway (almost free)
Other Tours
in
Midtown Manhattan
This is one of the NYC attractions that you definitely shouldn’t miss! All you need is a subway ticket to take the cable car across the East River at heights of over 200ft. The views from the cable car are amazing and equally as impressive from Roosevelt Island!
If you have a 7-Day-Unlimited MetroCard you can use the Roosevelt Island Tramway for free!
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11
New York Public Library
Building
in
Midtown Manhattan
The New York Public Library is one of the most famous buildings in NYC. Having featured in countless films and photographs, this is one of the best public libraries in the United Sates. The New York Public Library is not only a place for students, professors, and bookworms but also a must visit for toruists of the Big Apple.
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12
Grand Central Terminal
Other Attraction
in
Midtown Manhattan
Grand Central Station is probably the most famous commuter station in the world. Every single day, thousands of locals and tourists walk through this busy and fast-paced terminal. This New York City commuter rail terminal has been featured in numerous movies and TV shows and is an iconic location within the city. Tourists that visit NYC make sure that Grand Central is part of their itinerary.
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13
Times Square
Other Attraction
in
Theatre DistrictOur Highlight
Times Square is one of the most famous attractions in New York City. Just like The Statue of Liberty or The Empire State Building, Times Square is an iconic location. When people say “the city that never sleeps”, they’re most likely talking about Times Square because of the numerous lights and action going on 24/7. Standing in the middle of the many bright, flashing billboards ist not comparable to anything else in the city. Times Square is the heart of NYC and is the true embodiment of The Big Apple.
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14
Central Park
Park
in
Midtown ManhattanOur Highlight
Central Park spans from Midtown Manhattan all the way up to Harlem. There are about 340 hectares of land and is a popular meeting place for New Yorkers. With about 35 million visitors per year, the man-made park is an attraction not only for tourists. New Yorkers love Central Park and its tranquility. Many events are held here such as the NYC Marathon. There are also tons of green spaces, walking lanes, and bike lanes. Central Park is home to Sheep’s Meadow, Bow Bridge, Bethesda Terrace, Central Park Zoo, and many other things as well.
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15
5th Avenue
Other Shopping
in
Midtown Manhattan
5th Avenue is one of the most famous shopping streets in the world and a must-see if you want to go shopping in New York! Fifth Avenue starts right at Washington Square Park in Greenwich Village and goes all the way to 143rd Street in Harlem. The length of 5th Avenue is over 11 kilometers – you will need about 2.5 hours on foot.
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16
Charging Bull
Other Attraction
in
Financial District
The Charging Bull of Wall Street was created by the 1998 artist Arturo Di Modica. The 3,200 kilogram “bronze statue” symbolizes the optimism and strength of the people after the stock market crash of 1986 (in English: Charging Bull). For his work Arturo Di Modica has received the famous “Ellis Island Medal of Honor”.
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17
St. Patrick’s Cathedral
Building
in
Midtown Manhattan
In the middle of Midtown, opposite Rockefeller Center, is the largest neo-Gothic style cathedral in the United States: St. Patrick’s Cathedral New York City is the most breathtaking ecclesiastical building in New York. The slender towers rise almost majestically to a height of over 100 metres.
My Tip
You can save even more!
You want to save more money? Check out the New York City Attraction passes! They include most of the city’s big attractions so you can save money and still see as much as possible!
Want to Save More?
Unfortunately, not all New York attractions are free! Some highlights, such as the Empire State Building, Top of the Rock, many museums and more require tickets. If you would like to save up to 50% on admission, we highly recommend purchasing a sightseeing pass!
