23 Free & Cheap Things to Do in NYC Right Now
Big Apple adventures don’t have to come with big price tags. The city that never sleeps is packed with fun things to do.
Here are 23 free and cheap things to do in NYC that prove you can soak it all up without spending a fortune!
1. Explore The New York Public Library
With free admission, The New York Public Library is an iconic fixture in the city for its grand architecture and cozy nooks.
The Main Reading Room, with its grandiose atmosphere, invites you to take a seat and flip through pages of history and fiction. Sometimes, you might even spot a movie being filmed!
Insider Tip: Look out for the original Winnie-the-Pooh stuffed toys sitting in a cozy corner.
2. Events at Lincoln Center
The esteemed Lincoln Center is a beacon for culture. It’s your passport to high-quality entertainment without the hefty price tag.
Free summer festivals have become the talk of the town. But it’s not just summer; weekly free performances ensure that your calendar is brimming with options.
Budget tip: Pack a picnic! Sandwiches never tasted so good when you pair it with a free concert under the stars.
3. Visit Governors Island
Hop aboard a ferry and set sail to Governors Island, just a short distance from Manhattan’s hustle.
This peaceful oasis offers a refreshing break with its wide-open green spaces and stunning skyline views that won’t break the bank.
The past meets the present, with historic buildings alongside modern art installations that pepper the landscape. Stroll or bike around; rentals are a bargain and cover the entire day.
Do keep an eye on event calendars; from jazz festivals to art fairs, Governors Island often plays host to events.
4. Walk Around Times Square
Walk through Times Square; it’s the place to take in the buzzing energy of New York City.
Free street performances often pop up, so you can watch as dancers, musicians, and artists share their talents.
Don’t miss the less conspicuous treasures like plaques studded into the sidewalks, honoring legendary entertainers. For extra fun, grab discounted Broadway tickets.
5. Stroll Through Bryant Park
Located in the heart of the city, Bryant Park is the perfect spot for a leisurely stroll that won’t cost a penny.
Make sure you peek at the events calendar before you visit. Bryant Park is renowned for its dynamic roster of events, many of which are free.
From outdoor yoga sessions to live performances, your day could get a sprinkle of spontaneous entertainment.
Fun Fact: The park is built over a library! The New York Public Library extends underneath Bryant Park.
6. Attend a Free Performance
The Juilliard School is a pulsing hub where the future stars of stage and screen hone their craft.
This institution regularly hosts free performances across music, dance, and drama.
Instead of shelling out heaps of cash for a Broadway show, bask in the glow of the stage as future virtuosos serenade you with Mozart or dazzle you with pirouettes.
7. Visit Central Park
Central Park is a leafy retreat in the heart of New York City, with activities that won’t break the bank.
To savor a moment of peace, find the hidden Conservatory Garden. It’s lesser-known and lets you enjoy colorful blooms away from the crowds. For a small fee, you can paddle across the serene lake.
Glide on the ice in the winter months at Wollman Rink, surrounded by skyscrapers. Prices are lower on weekdays.
And if you’re keen on history, many statues and monuments have fascinating backstories, such as the Alice in Wonderland sculpture.
8. Ride the Staten Island Ferry
If you’re looking to soak in the New York City skyline without the high price tags, the Staten Island Ferry is your ticket, skimming across the New York Harbor since 1905.
It’s a voyage that offers breathtaking views of Lady Liberty against the sweeping cityscape backdrop, all at no cost to you.
To skip the packed crowds, aim for midday sails between 12pm and 3pm.
You’ll find plenty of room to roam the deck and find your perfect photo spot. Instead of battling for views on the crowded lower levels, head up to the top deck.
9. Pay Respects at the 9/11 Memorial
The National 9/11 Memorial & Museum stands where the Twin Towers once touched the sky.
The memorial fountains won’t cost you a dime; they are free for everyone to visit. At the heart of this visit, you’ll find the twin reflecting pools, inscribed with the names of those we lost.
With artifacts and stories, the museum offers a poignant look at the events of that day. There’s a fee, but it’s well worth it; it gives you a way to connect with history on a personal level.
10. Walk Across the Brooklyn Bridge
With each step of the Brooklyn Bridge, you’re following a path that millions have tread, connecting the hustle of Manhattan to the charm of Brooklyn.
Start from the Brooklyn side in the morning to catch the skyline as it wakes up. The bridge is busiest around midday, so an early jaunt ensures a more peaceful walk.
It’s totally free, which is a lovely treat in a city known for stretching wallets!
11. Visit the High Line
The High Line is a linear park built on a historic freight rail line that offers a unique blend of natural beauty and urban charm. It’s an outdoor gallery with thought-provoking contemporary pieces.
Hit the path early for fewer crowds. Look for the small nooks between the plants, they’re perfect for a peaceful moment!
Keep an eye out for free events and tours that often take place on the High Line.
12. Museums on Free Admission Day
Visiting museums in New York City doesn’t have to mean waving goodbye to your wallet. On free admission days, you can soak in culture and history without spending a dime.
- American Folk Art Museum: This cozy spot showcases the creativity of self-taught artists. Free entry every day makes it a sweet deal for art enthusiasts on a budget. Visit on a Thursday evening when there’s often live music.
- MoMA PS1: It’s the cooler, edgier cousin of the MoMA. All New York state residents get free admission to this contemporary art haven.
- Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum: Interested in design and innovation? Check their schedule, and you might just witness design genius without spending a penny.
13. Ride the Roosevelt Island Tram
The Roosevelt Island Tram allows you to float from Manhattan to Roosevelt Island for the price of a subway fare.
Once you land, stroll down to the southern tip of the island to find a serene retreat at the FDR Four Freedoms Park.
Here, you can pay homage to President Roosevelt’s famous Four Freedoms speech—freedom of speech and religion, and freedom from want and fear.
Insider Tip: Don’t miss the giant staircase at the park’s edge—it’s a phenomenal spot for photos.
14. Visit The Cloisters
Discover a slice of medieval Europe right in Manhattan by visiting The Cloisters. Tucked away in Fort Tryon Park, this branch of The Met is dedicated to the art and architecture of medieval Europe.
The building itself is an artwork – pieced together from European monasteries and abbeys.
While there’s a suggested donation, it operates on a pay-what-you-wish basis for New York residents.
15. Use Your Culture Pass
Think of the Culture Pass as your all-access pass to some of New York City’s most incredible attractions.
Simply flash your library card from the New York Public Library, Queens Library, or Brooklyn Public Library.
Make reservations in advance. Spots can fill up as quickly so planning ahead means you won’t miss out.
16. Smorgasburg Food Fest
Nestled in the heart of New York’s coolest borough, Brooklyn’s own Smorgasburg Food Fest is your go-to weekend activity.
Savor bites from hundreds of vendors, showcasing Brooklyn’s finest, often with a nifty global twist. Get there early to beat the queues and snag the freshest goodies.
17. Check Out the Street Art in Bushwick
Bushwick, a canvas that stretches across Brooklyn, is splashed with vibrant street art that tells a story at every corner. Each piece, a hand-crafted narrative, represents a unique voice in this outdoor gallery.
Begin your adventure on Troutman Street with colorful walls. Don’t miss the intricate creations that add a spark to St. Nicholas Avenue.
Discover murals by Sipros Naberezny and his renowned Big Ears characters, or wander off the beaten path and find the hidden gems that many walk right past.
18. Birdwatching in Prospect Park
If you’re craving a touch of nature without leaving the city, birdwatching in Prospect Park should be on your bucket list.
You’ll find over 250 species throughout the year, and being a prime spot on migratory pathways, it’s a revolving door of birds each season. Visit between dawn and 11:30 a.m. to see the most activity.
19. Take a Self-Guided Walking Tour
Greenwich Village: Here, the twisting streets tell tales of artistic legends and the Beat Generation.
Begin at Washington Square Park, with its iconic arch as your backdrop. Let your curiosity guide you through streets where poets once pondered and musicians strummed into the night.
Central Park: Take in the lush scenery without spending a greenback. Waltz across Bow Bridge or rest your feet by Bethesda Fountain.
Financial District: March down Wall Street, where the air buzzes with the echoes of hustle and ambition. Uncover lesser-known spots like the tranquil Stone Street, lined with cozy eateries.
20. Visit the Socrates Sculpture Park
Discover an oasis of creativity at the Socrates Sculpture Park in Queens. Unique to the core, you’ll find sculptures and multimedia installations that change with the seasons.
There’s no cost to wander and admire. Stroll through exciting workshops and maybe join in on a spontaneous creative session.
On special event days, the park buzzes with energy from live performances and local food markets. Check out the events calendar before you go, so you don’t miss out!
21. Enjoy a Free Kayaking Session
The Hudson River offers free kayaking sessions. Check out Pier 96 or the Downtown Boathouse for their kayaking offerings.
To make the most of your adventure, arrive early as it’s first-come, first-served. Don’t worry if you’re new to kayaking; the friendly staff are happy to show you the ropes.
These sessions typically run from May through October, perfect for a day out when the weather is warm and welcoming.
22. Discover The Green-Wood Cemetery
Strolling through a cemetery might not be on your typical fun-things-to-do list, but The Green-Wood Cemetery is no ordinary resting place.
It’s a sprawling 478-acre sanctuary that doubles as an outdoor museum—and it’s free to visit.
It’s home to grand mausoleums, cherub-adorned tombstones, and countless stories etched in time.
Insider Tip: Look out for the famous residents like Leonard Bernstein or Boss Tweed. A game of historical hide-and-seek, if you will.
23. The Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
The Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge is the perfect escape from the city hustle. You’ll be in awe of the variety, from over 330 bird species to the occasional horseshoe crab.
Circle the West Pond or amble over to East Pond for quiet contemplation.
