In a nutshell
- New York City can be expensive, but there’s still plenty to experience on a small budget.
- We’ll show you the best free things to do in New York – from sights and museums with free admission to stunning viewpoints – all based on our own experience!
- Some of our top picks include the Staten Island Ferry, the High Line, Central Park, the Brooklyn Bridge, and Pier 35 — but be sure to explore all our recommendations. They’re totally worth it!
- Looking to save on accommodation too? Don’t miss our guide to affordable hotels in New York.
The Top Free Things to Do in NYC
Even on a small budget, there’s a lot to experience in New York City. These are our tips for free activities in New York:
Ride the Staten Island Ferry
We highly recommend the Staten Island Ferry for free things to do in New York City.
The Staten Island Ferry is a free ferry that connects Manhattan with Staten Island. It runs between the Whitehall Terminal in Lower Manhattan and the St. George Terminal on Staten Island. The ferries run around the clock, approximately every 30 minutes.
During the 25-minute journey, you’ll get a first-class view of the New York skyline, the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island – and it’s completely free! The crossing is particularly beautiful at sunset.
Important: avoid tourist traps! There are always people trying to sell tickets for the ferry. But it really is 100 percent free.
Also read our article on the best boat tours in New York
Strolling Across the High Line
The High Line in the Chelsea neighborhood is a former elevated train line that has been transformed into a green park in the middle of the city.
Walking the High Line is a great way to escape the city buzz while taking in beautiful views of New York.
Along the way, you can take breaks to enjoy the views and even stop by Chelsea Market for a delicious bite. The High Line is also great if you’re in New York with children.
Walk Through Central Park
Almost everyone’s heard of Central Park. The huge park in the middle of Manhattan is also known as the “green lung of New York” and is one of the best free attractions in New York.
But it’s not just trees, meadows and walking paths, there are many special attractions such as the Belvedere Castle, the John Lennon memorial, picturesque bridges and lakes and hidden gardens.
In summer there are often free concerts and theater performances, and in winter you can take a spin on the ice skating rink.
Check out our article with the best spots in Central Park NYC
Walk Across the Brooklyn Bridge
A walk across the Brooklyn Bridge is an absolute must-do in New York and completely free.
The iconic bridge connects Manhattan with Brooklyn and offers you a breathtaking view of the skyline, the Statue of Liberty and the East River.
It’s best to go early in the morning or at sunset when it’s less crowded. If you’re in Brooklyn, it’s worth making a detour to the DUMBO district, where you’ll find cool cafés, the Time Out Market (our number 9) and the famous photo spot with the Manhattan Bridge.
Ride the Roosevelt Island Tramway
The Roosevelt Island Tramway is a cable car that connects Roosevelt Island – a small island in the East River – with Manhattan. It runs between 59th Street and 2nd Avenue in Manhattan and Main Street on Roosevelt Island.
The ride takes you directly over the East River. At the highest point, you are 76 meters in the air and have a really good view. However, the ride only takes 4 minutes.
With an Unlimited MetroCard, the Roosevelt Island Tramway is free because it is included in the ticket. Otherwise, it costs as much as a subway ride in New York.
Roosevelt Island Tramway Manhattan stop on Google Maps
Swings at Pier 35
Pier 35 is a small, rather unknown park on the East River, not far from the Manhattan Bridge. There are plenty of benches and a relaxed atmosphere here.
The highlight is the swings, from which you’ll get a great view of Downtown, Brooklyn and the Manhattan Bridge.
Bring something to drink, sit back and enjoy the sunset. Stay a little longer – when the city lights come on, it gets really magical here.
Free Kayaking
Now it’s getting really cool!
At Pier 26 in Hudson River Park, you can hop into a kayak and paddle out onto the water – with a brilliant view of the skyline.
Life jackets are available on site and reservations are not necessary. The whole thing is organized by volunteers. A small donation on site is therefore a nice gesture. It’s not a must, but 2 dollars is enough.
The best time is on warm days, preferably during the week when it is less busy.
There are also double kayaks so that children can paddle together with an adult.
If you want to try out even more kayak spots in New York: there are also free kayak rentals in Brooklyn Bridge Park (Pier 2) or in Long Island City.
Take a Free Walking Tour in New York
A free walking tour is a free city tour where you tip the guide at the end of the tour, depending on how much you enjoyed the tour.
This concept allows you to get to know the city from a local’s perspective without having to pay a fixed price in advance.
A well-rated, free city tour in New York is the Free Tour New York: Manhattan & Financial District, which takes you through the Financial District in Manhattan. During the approximately 2.5-hour tour, you will see, among other things:
- Trinity Church
- Fraunces Tavern
- Castle Clinton National Monument
- Oculus
- One World Trade Center
Visit Food Halls and Markets
A great way to experience the New York lifestyle without spending a lot of money are the food halls and markets in New York.
Of course, there are plenty of them all over the city. Our favorites are:
Little Island and Pier 57
Little Island is a small, man-made island in the Hudson River with walking paths, gardens, an open-air stage and a café with covered seating. Perfect for a break with a view of downtown, the Hudson River and New Jersey.
Pier 57 right next to it offers a food hall with various food stalls and a free rooftop park from which you’ll get a fantastic view of Little Island and the skyline.
Little Island & Pier 57 on Google Maps
Time Out Market
The Time Out Market in Brooklyn is a food hall with a huge selection of delicacies from well-known New York restaurants. The highlight: the free rooftop terrace, from where you’ll get a breathtaking view of the Brooklyn Bridge, the Manhattan Bridge and the Manhattan skyline. A great indoor thing to do in NYC!
Time Out Market on Google Maps
Smorgasburg Foodmarket
Smorgasburg is a huge open-air food market that takes place at various locations in New York. On Saturdays in Williamsburg and on Sundays in Prospect Park.
It’s a great place to try street food from all over the world. From creative burgers to exotic desserts. Perfect for foodies who are in the mood for new taste experiences, and there’s also a great view of the skyline – especially in Williamsburg right on the East River.
Smorgasburg Foodmarket Williamsburg on Google Maps
Smorgasburg Foodmarket Prospect Park on Google Maps
Discover the Neighborhoods in NYC
New York is big, colorful and diverse. If you want to do something free in New York, then we recommend to explore a few neighborhoods. Our favorites for this are:
DUMBO in Brooklyn
In DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass), you’ll find cobblestone streets, cool street art and some of the best photo spots in New York – including the famous view of the Manhattan Bridge on Washington Street. You also have a fantastic view of the skyline from the banks of Brooklyn Bridge Park.
Chinatown & Little Italy
In Chinatown, you can immerse yourself in a completely different world – narrow streets with Chinese characters, colorful markets and the smell of freshly prepared dumplings. Right next door is Little Italy, with an Italian flair – cozy street cafés and historic architecture.
Swimming in Central Park Davis Center
The Davis Center is a leisure center in the northern part of Central Park, on the Harlem Meer. It was newly opened in April 2025 and replaces the former Lasker Rink and pool facility.
The center offers a free public swimming pool and an ice skating rink, which are open alternately depending on the season.
The pool is barrier-free and has changing rooms, toilets and a green roof terrace with a view of the Harlem Meer.
Children are also allowed to swim here. There is a shallow entry and non-swimmer area and lifeguards on site.
Just keep in mind – it’s a basic swimming pool, without extra attractions like slides.
Cool Free Attractions in New York
In addition to the free activities in New York, the city also offers some great free attractions.
Grand Central Station
Grand Central Station in Manhattan is not only a huge train station, but also one of New York’s most beautiful places to visit. And it’s completely free to visit – also a great indoor thing to do, especially in winter when it’s cold.
Highlights include the gigantic ceiling, which is decorated with constellations, and the whispering gallery: stand with another person in opposite corners of the arches and you can whisper to each other across the wall – pretty cool!
You’ll also find a huge opal clock in the middle of the hall, lots of stores and restaurants.
Oculus
The Oculus is the futuristic-looking shopping and transportation center at One World Trade Center. The white, wing-like building is designed to resemble a soaring dove and is a real eye-catcher.
To us, it kind of looks like a giant whale skeleton — but hey, it’s free, so who’s complaining?
Inside, you’ll find a huge, light-flooded hall with lots of stores and restaurants. From the upper floor, you’ll get an amazing view of the architecture of the Oculus.
Right next to it, there’s the 9/11 Memorial (our number 14).
9/11 Memorial
The 9/11 Memorial is a memorial to the victims of the September 11, 2001 attacks and consists of two huge pools of water where the twin towers of the World Trade Center once stood.
The names of the almost 3,000 victims are engraved on the bronze edges of the basins, and the constantly flowing water symbolizes their memory. The visit is free and particularly moving in the evening when the lights in the names are illuminated.
Directly below the memorial is the 9/11 Museum. Admission is not free, but you shouldn’t miss the tour.
To the ticket for the 9/11 Museum
New York Public Library
The New York Public Library on 5th Avenue & 42nd Street is not only one of the largest libraries in the world, but also a real architectural highlight. Admission is free of charge.
Even the entrance with the famous lion statues “Patience” and “Fortitude” is impressive. Inside, magnificent reading rooms await you, including the famous Rose Main Reading Room with its high ceilings and chandeliers.
Fun fact: The original Winnie-the-Pooh stuffed animals from 1921 are on display in the Children’s Center Gallery.
It’s definitely worth a visit.
Times Square
Times Square is a must-see when you’re in New York. The huge glowing billboards, crowds of people and the hustle and bustle make it unique.
Yes, it’s quite crowded and touristy here, but it’s still worth a quick visit. Especially in the evening, when the lights really come into their own. Perfect for a few quick photos or simply to soak up the New York city feeling.
St. Patrick's Cathedral
St. Patrick’s Cathedral on Fifth Avenue is the largest neo-Gothic church in the USA and a real contrast to the skyscrapers around it.
Entry is free, and you can admire the impressive stained glass windows, high vaulted ceilings and the huge organ.
The cathedral is also closely linked to 9/11, with numerous memorial services held here in the days after for the victims, including many firefighters and first responders.
Free Museums in NYC
Would you also like to visit a museum in New York, but don’t feel like spending a lot of money? Then take a look at these free museums in NYC:
Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace
The perfect museum for history buffs! The birthplace of the 26th US president is now a small museum that gives you an insight into his childhood and life. The rooms have been recreated with authentic period furniture.
National Museum of the American Indian
This museum is dedicated to the culture, history and art of the indigenous peoples of the Americas. Located at Bowling Green Park in an impressive historic building, it offers fascinating exhibitions about the traditions and heritage of the First Nations, Inuit and other indigenous groups.
M&M's Museum
M&M’s World in Times Square isn’t really a museum — it’s a massive flagship store that feels like one.
A colorful world full of chocolate, interactive displays and giant M&M’s figures. Here you can create your own M&M’s mix, discover fun photo spots and buy unique souvenirs. Great with kids!
Extra savings tip for museums in New York
Our tip: Many major museums in New York offer free admission on certain days or the so-called “Pay-What-You-Wish” option. For example:
- Museum of Modern Art (MoMA): free entry on Fridays from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. and on your birthday
- Whitney Museum of American Art: “Pay-What-You-Wish” on Fridays from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m
- The Frick Collection: Thursdays from 16:00 to 18:00 “Pay-What-You-Wish”
Free Observation Decks in New York
New Yorkers know how beautiful and, above all, how popular the view of New York’s skyline is. That’s why free viewing platforms are rare in New York.
If you don’t want to pay money for platforms like New York Edge or SUMMIT, then we recommend you:
- Time Out Market roof terrace: offers a great view of Manhattan and the Brooklyn Bridge (on Google Maps)
- 50 Bowery Hotels Rooftop Bar: offers a fantastic 360° view of New York, but you have to order a drink (on Google Maps)
- 230 Fifth Rooftop Lounge: the Empire State Building is within reach; you have to buy a drink here too (on Google Maps)
This is Where You Get Something Free on Your Birthday in New York
In many places you can get something for free on your birthday. These are our tips for New York City:
Free admission on your birthday
- MoMA (Museum of Modern Art): free admission on your birthday (show ID)
- New York Public Library: free guided tours
- Nitehawk Cinema Brooklyn: specials on your birthday
Free food & drinks on your birthday
- Dunkin’ Donuts: often a free donut or coffee if you ask nicely
- Baskin-Robbins or Häagen-Dazs: some branches give out free ice cream
- Shake Shack: some branches offer a little surprise (e.g. fries or shake)
A general tip for the U.S.: don’t hesitate to mention it’s your birthday – Americans are surprisingly generous about birthday perks!
Those were our tips for free things to do in New York
Do you know any free activities in New York? Or do you have any questions about the free things to do in New York City? Then write us a comment. We look forward to hearing from you!