Here’s our insider guide to the best free things to do in New York City. When you check New York City highlights off your list, you don't always have to spend a ton of cash, and you can do some amazing activities without spending a penny. These attractions will make you wonder why they're free and satisfy you that you've chosen to find a smart and cheap way to explore the city.
17 Free Things to Do in New York City
Many people ask themselves if there are any free, quality things to do in New York City. Our answer is: yes! These are our top highlights in New York City that don’t cost you any money:
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01
Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge
architecture
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DumboOur highlights
this brooklyn bridge More than 120,000 cars, 4000 pedestrians and 3000 bicycles use the six lanes every day. The views of New York City from the Brooklyn Bridge are spectacular and walking across the bridge is an absolute must during your trip to New York. Especially at sunrise and sunset, this is one of the most photogenic spots in New York City. Just be prepared to be surrounded by a crowd.
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02
brooklyn bridge park
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You'll find the beginning of Brooklyn Bridge Park just below the Brooklyn Bridge. With stunning skyline views over the water and some great places to sit and enjoy the view, this park is a must-visit! This is a great place for those who enjoy running, especially with the amazing views of the Manhattan skyline. There are also plenty of green spaces, basketball, volleyball and soccer fields.
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03
Squibb Park Bridge
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brooklyn heights
The Squibb Park Bridge is a remarkable and important gateway to the park, providing you with an easy and stunning route to Brooklyn Bridge Park. As you stroll across this iconic bridge, you'll enjoy unparalleled views of Lower Manhattan.
With its unique design and engineering, the Squibb Bridge offers a captivating journey that winds from Squibb Park in Brooklyn Heights to the greenway of Pier 1 at Brooklyn Bridge Park.
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04
Staten Island Ferry
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staten island
One of New York's most popular tourist attractions is the Staten Island Ferry, which runs between the southern tip of Manhattan and Staten Island. Transit is free!
The 5-mile trip takes approximately 20-25 minutes and offers stunning panoramic views of skyscrapers and the Statue of Liberty.
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05
Pier 54 – Island
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meatpacking district
Not far from the Meatpacking District and the High Line, the island is one of New York's newest attractions, and it's something very special: a park with 132 beautiful tulip-shaped concrete stilts above the Hudson River!
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06
Pier 57 Rooftop
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chelsea
Pier 57 Rooftop NYC is located next to a beautiful island. As the name suggests, you can climb to the roof of this massive pier and enjoy stunning views of the city skyline.
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07
High Line Park
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meatpacking districtOur highlights
Few parks are as unique as the High Line. The elevated freight rail line was transformed into a public green space, opened in 2009, and now offers stunning city views and a great place to relax. Its plant life is based directly on the plants that grew when abandoned, giving this park a unique and interesting atmosphere! The High Line stretches from the Meatpacking District to Hudson Yards-34th Street.
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08
9/11 Memorial Museum
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financial district
Ground Zero has now become a place of quiet reflection. The beautiful memorial, which features two huge pools to commemorate the lives lost during 9/11, attracts people from far and wide. New York will never forget 9/11, and the memorial is the perfect embodiment of that spirit.
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09
tudor city bridge
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murray hill
The Tudor City Bridge is a small bridge spanning 42nd Street, just steps from Grand Central Station. The bridge itself isn't that exciting, but the view to the west of 42nd Street, including the Chrysler Building, is even more beautiful. Definitely a great photo opportunity – and it’s completely free.
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10
Roosevelt Island Gondola (almost free)
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midtown manhattan
This is one of those New York spots you definitely shouldn’t miss! All you need is a subway ticket to ride the cable car across the East River, reaching over 200 feet above sea level. The views from the gondola are amazing and the view of Roosevelt Island is equally impressive!
If you have a 7-day unlimited ride MetroCard, you can use the Roosevelt Island Gondola for free!
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11
new york public library
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midtown manhattan
The New York Public Library is one of the most famous buildings in New York City. This is one of the best public libraries in the United States and has been featured in countless movies and photographs. The New York Public Library is not only a place for students, professors, and bookworms, but also a must-see for visitors to New York.
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12
central station
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midtown manhattan
Grand Central Station is probably the most famous commuter station in the world. Thousands of locals and tourists pass through this busy and fast-paced terminal every day. This New York City commuter rail terminal has been featured in numerous movies and television shows and is an iconic location in the city. Visitors to New York City should definitely include Grand Central Station in their itinerary.
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13
times square
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theater districtOur highlights
Times Square is one of the most famous attractions in New York City. like the statue of liberty or Empire State BuildingTimes Square is an iconic location. When people say “the city that never sleeps,” they are most likely talking about Times Square, with its countless lights and 24/7 non-stop activity. Standing among the many bright and flashing billboards is unlike anywhere else in the city. Times Square is the heart of New York City and the true embodiment of the “Big Apple.”
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14
central park
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midtown manhattanOur highlights
Central Park stretches from Midtown Manhattan to Harlem. Covering an area of approximately 340 hectares, it is a favorite gathering place for New Yorkers. With approximately 35 million visitors per year, this man-made park is not only attractive to tourists. New Yorkers love Central Park and its tranquility. Many events are held here, such as the New York City Marathon. There are also plenty of green spaces, walking and cycling trails. Central Park is home to Sheep Meadow, Bow Bridge, Bethesda Terrace, the Central Park Zoo, and many other attractions.
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15
fifth avenue
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midtown manhattan
Fifth Avenue is one of the most famous shopping streets in the world and a must-go place for shopping in New York! Fifth Avenue runs from Washington Square Park in Greenwich Village to 143rd Street in Harlem. Fifth Avenue is over 11 kilometers long and takes approximately 2.5 hours to walk.
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16
charging bull
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financial district
The Charging Bull of Wall Street was created in 1998 by artist Arturo Di Modica. This 3,200 kilogram “bronze statue” symbolizes people's optimism and strength after the 1986 stock market crash (English: Charging Bull). Arturo di Modica received the prestigious Ellis Island Medal of Honor for his work.
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No. 17
St. Patrick's Cathedral
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midtown manhattan
In the middle of Midtown, across from Rockefeller Center, is the largest neo-Gothic style cathedral in the United States: St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City is the most stunning ecclesiastical building in New York. The slender tower reaches an almost majestic height of more than 100 meters.
my suggestion
You can save more!
Do you want to save more money? Check out the New York City Attractions Pass! These include most of the city's major attractions, so you can save money while still seeing as much as possible!
Want to save even more?
Unfortunately, not all new york attractions It's free! Some highlights, such as the Empire State Building, top of rockmany museums, etc. require tickets. If you want to save up to 50% on admission fees, we highly recommend purchasing a sightseeing pass!
