My Favorite Free Things to Do in New York City

New York City is absolutely one of my favorite places to visit, but there’s no doubt it can be expensive. Here are my favorite free things to do in New York City.

Once you factor in airfare and hotel plus food, adding a lot of sites with admission fees can really add up and put a strain on your travel budget. But fear not! There are plenty of things you can add to your New York City itinerary that are totally 100 percent free.

And check out these recommendations for cheap eats in NYC!

9/11 Memorial pool in New York City showing names engraved in bronze with buildings and trees in the background.

#1: 9/11 Memorial

For me, the 9/11 Memorial is a must-see, especially if it’s your first time in New York City. Though there is a charge for entrance to the 9/11 Museum, the 9/11 Memorial plaza is absolutely free for guests and open seven days a week.

The Memorial Plaza includes two large pools of nearly an acre each that sit in the footprint where the Twin Towers once stood. Around each pool, the names of everyone who died on Sept. 11, 2001, as well as those killed in the 1993 attack on the World Trade Center.

Expect to see posted signs that the 9/11 Memorial is a solemn place and be respectful of those who are paying their respects to those who died. It is absolutely not the place for silly selfies or loud talking.

9/11 Memorial
180 Greenwich Street
www.911memorial.org

Read More → The Perfect One Day in New York Itinerary

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#2: People Watch in the Parks

New York City has literally hundreds of public parks from the 840-acre Central Park all the way down to tiny neighborhood parks that aren’t much more than a few trees, a little grass, and a few benches.

If you’re on a tight food budget while in New York, parks are a great place to have a meal. My favorite NYC cheap meal is to grab a couple of kati rolls at the Kati Roll Company on West 39th then walk to Bryant Park for some great people watching.

If people watching sounds dull, many New York parks offer free activities. The last time we were in the city my sister joined in the free bingo at Bryant Park, just one of the many free activities they offer there.

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#3: Stroll the Highline

The High Line is a public park and green space in lower Manhattan, but the amazing thing about this park is that it was created on old raised train tracks. The High Line opened in 2009 and is nearly 1.5 miles long, running from Gansevoort Street to West 34th. There are points of access at many places along the High Line (including elevator access).

This is the kind of place you really have to see to believe. Though I haven’t yet seen as much of the High Line as I would like, walking the entire length of this unique park is definitely on my New York City bucket list.

People walking on the New York City High Line with buildings and trees in the background.

#4: Walk Across the Brooklyn Bridge

Seeing the iconic Brooklyn Bridge up close should be on your New York City itinerary. For great views of the skyline, start on the Brooklyn side of the bridge and walk into lower Manhattan.

You don’t have to walk across the entire 1.1-mile pedestrian walkway of course, though you certainly can. If you’re short on time, I recommend just walking out to the first tower from the Manhattan side for some good photo ops.

Those who have a fear of heights, be warned that you can see through the wood slats on the walkway a bit, giving you glimpses of the speeding traffic below. And pay attention as you go, bikers cross the bridge also, and many move quite quickly. Stay in the dedicated pedestrian lane if you’re walking.

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Brooklyn Bridge tower from below with blue sky and American flag.

#5: Explore Historic Public Buildings

Admission to many New York City public buildings is free, giving visitors up-close looks at historic New York City architecture.

Great options include the New York Public Library Stephen A. Schwarzman Building on Fifth Avenue, Grand Central Terminal on East 42nd, and Federal Hall National Memorial on Wall Street.

Other public buildings such as City Hall are open for free tours, but you will need to make a reservation.

Inside the Grand Central Terminal main hall with sun streaming in through the large windows.

There are so many great free things to do in New York City, far more than I can include in one post.

Do you have a favorite free site or activity in New York City?

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