There's no questioning how energetic, unique and diverse New York City is. But if there's one negative? It's definitely the cost.
Corey Fuller - Staff Writer•
But even though it’s one of the most expensive cities in the world, there are loads of completely FREE things to do in NYC. During the week and on weekends, there’s tons of free-pop ups, events, and deals to take advantage of. If you’re paying the rent to live in a city this fantastic, you must take advantage of all there is to do and see.
1. Free museum days
New York is full of the most prestigious art and history museums, but sometimes their entrance fees don’t feel quite accessible enough to the everyday New Yorker. Luckily, most have special “free” admission days when entrance fees are waived completely. Take a look at some below and even more here:
- The Museum of Modern Art (First Friday of every month): Thanks to clothing store UNIQLO, museum admission to the Museum of Modern Art is free for New Yorkers from 4 pm – 8 pm on the first Friday of every month!
- Brooklyn Museum (First Saturday of the Month, 5-11 pm): Head to the outer boroughs to experience this historic museum whose roots trace all the way back to 1823.
- Guggenheim Museum (Pay What You Wish on Saturdays 6 pm–8 pm): Step into a world of modern and contemporary art at the Guggenheim Museum on the Upper East Side. The museum is typically $25 for adults, but hosts a “pay what you wish” program on Saturdays from 6 pm – 8 pm.
- Bronx Museum of the Arts (Free everyday!): This uptown museum known for its innovative contemporary art exhibitions houses over 2,000 pieces of artwork in a variety of mediums.
2. The Portal
The Portal is New York City’s hottest talking point right now, and the installation in Flatiron virtually connects NYC to Dublin in real time! The visual live stream connects the two cities, allowing you to meet fellow humans around the world! It’s free to visit and it’s located on the Flatiron South Public Plaza at Broadway, Fifth Avenue, and 23rd Street, next to the Flatiron Building. Read more about the groundbreaking Portal here!
3. Free outdoor movies
Summer is officially here, and that mean’s one of our favorite free park activities is back…outdoor movies! Plenty of NYC parks will be showing screenings in the coming months, including Bryant Park, Brooklyn Bridge Park, and so many more. Check out all of the park showing free movies in NYC this summer here!
4. Free outdoor workout classes
Get your sweat on right now with free workout classes happening all across NYC! Now that the weather is officially beautiful, you can take advantage of free exercise programs happening at Bryant Park, Times Square, and beyond. It’s the perfect way to get your summer body on track…without spending a dime! See the full list of free outdoor workout classes happening in NYC here.
5. Free outdoor concerts
Summer is the season of free park concerts, and 2024’s lineup is set to impress! From Central Park’s SummerStage to New York Philharmonic’s annual “Concert in the Parks” series, there’s so much free live music to dance to this summer. Check out the full list of concerts going on here, and get your lawn chairs and blankets ready!
6. Kayaking at Brooklyn Bridge Park
Get out on NYC waters for free with a wonderful free kayaking program presented by Brooklyn Bridge Park. Starting May 29 and running through September, Brooklyn Bridge Park’s boathouse will offer free sessions from Pier 2 on Wednesdays, Thursdays, & Saturdays! No matter your experience level, you’ll be able to paddle throughout the waters during a free 20 minute sessions. Learn more about the program and book your spot here!
7. BLOOMTANICA
BLOOMTANICA is an immersive experience taking NYC by storm right now, and the free walkthrough is quite literally floral heaven! In partnership with celebrity floral artist Jeff Leatham and Genesis House, visitors are welcome to step through this digital immersion that effortlessly combines nature and technology. Learn more about BLOOMTANICA and plan your visit here.
8. Outdoor street fairs
Take in all the smells of summer when NYC’s various street fairs and cultural festivals happen all summer long. Plenty of vendors offer up food, music, and entertainment that can make for some perfect free strolling time! See a full list of NYC’s upcoming street fairs here.
9. “Field of Light”
Stop by the Freedom Plaza on the East Side of NYC to see “Field of Light,” a brand new 6-acre installation consisting of 17,000 stemmed glass spheres. Designed by world-renowned artist Bruce Munro, the lights illuminate Manhattan is the most breathtaking way. Learn more about the installation here.
10. Free pickleball at Brookfield Place
Serve up some pickleball fun this summer at Brookfield Place, who has free courts for usage from June 4 – 23! Located on the scenic Waterfront at BFPL, you and your crew can partake in NYC’s hottest sport for free…all while enjoying food, drinks, and nearby shopping. Reservations are highly encouraged and they just opened up to the public, which you can book here.
11. Governors Island
Hop on the ferry ride over to Governors Island and partake in their free summer programming, which includes all kinds of free events like the 23rd annual River To River Festival, the Porch Stomp folk music festival, Governors Island Arts’ THIRD Saturdays, and so much more! See the full listing of upcoming happenings on Governors Island here.
12. NYC beaches
Nothing beats a good beach day, and NYC is full of incredible sandy spots to enjoy a free day of sunshine! From the iconic Coney Island Boardwalk to lesser known gems like South Beach on Staten Island, a beach outing is one of the best ways to spend a day. Check out our full list of best beaches near NYC here…and don’t forget your sunscreen!
13. Explore NYC’s outdoor public art
Tap into New York City’s artsy side and check out the numerous options of public art that awaits you! These mind-bending open-air installations are free to visit and are pretty cool photo opps too! Check out our favorite public art installations in NYC right here.
14. New York Public Library
The New York Public Library’s Stephen A. Schwarzman Building is one of the coolest libraries in all of NYC, and is a great place to admire with a book in hand. Acquiring a library card is free for all New York residents, and rummaging the shelves for your next good read is such a great way to spend your time.
15. Free birthday perks around NYC
If it’s your birthday (or it’s coming up soon), you’ve got to take advantage of the freebies around NYC! Some of our favorite businesses offer up sweet promotions for the celebration with some of our favorites including:
- QCNY Spa: At QCNY Spa on Governors Island, you can enjoy free admission (on your birthday or within 7 days after your birthday) with a paying guest. This special birthday offer applies Monday through Friday.
- SUGARFISH: Eat a free “trust me box” of sushi for your birthday if you’ve dined at SUGARFISH at least twice during the year!
16. Walking tours
Tours in NYC are known to be pricey, but there are actually a variety of walking tours given by volunteers that are completely free. Join free walking tours offered by different organizations, which pairs visitors with local volunteers for personalized tours of the city. See some our favorites below and the full list here:
- Flatiron District: If you’re interested in learning more about NYC’s most iconic triangle-shaped building, the Flatiron/23rd Street Partnership sponsors free 90-minute walking tours around the neighborhood on Sundays at 11am. Meet on the southwest corner of Madison Square Park.
- Free Tours By Foot.com: Though not completely free, these walking tours are unique in the fact that you pay-as-you-wish. There is no upfront cost and after the tour, you decide how much to give the guide based on the quality of the tour/what you think it was worth.
- Central Park Conservancy: The Central Park Conservancy offers a few free tours. They are: The Southern Welcome Tour, which highlights the noteworthy aspects in the southern part of the park, admiring the Pond, Gapstow Bridge, and the Dairy Visitor Center which used to serve children fresh milk in 1871; the Memorial Tour, which showcases monuments and statues in the park honoring veterans; and the Discovery Walks for Families, which is perfect for children of all ages. Plus they have a few virtual tours to choose from, all which have a suggested donation of $5. See more on their website here.
17. The High Line
This walkway sits atop an old railroad line running from the Meatpacking District to W 34th Street.
18. Brooklyn Bridge
Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge…and think about all of the hidden fun facts while you’re doing it.
19. Little Island
This floating island is one of our favorite spots to relax, and the views of downtown Manhattan are killer too. Bring a friend, a blanket and stay awhile!
20. TV show tapings
NYC is home to tons of big-name TV shows including Jimmy Fallon, Trevor Noah, and of courseSaturday Night Live. Tickets for these shows are free and are done through a lottery, so try throwing your name in the hat!
21. Pier 35 Swings
Tap into your innner childhood fun and ride on these giant swings at Pier 35 on the Lower East Side. It’s completely free and one of the best waterfront views in all of the city!
22. Bronx Zoo
Stop by and see some of your furry friends at The Bronx Zoo, which offers free admission on Wednesdays. Check out all of NYC’s zoos here.
23. Green-Wood Cemetery
Another rich piece of history, the Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn was founded in 1838 and is 478 acres! This gorgeous cemetery offers all kinds of other free happenings too like bird watching sessions, trolley tours, live performances, and much more! See what’s on at Green-Wood Cemetery here.
24. The Vessel
While you can no longer climb the wacky Vessel at Hudson Yards, access to the ground-level base is open to the public. There are rumors of The Vessel reopening soon though…so stay tuned.
25. 9/11 Memorial
Learn about the events of 9/11 at the Memorial Pools and 9/11 Museum. The pools are open to the public and the museum offers free admission on Mondays (need to reserve tickets online).
See also: The Best Things To Do In NYC For Locals And Tourists
Tags:brooklyn, Free, manhattan, queens, the bronx, things to do
