Exploring New York City doesn’t always mean spending a fortune. While there are some fabulous attractions in the Big Apple that require an entrance fee, there are an abundance of incredible free things to do in New York City. From parks and activities for the kids, to art exhibitions and performances, the city is full of exciting possibilities and here are 20 of the best incredible free things to do in New York City.
Stunning Parks & Gardens
1 Central Park – Measuring 843 acres, this award-winning landscape designed by landscape architects Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux is the “green lung” of the city. Enjoy stunning views of the “Gapstow Bridge”, crossing a pond, skating on the Wollman Ice Rink, taking a walk to the “Alice in Wonderland” statue, or enjoying a picnic along the pathways of Central Park.
2 Battery Park – This 60-acre park located at the the tip of Manhattan Island is adjacent to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island ferry, offering gorgeous waterfront views. It’s a great place to go for a stroll through the area or have a picnic lunch and toss a Frisbee.
3 Greenacre Park – This hidden gem located in Midtown East is known as the “vest pocket” park for its small size, but it leaves a big impression. The cascading waterfall and several benches provide the perfect spot to take a break, relax, people watch and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
4 High Line – The High Line park is an abandoned railway line that was converted into a pedestrian walkway. Start at The Standard Hotel and stroll the 1.45-mile stretch of wildflowers, artworks and amazing city views as your pathway winds its way through the meatpacking district, Chelsea and the West Side.
5 Brooklyn Bridge Park – This waterside park along the East River of Brooklyn is the ideal spot for sunset strolling, picnics, and taking in the stunning views of the Manhattan skyline from the harbor.
Fine Arts
6 Metropolitan Museum of Art – This artwork paradise offers a staggering 5,000 years of art from many cultures, with an admission policy of “pay what you wish”. Wander through 2 million square feet of galleries, such as European paintings, ancient Egyptian art, American period rooms and modern and contemporary installations.
7 Museum of Modern Art – MoMa, as it is popularly known, has an impressive collection from some of the modern masters. See everything from Claude Monet to Roy Lichtenstein’s work placed among this well-renowned museum’s permanent collection. Don’t forget to check out the sculpture garden outdoors.
8 Guggenheim Museum – This art museum is one of the city’s most iconic architectural destinations, with a distinct spiral shape and large central space exhibiting European and American art since the Impressionists right up until contemporary artists.
9 Frick Collection – If you love old masterpieces, then head to the Frick Collection. This gem is a particular favorite of art connoisseurs and fea- tures Old Master paintings and European sculpture and decorative arts.
10 Whitney Museum – This eccentric museum of American Art is perched on the foot of the High Line, offering contemporary works from this century’s most influential artists. Take time out to enjoy the views from their tenth-floor terrace.
Culture & History
11 FDNY Fire Zone – 9/11 was a tragic day for the city and for the nation, and visiting the Fire Zone at the Fire Department of New York is an emotional experience. Educate the kids with life lessons at this interactive area which honors firefighters who have lost their lives in the line of duty.
12 Museum at Eldridge Street – Listen to the fascinating story of the early Jewish immigrants to America by visiting this museum. Built in the 1800s, the Eldridge Street Synagogue is the oldest surviving Moorish-style synagogue in the US and features beautiful architectural style, a 24-foot stained glass window and more.
13 African Burial Ground Memorial – Pay your respects and learn a bit of history at the African Burial Ground, which celebrates the lives of enslaved and free Africans who were buried in the area when it was a public cemetery in the 1700s and 1800s.
14 National September 11 Memorial and Museum – Visit the memorial pool, which holds the names of the 2,977 victims killed in the attacks, and learn about their stories at this museum in lower Manhattan.
15 City Hall – Situated in lower Manhattan, City Hall is the oldest structure in “New Amsterdam”. It’s a an architectural marvel and an ideal spot for a tour or to catch an occasional concert or festival.
Entertainment & Performance
16 Music & Performance at Bryant Park – Make Bryant Park in Midtown your destination for music and entertainment, as it comes alive with star performers, singing and dancing, ensembles and marching bands all throughout the summer – and admission is free.
17 SummerStage in Central Park – Enjoy some of the largest concerts and performances right in the heart of Central Park. From Latin, Reggae, Jazz, and Classical music to dance performances, stand-up comedy events and theater, all performances are free.
18 Union Square Drummers – Visit Union Square in midtown from the hours of noon to 5pm to see an amazing performance from the Drummers of Union Square. Make sure to listen out for the unique sound system created to spin beats up to the park far- thest corners.
19 New York Public Library – Visit one of the most beautiful public libraries in the US and take a free self-guided tour of the New York Public Library’s Beaux Arts building.
20 Reel Pieces – Reeling Pieces is a series of free film screenings every Tuesday night by the Film Society of Lincoln Centre. The series is a roundtable discussion affair, enthusiastically led by Academy Award winner Annette Bening and veteran New York Times film critic A.O. Scott.
Whether you want to explore the beautiful scenery of Central Park, take a tour of City Hall or listen to performances at the SummerStage, there is no shortage of incredible free things to do in New York City. With so much to experience, it’s no wonder the city is one of the most sought-after destinations in the entire world.
