And if I’m being totally honest, there are actually way more than 30 free things to do in New York City.
I just don’t want to turn this post into something that all too closely resembles War and Peace (talk about coma-inducing)., in terms of length since ain’t nobody got time for that.
Plus, my handy Google Analytics informs me that most of you only spend a few minutes on my site at most. So yeah, no need to make this post ridiculously long, even though you are visiting one of the best honeymoon destinations in the USA and that is hella awesome in and of itself.
Besides, if I took the time to introduce you to all of the best parks in NYC, you would fall asleep faster than a tenth grader in an algebra class (This never applied to me because I’m a weirdo who always liked math).
So while I know you guys need your beauty sleep, I would prefer if my posts didn’t become an instantaneous cure for insomnia.
Therefore, I have done my best to narrow this list down to just 30 free things to do in NYC.
Yes, some of the offerings on this list are pretty obvious (Spoiler Alert: Who doesn’t know about Times Square and the Brooklyn Bridge?). However, I hope there are some pleasant surprises here too; attractions that you might not have considered before.
But enough chit chat. Onwards and upwards, to the epic awesomeness that is this list of the 30 best free things to do in New York City (Wishful thinking on my part. Just don’t fall asleep. Pretty please with a cherry on top?).
Dear wonderful, beautiful, and oh-so-amazing reader (Yup, I lay it on thick for my dozens of fans). Since I am incapable of making it rain money, there’s a high probability (like 99.999%) that this post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure for more information. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases.
***Booking a flight to NYC and not sure where to stay in NYC? Then check out 414 Hotel (Rooms at this chic, Hell’s Kitchen hotel start at $159 per night and include fridges, flat-screen TVs and iPod docks. There’s even a working fireplace in the lobby!), The James New York (Chic, modern rooms at this Soho hotel start at $177 per night and feature high ceilings, floor to ceiling windows, glassed-off bathrooms, plush linens made from natural materials, and more), The Bowery Hotel (Rooms at this 5-star, Nolita hotel start at $300 per night and are cozy, but stylish, with free Wifi, free bike rentals, exquisite city views, and more). and Pod 39 (Located in Murray Hill, this pod hotel sits inside a residential home from 1918. Rooms here start at $120 per night and are cozy and outfitted with queen-size beds or stainless-steel bunk beds with individual TVs and bedside shelves).***
If you’re booking a trip right now then I IMPLORE you to get travel insurance – even if it’s not from me.
After all, this past year has been a wild ride and I don’t want you to lose money because government regulations have changed.
Truth be told though, I’ve never traveled without travel insurance and don’t think you should either – especialy since I think we’ve all had plans drastically change because of the pandemic.
Therefore, find an insurance agency that covers travel changes related to COVID-19, like my two all-time faves World Nomads and Safety Wing. You can also read more about which policy is right for you in my full review here.
Contents show
1 Free Things to do in NYC – Manhattan
1.1 1. The Staten Island Ferry
1.2 2. Central Park
1.3 3. The Battery (Formerly known as Battery Park)
1.4 4. Chrysler Building
1.5 5. Grand Central Terminal
1.6 6. The High Line
1.7 7. The New York Public Library
1.8 8. Rockefeller Center
1.9 9. St. Patrick’s Cathedral
1.10 10. Roosevelt Island Tram
1.11 11. South Street Seaport
1.12 12. Times Square
1.13 13. Washington Square Park
1.14 14. Chelsea Market
1.15 15. African Burial Ground National Memorial
1.16 16. General Ulysses S. Grant National Memorial
1.17 17. The Museum at FIT (Fashion Institute of Technology)
1.18 18. Pace Gallery
1.19 19. The National Museum of the American Indian
1.20 20. The New York Earth Room
1.21 21. 9/11 Memorial
1.22 22. The Oculus
2 Free Things to do in NYC – the Bronx
2.1 23. Wednesdays at the Bronx Zoo
2.2 24. Bronx Museum of the Arts
3 Free things to do in NYC – Brooklyn
3.1 25. Domino Park
3.2 26. Bushwick Collective
3.3 27. Brooklyn Heights Promenade
3.4 28. Coney Island Boardwalk
3.5 29. Take a Tour of Brooklyn Brewery
3.6 30. Green-Wood Cemetery
3.7 31. Walk Along the Brooklyn Bridge
3.8 32. Brooklyn Botanical Gardens
4 Free Things to do in NYC – Queens
4.1 33. Check Out the Queens County Farm Museum
4.2 34. Public Boathouse Kayaking
5 Other Free Things to do in NYC Tips
6 A Map of this Local’s Guide to 34+ Free things to do in NYC!
7 Additional New York Resources You’ll Love
7.1 Well my faithful NYC lovers, that just about concludes this insanely long guide to 34+ free things to do in NYC!