New York for free – attractions you won’t pay anything for

Is it possible to see New York on a budget? It’s not a cheap city, especially when it comes to accommodations, but fortunately there are many places you can see completely free and without spending a dollar. Today we have prepared for you a list of just such places.

New York is a city that everyone knows from movies and TV series. When we first arrived here, we felt like we had stepped onto a movie set – everything was so familiar, but at the same time incredibly overwhelming. Tall buildings, traffic, the pace of life – seemingly everyone is aware of this, but when you finally set foot in New York the perception is even stronger.

High prices are one of the first associations with New York, but believe us, this city does not have to ruin your budget at all. When planning a trip here, it’s a good idea to have a larger sum set aside, as many places have fees, and quite a lot of them. But on the other hand, you can experience a great deal here and not spend a dollar.

During our trip, we discovered that there are a ton of things you can do here completely free – you just need to know where to look and when. A walk across the Brooklyn Bridge, a visit to Central Park or free concerts and museums are just some of the attractions the city has to offer. Therefore, we decided to collect more and less well-known free places and share them with you. Ready to experience New York City for free?

Free attractions in New York

1. Ferry to Staten Island – free cruise with views of the Statue of Liberty

Who among you dreams of seeing the Statue of Liberty up close? We also had this item high on our dream list. Of course, cruises to Liberty Island are quite expensive, but there is an alternative – the Staten Island Ferry!

The ferry runs completely free of charge and offers some of the best views of the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline. Admittedly, it doesn’t stop at Liberty Island, but it still flows close enough that you’ll be able to get a good look at it.

The ferry departs from the Whitehall Terminal on Whitehall Street in lower Manhattan (you’ll recognize the building by the large Staten Island Ferry sign). Cruises run 24/7, every 30 minutes, and even more frequently during peak hours. There is no need to reserve seats, just come to the terminal and board.

2. Walk on the Brooklyn Bridge

The Brooklyn Bridge is an icon of New York City, so it couldn’t be missing from ourbroovess list. The views of Lower Manhattan, the East River and Brooklyn from the height of this bridge are a feast for the eyes.

Interestingly, the bridge has a separate path for pedestrians and cyclists, above the road for cars, making the walk even more pleasant and safer.

It takes about 30-40 minutes to walk across the bridge, but it’s worth stopping for a while and just gloating about the place.

3. Central Park – an oasis of green in the heart of the city

Central Park is an absolute must-see in New York, regardless of the season. This place is like a breath of fresh air in this rushing metropolis. When we came here for the first time, we couldn’t believe how huge this park is – the map turned out to be indispensable!

Strolling through the alleys, you can see Strawberry Fields, romantic Bethesda Terrace or rent a boat and take a swim on the lake. For a rest, we recommend Sheep Meadow – a meadow surrounded by trees above which rise skyscrapers. In summer, the park bustles with free events in Central Park, from concerts to performances. Visiting Central Park is the perfect way to relax in New York.

We have already written quite a bit about Central Park in a dedicated post »

4. Times Square – the lights of the city

Times Square is a place that probably needs no introduction to anyone? We visited both during the day and late in the evening, and we have to admit – it was overwhelming, but unique at the same time. Those neon signs, advertisements, hundreds of people – here you will feel the atmosphere of New York like nowhere else.

Although this place may seem typically touristy, it’s worth a look here at least for a while.

5. High Line – park above the city

If you’re looking for something out of the ordinary, High Line is a hit. This park on a former railroad line is a brilliant way to see the city from a different perspective. We walked here on a clear day, and the entire route was filled and surrounded by greenery and art.

During the walk you can admire Chelsea’s modern architecture, but of particular interest is the High Line Observation Deck, a vantage point on 10th Avenue.

For us, it was one of the most relaxing moments in all of New York.

6. Free museums in New York

When we were in New York, several people wrote us on Instagram to see the free New York museums. The problem, however, was that many of these New York museums free are no longer and have been for several years. You used to be able to enter for free or for a nominal voluntary fee, but now most of them are ticketed.

However, not everyone is aware that several of New York’s museums offer free admission on certain days or times. Of course, this requires a bit of subordination of the city tour plan to these museums, but you can save a few tens of dollars.

Here are some suggestions and the days and times of the free tour:

• 9/11 Memorial & Museum – there is a fee to enter the museum, but on Mondays there is a pool of free tickets available online. They can be booked here.
• The Whitney Museum of American Art – free admission on Fridays from 5pm to 10pm and all day every second Sunday of the month. This is a place for lovers of contemporary art.
• National Museum of the American Indian – one of the most famous free museums in New York, which is free daily.
• Guggenheim Museum – the museum offers a Pay What You Wish option, but only on Mondays and Saturdays from 4pm to 5:30pm.
• Brooklyn Children’s Museum – if you are traveling with children, such a museum may be of interest to you. It is free on Thursdays from 2:00 to 5:00 pm, thanks to Amazon.

Always check for updates on these days and times, as they may change!

7. Grand Central Terminal

Who would have thought that a train station could be a tourist attraction? In New York it is possible :) Grand Central Terminal is a place that impresses with its architecture and atmosphere. It is not only a train station, but also a unique free attraction of the city. The austere marble interiors, the crowds of people and the ceiling decorated with constellations all make you feel as if you have stepped back in time.

If you have time, we recommend stopping in the main hall for a while and just people-watching – this place is bustling all day.

8. Bryant Park

Bryant Park is a tiny green oasis in the heart of Manhattan. It’s a place where there’s often something going on: concerts, performances, movie screenings under the cloud, and in winter one of the most famous free ice rinks in New York operates here (as long as you have your skates). And right next door is…

9. New York Public Library

This place is a real treat for fans of both literature and architecture. Monumental interiors, a marble-decorated staircase and distinctive lions in front of the entrance all make the New York Public Library a must-see.

The Main Reading Room, which looks like it was taken out of a movie, is particularly stunning. This place has its own unique atmosphere and is perfect for a break from the hustle and bustle of the city.

10. Rockefeller Center and Radio City Music Hall (from outside)

The area around Rockefeller Center is one of our favorite places in New York City and we would love to return here during the holiday season. After all, this is where the city’s most famous Christmas tree stands, and an ice rink operates next door. Although there is a fee to enter Top of the Rock, just walking around the square and admiring the surroundings costs nothing.

Radio City Music Hall is also worth seeing – this legendary building with its neon sign is impressive, especially at night.

11. Little Island

Little Island is a relatively new attraction in New York City, located on the Hudson River. This remarkable park on an artificial island offers not only stunning views of the water and the city, but also numerous places to rest and relax. The bridge leading to the island is free, and the park itself is full of greenery, benches and spaces perfect for a picnic.

For lovers of cultural events, this is also a great place – free concerts and performances are often held here. This place is a great example of how New York can surprise even the most demanding visitors.

12. The New York Aquarium, the Bronx Zoo, and the Staten Island Zoo

If you are traveling with children it is worth saving these places in NYC as well:

• The New York Aquarium is a fascinating place to explore the richness of the underwater world. It’s located on Coney Island, so it’s a considerable distance from Manhattan, but it’s still New York. Entrance is free on Wednesdays from 3pm until closing, but be sure to book your ticket online.
• The Bronx Zoo is also far away, but we leave here informative: entry is free on Wednesdays, but you must reserve a free ticket in advance (on Monday) on the website (the number of free seats is limited). Free entry applies only to the zoo, with no additional attractions.
• The Staten Island Zoo is free on Wednesdays from 2pm.

13. art gallery on the streets

New York is a real open-air museum. Walking through neighborhoods such as Bushwick in Brooklyn and the Lower East Side, you will discover amazing murals and graffiti. Each street hides something unique.

The best part is that these works of art change over time, so you’ll discover something new with each visit.

14. Free tours, concerts and events

Did you know that you can also go on free tours in New York? Many organizations and guides offer so-called“free walking tours,” or free walking tours of Manhattan and beyond, which allow you to experience the city from a completely different perspective. How are they free? Guides work on a tipping basis, so you decide for yourself how much you want to (or can) pay. This is a great option if you want to learn more about the city and save money at the same time. It is a good idea to book in advance online, especially during the tourist season.

Yes, this was supposed to be a post about free attractions, but for a tour like this, we especially encourage you to give such a tip!

It is worth mentioning that New York is bustling all year round, with many events taking place completely free of charge. In the summer, we recommend concerts in Central Park, and in the winter you can enjoy Christmas decorations and ice skating rinks, such as those at Rockefeller Center.

15. Free viewpoints

New York is a city where breathtaking views can be enjoyed without spending a fortune. Of course, most of these most spectacular observation decks are paid, but you can read about them in another post.

Here let’s focus on the free or very cheap ones that allow you to admire New York. One such attraction is the Roosevelt Island Tramway – a cable car ride provides views of Manhattan and the East River. What’s more, all you need is a MetroCard, which you’ll probably use to get around the city anyway, or just a card/phone payment to get it to Roosevelt Island.

Another spot we recommend is Brooklyn Bridge Park, which offers one of the best views of the Manhattan skyline. In the evening, when the skyscrapers are illuminated, the place takes on a magical atmosphere. And once you’re on Booklyn, it’s worth going to Washington Street and looking toward Manhattan: you’ll see the Manhattan Bridge perfectly embedded between the brick townhouses. In the distance you can see the Empire State Building – it’s one of the most photographed places in New York and our favorite view!

And don’t forget The Vessel at Hudson Yards – admittedly, admission to the mountain is paid, but the area itself, full of viewpoints and modern architecture, is completely free.

Is it possible to stay overnight for free in New York?

Accommodation in New York can take up the lion’s share of your budget, but is it possible to sleep in the city for free? The answer is yes, although it requires a bit of creativity.

One option is programs such as Couchsurfing, where you can find hosts offering free accommodation. New Yorkers are open-minded and willing to host travelers, but keep in mind that it’s a good idea to get a good idea of the profile of the person offering assistance beforehand.

Another idea might be free accommodation in exchange for help – some hostels or communities allow free accommodation in exchange for a few hours of work a day.

Remember, however, that even in New York, nothing is free – a little time, commitment or help in the host’s home is still a good deal to cut travel costs.

Summary – is it possible to see New York for free?

If you are planning a visit to New York, we hope you find this post helpful. The city has plenty to offer, even without spending a lot of money. From green spaces and parks (like Little Island, Central Park, High Line, Bryant Park), to iconic sites (Times Square, New York Public Library, Brooklyn Bridge), to free New York museums, the city has something for everyone.

Let us know in the comments which of these attractions interested you the most and what other free places in New York you recommend. We would love to add more places to our list! :)