Updated on July 4th, 2025
New York City is simply filled to the brim with amazing free things to see and do – you just have to know where to look! If you’re on holiday in the Big Apple, it’s a lot of fun to try off the beaten path activities such as a tour of the Brooklyn Brewery or a kayaking trip on the Hudson River. To save you the time of looking for great free things to do in the city, we’ve compiled a list of our top 10 free things to see & do in New York City!
1. Take a Free Ride on the Staten Island Ferry
The Staten Island Ferry runs between Battery Park in Lower Manhattan and Staten Island across the New York Harbor. A ride on this commuter ferry is a great way to get amazing views of the Manhattan skyline, the New York Harbor and the Statue of Liberty. The ferry departs from Manhattan at least every half hour, so you won’t even have to plan the trip in advance. As you board the ferry, be sure to pick a seat or stand at the railing on the starboard (right) side of the ship, so you’ll have the best view of the Statue of Liberty as you pass it. On the way back to Manhattan from Staten Island it will be the other way around.
Another great free ferry is the IKEA water shuttle, which runs from Pier 11 in Lower Manhattan to IKEA’s own Red Hook dock in Brooklyn. You can ride the ferry for free during weekends, and the shuttle departs three times per hour.
2. Visit New York City’s Museums for Free
To visit some of the best museums in New York City for free, you’ll have to read the admission rules pretty carefully. Many of the best-known museums in the city organize special days or evenings when you can visit for free. For example, the Museum of Modern Art offers free admission on the first Friday of each month between 4 pm and 8 pm, but only for New York State residents. Be sure to book your free ticket online in advance, as they’re required and tend to run out quickly!
Furthermore, not everyone knows that the Metropolitan Museum of Art only asks for a recommended admission, which means you’re free to pay what you like and will be allowed to enter, but it only applies if you are a New York State resident, or a student from New York, New Jersey or Connecticut. The same rule applies for the permanent collections of the American Museum of Natural History.
There are several museums in New York City that are always free to visit. To just name a few, there’s the American Folk Art Museum, the Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology, and the Brooklyn Museum.
3. Enjoy a Tour of the Brooklyn Brewery or Chelsea Brewery
At the Brooklyn Brewery you will learn all there is to know about the art of beer brewing, and it’s completely free! On Saturdays and Sundays, free tours start every hour between 1 pm and 4 pm. You’ll find the Brooklyn Brewery on the border of Williamsburg and Greenpoint on 11th Street & Wythe Avenue.
For a brewery tour in Manhattan, head to the small but cozy Chelsea Brewery on Pier 59. Free tours start every hour between 2 pm and 6 pm on Saturdays. You’ll even get a free beer sample during the tour!
Near the Brooklyn Brewery, this furnished 2-bedroom apartment in Williamsburg blends vintage charm with industrial style. Exposed brick, warm wood accents, and an open kitchen create a welcoming space to relax after a day exploring Williamsburg. Whether you’re grabbing a local brew or taking in skyline views from the waterfront, this loft-inspired apartment puts you in the heart of it all.
4. Summer Cinema in the Park: NYC’s Movies Under the Stars
During the summer, New York City comes alive with the Movies Under the Stars series, a fantastic free event that turns parks across all five boroughs into open-air theaters.
From Central Park to Brooklyn Bridge Park and beyond, you can catch popular films and timeless classics without spending a cent. It’s the perfect way to unwind, meet locals, and enjoy cinema in a vibrant, outdoor setting. Just bring a blanket or chair, some snacks, and settle in for a night of great entertainment under the city’s stars. Check NYC Parks’ website to find out when and where the next screening is happening. You won’t want to miss it!
5. Take a Free Grand Central Walking Tour
If you’re into history and architecture, The Grand Central neighborhood (Midtown East) is full of fascinating sights to discover at your own pace. Discover the secret of the Whispering Gallery inside Grand Central Terminal, and make sure to visit the original Lincoln Memorial Statue nearby. You can explore these highlights for free whenever you like, no reservation or guide needed!
To make the most of your stay in New York, choosing a comfortable and well-located place to stay is essential. This charming 1-bedroom apartment in Kips Bay, features classic NYC exposed brick walls and bright windows, along with a fully equipped kitchen. It’s located near the Empire State Building and 1 mile away from Grand Central Terminal, making it the perfect place to discover NYC at your own pace!
6. Go Kayaking at The Downtown Boathouse
7. Enjoy a Picnic in one of New York City’s Amazing Parks
That you can visit New York City’s parks for free shouldn’t come as a surprise, but several parks in the city are just so amazing we simply had to include them on the list! Central Park is truly a safe haven of tranquility in the busy hub that is Manhattan. Prepare a picnic basket at home and head out to one of the park’s many lush meadows. Spending a sunny afternoon in this park will have you feeling completely rejuvenated. To find the best spots for a picnic, check out Explore Central Park in Manhattan!
Other parks in the city that are definitely worth a visit include the High Line, Bryant Park and Prospect Park.
If you’re staying in a vacation rental apartment in New York City you can easily prepare your own lunch for a picnic, as you’ll have access to your own fully-equipped kitchen! Besides saving money on dining out, the apartments also provide plenty of room for family and friends, so it’s easy to bring the whole family on a city trip.
8. Visit the New York City Public Library
Step inside the New York Public Library’s iconic main branch – the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building – and discover one of the city’s most beautiful public spaces.
While the famous Rose Main Reading Room is now reserved for research only, visitors are welcome to explore the rest of the building for free. Admire the marble staircases, browse exhibitions, or join one of the free guided tours (just be sure to book in advance).
Whether you’re drawn by the history, the architecture, or the atmosphere, the New York Public Library remains a true New York City landmark!
9. Pay a Visit to Saint Paul’s Chapel
Most churches in New York are free to visit, and Saint Paul’s Chapel is no different. This beautiful, intimate church is the oldest religious building in Manhattan, and was built in 1764. It played a big part after the attacks of 9/11, as the Chapel served as a place of refuge and rest for the recovery workers. It is located on the east side of the World Trade Center site. In the church you can still see the memorial banners and cards that were originally put up on the fence surrounding the church in the months following 9/11. Saint Paul’s Chapel is open from 10 am to 6 pm Monday to Saturday, and from 7 am to 6 pm on Sundays.
Visiting the 9/11 Memorial is free, and no reservation is required to enter. However, if you wish to visit the 9/11 Museum, admission fees apply, and you must reserve timed-entry tickets in advance, which include a fee of $2. New York City residents can visit the Museum for free on the first Sunday of each month. For more information about the 9/11 Memorial and Lower Manhattan, see The Revival of Lower Manhattan: A Tour of the New World Trade Center.
10. Soar through the Sky on the Roosevelt Island Tram
The last attraction on the list isn’t technically free, but if you have an unlimited Metro card, all you have to do is swipe it at the ticket stand to ride the Roosevelt Island Tram. The aerial tramway runs from 60th Street & 2nd Avenue in Manhattan across the East River to Roosevelt Island. The tram was featured in the movie Spider-Man and offers amazing views of the Midtown Manhattan skyline. See our New York for Free video for more free views of New York City!
Near the tram, this 3-bedroom shared apartment in Roosevelt Island feels like a peaceful retreat after a busy day! With chevron hardwood floors, a chandelier-lit dining space, and vintage touches throughout, it blends rustic charm with modern comfort. After exploring the city, it’s the ideal place to unwind and enjoy a quieter moment with views over the East River.
For a truly free alternative, visit one of New York’s many amazing bridges! A walk across the Brooklyn Bridge or Manhattan Bridge guaranties spectacular views of the East River, Brooklyn, and the Lower Manhattan skyline. Check out our Top 5 Bridges in New York for more information.
We hope you’ve enjoyed this list of free things to see & do in New York City! What’s your favorite free landmark in New York?
.
The NY city has the best opportunities in the world. It is the greatest city in the world.
We agree, Teresa! -Stephanie