11 Best Free Things to Do in New York

The 9/11 Memorial & Museum, located in the World Trade Center in Lower Manhattan's Financial District, commemorates those who were killed in the September 11, 2001 terror attacks. One of its most stunning features is the twin reflecting pools, which were built to symbolize the fallen Twin Towers. You can also see the names of the deceased inscribed around the bronze edges of the pools.

Inside, there are changing exhibitions that explore themes relating to the past, present, and aftermath of the event. The museum offers free admission on Monday evenings and the free tickets will be available on their website each Monday beginning at 7 am.

Central Park is the sprawling green oasis that stands out in the heart of Manhattan, offering an escape from the bustling city life. This iconic park boasts over 20 playgrounds, serene artificial lakes and ponds, as well as extensive walking tracks.

Open to the public all year round and free of charge, Central Park is perfect for enjoying a myriad of family-friendly activities. Highlights include the Carousel, Central Park Zoo, the Central Park Conservatory Garden, Delacorte Theater, and Belvedere Castle.    

New York Grand Central Terminal Station is one of the city’s busiest landmarks, with thousands of New Yorkers passing through it on their daily commute. Located in Midtown, its exterior features Beaux-Arts sculptures and architecture while 44 train platforms and numerous restaurants can be found within.

The main concourse is always packed with commuters, but you can find iconic features like the 4-sided clock, an astronomical ceiling mural, and a gourmet food market. Even if you’re not planning to catch a train, it’s not hard to spend hours exploring hidden nooks within New York Grand Central Terminal Station.

Free museum days is an excellent way to enjoy the culture in New York. The city is a treasure trove of unique museums, many of which offer free admission during specific hours or days of the week. For instance, the Museum of the Moving Image allows free entry every Thursday from 2 pm to 6 pm.

Additionally, several museums provide free admission year-round, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the city's rich cultural heritage without financial barriers. Notable examples include the Bronx Museum of the Arts, the American Folk Art Museum, and the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) Museum.

Manhattan Bridge spans New York’s East River and links Manhattan to Brooklyn. This suspension bridge has an impressive span and the total length of the structure is over 1.2 miles (2 km). The bridge opened in 1909, and its groundbreaking design was used in many subsequent bridge plans.

Road traffic travels on both upper and lower decks, while on the lower level only, train tracks carry Q, N, B, and D subway trains. From its pedestrian walkways, there’s an uninterrupted view of the iconic Brooklyn Bridge, located a little further downtown.

The Brooklyn Botanic Garden is a vast area of garden space at the north-eastern edge of Prospect Park. It features an impressive selection of flower conservatories, landscaped gardens, walking trails, and ponds that make for beautiful snapshots during your visit.

This lush oasis offers a serene escape from the city's hustle and bustle, providing a perfect spot for relaxation. If you’re in New York during wintertime, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden is free to enter all day from Tuesday to Friday.

Located on the northern end of St. Nicholas Park, the Hamilton Grange National Memorial is the former home of US founding father Alexander Hamilton. Visitors can explore the house and admire original 19th-century furniture and decorative items, offering a glimpse into Hamilton's life and times.

Access to the historical section of the house is available exclusively through guided tours, which are free and operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Tours are available 3 times a day from Wednesday to Friday and 5 times a day on weekends. The onsite visitor’s center features a permanent gallery, bookstore, and a 25-seat theater that airs a short film of Hamilton’s life.

The New York Public Library boasts over 90 branches throughout the city, yet the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building remains a favorite among locals. This beloved building is renowned for its Beaux-Arts style architecture, extensive collections of rare books, author talks, and workshops for all ages.

Among the library’s most visited displays is the "Winnie-the-Pooh" display in the Children’s Center. Here, you get to see the original stuffed toy animals that inspired author Alan Alexander Milne. If you want to learn about the building’s history, free tours are available from Monday to Saturday at 11 am and 2 pm.

Brooklyn Brewery is where you can learn about the process of beer making in New York. Located in the vibrant neighborhood of Williamsburg, this home-grown microbrewery offers free hourly tours every Sunday from 1 pm to 6 pm, allowing visitors to gain insights into the brewing process and the brewery's history.

If you have some cash on hand, you can sample its signature lagers and ales in the cozy tasting room. It's a perfect spot for beer enthusiasts to enjoy a relaxed afternoon while discovering unique, locally-crafted brews.

Art galleries in New York’s Chelsea neighborhood often host free opening ceremonies for artists from all over the world. Stretching from W. 14th to W. 29th Streets and between 10th to 11th Avenues, this vibrant area boasts over 100 galleries you can visit without any admission fees. Renowned spaces like David Zwirner and Pace Gallery showcase a diverse array of contemporary artworks, making it a must-visit destination for art enthusiasts.

Best of all, you get to enjoy complimentary drinks (wines and beers are commonly served) and snacks if you visit in the evenings.

Chinatown is a vibrant neighborhood that covers the area south of Broome Street and east of Lafayette in Lower Manhattan. Exploring its busy streets gives the feeling of traveling to a different continent, with dozens of restaurants representing the diverse cuisines of Southeast Asia, mainland China, and Hong Kong. The area is a culinary paradise for anyone looking to sample authentic dishes and immerse themselves in a rich cultural experience.

If you’re a fan of eclectic items, the tiny Mmuseumm exhibits quirky objects from all over the world, including counterfeit beauty products, selfie sticks, and toys left behind by immigrants.