Free activities and visits in New York
New York, the city that never sleeps, attracts millions of visitors from all over the world every year. The Big Apple may have the reputation of being one of the most expensive cities in the world, but it’s entirely possible to discover its treasures without spending a fortune. From iconic landmarks and leafy parks to world-famous museums and fascinating neighbourhoods, New York is packed with free activities and tours that will give you an unforgettable experience without hurting your wallet. Here is our selection of the 16 must-do free activities and visits in New York.
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1. Crossing the Brooklyn Bridge
It’s impossible to visit New York without taking a trip over the iconic Brooklyn Bridge. Opened in 1883, this nearly 2-kilometre-long suspension bridge links Manhattan to Brooklyn by spanning the East River. The crossing on foot is completely free and offers spectacular views of Manhattan’s skyscrapers, including the financial district and theEmpire State Building. On a clear day, you can even see the Statue of Liberty in the distance.
The Brooklyn Bridge is one of New York’s most popular free activities. To get the most out of this experience, we recommend going early in the morning or late in the day at sunset, when the light sublimates the New York skyline. The pedestrian walkway is separated from the cycle path, so you can enjoy a leisurely stroll while admiring the remarkable architecture of this historic bridge, which has been listed as a national monument.
2. Strolling along the High Line
The High Line (Gansevoort St & Washington St, New York, NY 10014, rated 4.6/5 on Google for over 60,000 reviews) is one of New York’s most successful urban projects. This long-abandoned former aerial railway from the 1930s has been transformed into a magnificent 2.3-kilometre suspended park that winds through the Chelsea and Hudson Yards districts.
Access to the High Line is completely free, and the park is open every day from 7am to 10pm. This unique urban walk will take you through lush vegetation, contemporary art installations and original views of Manhattan. The route passes through several lively districts where you can see New York architecture from a different angle. It’s the perfect place to take a leafy break from the hustle and bustle of New York, and one of the free tours not to be missed during your stay.
3. Take the Staten Island Ferry
The Staten Island Ferry is undoubtedly one of the best free activities in New York for admiring the Statue of Liberty. This public ferry links Manhattan to Staten Island and operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with departures approximately every 20 to 30 minutes. The crossing takes around 25 minutes each way and offers exceptional views of New York harbour, the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island and the Manhattan skyline.
Unlike tourist cruises that charge a fee, the Staten Island Ferry is completely free for all passengers. Many visitors come on board just to enjoy the view, then immediately take the ferry back the other way without getting off at Staten Island. It’s a great value for money way to see the Statue of Liberty up close, even if the ferry doesn’t get close enough for a detailed tour of the island and the monument itself.
4. Explore Central Park
Central Park, Manhattan’s green lung, covers 341 hectares in the heart of the city. This iconic park, inaugurated in 1857, is one of the most famous urban green spaces in the world. Access is entirely free, and you could easily spend a whole day there, with so many activities and places to discover.
Among Central Park’s must-sees are Belvedere Castle, a small castle perched on a rocky promontory offering panoramic views over the park; the magnificent Bethesda Fountain with its famous “Angel of the Waters” statue; Sheep Meadow, a vast lawn perfect for a picnic; and Bow Bridge, one of the park’s most beautiful bridges. Central Park is also home to several lakes, themed gardens, children’s play areas and numerous footpaths. It’s the ideal place for jogging, cycling or simply relaxing in the shade of the hundred-year-old trees.
5. Visit museums for free
New York is home to some of the world’s most prestigious museums, many of which offer free admission or operate on a ‘pay what you wish’ basis. This is an excellent opportunity to discover extraordinary collections without spending a fortune.
The MoMA (Museum of Modern Art) (11 W 53rd St, New York, NY 10019, rated 4.6/5 on Google out of 45,000 reviews) opens its doors free of charge every Friday from 4pm to 8pm. Here you can admire masterpieces by Picasso, Van Gogh, Monet, Warhol and many other major artists. The Metropolitan Museum of Art (MET) (1000 5th Ave, New York, NY 10028, rated 4.8/5 on Google for 140,000 reviews) operates on the principle of voluntary contributions, so you can choose the amount of your donation. The Guggenheim Museum (1071 5th Ave, New York, NY 10128, rated 4.6/5 on Google for 25,000 reviews) offers free admission on Saturdays from 5pm to 7pm.
Other museums also offer free admission: the New Museum (every Thursday from 7pm to 10pm), the Frick Collection (Sundays from 11am to 1pm, warning: children under 10 years of age are not allowed), and the Fashion Institute of Technology Museum (free Tuesday to Friday from 12pm to 8pm and Saturday from 10am to 5pm) for fashion and costume history enthusiasts.
6. Discover Times Square
Times Square, nicknamed “The Crossroads of the World”, is one of the most emblematic and visited places in New York. This legendary square, located in the heart of Manhattan at the intersection of Broadway and 7th Avenue, is famous for its gigantic illuminated advertising screens, its constant hustle and bustle and its electric atmosphere that perfectly illustrates the energy of the city.
A stroll through Times Square is, of course, free, and it’s an experience to be had both day and night. The famous red staircases provide an ideal vantage point for admiring the permanent spectacle of illuminated signs and watching the colourful crowd of tourists, busy New Yorkers and street performers. The district is packed with shops, including the gigantic Toys “R” Us toy shop (now closed but replaced by other brands), M&M’s and Hershey’s for sweet tooths, and numerous souvenir shops.
7. Attend a Gospel service in Harlem
Attending an authentic Gospel service is one of the most moving free cultural experiences you can have in New York. These religious celebrations, mainly located in the Harlem district or in Brooklyn, will immerse you in the African-American spiritual tradition with its rousing gospel songs, powerful choirs and the fervent atmosphere that characterises these services.
Among the most reputable churches, the Abyssinian Baptist Church (132 Odell Clark Pl, New York, NY 10030, rated 4.5/5 on Google for 1,800 reviews) offers services on Sundays at 11am and Wednesdays at 7pm. First Corinthian Baptist Church holds services on Sundays at 8am or 10.45am. Times Square Church offers services on Sundays at 10am, 3pm and 6pm, on Tuesdays at 7pm and on Fridays at 7pm. The Brooklyn Tabernacle offers services on Sundays at 9am, 12pm and 3pm, and on Tuesdays at 7pm.
Important: these masses are above all places of worship and recollection. Please behave respectfully, dress appropriately and arrive early, as the queue can be long and priority is given to regular churchgoers. Avoid taking photos or videos during the service without permission.
8. Admire the 9/11 Memorial
The 9/11 Memorial (180 Greenwich St, New York, NY 10007, rated 4.8/5 on Google for 36,000 reviews) was erected at Ground Zero as a tribute to the victims of the terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001. This poignant memorial, symbolically inaugurated on 11 September 2011, consists of two huge square pools built exactly where the twin towers of the World Trade Center once stood.
Access to the outdoor memorial is completely free and open every day from 7.30am to 9pm. The names of the 2,977 people who lost their lives in the 11 September attacks, as well as the six victims of the 1993 attack on the World Trade Center, are engraved on the bronze parapets surrounding the pools. Water flows continuously into these symbolic ‘voids’, creating a particularly moving atmosphere of contemplation. In the immediate vicinity stands the One World Trade Center, also known as the Freedom Tower, which rises to 541 metres and symbolises the rebirth of the district. Note that while the memorial is free, the adjacent underground museum is not.
9. Explore Wall Street
The Wall Street district, the financial heart of New York and the symbol of American capitalism, is completely free to visit. This legendary street is home to the headquarters of the biggest American financial and stock exchange institutions, including the famous New York Stock Exchange.
The most photographed attraction in the area is undoubtedly the Charging Bull, an imposing 3.2-tonne bronze sculpture of a bull in an attack position, symbolising the vigour and optimism of the financial markets. Installed in 1989 near Wall Street, this work by Arturo Di Modica attracts crowds of tourists every day, who wait to have their photo taken with the animal. Since 2017, the statue Fearless Girl has stood opposite it, representing a young girl defying the bull, which has become a symbol of gender equality in the world of finance. Take a stroll through the streets of the Financial District to admire the imposing architecture of the buildings and feel the special energy of this business district.
10. Visit Grand Central Terminal
Grand Central Terminal (89 E 42nd St, New York, NY 10017, rated 4.6/5 on Google out of 80,000 reviews) is much more than just a station: it’s an architectural monument and a New York landmark. Opened in 1913, it is the largest station in the world, with 44 platforms and 67 tracks.
Grand Central Terminal is completely free to visit and well worth the diversions, even if you don’t take the train. The main concourse, with its vaulted ceiling adorned with a fresco depicting the zodiac painted upside down (2,500 stars, 60 of which are illuminated), its four opal clocks and its majestic Beaux-Arts architecture, always impresses visitors. Don’t miss the Whispering Gallery near the Oyster Bar, where an acoustic phenomenon allows two people in opposite corners of the gallery to hear each other whisper. In the basement, you will also find a food court offering a wide variety of restaurants and shops. Grand Central Terminal has featured in many films and is a must for soaking up the New York atmosphere.
11. Relaxing in Bryant Park
Bryant Park (located between 5th and 6th Avenues and between 40th and 42nd Streets, rated 4.6/5 on Google out of 35,000 reviews) is a green oasis in the heart of Manhattan, ideally located behind the New York Public Library. This public park offers a varied programme of free activities all year round, making it one of the liveliest public spaces in the city.
Bryant Park offers free yoga, dance and tai chi classes, bird-watching sessions and even pétanque! In summer, the park hosts open-air film screenings and free concerts. In winter, a magnificent free ice rink (skate hire only) is set up in the centre of the park, transforming the area into a magical winter village complete with Christmas chalets. Opening times and programming vary according to the season, so be sure to check the official Bryant Park website before your visit to find out what’s on at any given time.
12. Discover New York’s markets
Exploring New York’s markets is a free and authentic way to discover the city’s gastronomic culture and local atmosphere. These markets offer fresh produce and culinary specialities and are excellent places to have lunch or simply stroll around and watch New Yorkers go about their daily lives.
TheUnion Square Greenmarket (E 17th St & Union Square W, New York, NY 10003, rated 4.7/5 on Google out of 2,500 reviews) opens Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 8am to 6pm. This farmer’s market offers a wide variety of fresh organic produce direct from local farms and attracts a trendy, environmentally conscious clientele. Chelsea Market (75 9th Ave, New York, NY 10011, rated 4.6/5 on Google out of 100,000 reviews) is an indoor market housed in a former Nabisco biscuit factory. Here you’ll find artisanal shops, restaurants and a popular industrial chic atmosphere.
The Smorgasburg (90 Kent Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11249, rated 4.5/5 on Google for 9,000 reviews) in Brooklyn is the largest open-air food market in the US, with over 100 street-food stalls offering flavours from around the world. It opens on Saturdays and Sundays from April to October. Finally, Le District, located in Brookfield Place in Manhattan, offers a selection of French products if you’re craving French cheeses, baguettes or pastries.
13. Explore the New York Public Library
The New York Public Library (476 5th Ave, New York, NY 10018, rated 4.7/5 on Google out of 25,000 reviews), located on 5th Avenue between 40th and 42nd Streets, is one of the largest public libraries in the United States and an architectural masterpiece in the Beaux-Arts style. The entrance to this majestic building, inaugurated in 1911, is guarded by two famous marble lions known as “Patience” and “Fortitude”.
Visits to the library are completely free of charge. You can admire the magnificent marble entrance hall, the 90-metre Rose Main Reading Room with its mural-painted ceilings and imposing chandeliers, and several exhibition rooms displaying rare historical documents, old manuscripts and photographs. The library also offers free guided tours of the building. Tours are available from Monday to Saturday. It’s a peaceful and grand place that offers a welcome cultural break from the hustle and bustle of Midtown Manhattan.
14. Visit Coney Island
Coney Island, at the southern tip of Brooklyn, is a peninsula that is home to one of New York’s largest public beaches, almost 5 kilometres long. This emblematic district evokes the golden age of American seaside resorts, with its famous boardwalk, vintage rides and unique retro atmosphere.
Access to the beach is completely free, as is the walk along the boardwalk, where you can watch the fishermen and sportsmen and enjoy the sea air. Although you have to pay for the attractions at Luna Park, you can wander freely around the area and admire the historic roller coasters, including the famous Cyclone, built in 1927, free of charge. Don’t miss Brighton Beach, the Russian and Ukrainian quarter next door, where you can discover a totally different atmosphere. The New York Aquarium (602 Surf Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11224, rated 4.4/5 on Google out of 15,000 reviews) offers free admission on Friday afternoons from 3pm, a great opportunity to see sharks, beavers, sea lions and many other marine species.
15. Admire the architecture of the Vessel
The Vessel (20 Hudson Yards, New York, NY 10001, rated 4.5/5 on Google out of 20,000 reviews) is a spectacular architectural structure due to open in 2019 in the new Hudson Yards district. This impressive honeycomb structure is 45 metres high and comprises 154 interconnected staircases with a total of 2,500 steps. Its futuristic design has already made it one of New York’s most photographed monuments, with some dubbing it the “Eiffel Tower of New York”.
Important: following a number of tragic incidents, access to the Vessel’s staircases has been temporarily closed to the public. However, you can still admire this architectural work of art from the outside free of charge and stroll around the ultra-modern Hudson Yards district. The district itself is well worth a visit, with its luxurious boutiques in the shopping centre, its adjacent High Line and its varied restaurants. Viewing the Vessel from the outside remains a free activity, allowing you to appreciate the architectural boldness of this unique structure designed by Thomas Heatherwick.
In conclusion, New York demonstrates that a great metropolis can be discovered without necessarily spending a fortune. From iconic monuments to lush parks, prestigious museums to authentic neighbourhoods, the Big Apple offers a multitude of free activities and visits that will give you the full New York experience. Whether you’re crossing the Brooklyn Bridge at sunrise, marvelling at the collections at the MET, lounging in Central Park or moved to tears by a gospel mass in Harlem, these moments won’t cost your wallet a penny, but they will add immeasurably to your travel memories. New York proves that the best things in life can be free, even in one of the most expensive cities in the world. To discover other major American cities with audio tours, don’t hesitate to explore the itineraries offered by Navaway in cities such as Chicago or Denver, which will allow you to visit these destinations on your own.
FAQ : Free activities and visits in New York
What days are free in New York museums?
MoMA offers free admission on Fridays from 4pm to 8pm, the Guggenheim Museum on Saturdays from 5pm to 7pm, the New Museum on Thursdays from 7pm to 10pm, and the Frick Collection on Sundays from 11am to 1pm. The Metropolitan Museum of Art (MET) operates on the principle of voluntary contributions, so you are free to choose how much you wish to pay.
Is the Staten Island Ferry really free?
Yes, the Staten Island Ferry is totally free for all passengers, residents and tourists alike, and operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It offers magnificent views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island and the Manhattan skyline during the 25-minute crossing.
How long does it take to cross the Brooklyn Bridge on foot?
Crossing the Brooklyn Bridge on foot usually takes between 30 and 45 minutes, depending on your pace and the number of photo stops you make. The bridge is around 1.8 kilometres long and offers spectacular views over Manhattan and Brooklyn.
Can you really see the Statue of Liberty from the Staten Island Ferry?
Yes, the Staten Island Ferry passes relatively close to the Statue of Liberty and offers a clear view of the monument. However, it doesn’t stop on the island, so you can’t visit the statue up close. It is nevertheless an excellent free alternative for photographing the monument from the water.
What are Central Park’s opening hours?
Central Park is open to the public 24/7 and admission is completely free. However, some specific attractions in the park may have restricted opening hours or charge a fee (such as the Central Park Zoo).
Do I need to book to attend a Gospel service in Harlem?
No, Gospel services are open to the public without reservation and are free of charge. However, it is strongly recommended that you arrive at least 30 to 45 minutes before the start of the service, as places are limited and priority is given to regular churchgoers. Sunday morning services (around 11am) are generally the busiest for tourists.
Is the High Line accessible to people with reduced mobility?
Yes, the High Line is fully accessible to people with reduced mobility. The park has several access points equipped with lifts and the promenade is flat throughout. Benches and rest areas are regularly placed along the route.
Are there free public toilets in New York?
Yes, you’ll find free public toilets in Central Park, Bryant Park, Grand Central Terminal, public libraries (including the New York Public Library), as well as in many of the city’s parks and public spaces. Large coffee shop chains such as Starbucks usually have toilets accessible to customers.
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