Free things to do · New York City · United States
8 free things to do in New York City
New York City without the ticket prices: sights, walks and views that cost nothing.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
.jpg){kind=link}
Quick answer
You can fill at least 3 days in New York City without paying an entry fee: Central Park, Brooklyn Bridge, Times Square and The High Line are all free. Free experiences include Central Park, the High Line, the Staten Island Ferry, the Brooklyn Bridge, Grand Central and the galleries of Chelsea.
Key facts
- Free sights in this guide
- 8
- Low-cost extras
- 1
- Cost level
- Very expensive
- Lowest hotel prices
- January–February
Free sights and experiences
.jpg){kind=link}
Park · Central Park
1.Central Park
Walk or cycle from Columbus Circle to Bethesda Terrace and Bow Bridge, then leave by the Met on Fifth Avenue.
- Time needed
- 2–4 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Iconic
- Free
- Kids
- Outdoors
- Couples
Landmark · Lower Manhattan
2.Brooklyn Bridge
Take the subway to Brooklyn and walk back towards Manhattan, so the skyline is in front of you; go early to avoid the crowds.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Free
- Iconic
- Free
- Views
- Photo spot
- Active
Landmark · Midtown
3.Times Square
See it after dark, then move on; costumed characters expect a tip for photos.
- Time needed
- 30 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Iconic
- Free
- After dark
- Photo spot
Park · Chelsea
4.The High Line
Walk it from north to south in the morning, starting at Hudson Yards, and finish with lunch at Chelsea Market.
- Time needed
- 1–1.5 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Outdoors
- Art
- Views
Architecture · Midtown
5.Grand Central Terminal
Stand in opposite corners of the Whispering Gallery and whisper into the wall, then look for the small dark patch left unrestored on the concourse ceiling.
- Time needed
- 30–45 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Architecture
- History
- Rainy day
Experience · Financial District
6.Staten Island Ferry
Stand on the right-hand side heading to Staten Island for the best views of the statue, then simply ride back.
- Time needed
- 1 hour round trip
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Views
- Kids
- Couples
Neighbourhood · DUMBO
7.DUMBO and Brooklyn Bridge Park
Arrive for sunset to watch the skyline light up across the East River, then walk back to Manhattan over the Brooklyn Bridge.
- Time needed
- 2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Views
- Kids
- Photo spot
- Couples
.jpg){kind=link}
Market · Chelsea
8.Chelsea Market
Come for an early weekday lunch; at weekend lunchtimes the corridor is shoulder to shoulder.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Free
- Food
- Free
- Rainy day
- Shopping
Free sights by area
| Area | Free sights | Time needed |
|---|---|---|
| Central Park | Central Park | 2–4 hours |
| Lower Manhattan | Brooklyn Bridge | 1 hour |
| Midtown | Times Square and Grand Central Terminal | 30 minutes + 30–45 minutes |
| Chelsea | The High Line and Chelsea Market | 1–1.5 hours + 1 hour |
| Financial District | Staten Island Ferry | 1 hour round trip |
| DUMBO | DUMBO and Brooklyn Bridge Park | 2 hours |
Worth a small ticket
.jpg){kind=link}
Theme park · Coney Island
Coney Island
Visit on a summer weekday, ride the Wonder Wheel at dusk and walk the boardwalk to Brighton Beach for Russian and Ukrainian food.
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Low cost
- Kids
- Outdoors
- Food
- History
More ways to save
- Free experiences include Central Park, the High Line, the Staten Island Ferry, the Brooklyn Bridge, Grand Central and the galleries of Chelsea.
- Several museums offer free or pay-what-you-wish times; check each museum's website before you go.
- Use OMNY's fare cap by tapping the same card or phone for every ride.
- Buy discount theatre tickets at the TKTS booth or through official lotteries and rush tickets.
- Hotels in Long Island City, Downtown Brooklyn or the Financial District at weekends are often cheaper than Midtown.
- Budget for sales tax and tips, which together add roughly 25–30% to restaurant bills.
- Avoid UN General Assembly week in September and the weeks before Christmas if you want lower hotel prices.
Questions travellers ask
+Is New York City expensive to visit?
New York City is very expensive for most visitors, but 8 of its best-known sights are free, which makes a tight budget workable.
+What is the best free thing to do in New York City?
Central Park: Walk or cycle from Columbus Circle to Bethesda Terrace and Bow Bridge, then leave by the Met on Fifth Avenue.