12 of the Best Free Things to Do in New York

The 'City That Never Sleeps' has enough to keep even the most active person busy, but it'll keep your wallet busy, too. You can spend a small fortune within hours, so these best free things to do in New York will help keep costs down and the memories up.

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New York is simply one of the world's most magical cities. Like every major city, it has its issues, but most people who spend a few days there love it. 

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But, a common myth is that you must be loaded to enjoy it. 

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The reason everyone loves the 'Big Apple' is that there's something for everyone. 

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If you want to go high-end shopping, you can do so. But, if you're like us, and you're watching the pennies and cents after working at summer camp in America or at resort jobs in the U.S., then it's a city where you'll still have tons to do. 

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So, if the budget is tight and you still want to enjoy one of the best cities on the planet, here are some of the best free things to do in New York to keep you busy and your wallet away.

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Central Park

The most obvious choice is the world's most iconic park, Central Park.

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There's so much to see and do in Central Park that you can get lost in this wonderland for hours. 

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Whether you want to walk around the lake, watch people practice sports, or relax to read a book, it's perfect for it all.

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The High Line

The High Line is a spectacularly designed public park which runs along an abandoned, converted old train line.

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It's become an environmental, creative, and cultural hub, with volunteers maintaining the plant life and art installations popping up throughout the year. 

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It's about a mile and a half long, with different entrances available, with times varying depending on the season (you can find the High Line opening times here).

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Brooklyn Bridge

You've undoubtedly seen the Brooklyn Bridge on countless films and TV shows, so you can follow in their footsteps yourself.

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Take your time walking across, stopping under the arches and the suspension cables to get the images everyone will be queuing for.

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It's free to walk over, giving you great city views and over the water towards Brooklyn. 

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Brooklyn has developed an identity as a cool, trendy district, so there's certainly loads to do there, too.

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Grand Central

Grand Central Terminal isn't just any old train station; it's absolutely stunning.

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As soon as you enter the main concourse, your eyes will immediately go towards the ceiling, with a spectacular design draping down and the $20m opal glass clock there.

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Oh, and with 44 platforms, it's absolutely massive (the biggest in the world by platforms, in fact).

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Free Staten Island Ferry

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The Staten Island Ferry has long been a traveller's secret tool for seeing one of the world's most famous landmarks for free.

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This free service is run by the City of New York and takes you across the water on a route where you can see the State of Liberty in clear view. 

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It's a perfect way to take some snaps as you pass by, and getting to Staten Island will allow you to grab a coffee and see a new part of the area.

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You can find the Staten Island Ferry timetable here.

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Times Square

The bright lights of Times Square have to be seen to be believed.

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Although it's perched between countless shops, it's free to visit. There's usually an eclectic range of street performers, food stalls, and, as expected, the most over-the-top billboard advertising you've ever seen.

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It's definitely an assault on the senses in the best possible way.

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New York Public Library

Another escape from the hustle and bustle of city life is the New York Public Library.

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It's a place that stands in contrast to the busy life outside its walls. Whether you read there or explore, it transports you into a different world.

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Guided tours are also available at particular times, so check these out if you want to learn more about this incredible building.

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World Trade Centre Liberty Park

World Trade Centre Liberty Park stands on the site of the original Twin Towers, which are remembered with the two pools and overall memorial area.

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It’s an important site to visit whilst you’re in New York to pay your respects, which also acts as a reminder of the loss that comes with such senseless acts, but also how an entire city, and wider world, can come together when required.

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If you can afford it, the 9/11 Museum gives a further in-depth understanding of the history of the attacks, with the money entering the non-profit museum being reinvested to ensure the memory of people who passed never fades away.

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Famous Building Spotting

Finding all the famous buildings is easily one of the best free things to do in New York.

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There are too many famous buildings in New York to name just one here.

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The Empire State Building, Chrysler Building, The Edge, Flatiron Building, The Rockefeller Centre, St. Patrick's Cathedral, and Radio City Music Hall. The list goes on.

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Although most have tours or paid viewing points you can go to, they're just as impressive from different vantage points, where you can see them directly instead of excluding them from the view.

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The Vessel & Hudson Yards 

The Vessel is an impressive structure found at the equally impressive Hudson Yards.

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There's some serious money here, which you realise when you walk past the gold-plated shopping centre housing the highest-end luxury shops. 

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If, like us, that sort of money is something to look at instead of spending, then it's a fancy walk-through to keep you busy.

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Little Island

Little Island is a cool, artificial island installation on the Hudson River, playing home to what's essentially a floating park.

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It's a unique thing to experience in New York, and there are often different cultural or art displays throughout the year. 

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The concrete structures that keep it up are in the shape of tulips, which themselves hold over 66,000 bulbs and 114 trees.

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If you want to experience the great outdoors in the middle of the city, this is one of the places to check out.

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Free Museum Visits

Being the world's leading city means more museums here than I've got time to type.

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There is something for everyone when it comes to history, culture, and the arts. Most of them have some form of free entry, whether overall entry is free or there are scheduled free tours at particular times. 

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Find which you like, and research how you can do it for free. Of course, if it impacts you and you can afford it, be sure to donate, as these places rely on visitor support.

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Although not definitive, this list of the best free things to do in New York City will keep you going long after your wallet stops.

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For those who may be finishing summer camp, saving the pennies will be high on the list after your contract ends, but it doesn't need to slow down the adventure.

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It's a great way to see a new side of this incredible city and extend your U.S. adventure further than ever before.

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