8 Best Things You Can Do for Free in New York City
Walking on a hot, summery day in New York City
New York City is big, beautiful, and well, expensive. It’s no wonder why it’s the city that never sleeps — the struggle to afford anything here is real. But luckily, it’s not impossible. There are lots of free activities and things to do, so you won’t need to hustle that hard. Throw on a good pair of walking shoes — these New York City affordable attractions are worth checking out.
Grab a free beer at the Brooklyn Brewery
NYC is made up of 5 boroughs, and Brooklyn is a popular spot to find a good drink. Head to Brooklyn Brewery for a free tour and taste test from a collection of independently-brewed beers. Held every half hour on the weekends, mingle with local Brooklynites and beer enthusiasts alike, and tap into local and seasonal flavors.
Spend the day in Central Park
If you must get lost anywhere in this huge city, Central Park is a great place to wander. With 843 acres of greenery in the middle of Manhattan, there’s so much to see. Notable sights include the majestic Belvedere Castle, the iconic Strawberry Fields, and the Central Park Zoo. Taking on the whole park can be ambitious. If you dare take on the challenge, there are plenty of official Central Park tours available for booking. And if you get worn out, head to Sheep Meadow for a picnic and a day nap.
Tour the Federal Reserve Bank of New York
Down in the Financial District, the Federal Reserve Bank offers free tours on weekday afternoons. The building is an architectural wonder full of vaulted ceilings and detailed ironwork. You’ll be able to view old trading rooms and museum exhibits, but the real highlight of the tour is the vault that holds the world’s largest known depository of monetary gold (497,000 gold bars as of 2019). A heads up: you must print your ticket and bring ID when you arrive.
Ride the Staten Island Ferry
If you’re short on time during your stay, hop on the Staten Island Ferry for a scenic view of NYC’s landmarks. This 25-minute ride starts from Whitehall Terminal in downtown Manhattan and ends at the St. George Terminal in Staten Island. Make your way to the top outdoor deck to catch a glimpse at Ellis Island, The Statue of Liberty, Randall’s Island, and the Brooklyn Bridge.
UNIQLO Free Friday Nights at The Museum of Modern Art
Enjoy contemporary art? After months of renovations, MoMA is open again for business, and UNIQLO Free Friday Nights are back. Every Friday from 5:30 PM - 9 PM, visitors can enjoy free admission to view galleries, exhibitions, films, and performances. Also, it’s highly encouraged to come a bit fashionably late. You’ll avoid long lines by arriving after 6 PM.
Discover the Whispering Gallery in Grand Central Station
There’s plenty to be amazed by when you step into Grand Central — make your way to the lower level and you’ll come across an acoustic phenomenon. Grab a friend to visit the domed intersections of walkways, where a corner-to-corner whispering gallery lies. When standing in opposite corners of the arches, you’ll be able to hear each other’s secret messages despite standing 30-feet away from each other. Pretty cool, right?
Stroll the High Line
Stretched along 1.5 miles, The High Line is an elevated public park built on a historic freight rail line on Manhattan’s West Side. In addition to an epic view, you’ll find great art, impressive architecture, live music, and great bites along the way. Don’t be pressured to race down to the end — The High Line features plenty of great seating throughout, making it the perfect spot for a break and doing some prime people watching.
Score tickets to Saturday Night Live and The Tonight Show
It’s easy to find entertainment in NYC. This place has a thriving comedy scene and is home to Saturday Night Live and The Tonight Show — both offer free tickets to tapings. The SNL ticket lottery for every season opens from Aug. 1 - Aug. 31. To enter the lottery, you must email Snltickets@nbcuni.com. You may only send one email per person, and all audience members must be at least 16 years old to attend. If you missed the time to apply, not to fret! You can still score stand-by tickets at the studio, but it will require some serious dedication and overnight line-standing. Landing tickets for The Tonight Show are a bit easier as tickets are released a month at a time. Head to NBC.com for more details.
If you’re looking for more things to do in New York City, check my some of my favorite spots in Queens.
A few snapshots of the city…
