Free Things To Do In New York City
If you are visiting New York City on a budget, you will be pleased to know that there are so many things to do for free! To help you out, I have made a list below:
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Join a Free walking tour
One of the best free things to do in New York City is to join a free walking tour! In my opinion, this is one of the best ways to see any city. Why not join a local guide for an explore around their favorite areas, whilst getting insider tips on the best foods, sights and where NOT to go?
Recommondation: Free Tours By Foot (I used this company for a free walking tour of Philadelphia and loved it!)
There are many different types of free walking tours offered in New York. Are you looking for a walking tour of a specific part of the city? Or one that focuses on a specific topic, such as history, food or urban art? Search around for the ones that interest you the most – and look for reviews to be sure it is good before you go!
Visit Times Square
Times Square is one of the biggest attractions in New York City – and also completely free to visit! If it is your first time in New York, you cannot miss the opportunity to stand in the middle of all the chaos. Sure – Times Square is definitely not everyones cup of tea. But standing in the crowds, being surrounded by enourmous screens in every color is a special feeling you won’t get anywhere else. And you should try it at least once!
Where: Manhattan, NY 10036, USA
Chase Movie Set Locations
Another great free activity to do in New York, is to explore the many places we have only ever viewed on screens! The reason New York is so iconic to many, is that it has starred in so many of our favourite movies, tv-shows and books. To me, what comes to mind when thinking of New York is Friends, Gossip Girl and Sex and the City – just to name a few. No matter your taste, everyone has a favorite something that reminds them of New York!
You might already have a few locations in mind, that you would like to see in real life. To add on, I have a couple of suggestions for you:
Grand central station
The entrance hall of Grand Central Station has been used in many iconic movies. It is a beautiful, majestic hall, and I loved the energy of the place when I was there. As it is the worlds largest train station, it is no surprise that Grand Central Station is always buzzing with people going anywhere and everywhere!
Where: 89 E 42nd St, New York, NY 10017, USA
The Friends Building
If you have been a lover of Friends, you will know that the series takes place in New York. But did you know that the actual building they all lived in (at some point) is actually placed in West Village in New York?
Where: 90 Bedford St, New York, NY 10014, USA
Carrie bradshaws appartment
The front of Carrie Bradshaws appartment in Sex and the City has become quite an iconic view – at least if you have been invested in the series or movies at some point. The building they used for the entrance to Carrie Bradshaws appartment is actually placed in Greenwich Village, New York!
Where: 66 Perry St, New York, NY 10014, USA
Bethesda Terrace In Central Park
The Bathesda Terrace placed in Central Park is another location that has been used in many movies and series, including Home Alone 2 And Gossip Girl. Even better, it is a beautiful area and a must-see when in New York!
Where: Bethesda Terrace, New York, NY 10024, USA
get a different view of the city from the high line
If you are looking for free things to do and see in New York city, add the High Line to your list! This is especially a sight for those who are fascinated by the big city, but still needs a bit of a break from the hustle and bustle.
The High Line is an old train track, which has been transformed to a walking path elevated above the streets. Along the stretch, you will find great views, artwork and beautiful green areas and flower beds maintained by volunteers.
Where: The high line, New York, NY 10011, USA
Photo by Elizabeth Villalta on Unsplash
Enjoy free activities at bryant park
Bryant Park is one of the best places for free activities in New York City. The park is filled with board games and activities to try, and often hosts free events such as movie nights, live music and more. Take a look at their website to see what is happening during your visit!
Where: Bryant Park, New York City, New York 10018, USA
Photo by Krisztina Papp on Unsplash
See the brooklyn bridge
The Brooklyn Bridge is one of the biggest attractions in New York City – and luckily also totally free to visit! To enjoy the views of the bridge to the fullest, why not take a metro to Brooklyn, take in the views of the bridge from the streets, and walk across it on your way back to Manhatten?
This trip will not only provide you with the best experience of Brooklyn Bridge, but will also give you great views of Manhatten.
Where: P243+C7 New York City, New York, USA
explore central park (and where to go)
Exploring Central Park during your stay in New York is a must-do. It is a well-needed breath of fresh air and a great place to cool off and relax. Because of its size, you can easily find a spot in the park that makes you feel like you are not in the middle of a busy, crowded city!
Within Central Park, there are a lot of great areas to explore! Unfortunately, I only got to explore parts of the park while I was there. Why not check out some of my favorites below?
Bethesda Fountain
The Bethasda Fountain is a beautiful picture spot in Central Park, and a great open space in the middle of the park. On the lake, you will see couples and friends sailing in small boats, swans and ducks enjoying their time in the water, and even turtles under the surface!
Due to its popularity, you will also find people selling pictures, activities and more. For this reason, I would suggest going off the beaten track, if you are looking for a peaceful spot to relax and enjoy the views of the lake.
Bow Bridge
Bow Bridge is a really pictureque, romantic bridge located near the Bethasda Terrace and Fountain. Just follow the small paths by the edges of the lake, and you will run in to this beautiful view!
The mall and liberty walk
The Mall and Liberty Walk is a walking path lined with tall elm trees on either side. As you walk the path, you will encounter artists and statues, and find many wooden benches to take a rest in the shade. You will likely have seen the path featured in some of your favorite movies, and it is always fun to see it in real life. Also, I just loved the calm and romantic atmosphere there, and felt very at peace!
Photo by michal dziekonski on Unsplash
Take a moment of silence at the world trade center memorial
If you are in New York City, I highly recommend visiting the memorial in honor of the lifes lost during the 9/11 terror attack. You can literally feel the history of the place, as you stand by the deep reflecting pools, where the Twin Towers once stood. Take a moment to take it all in.
If your budget allows for it, you can also pay to enter the World Trade Center to learn more about its history. In any case, going by the memorial is definitely worth your time and a totally free piece of history to experience.
visit the rockerfeller center
Another great thing to do in New York for free, is see the Rockerfeller Center. New York City is known for its Rockerfeller Center, and specifically the plaza in front, where a big christmas tree is placed every christmas (hello Home Alone 2!).
If you visit during the summer, you can rollerskate in front of the Rockerfeller Center (although it should be noted that it is not free). And in the winter, the plaza is turned into an iceskating rink for all of your festivities!
Where: 45 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10111, USA
Go for a wander at brooklyn bridge park
Exploring the Brooklyn Bridge Park is another great thing to do for free in New York City. When I visited, I really loved this part of New York, as it was much more quiet, peaceful and up my street than most of Manhatten. I love a bit of nature even in the biggest cities!
The Brooklyn Bridge Park is a walking path along the waterfront, which goes through green areas and offers great viewpoints of both Manhatten Bridge, Brooklyn Bridge and the skyline as a whole!
Along the way, you will also come by the Time Out Market: A big food hall with everything your heart desires! Why not time you visit to Brooklyn Bridge Park, so you can enjoy a coffee, lunch or dinner at the market, before wandering on?
Where: P223+VM New York City, New York, USA
I hope that my list of free things to do in New York City can help you enjoy the city in the most budget-friendly way! Do you have any other recommondations for free things to do? Feel free to leave them in the comments below!
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