New York Dearest
The guide, $35

The Best of New York · See and do · Free

The best free things to do in New York City

Updated September 2026. 18 places.

If there’s one thing my years of living in NYC have made it it’s money-conscious, this place can be so expensive it hurts. That’s why I’ve been so keen on finding the best things to do in New York City for free, my wallet can only take so much!

Luckily I didn’t struggle, the Big Apple is abounding in free parks, people-watching opportunities and memorable activities you can experience without spending a dime. In this article I’ll tell you all about my local favorites for experiencing NYC for free, so let’s get to it!

Antonina PattizWriter and photographer · how I decide
Best of New York 2026, New York Dearest

Best free things to do in New York City, 2026

  1. Brooklyn BridgeLandmark · DUMBOTaking the time to stroll the length of it is one of the best free things to do in New York City, the view is priceless.
  2. Central ParkPark · Central ParkSpanning 843 acres in the heart of Manhattan, the park offers some of the most memorable free activities in New York City, like leisurely strolls along iconic pathways to picnics on the Great Lawn.
  3. Governors IslandPark · Governors IslandEven if the plan is to just come here to tan on a summer day, its among the best free things to do in NYC.
  4. Little IslandPark · ChelseaStanding at a mere 2.
  5. Macy’s Thanksgiving Day ParadeEvent · MidtownWhether you’re a local or a visitor, cheering on a parade will have you feeling like a part of this vibrant community, all while enjoying one of the best things to do in New York City for free.
  6. New York Public LibraryLandmark · MidtownBeing as it’s a public library spending time exploring it is one of the best free things to do in NYC.
  7. SoHo Window ShoppingStreet · SoHoBut the real reason window shopping in SoHo is among the best things to do in NYC for free is due to the people watching opportunities, the locals take fashion to new heights.
  8. St. Patrick’s CathedralLandmark · MidtownSt. Patrick’s Cathedral is the most beautiful church in New York City.
  9. The High LinePark · ChelseaAlthough it’s a mile and a half long, the best stretch is from the Chelsea Market to Hudson Yards, which is only about a mile.
  10. Tomb of President Ulysses S. GrantLandmark · Upper West SideToday, visitors can pay their respects to President Ulysses S. Grant and his wife, Julia Grant, by visiting his tomb in New York City for free.
  11. Washington Square ParkPark · Greenwich VillageStopping by for even just an hour can provide some of the best free entertainment in New York City.
  12. FIT MuseumMuseumExplore iconic garments, witness the craftsmanship, and immerse yourself in the ever-evolving world of fashion with one of New York City’s best free things to do.
  13. Jamaica Bay Wildlife RefugePark · Jamaica BayManaged by the National Park Service, it’s public land and one of the best things to do in New York City for free.
  14. Oculus Mall & 9/11 MemorialLandmarkThe design evokes contemplation, and swinging by to pay your respects is one of the most moving things to do in NYC (and it’s also free).
  15. Pier 57Landmark · ChelseaPier 57 is my local favorite, it’s a new, welcomed addition to Chelsea.
  16. Staten Island FerryOther · Staten IslandIt’s one of the most popular free things to do in NYC, so expect crowds.
  17. The Bushwick CollectiveStreet · BushwickFrom larger-than-life murals to hidden gems on warehouse doors, taking the time to admire the talent is one of the best things to do in New York City for free.

On the map

Where they are

11 neighborhoods, Chelsea and Midtown most of all.

Chelsea

Midtown

Bushwick

Central Park

DUMBO

Governors Island

Greenwich Village

Jamaica Bay

SoHo

Staten Island

Upper West Side

Best of New York 2026, New York Dearest

The Best of New York 2026

The seal

If you're on this list, this is yours.

Every place on this list is welcome to display the Best of New York 2026 seal. It's the same seal for every place on every Best list, it's free, and it can't be bought.

Sharing it is optional. There's no need to post about it, link back or tag anyone. If you do link, the code below points to the guide this list comes from, so readers see the recommendation in context.

The code. Paste it where the seal should sit.

<a href="https://newyorkdearest.com/nyc-free-things-to-do-new-york-city/">
  <img src="https://newyorkdearest.com/assets/recognition/2026/best-of-new-york-2026.svg"
       alt="Best of New York 2026, New York Dearest"
       width="1800" height="1800" style="width:320px;max-width:100%;height:auto">
</a>

The files

Download PNGDownload SVGDownload the larger PNG

PNG: 1800 by 1800 pixels with transparent corners, for email and social. The larger PNG: 3600 by 3600 pixels. SVG: the vector, sharp at any size.

Is one of these yours? Get the seal for your place Request a window decal

The full guide, with the ones that didn't make it and why: 20 Free Things to Do in New York City to Keep Your Wallet Happy!.