11 Best Free Things to Do in New York
How to Experience New York on a Small Budget
New York is teeming with free things to do such as beautiful sightseeing spots, unique museums and cultural activities. The city’s many urban parks are great for leisurely strolls and picnics, while public libraries attract book lovers with rare editions, manuscripts and talks by renowned authors.
Times Square may be one of the most popular places to watch wacky street performances, but it can get rather overwhelming with crowds jostling for breathing space. The good news is there’s always a free gig happening somewhere in New York, especially during the summer. To help you experience this vibrant city on a small budget, we’ve listed some of our favourite things to do in New York for free.
1. 9/11 Memorial & Museum
Free admission to the museum on Monday evenings
Ideal para: História, Econômico
The 9/11 Memorial & Museum, located in the World Trade Center in Lower Manhattan’s Financial District, commemorates those who were killed in the September 11, 2001 terror attacks. One of its most stunning features is the twin reflecting pools, which were built to symbolise the fallen Twin Towers. You can also see the names of the deceased inscribed around the bronze edges of the pools.
Inside, there are changing exhibitions that explore themes relating to the past, present and aftermath of the event. The museum offers free admission on Monday evenings and the free tickets will be available on their website each Monday beginning at 7 am. Leia mais
Localização: 180 Greenwich St, New York, NY 10007, USA
Abre: Daily from 8 am to 8 pm
Telefone: +1 212-312-8800
9/11 Memorial & Museum
2. Central Park
The heart of Manhattan
Ideal para: Casais, Famílias, Econômico
Central Park is the sprawling green oasis that stands out in the heart of Manhattan, offering an escape from the bustling city life. This iconic park boasts over 20 playgrounds, serene artificial lakes and ponds as well as extensive walking tracks.
Open to the public all year round and free of charge, Central Park is perfect for enjoying a myriad of family-friendly activities. Highlights include the Carousel, Central Park Zoo, the Central Park Conservatory Garden, Delacorte Theater and Belvedere Castle. Leia mais
Central Park
3. Grand Central Terminal Station
An astronomical ceiling mural in the main concourse
Ideal para: História, Foto, Econômico
New York Grand Central Terminal Station is one of the city’s busiest landmarks, with thousands of New Yorkers passing through it on their daily commute. Located in Midtown, its exterior features Beaux-Arts sculptures and architecture while 44 train platforms and numerous restaurants can be found within.
The main concourse is always packed with commuters, but you can find iconic features like the 4-sided clock, an astronomical ceiling mural and a gourmet food market. Even if you’re not planning to catch a train, it’s not hard to spend hours exploring hidden nooks within New York Grand Central Terminal Station. Leia mais
Localização: 89 E 42nd St, New York, NY 10017, USA
Telefone: +1 212-340-2583
Grand Central Terminal Station
4. Free museum days
City’s cultural gems for free
Ideal para: História, Foto, Econômico
Free museum days is an excellent way to enjoy the culture in New York. The city is a treasure trove of unique museums, many of which offer free admission during specific hours or days of the week. For instance, the Museum of the Moving Image allows free entry every Thursday from 2 pm to 6 pm.
Additionally, several museums provide free admission year-round, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the city’s rich cultural heritage without financial barriers. Notable examples include the Bronx Museum of the Arts, the American Folk Art Museum and the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) Museum.
5. Manhattan Bridge
Landmark bridge over the East River
Ideal para: História, Foto, Econômico
Manhattan Bridge spans New York’s East River and links Manhattan to Brooklyn. This suspension bridge has an impressive span and the total length of the structure is over 1.2 miles (2 km). The bridge opened in 1909, and its groundbreaking design was used in many subsequent bridge plans.
Road traffic travels on both upper and lower decks, while on the lower level only, train tracks carry Q, N, B and D subway trains. From its pedestrian walkways, there’s an uninterrupted view of the iconic Brooklyn Bridge, located a little further downtown. Leia mais
Localização: Manhattan Bridge, New York, NY 11201, USA
Manhattan Bridge
6. Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Free entry from Tuesday to Friday during wintertime
Ideal para: Casais, Famílias, Econômico
The Brooklyn Botanic Garden is a vast area of garden space at the north-eastern edge of Prospect Park. It features an impressive selection of flower conservatories, landscaped gardens, walking trails and ponds that make for beautiful snapshots during your visit.
This lush oasis offers a serene escape from the city’s hustle and bustle, providing a perfect spot for relaxation. If you’re in New York during wintertime, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden is free to enter all day from Tuesday to Friday. Leia mais
Localização: 990 Washington Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11238, USA
Abre: Hours vary by season
Telefone: +1 718-623-7200
Brooklyn Botanic Garden
7. Hamilton Grange National Memorial
A peek into Hamilton’s life
Ideal para: História, Econômico
Located on the northern end of St. Nicholas Park, the Hamilton Grange National Memorial is the former home of US founding father Alexander Hamilton. Visitors can explore the house and admire original 19th-century furniture and decorative items, offering a glimpse into Hamilton’s life and times.
Access to the historical section of the house is available exclusively through guided tours, which are free and operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Tours are available 3 times a day from Wednesday to Friday and 5 times a day on weekends. The onsite visitor’s centre features a permanent gallery, bookstore and a 25-seat theatre that airs a short film of Hamilton’s life. Leia mais
Localização: 414 W 141st St, New York, NY 10031, USA
Abre: Wednesday–Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm (closed on Mondays and Tuesdays)
Telefone: +1 646-548-2310
Hamilton Grange National Memorial
8. New York Public Library
Home to the original ‘Winnie the Pooh’ toys
Ideal para: História, Econômico
The New York Public Library boasts over 90 branches throughout the city, yet the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building remains a favourite among locals. This beloved building is renowned for its Beaux-Arts style architecture, extensive collections of rare books, author talks and workshops for all ages.
Among the library’s most visited displays is the ‘Winnie-the-Pooh’ display in the Children’s Center. Here, you get to see the original stuffed toy animals that inspired author Alan Alexander Milne. If you want to learn about the building’s history, free tours are available from Monday to Saturday at 11 am and 2 pm. Leia mais
Localização: 476 5th Ave, New York, NY 10018, USA
Abre: Monday and Thursday–Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm, Tuesday–Wednesday from 10 am to 8 pm (closed on Sundays)
Telefone: +1 917-275-6975
New York Public Library
9. Brooklyn Brewery
Signature beer at discounted prices
Ideal para: Alimentação, Econômico
Brooklyn Brewery is where you can learn about the process of beer making in New York. Located in the vibrant neighbourhood of Williamsburg, this home-grown microbrewery offers free hourly tours every Sunday from 1 pm to 6 pm, allowing visitors to gain insights into the brewing process and the brewery’s history.
If you have some cash on hand, you can sample its signature lagers and ales in the cozy tasting room. It’s a perfect spot for beer enthusiasts to enjoy a relaxed afternoon while discovering unique, locally-crafted brews. Leia mais
Localização: 79 N 11th St, Brooklyn, NY 11249, USA
Abre: Monday–Wednesday from 4 pm to 9 pm, Thursday from 4 pm to 10 pm, Friday from 2 pm to 11 pm, Saturday from noon to midnight, Sunday from noon to 8 pm
Telefone: +1 718-486-7422
Brooklyn Brewery
10. Chelsea’s art galleries
Complimentary drinks and snacks on opening nights
Ideal para: Compras, Econômico
Art galleries in New York’s Chelsea neighbourhood often host free opening ceremonies for artists from all over the world. Stretching from W. 14th to W. 29th Streets and between 10th to 11th Avenues, this vibrant area boasts over 100 galleries you can visit without any admission fees. Renowned spaces like David Zwirner and Pace Gallery showcase a diverse array of contemporary artworks, making it a must-visit destination for art enthusiasts.
Best of all, you get to enjoy complimentary drinks (wines and beers are commonly served) and snacks if you visit in the evenings.
Chelsea's art galleries
11. Chinatown
An iconic district in Lower Manhattan
Ideal para: Casais, Foto, Econômico
Chinatown is a vibrant neighbourhood that covers the area south of Broome Street and east of Lafayette in Lower Manhattan. Exploring its busy streets gives the feeling of travelling to a different continent, with dozens of restaurants representing the diverse cuisines of Southeast Asia, mainland China and Hong Kong. The area is a culinary paradise for anyone looking to sample authentic dishes and immerse themselves in a rich cultural experience.
If you’re a fan of eclectic items, the tiny Mmuseumm exhibits quirky objects from all over the world, including counterfeit beauty products, selfie sticks and toys left behind by immigrants.
Localização: Lower Manhattan, New York, NY, USA
Chinatown
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