The Big Apple beckons visitors from all over the world. And for good reason. This native New Yorker knows that this amazing city offers so much — world renowned sites and museums, a rich and interesting history, cuisines for every taste bud and probably some of the most interesting people you’d meet anywhere. And believe me, you can live here all your life and not see everything. Why? Because there is always something new happening. The city is constantly evolving and building on to its great traditions . But what most don’t know is that you can experience many places in this great city for free or close to it! Read on to explore my top 15 free (or almost free) things to do in New York City.
So let’s explore NYC’s free attractions starting with:
MIDTOWN NYC
First stop is…
Bryant Park
is a beloved, year-round New York City destination. It is visited by more than 12 million people each year and is one of the busiest public spaces in the world.
Known as Manhattan’s Town Square, the park is famous for many of its free activities, its lush seasonal gardens, and al fresco dining.
In the Spring and Summer, families and picnickers flock to sun themselves on its lawn.
In the winter, the lawn area becomes an ice skating rink. During the holiday season, vendors set up outside “stores” offering shoppers an array of goods. What a NYC tradition!
And its adjacent to our next stop…
Fountain at Bryant Park
New York City Public Library…
is among the city’s most ornate public spaces. Guarded by two marble lion sculptures, this building beckons its visitors up a flight of steps to enter this architectural delight.
The Rose Reading Room is adorned with beautiful, crystal chandeliers. But if you’re here for the books, you won’t be disappointed either. This library offers some 50 million items spread out across this iconic building.
During the Christmas season, its lobby is adorned with beautifully decorated trees to delight its visitors.
Keeping walking up 5th Ave to get to…
Rockefeller Center…
famous around the world for its annual Christmas tree lighting and images of ice skaters twirling around on the famous rink. But this massive complex is so much more and its history is quite amazing.
Over 100 years ago, John D. Rockefeller Jr. had a vision to create a “city within a city.” Filled with art, style, and entertainment, it’s a story that is being added to every day.
His vision started in 1929 when he leased land from Columbia University. He wanted to create a commercial office building with a new home for the Metropolitan Opera Company. However, the stock market crash stopped his plans and many investors withdrew from supporting the project. But this didn’t hinder Rockefeller’s vision. In 1932, construction began on the complex, providing thousands of jobs. The fourteen original buildings and their accompanying attractions were completed in 1940.
The building’s ground floor is free to enter and explore. And, of course, watching the ice skaters is free as well. However, if you want to go to the “Top of the Rock” for amazing city views, tour the entire building and/or ice skate, it will cost you.
And right next door is…
St. Patrick’s Cathedral
Famous worldwide, this religious institution is known for its rich Neo-Gothic architecture, thousands of stained glass windows, bronze doors and high altar. From a historical perspective, it’s the final resting place of some of New York’s most legendary humanitarians and clergymen.
Entering the cathedral is free. However, you can partake in a tour for a fee. Interested in other religious sites that I’ve visited in my travels? Visit my post by clicking here: https://followmyyellowbrickroad.com/?p=2207
Now we’re going to head over to..
Grand Central Station
which is located at 89 E. 42nd Street (at Park Avenue). This beaux-arts landmark is a retail and dining destination as well as the home of the Metro-North Railroad and multiple subway lines. It is recognized as the largest train station in the world in terms of area occupied and number of platforms.
To get the most out of your visit, I recommend that you either download an audio tour app for a few dollars or just pick up a map at the Information Booth on the main course and start exploring.
Make sure to see the statue aptly named “Transportation, ” located outside on the south side. On the left sits Hercules, representing physical strength; on the right, Minerva, goddess of wisdom and protector of cities; featured at the center is Mercury, god of travel and commerce.
DOWNTOWN
The High Line
was once an elevated train line that has been transformed into one of NYC’s delightful places to walk and take it all. Here, you can experience a performance, walk through gardens, view art and eat some delicious food.
High Line Art 
A View from The High Line 
Snapping pics of some art
It stretches from Gansevoort Street to 34th Street in Chelsea along Tenth Avenue, curving west to Twelfth Avenue around the Hudson Yards development at its northern end.
After completing this walk, head over to…
Hudson River Park
which runs four miles along the west side from Battery Park City in Tribeca to W 59 St. in Hell’s Kitchen.
The park transformed a decaying industrial waterfront into an urban paradise — offering its visitors beautiful landscapes along with an array restaurants and recreational facilities for every interest.
If you start at 59th Street, your walk will take you to the …
9/11 Memorial & Freedom Tower
The 9/11 Memorial is located at the site of the former World Trade Center complex. It pays a tribute of remembrance, honoring the 2,977 people killed in the terror attacks of September 11, 2001 as well as the six people killed in the World Trade Center bombing on February 26, 1993. The memorial contains twin reflecting pools as well as the largest man-made waterfalls in North America.
The photo above depics the beautiful skyline of NYC with the Freedom Tower in the middle.
The Freedom Tower is the main building of the rebuilt World Trade Center complex. Actually, its proper, legal name has been One World Trade Center.
Both of these sites are free to view from the outside. If you wish to enter the Freedom Tower, you will need to purchase a ticket.
After viewing these sites, head over to the …
Staten Island Ferry
which I consider one of the best kept secrets of freebies in NYC.
Hop on a 25 minute ferry ride from Battery Park to Staten Island — for FREE! Experience amazing views of the skyline and the Statue of Liberty as you sail across the harbor. Who could beat that!
Upon arrival at Staten Island, you can choose to walk around and explore a bit of this community or just reverse course.
Governor’s Island
is a tranquil oasis just a ferry ride away from Manhattan Island. Its ferry is located near the Staten Island Ferry.
For free (or a couple of dollars), ride the ferry across and experience this amazing place. Once the home to families of Coast Guard members, it continues to evolve and expand, offering visitors a truly memorable visit. For more details, visit my blog on Governors’ Island by clicking here:https://followmyyellowbrickroad.com/?page_id=3296
Take a Walk Across the Brooklyn Bridge
A little over 1 miles across, the Brooklyn Bridge provides two lanes, one for pedestrians and one for bikers. No cars are allowed.
Whether you start on the Manhattan side or the Brooklyn side, allocate a minimum of 30 minutes to complete the walk. Most visitors, however, stop multiple times along the way to admire the views and take some souvenir photos. Honestly, where can you get the most amazing views of Manhattan and Brooklyn — again for FREE!
On the Manhattan side of the bridge…
Explore Chinatown and Little Italy
Chinatown is unique, large and bustling with people. This neighborhood is an all around sensory experience — from its sites to the smells. Make sure to stroll down Mott Street, which is this area’s “main street” to take a peek into the many shops and markets. After exploring, and working up an appetite, drop by one of their many restaurants for some authentic Chinese cuisine.
Little Italy, once a larger neighborhood, has seen much of its area taken over by Chinatown. But nonetheless, it is worth visiting to taste some delicious imported Italian specialties. The famous San Gennaro feast takes place here every September. Mulberry Street is probably the neighborhood’s most famous street.
UPTOWN
Central Park
is the largest urban park in New York and widely regarded as a true masterpiece of landscape architecture. Built between 1858 and 1873, the park is comprised of 843 acres, measuring 2.5 miles long and a half-mile wide.
A car free oasis, visitors can explore all it has to offer by walking, biking or roller skating. Want to explore the park without repeating any of its terrain? Take the 6 mile long Central Park Loop that runs along the Park Drives on the West and East sides using the various transverses to cut across the park. There are also 58 trails to challenge any level.
Some other top sights include The Pond (where you can row a boat), Strawberry Fields (a memorial to John Lennon) , the Central Park Zoo, The Mall and more.
Prefer to just relax and take in this amazing park? Take a horse drawn carriage ride. Or better yet, grab a blanket, some food and drinks and find a special place on its many lawns to relax and take it all in.
Interested in experiencing some performing arts? Head over to …
Lincoln Center
which is world renowned for the performing arts. Located in Lincoln Square Plaza, it houses the New York Philharmonic, the Metropolitan Opera, and the New York City Ballet. Juilliard School of Music also became part of the Lincoln Center complex.
During the summer months, operas and other free musical events are offered outside the formal buildings. Check their website for their calendar of events.
And last but not least..
Free Museum Nights
Yes. This is true. Some of Manhattan’s museums, including the Frick and Museum of Natural History, offer free or reduced entry on certain nights. Check the individual websites of the museum of your choice for details. But be forewarned: these are extremely BUSY times to visit.
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My list has really touched lightly on all the free or close to free things to do in the amazing city. But one thing is for sure –you don’t need to go broke to enjoy what makes this city The Big Apple.
Put on your walking shoes and explore its streets and avenues and take in its sights, sounds and smells. Book a free walking tour. Grab a drink of your choice and people watch. But whatever you choose to do, enjoy and remember, you will be back!