New York has something to do at any time of the day! The city is so big that you won’t have time to see everything and do every activity in a single visit. There are several free yet enjoyable things that you should do while you are in New York City. Without doing these free things, a visit to New York City is incomplete.
What else can you do in New York? The panorama of the city will be simply gorgeous. Read more about the most popular attractions below and also find out what are the free things to do in New York City all year round. Staring from enjoying free tours of some free museums to other awesome free things.
There are several places to visit in New York City such as National historic landmark, Brooklyn bridge park, Brooklyn Brewery, Amusement park, Battery Park, Public Art Displays, Grand central terminal & Grand central station, Coney Island Boardwalk, New York Harbor, etc,
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Best Free Museums In New York City
There are several museums in New York that are always free and there also museums that have some particular days when you can visit them free of cost.
So, below you will find a complete list of all those free attractions.
Always Free Museums In NYC
- American Folk Art Museum
- African Burial Ground Memorial Site
- The Bronx Museum of the Arts
- BRIC House
- General Grant National Memorial
- Federal Hall National Memorial
- The Harbor Defense Museum
- Hamilton Grange
- The Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology
- MoMA PS1 ( NYC residents ONLY)
- The New York Public Library
- The National Museum of the American Indian
- Schwarzman Building
- New York Transit Museum Annex & Store
- New York Public Library for the Performing Arts
- Grand Central Terminal
- Queens County Farm Museum
- Queens Botanical Garden (November through March)
- Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden
- Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture
- Soldiers and Sailors Monument
- Socrates Sculpture Park
- Theodore Roosevelt’s Birthplace.
Free on Mondays
- Museum at Synagogue Eldridge Street (pay as per your wish)
Free on Tuesdays
- 9/11 Memorial and Museum (free after 5 pm)
- Staten Island Zoo (free from 2-4:45 pm)
- Morgan Library & Museum (from 3-5 pm)
- and finally Wave Hill (from 9 am-12 pm)
Free on Wednesdays
- Frick Collection (from 2-6 pm). Although it is free, you can pay as per your wish here.
- Bronx Zoo (There are no particular exhibits)
- Museum of Jewish Heritage (from 4 pm to till the museum closes)
- Historic Richmond Town (recommended donation)
- NY Botanical Garden (only grounds)
- NY Aquarium (from 3 pm to till the museum closes). Although it is free, you can pay as per your wish here.
- Van Cortlandt House Museum & Staten Island Zoo (from 2-4:45 pm)
- Queens Botanical Garden (3-6 pm from April through October; then the whole day the remainder of the year)
Free on Thursdays
- Brooklyn Children’s Museum NYC (from 2 pm-6 pm)
- Museum of Chinese in America (every month’s first Thursday only)
- New Museum (from 7 pm-9 pm). Although it is free, you can pay as per your wish here.
- Museum of Arts & Design (from 6 pm-9 pm). Although it is free, you can pay as per your wish here.
Free on Friday
- The Neue Galerie (every month’s first Friday only from 6 pm-9 pm)
- Frick Collection (every month’s first Friday only between 6 pm-9:00 pm) However, you will not get free entry in September & January)
- Asia Society (from 6 pm-9:00 pm September through June)
- The Noguchi Museum (every month’s first Friday only)
- The Japan Society (from 6 pm-9:00 pm)
- Brooklyn Botanic Garden (from opening until noon, from March through November)
- Museum of Modern Art NY (5:30 pm-9 pm)
- Morgan Library & Museum (7 pm-9 pm)
- The Rubin Museum of Art NY (6 pm-10 pm)
- Museum of the Moving Image (from 4 pm-8 pm)
- The Whitney Museum of American Art (from 6 pm-9 pm). Although it is free, you can pay as per your wish here.
- The NY Historical Society (from 6 pm-8 pm). Although it is free, you can pay as per your wish here.
- NY Hall of Science (from 2 pm-5 pm)
Free on Saturdays
- Wave Hill (from 9 am-12 pm)
- The Jewish Museum
- Brooklyn Museum NY (from 5 pm-11 pm on every month’s first Saturday only)
- Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum (Pay what you wish from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm)
- New York Botanical Gardens (the ground are free from 9:00 am to 10:00 am)
Free on Sundays
- The Morgan Library & Museum (from 4 pm-6 pm)
- Brooklyn Children’s Museum NYC (4 pm-7 pm)
- NY Hall of Science (from 10 am-11 am)
- Queens Botanical Garden NYC (from April through October and available from 9 am-11 am as well as for the whole day the rest of the year).
Month By Month Guide To Do Free Things In NYC
When you are visiting NYC you can get to enjoy a few things absolutely free of cost. However, free events are not always available.
You can take a free audio tour or can visit the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree if you go there during Christmas, go to Chelsea market (it is free only if you do not purchase things from here), go to Ellis Island, visit the Hudson River, prospect park, empire state building, NYC skyline, watch lady liberty, and other amazing free things.
Below we have prepared a list of completely free things to do in NYC. Let’s have a look at the free things to do in NYC.
Free Things to do in New York City in January
Here are some free things to do in New York in January. We’ve listed a few free activities to do in other parts of this post, for example taking a Grand Central Terminal tour and paying for what you wish or going ice-skating at Bank of America Winter Village at the Rink.
Check out the whole post on free activities to do in New York to enjoy for free! People come to visit NYC from the whole world and a few of them search for free things to do in NYC. For them, we made this list. Please check below…
Take a Free Cost Tour of The Grand Central Terminal
Visit the Grand Central Terminal and you will surely be nice & warm while taking in the phenomenon of this historic high-line train terminal. This is a true icon of NYC.
There’re several free tours for you in NYC. This Terminal is situated at 42nd Street & Park Avenue in Midtown Manhattan, NYC. It is only a 3-min walk from the Chrysler Building.
Hear Gospel Music!
January is a non-tourist time in NYC thus, you’ll have a way easier time getting into the top Gospel music services in NYC.
Every Sunday, the Abyssinian Baptist Church which is situated in Harlem offers one of the best and most famous services Gospel music. It is completely free to attend!
Annual King Martin Luther Jr. Day Celebration
This national holiday is on 17th January 2022. Some venues and museums are likely to have exhibits or shows dedicated to King Jr. Martin Luther. These are as follows…
- Apollo Theater
- The Museum of the City of NY
- Schomburg Center in Black Culture for Research
- Brooklyn Music Academy
Both the Schomberg Center and the Apollo theater are situated in Harlem, the ideal neighborhood to visit on the King, Jr. Martin Luther Day.
Explore The Native American Culture
You can discover the Native American culture at the National American Indian Museum. It is located in the stunning Alexander Hamilton United States Customs House. This museum is a branch of the Smithsonian.
It offers the finest collection of Native American art in the country. The principle of its million-item-strong array, and its programs, is on American culture instead of history; get ready for an observable feast. Also, keep an eye on pop-up public events and art installations.
Free Things To Do In New York City in February
Here is a list of free things to do in NYC in February.
Go To a Free Museum In NYC
many new York museums provide free hours or free days. In case you go on those hours or days then you can save yourself a lot of money if it is a family trip to the museum!
Above in this post, we have mentioned the complete guide to ALWAYS FREE museums and also a separate list with day-to-day free museums. Please check the list above for more guidance.
Celebrate President’s Day on February 21st
On February 21st, 2022, the President’s Day in NYC you can visit the Federal Hall National Memorial for free where Washington was declared the first president of NY.
In case you do not mind spending some money, then you can visit the Madame Tussauds Wax Museum in NY.
Visit Museums at Night
Some museums in NY are free at night. Moreover, you can enjoy a crowd-free visit to the museum if you choose to go there at night. At night, some museums are completely free and a few of them offer you entry at a negligible cost.
For example, The Museum of Modern Art in NYC is open late on Saturdays until 7:00 pm. While the Whitney Museum of American Art in NYC is open until 10:00 pm on Fridays (evenings only). Better yet, it’s free to enter from 7-9:30 pm.
Free Things to do in New York City in March
Here are a few of the several free things to do in NYC, Upper Manhattan, Central Park, etc. places in March.
Attend The Parade Of Saint Patrick’s Day
This parade draws several people who come to commemorate their Irish heritage in NYC. It’s on 17th March every year. This is also known as the Feast of Saint Patrick.
It’s a religious and cultural celebration of Ireland because it is the foremost patron saint Saint Patrick’s traditional death date. The route of the parade starts on 44th Street 5th Avenue. It then continues to 79th Street, ending at the American
Irish Historical Society.
Macy’s Flower Show
This famous BY department store displays garden installations made by leading floral specialists for 2 weeks. It is a free show for flower lovers. This free show consists of bright, beautiful floral structures and special events such as live music, as well as free activities for kids.
Street Arts in Bushwick, NYC
NY has a few of the most pleasing street art to showcase in the entire world. Bushwick is one of the sections of NYC to see street art made by world-renowned street artists out there.
Go To Central Park
Central Park is an iconic park situated in NYC. The trees & flowers of this park start to bloom in March which offers you a mesmerizing view of the city.
Although visiting Central Park is free but as this park is large and has a spellbinding history, it will be better if you take an instructed walking tour of the park to help you visit this large park. In case you wish to have a romantic experience, then you can take the Carriage Tour and/or Horse Tour of the Central Park (however, such tours are not free).
Free Things to do in New York City in April
Below are a few of the ongoing lists of free things to do in NYC in April.
Watch Tartan Day Parade
Commemorate all Scottish things on 9th April 2022, by observing bagpipers, women in plaid, and men in kilts, march in the Parade for Tartan Day in NYC.
It is a part of the Tartan Week which organizes cultural events all around the NYC from modern Scottish bands recreating in pub crawls to bars, readings as well as the Scotland Run in the Central Park area.
Stroll In Central Park
We have mentioned before that the park bloom from March-April, and thus the trees fill out with blooming flowers. This is a fantastic way to encounter springtime in New York and enjoy the natural beauty of New York completely free of cost (only if you do not take a ride there or hire a walking guide).
See Cherry Blossoms In Central Park
Roosevelt Island offers its own Cherry Blossom Festival celebration. This’s also a great reason to ride the Roosevelt Island Tram. This ride will offer you an incredible 360-view of New York! These are a few places that have cherry trees and thus you can visit there to see cherry blossoms on their grounds.
- Green-Wood Cemetery
- Centra Park
- Cadman Plaza Park of Brooklyn Heights
- Park Slope’s Prospect Park
Note: The Brooklyn Botanic Gardens offers a Cherry Blossom Festival (Not for free). Thus, if you want to encounter the beauty of cherry blossoms, you can see them in many other locations in New York.
Free Things to do in New York City in May
Here are several free things to do this May.
See The Dance Parade In NYC
The dance Parade in NYC is among the most famous free events that will take place on the 21st of May 2022 and it takes place every year in May only. Each span of the route highlights different international music.
This Dance Parade generally starts at 1:00 pm and then the Parade passes through many neighborhoods between Broadway/21st Street to the East Village.
Observe a Free Television Show Taping
It is not only completely free of cost but also a fun activity to do in NYC! It is even easier to get seats in January since January is the off-season for tourists.
You can have free tickets to shows such as Good Morning America, The Today Show, Rachael Ray Show, The View, The Wendy Williams Show, and many more.
Washington Square Outside Art Exhibit
This’s a yearly famous event in New York. From 27th to 30th May (Memorial Day Weekend) the streets of New York encircling Washington Square Park turns into small art galleries of artists as well as craft artisans from the entire world.
It is a great spot to buy wonderful artwork at very reasonable prices. The occasion is right in the center of Greenwich Village, so you can also take a Greenwich Village walking tour there as per your wish.
Witness The Cinco De Mayo Parade
It’s a traditional yearly Mexican celebration that is celebrated on
5th May every year. New York City celebrates this with a parade that generally takes place along West Central Park between 97th to 106th street. After or before the parade, you can easily head into West Central Park to explore the stunning green spaces there.
Go Kayaking in NYC
In case you have your inflatable kayak board with you, then this activity will be a perfect one for your free activities in NYC. You won’t be dissatisfied with this fun and free activity in NYC.
However, if you haven’t carried your inflatable kayaking board then several boat houses will offer you free kayaking, normally for a negligible amount of period. Others offer more extended free excursions. And most of them are open by 1st May.
Attend The International Food Festival On 9th Avenue
Since 1973, every May, international food entertainers, and food
vendors have lined the 9th Avenue in NYC between 42nd & 57th St. in Hell’s Kitchen.
This year, this festival will take place on the 14th of May Saturday, and the 15th of May Sunday, from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. It’s free to attend, however, the food is not. However, the foods available at this festival are pretty cheap!
Free Things to do in New York City in June
Below are just a few of the hundreds of free things you can do in New York City in June.
Visit Chelsea Art Galleries in NYC
Speaking of Chelsea art gallery, in case you are in New York on a Thursday and if you love art, then surely visit the Chelsea Galleries! It is a wonderful way to get an intro to NY’s gallery hopping.
While the shows often change, we suggest starting with David Zwirner, Gagosian Gallery, and also Pace Gallery. At Chelsea, you can enjoy free bites, free wine, and also awesome art after or around 6:30 in the evening!
You can also discover the Chelsea Galleries between 10th & 11th Avenue from 19th-26th St. You are welcome for this extraordinarily local New York gem of an area!
See The Series Of Today Show Concert
This is a free-of-cost concert series supported by The Today Show.
This occurs on selected dates between May through September months.
These free concerts are held at the Today Show studios’ outdoor at 49th St. and Rockefeller Plaza. To get the best spots there, you should reach the place by 6:00 am.
Witness The Parade Of NYC Pride & Gay Pride
This socially and spirited substantial parade is happening on 26th June 2022. This year, their theme is “Unapologetically Us.”
It started as a celebration of the Stonewall Riots (1969), which established the contemporary Gay Rights campaign.
Museum Mile
On 14th June 2022, many of the NY’s most famous museums situated on upper 5th Ave open their gates to the general public free of cost.
It does not matter if you can’t be in NYC on 14th June 2022. This is because nearly all the museums that partake in the Museum Mile can be seen for free anytime or have particular free hours.
Mermaid Parade In NYC
In June, NY’ers dress up in shinny Sea Creature and Mermaid costumes as well as they head out to the Coney Island. And this Parade to Coney Island is free for everyone so you can join the Parade.
However, it can get quite crowded, and also a little bit rough with some participants in very short outfits made of body glitter!
This event is going to take place on 18th June 2022. You can find more about the hours, route, and also any other information from their official website.
Join The Parade Of Puerto Rican Day
12th June is the Annual National Puerto Rican Day Parade. It is among the liveliest NY parades, which includes a Puerto Rican folk of more than a million individuals.
The musical visitors are always outstanding. In the past, superstars of Puerto Rican origin who observed the parade comprised Jennifer Lopez, Ricky Martin, Rosie Perez, Marc Anthony, etc.
Make Music New York (in short MMNY)
MMNY or Make Music New York is a free-of-cost festival that occurs on 21st June. More than 1,000 entertainers are generally on hand to recreate free concerts on the sidewalks, streets, stoops, parks, plazas, and also gardens.
It’s open to anybody who wishes to join so you can anticipate some great musical interpretations and perhaps some dubious ones too. But it is all in good mood!
The complete schedule of MMNY is available on their official website in late May.
Free Things to do in New York City in July
Below are a few of the things you can do for free in NYC during July.
Commemorate The Independence Day In NYC
There are many great spots to enjoy Independence Day on the 4th of July as well as see the great Macy’s fireworks exhibition.
Independence Day is one of the most important holidays in the USA.
New Yorkers know how to have fun celebrating this date, and if you are lucky enough to be here on this wonderful day, be sure to celebrate with the locals!
Interact With Art at The Socrates Sculpture Park in NYC
Overlooking the Roosevelt Island as well as the East River Upper East Side now hosts the Socrates Sculpture Park.
It’s a playful & free public park and outdoor museum with big-scale interactive sculptures as well as multimedia art installations.
In the summer, on Wednesdays, you can see free movie screenings, with a focus on foreign films, foregone by cultural performances and corresponding music.
Listen To Broadway Showtunes in The Bryant Park, NYC
Every summer, a unique series named Broadway gives the general public a chance to get a flavor of Broadway for free in Bryant Park. This year’s concerts have yet to be revealed.
Visit Brooklyn Bridge Park
Brooklyn Bridge Park is located on the banks of the East River near the Brooklyn Bridge, offering breathtaking views of Manhattan. This park has several playgrounds. In addition, you can sit on the stairs or lie on the grass. Gorgeous photos of the city are guaranteed here.
Watch a Free Movie Screening Outdoor
During the summertime, there are a lot of free movie screenings that take place outdoors at places all over New York. Many of these series are specifically for kids and families.
Attend Lincoln Center
Starting in July (late) and running till mid-August, the Lincoln Center hosts many free outdoor performances including spoken word artists, musical acts, and also professional dancing.
Lincoln Center in New York is one of the largest cultural complexes in the entire world. It consists of 3 main buildings and other facilities for indoor and outdoor events. The entire territory of the complex is quite large, here you will spend a wonderful evening with a lot of impressions.
Events at Lincoln Center (music education, opera, dance, and also theater productions) are always top-notch. Getting tickets can often be incredibly difficult. Since the beginning of the season, tickets for opera and ballet are sold out very quickly.
Experience Manhattanhenge
Manhattanhenge or Manhattan Solstice is a term that was specially coined for the most beautiful phenomenon in New York. 4 times a year, in January, May, July, and December, the setting and rising sun can be seen from the cross streets, creating stunning scenery.
In July, the sunset perfectly aligns with the east-west buildings and streets on either side. You can see it well from the east-west thoroughfares from the following Streets:
- 57th St.
- 42nd St.
- 34th St.
- 23rd St.
- 14th St.
You can also witness the view from Tudor City Overpass situated in Manhattan & Hunter’s Point South Park in the Long Island City, Queens.
In case you are going to watch it from 42nd St., you can even visit the Grand Central there, which is as interesting as Manhattanhenge!
Memorialize Bastille Day In NYC
On July 14, the world celebrates Bastille Day. In New York, this
holiday has traditionally been moved to Sunday, so you have the whole day to enjoy the French charm. All over NY, you can see events commemorating this French holiday.
Maximum events are free for everyone. Some events are family-friendly and some aren’t. You can see stage concerts, live music, etc for free here.
Free Things to do in New York City in August
Below are a few things you can do for free in New York in August.
Charlie Parker Jazz Festival in Harlem
Every summer, Bryant Park indulges guests with classic American films. You can take a blanket with you, grab a picnic basket, choose a place on the lawn and immerse yourself in the magic of the movie. Showings are free.
If you didn’t manage to build some kind of snack, it doesn’t matter, the organizers promise to treat everyone with drinks and snacks, however, already for an additional fee.
This yearly free event presents the public with 2 evenings of free music by Charlie Parker, the jazz legend.
Go Kayaking Under the Brooklyn Bridge
Summer water activities are once again available to New Yorkers for free. The Brooklyn Bridge Park Boathouse will provide its kayaks so that visitors can enjoy breathtaking kayaking for free, according to Secret NYC.
Weather permitting, free boat trips from Pier 2 will take place on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays starting June 1st through the end of September.
You don’t need kayaking experience to ride one. The organizers advise wearing waterproof clothes and shoes, as the feet and the seat can get a little wet. There will also be a rescue boat on the water should you need any assistance.
So, head to Brooklyn Bridge in DUMBO and enjoy a free kayak ride (20-minute only). It is safe and also unlike anything you’ve done before. You can also take the Staten Island Ferry with some tourist discounts in NYC.
Summer Streets in NYC
Every August, New York blocks the vehicular traffic for the Summer Streets. Whereas cars aren’t permitted, every other transportation is allowed!
People can run, walk, play, bike, and typically enjoy almost 11 km (7 miles) of Park Ave between the Central Park and Brooklyn Bridge.
Dragon Boat Festival
This show features stunning renderings of nonnative worlds, breathtaking scenes, and groundbreaking space assignments showing the development of the solar system.
This yearly festival is a grand excuse to visit the borough of Queens in NYC! There are hundreds of multicolored dragon boats dashing on Meadows Lake, in Queens’ Flushing Meadows Park.
Besides the race, you can enjoy traditional dance, music, martial arts, folk art, and also Chinese food there. The event occurs between 9 am to 1 pm.
Free Things to do in New York City in September
Below are a few things you can do for free in NYC during September.
Ride the Staten Island Ferry in NYC
Staten Island Ferry across the East River in New York will get you quickly and cheaply to and from Manhattan.
Want to visit Brooklyn or Queens? Or are you staying at a hotel on Long Island? Then cross the East River on the ferry, enjoying amazing views of the city along the way.
Ferries are a great alternative to the often busy metro. In addition, during the entire trip, you will have a beautiful view of Manhattan.
On the Staten Island Ferry in New York, you travel for the same price as the subway, with the added benefit of views of Manhattan.
Whether you ride Staten Island Ferry at night or during the day, you’ll get stunning views of the Statue of Liberty and Lower Manhattan.
Atlantic Antic Street Fair
Familiar as the Antic by locals, this’s among the largest street fairs in New York. It is free to attend, and it’s a family-friendly activity too.
The Antic is situated in Brooklyn Heights and takes place on a Sunday, so why not enjoy it!
Caribbean Carnival Parade In NYC
Every year on Labor Day, a lot of people assemble in Brooklyn, NYC to celebrate the Caribbean Carnival Parade at the West Indian American Carnival.
From the commencement of the 20th century, this carnival appeared in the US in Harlem first, which has brought New Yorkers in beautiful costumes to music to the rhythm of dance from the West Indies.
Since the 1960s, this festival has completely taken over the eastern Crown Heights boulevard, bringing together residents of various islands (Trinidad & Tobago, Haiti, Barbados, Dominica, St. Lucia, Jamaica, St. Vincent, and others) into one grand party.
Things get hot, hot, and Super hot with the flavorful, colorful, and vibrant parade in Brooklyn’s Crown Heights.
The highlight of the five-day festival, which begins before Labor Day, is a dazzling parade that draws nearly two million parade-goers to the Crown Heights area. Thousands of participants dance along the Eastern Parkway or parade in incredibly elaborate costumes adorned with rhinestones and feathers.
Washington Square Outdoor Art Exhibit
Every spring, New York comes alive on the weekends in September. Residents of the city and visitors celebrate, albeit unofficially, and the start of the season coincides with a long weekend in connection with the celebration of Memorial Day.
These days, the city hosts many performances, concerts, exhibitions, parades, and other entertainment for free. A large part does not require payment so that people of different incomes can attend festive events with the whole family.
Museum Day Live in NYC
On the 18th of September, several Smithsonian museums in NYC present free entry. The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum is also included in the list which generally costs at least $25 or even more.
Parade On African-American Day
In September in Harlem, you can observe the festive Parade of African-American Day. This parade is the biggest of its style in America.
This presents African-American heritage and culture, with over 200 participating institutions from the whole world.
While you are in Harlem, you can take some time and stroll the neighborhood to see popular sites and historic sights as well.
Celebrate Brazilian Independence Day In NYC
South America comes to the Philadelphia waterfront to celebrate Brazil’s Independence Day. Get ready to showcase a variety of dance styles such as the fast-paced samba and the famous capoeira. And also enjoy the national products and goods that can be purchased during the event.
The little enclave in Midtown Manhattan, NYC familiar as “Little Brazil” is a site to be to commemorate Brazil’s independence day from Portugal.
You will get free entertainment comprising famous Brazilian musicians as well as vendors serving you traditional Brazilian Meals.
Brooklyn Book Festival
The Brooklyn Book Festival is the largest literary event in North America, which since its inception in 2006 has traditionally brought together all people close to literature: readers, writers, printers, publishers, poets, and book collectors of all ages.
The Book Festival is traditionally held in the residence of the President of Brooklyn – Borough Hall, as well as on the adjacent square and Fulton Street.
Hundreds of book stalls unfold here, striking with the variety of products presented. Within the framework of the festival, meetings with writers and artists, thematic readings, and discussions are held.
This yearly week-long literary free event occurs from 26th September to 4th October in & around Brooklyn Heights.
Typically, there are a lot of free panel discussions and readings with both up-&-coming and world-famous authors.
Free Things to do in New York City in October
Below are just a few of the hundreds of free things you can do in New York City in October.
Visit Governors Island
Governors Island in New York is 5 minutes from downtown Manhattan.
Here you will feel far away from the bustle of the city and enjoy the view of the skyscrapers. In October, a lot of cultural events are held here.
Relax on the huge hammocks, play ball on the field or take a walk in the garden. The island is open to visitors daily from 1st May until the end of October. On Memorial Day, July 4, and Labor Day, the island is also open.
Although you’ll have to spend $3 on the ferry, you do not need to spend on anything else as soon as you reach there. Endless free activities await people of all age groups!
Enjoy Pickle Day on Lower East Side, NYC
The Lower East Side in New York (Lower East Side) is located between Lower Manhattan, Brooklyn, and the Williamsburg Bridge. Here, ancient low-rise buildings coexist with very modern high-rise buildings.
The atmosphere of the Lower East Side is trendy and eclectic. The charm of this part of the city is given by a colorful artistic atmosphere, combined with new, more luxurious establishments.
Every October, it is all about pickles. Go there to try all types of pickles from more than 20 types of picklers.
Pickle Day on Lower East Side is held on a Sunday as well as it would be an ideal activity to follow after taking the Lower East Side tour.
Columbus Day Parade
Columbus Day in New York is celebrated every year in October. It was created in honor of Christopher Columbus, who discovered America. In New York, a huge, colorful parade is held on 5th Avenue on this day.
This’s the world’s biggest celebration of the Italian-American culture as well as it’s in October starting at 11 am. This parade route is Fifth Avenue from 47th St. and 72nd St.
There will be more than 130 marching gatherings including floats, bands, and also Italian culture and heritage groups proudly marching along the route.
Open House New York (in short OHNY)
This is a yearly event that offers the public free admission to more than 275 of NYC’s culturally and architecturally important buildings that aren’t normally open to the general public.
Open House offers New Yorkers a very special experience and access to the unusual, beautiful, mysterious architecture of New York from the people who help preserve and enhance the beauty of the city.
This annual program brings the finest examples of contemporary architecture and design even closer to their New Yorker audience.
By becoming a participant in the festival, you will be able to get acquainted with the architecture of all five districts of the city: from historical to modern, from classical to experimental.
The festival helps all fans of New York, its guests, and residents to create a single and real image of the city. A city where it’s so great to live, work, and study.
Go To The Clio Contemporary Art Fair in NYC
Famous as “Anti-Fair for the Independent Artists”, this occasion has acquired rave judgments from the art world ‘establishment’. This fair is typically held in Chelsea as well as runs typically for a few days during October.
In case you decide to go to this fair, then we recommend you to visit the High Line Park too which is situated in Chelsea.
Free Things to do in New York City in November
November is a wonderful time to take benefit from the several free activities and events in New York.
Watch the NYC Marathon
The New York City Marathon is held annually on the first Sunday in November. Every year about 50,000 people and over 2 million spectators take part in the marathon. The New York City Marathon is considered one of the biggest sporting events in the city.
The marathon also features over 10,000 international runners. The 2022 New York City Marathon will take place on 06.11.2022. However, some running events start a week earlier. For example, an 8K run on the Sunday before a marathon.
Look at the route of this marathon and choose a neighborhood route to observe the marathon from. So, here are a few places we recommend:
- Harlem, NYC – down Fifth Ave from 135th St. to 110th St.
- Williamsburg, NYC – along Bedford Ave
- Midtown Manhattan, NYC – up First Ave starting at 59th St.
Veterans Day Parade
Veterans Day in New York City takes place annually on November 11th. On this day in 1918, at 11:00, an armistice was signed between Germany and the Allied countries during the First World War. Are you curious to know how this day is celebrated in America? Read on!
People pay tribute to the military personnel who took part in the wars. Americans pay tribute to the veterans of these wars.
There will be marching bands, floats, and different veterans’ parties joining in on this day.
The celebration starts at 10:00 am at the Madison Square Park’s Eternal Flame with the parade starting at 11:15 am
This parade travels up Fifth Ave from 26th St. and ends at 52nd St., right near the Rockefeller Center in NYC.
Walk Across the Brooklyn Bridge
The Brooklyn Bridge, an architectural work of art, connects Manhattan and Brooklyn. This bridge is adored by citizens of NYC.
You will love walking across this bridge which will cost you nothing but your energy. Tourists love this because of the fantastic NYC skyline views.
Stroll On Central Park
Central Park in New York is a large park in the center of Manhattan. It ran from Fifth to Eighth Avenue (and from 59th Street to 110th Street). This is an artificial park with corners of untouched nature.
The park receives 42 million visitors annually. No wonder Central Park is known as the “beating heart of Manhattan.”
Scenic paths are not intended for cars. In the park, you will find a huge variety of attractions and activities. Regardless of the season, there is always something to enjoy.
While maximum of the trees here will change color during late October, during early November, these trees will have some bright foliage.
Free Things to do in New York City in December
Here are just a few of the free things you can do in New York City in December.
New Year’s Eve in Times Square
Celebrating the New Year in New York is a dream for many. New York City is famous for its parties and the New Year’s Eve crystal ball drop ceremony in Times Square.
Whether you’re young or old, with friends, loved ones, or kids, New York City has something for everyone.
Don’t want to stay in a club or bar all night? In New York, there are many options for how to celebrate the New Year. For example, in Central Park or on a pleasure cruise.
In case you’re in town on 31st December, be a part of the world-famous New Year’s celebration in Times Square, NYC.
Visit an Outdoor Holiday Market
Outdoor holiday Markets in New York are a great alternative to regular supermarkets. Many residents prefer to shop at the city’s various NYC markets.
There is a very pleasant atmosphere, the products are fresher, and the prices are much cheaper. Visit markets in New York to sample local delicacies.
There are several Christmas markets in New York. You can purchase items including handmade sweaters, winter clothing, hats, scarves, mittens, decorative items, etc.
In case you plan to ice skate here, then you can get a free rental skate with your New York Pass!
Take a Tour of Central Park
There are a lot of interesting places in Central Park. To see everything, you will need a lot of time.
And there’s always a good time of year to go to and visit Central Park in NYC. Soft & sentimental during the winter, it’s a peaceful escape from the vacation crowds.
Several tours are available, a few are free and a few are with a certain fee.
BOTTOM LINE
The Big Apple, like the same forbidden fruit, annually attracts millions of travelers to visit New York. Of course, there are many things to do in New York that help you to get an impression of the city, but we offered a complete list of the most beautiful and interesting things to do for free in NYC.
What to do in New York besides visiting its sights and museums? You can (and should) just walk around Manhattan, enjoying its diversity and dim light. It is also worth visiting the famous Broadway musicals, Bethesda fountain, Hudson yards, etc.
Take a look at Chelsea Pier, a large sports and entertainment complex, where there are television and film studios, a health club, a spa, a fitness center, two basketball courts, an indoor soccer field, a climbing wall, two full-fledged ice rinks, a bowling center, a golf club, dance studios, etc.
Are you planning to visit the Big Apple soon? Check out our list of good NYC mover companies here.
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