Fun Free Things To Do In NYC

New York City, affectionately known as the Big Apple, is one of the world’s most iconic and vibrant cities. A city of eight million people, New York is known for its towering skyscrapers, bustling streets, and iconic landmarks. From the Statue of Liberty to Times Square to the Empire State Building, New York is a city that people from all over the world come to visit and explore.

But for those who are looking for something more than the typical tourist attractions, there are plenty of fun free things to do in NYC as well. From walking tours to outdoor activities to cultural attractions, there is something for everyone in this exciting city. So if you’re looking for something to do that won’t break the bank, here are some of the best free things to do in NYC.

Take a Walking Tour

One of the best ways to get to know New York City is by taking a walking tour. There are plenty of free walking tours that allow visitors to explore the city’s most iconic neighborhoods, from the Lower East Side to SoHo to Greenwich Village. Whether you’re interested in learning about the city’s history, architecture, or culture, there’s a walking tour for you. Plus, since it’s free, you don’t have to worry about spending too much money on your trip.

For a detailed look at the city’s vibrant history and culture, check out the Lower East Side Tenement Museum’s free walking tour. This tour takes visitors through historic sites in the Lower East Side, a neighborhood that was once home to many of the city’s immigrants and is now a bustling hub of art and culture. The tour lasts about 90 minutes and is led by a friendly guide who will answer any questions you may have.

For those interested in learning more about the city’s architecture, there is the Big Apple Greeters Free Tour. This tour takes visitors through some of the city’s most famous buildings, including Grand Central Terminal, the Chrysler Building, and the New York Public Library. The tour is led by a local guide who will provide interesting facts about the buildings and their history.

For a more natural experience, check out the Nature Walk at Central Park. This free walking tour takes visitors on a journey through Central Park and showcases its history, wildlife, and natural features. The tour lasts about two hours and is led by an experienced guide who will point out interesting plants and animals along the way. Plus, if you’re lucky enough, you might catch a glimpse of some of the park’s famous inhabitants like turtles and squirrels.

Explore Outdoor Activities

New York City may be known for its towering skyscrapers and bustling streets, but it’s also home to plenty of outdoor activities that are free and fun. From biking to kayaking to hiking, there are plenty of ways to explore the great outdoors in NYC.

If you’re looking for an easy way to explore the city, check out its numerous bike paths. There are more than 500 miles of bike paths throughout the city, from Manhattan to Brooklyn to Queens. And since many of them are free and open to the public, you can easily explore the city on two wheels. While you’re at it, why not take advantage of some of the bike-share programs that are available throughout the city? These programs allow you to rent a bike for a day or a week at very affordable prices.

For a more active adventure, check out kayaking in NYC. There are plenty of kayaking spots around the city where you can rent a kayak for free or at a very low cost. Once you’re out on the water, you can explore some of the city’s iconic sights like Ellis Island or take in stunning views of Manhattan from a different perspective.

Finally, if you’re looking for something a bit more challenging, there are plenty of hiking trails in NYC that are free and open to the public. From Staten Island to Queens to Brooklyn, there are plenty of trails that offer beautiful views and plenty of wildlife. Plus, with so many trails to choose from, you can find one that suits your fitness level whether you’re an experienced hiker or just starting out.

Visit Cultural Attractions

New York City is home to some of the world’s most famous cultural attractions, from world-class museums to iconic landmarks. And while many of these attractions have an admission fee (or require a membership), there are plenty of cultural attractions that are completely free and open to the public.

For starters, check out the Statue of Liberty National Monument. While there is an admission fee for access to the statue itself (which includes access to Liberty Island and Ellis Island as well), visitors can still get up close and personal with Lady Liberty for free by taking one of the free ferry rides that leave from Battery Park in Lower Manhattan. Once on Liberty Island, visitors can explore its grounds and take in stunning views of Manhattan from the water.

The Brooklyn Museum is another great option for those looking for something free and culturally enriching to do in NYC. This museum is home to an impressive collection of artwork from around the world, from ancient artifacts to modern masterpieces. Plus, since it’s free for everyone on Fridays after 5pm (and for New York State residents year-round), it’s easy to explore this amazing museum without spending a dime.

Finally, no trip to NYC would be complete without visiting some of its iconic landmarks, like Central Park or Times Square. Both of these locations are free and open to the public 24 hours a day, so you can take your time exploring them without worrying about admission fees or restricted hours. Plus, they both offer plenty of interesting sights as well as great people-watching opportunities.

Book an NYC Street Art Tour

New York City is home to vibrant street art scene and there are plenty of tours available that will take you on a journey through this exciting art form. One such tour is the NYC Street Art Tour from Viator which takes visitors on a walking tour through some of NYC’s most vibrant street art neighborhoods including Chinatown and Little Italy. During this two-hour tour you’ll explore its vibrant mural-filled streets as you learn about street art culture from your knowledgeable local guide. Your guide will also point out hidden gems such as graffiti-covered alleyways where some of NYC’s most talented street artists ply their trade. Plus, during your journey you’ll get an up-close look at some of NYC’s most iconic street art pieces including works by renowned street artists such as Banksy among many others. At the end of your tour your guide will answer any questions you may have so you’ll come away with a better understanding of NYC’s street art scene and culture. Book your NYC Street Art Tour today via Viator here.

Book an Iconic Landmarks Tour

If you’re looking for something a bit more traditional then why not book an Iconic Landmarks Tour from GetYourGuide? This two-hour tour will take visitors on a journey through some of New York City’s most iconic landmarks including Times Square, Central Park, and Rockefeller Center among many others. During your journey your guide will provide an entertaining narration about New York City’s history as well as interesting facts about each landmark so you’ll come away with a better understanding of this exciting city. Plus, you’ll also get up close and personal with some of NYC’s most famous landmarks such as Grand Central Station, St Patrick’s Cathedral, and Radio City Music Hall among many others. The Iconic Landmarks Tour is available every day so book yours today via GetYourGuide here.

Take a Food Tour

If you’re looking for something unique and delicious then why not book a Food Tour with GetYourGuide? This two-hour tour will take visitors on a journey through some of New York City’s most popular food neighborhoods including Chinatown and Little Italy among many others. During your journey your guide will provide an entertaining narration about each neighborhood as well as interesting facts about their respective cuisines so you’ll come away with a better understanding of NYC’s diverse food culture. Plus, you’ll also get up close and personal with some of NYC’s most popular foods such as pizza from Grimaldi’s Pizza and doughnuts from Doughnut Plant among many others. The Food Tour is available every day so book yours today via GetYourGuide here.

Conclusion

New York City is one of the world’s most vibrant cities and it offers plenty of fun things to do that won’t break the bank. From bike paths to kayaking spots to outdoor activities, there are plenty of ways to explore NYC without spending too much money. And if you’re looking for something more cultural or educational then there are plenty of museums, landmarks, and walking tours that are completely free as well. So if you’re looking for something fun and free to do in NYC then try one (or all) of these activities during your next visit!