A City Guide to the Best Places to Visit in NYC for Free

Introduction to NYC

New York City is one of the world’s most visited cities, and for good reason. The city has a vibrancy and energy that is unparalleled, with a rich history and a vast selection of iconic landmarks, attractions, and activities. With a population of over 8 million people, NYC is home to some of the world’s most influential and diverse individuals, cultures, and businesses.

NYC is known around the world as the Big Apple, a nickname coined in the 1920s to refer to the city’s booming economy and the countless opportunities available to its citizens. A visit to NYC will provide you with a unique experience and an amazing opportunity to explore the city’s many attractions and activities.

The city is home to some of the world’s most iconic landmarks, including the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, Times Square, and the Empire State Building. There are also numerous cultural institutions such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the American Museum of Natural History, and the Guggenheim Museum. Additionally, the city offers countless opportunities to shop, dine, and experience the best of nightlife.

One of the best things about visiting NYC is that there are plenty of ways to experience the city without spending a fortune. Many of the city’s attractions are free or offer discounted admission for students, seniors, or members of certain organizations. In this guide, we will explore some of the best places to visit in NYC for free or for a discounted admission fee.

The High Line

The High Line is one of the most popular attractions in NYC. This elevated park and walkway stretches 1.45 miles along Manhattan’s West Side, from Gansevoort Street in the Meatpacking District to West 34th Street between 10th and 12th Avenues. The High Line was originally a freight train line that ran along the West Side of Manhattan, but it was eventually abandoned in 1980 due to low usage. In 1999, community activists began a campaign to save the space from demolition and turn it into an elevated park. After years of campaigning, construction began in 2006 and the park was finally opened to the public in 2009.

The High Line offers a unique perspective of NYC, as you can see the entire city from above. It provides stunning views of the Manhattan skyline, as well as views of some of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Along the path, you can find several art installations, gardens, benches, food carts, and more. There are also several events and programs that are held throughout the year such as concerts and film screenings. Admission to The High Line is always free and it is open year round from 7am-11pm.

The Brooklyn Bridge

The Brooklyn Bridge is one of NYC’s most iconic landmarks and an absolute must-see when visiting the city. The bridge was built in 1883 and spans nearly 6,000 feet across the East River between Manhattan and Brooklyn. It was the first steel-wire suspension bridge ever built, and was an engineering marvel at the time. The bridge has become one of NYC’s most recognizable landmarks and is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike.

Walking across the Brooklyn Bridge is an absolute must-do when visiting NYC. The bridge offers stunning views of Manhattan and Brooklyn, as well as views of some of NYC’s most iconic landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. The bridge is open 24 hours a day and admission is free. Be sure to bring your camera so you can capture some amazing photos!

Central Park

Central Park is one of NYC’s most iconic attractions and a must-see when visiting the city. This 843-acre park located in the heart of Manhattan is one of the most visited urban parks in the world. The park was designed by landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted in 1857 and opened to the public in 1858. Since then, it has become one of NYC’s most beloved attractions and a popular spot for tourists and locals alike.

Central Park offers a vast array of activities for visitors to enjoy. You can explore miles of walking trails, take a boat ride on one of its two lakes, explore its many gardens and monuments, or simply relax on one of its many benches or lawns. Admission to Central Park is always free and it is open year round from 6am-1am.

Museum Of Modern Art (MoMA)

The Museum Of Modern Art (MoMA) is one of NYC’s most popular attractions and one of the world’s top museums for modern art. Located in midtown Manhattan, MoMA offers visitors a chance to experience some of the world’s best modern art in an interactive and engaging way. The museum was founded in 1929 by three wealthy patrons who wanted to create a space for exhibiting modern art. Since then, it has become one of NYC’s most beloved attractions and one of the world’s top museums for modern art.

MoMA offers visitors a chance to explore its vast collection of modern art, which includes works by artists such as Vincent van Gogh, Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, Jackson Pollock, and many more. MoMA also offers numerous exhibitions throughout the year featuring works from up-and-coming artists as well as renowned artists from around the world. Admission to MoMA is always free for children under 16 years old or for students with valid ID; it is $25 for adults over 16 years old; it is $18 for seniors (65+) with valid ID; it is $14 for visitors with disabilities; and it is free for all visitors on Fridays after 4pm (4–8pm).

Staten Island Ferry

The Staten Island Ferry is one of NYC’s most popular attractions and an absolute must-do when visiting the city. This free ferry service operates 24 hours a day between Staten Island and Manhattan’s Whitehall Terminal in Lower Manhattan. The ferry ride takes approximately 25 minutes each way and offers stunning views of New York Harbor and its many iconic landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, Brooklyn Bridge, and more.

In addition to its beautiful views, the Staten Island Ferry also offers several amenities such as food vendors, bike racks, restrooms, seating areas, and more. The ferry ride is free for all passengers; however there is a fare for vehicles ($15 one way). The Staten Island Ferry runs every half hour during peak hours (weekdays 6am-9pm) and every hour during off hours (weekdays 9pm-6am & weekends).

Grand Central Terminal

Grand Central Terminal is one of NYC’s most iconic landmarks and an absolute must-see when visiting the city. Located in Midtown Manhattan, Grand Central Terminal is an iconic train station that opened in 1913 as a replacement for Grand Central Station (which had opened in 1871). Grand Central Terminal has become one of NYC’s most beloved landmarks due to its stunning design, which includes a main concourse with a grand staircase leading up to 42nd Street as well as several smaller concourses with additional amenities such as restaurants and shops.

Visiting Grand Central Terminal is free for all visitors; however there are several amenities that can be accessed for a fee such as dining options and shops. There are also several events held at Grand Central Terminal throughout the year such as concerts, film screenings, lectures, food tastings, art exhibitions, and more. Be sure to check out what’s happening when you visit!

9/11 Memorial & Museum

The 9/11 Memorial & Museum is one of NYC’s most important attractions and an absolute must-see when visiting the city. Located at the site of the former World Trade Center complex in Lower Manhattan, this memorial honors those who lost their lives on September 11th 2001 by displaying their names on two large bronze panels that are surrounded by reflecting pools. In addition to this memorial plaza, there is also a museum which houses artifacts from that day as well as exhibits that tell the story of 9/11 in detail.

Admission to the 9/11 Memorial & Museum is always free; however there is an admission fee for the museum ($15 adults, $10 seniors/students). The museum offers several programs throughout the year such as guided tours (free with admission) as well as special events such as film screenings and lectures (free). Be sure to check out what’s happening when you visit!

The Bronx Zoo

The Bronx Zoo is one of NYC’s top attractions and an absolute must-see when visiting the city. This 265-acre zoo located in Bronx Park in The Bronx was founded in 1899 and is now home to over 4500 animals from 650 different species from around the world. The zoo also offers numerous exhibits such as World of Birds (featuring over 500 birds), Tiger Mountain (featuring 4 Sumatran tigers), Himalayan Highlands (featuring snow leopards), Jungle World (featuring gorillas), Wild Asia Monorail (featuring Asian elephants), Congo Gorilla Forest (featuring western lowland gorillas), and more.

Admission to The Bronx Zoo is always free; however there is an admission fee for certain exhibits ($5/exhibit). Additionally, there are several programs offered throughout the year such as guided tours (free with admission) as well as special events such as film screenings and lectures (free). Be sure to check out what’s happening when you visit!

Popular Tours

In addition to exploring NYC’s many attractions on your own, there are also several popular tours that you can book that will provide you with an even richer experience during your visit to NYC:

NYC Open Bus Tour

Discover New York City at your own pace with this 3 hour open bus tour! This hop-on hop-off tour provides visitors with an opportunity to explore NYC’s landmarks at their own leisurely pace while listening to audio commentary about each landmark’s history along with additional entertaining stories about life in New York City. This tour passes some of NYC’s most iconic landmarks such as Times Square, Central Park, Rockefeller Center, Empire State Building, Grand Central Terminal, Chinatown & Little Italy, SoHo & Greenwich Village, Brooklyn Bridge & Brooklyn Heights Promenade Park plus much more! Book a NYC Open Bus Tour here.

NYC Helicopter Tour

Experience New York City from up above with this 15 minute helicopter tour! This tour takes visitors high above Manhattan offering breathtaking panoramic views not available from any other vantage point. You’ll get an up close look at some of NYC’s most iconic landmarks such as Times Square, Central Park, Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty plus much more! Book a NYC Helicopter Tour here.

NYC Sightseeing Cruise

Experience New York City like never before with this 75 minute sightseeing cruise! This leisurely cruise takes visitors around New York Harbor providing stunning views of iconic landmarks such as Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island plus much more! You’ll also get an inside look at some of NYC’s most iconic neighborhoods including Lower Manhattan & Brooklyn Heights plus much more! Book a NYC Sightseeing Cruise here.

Conclusion

NYC is truly one of the world’s greatest cities—there’s no better place to experience culture in all its forms than here! Whether you’re visiting for business or pleasure—or both—there’s something here for everyone! With our guide on places to visit for free or discounted admission fees in NYC you’ll be able to create amazing memories without having to break your budget! From iconic attractions like Central Park & Grand Central Terminal to popular tours like open bus tours & helicopter tours—there’s something here for everyone! So what are you waiting for? Take advantage of these awesome opportunities while they last!