Finding free things to do in New York City is like finding gold. This bustling metropolis is one of the most exciting cities in the world, but it can also be expensive. From Broadway shows to fine dining, there are plenty of activities that will cost you a pretty penny. But don't worry, there are plenty of free things to do in New York City as well.
From museum days to walking tours, comedy shows and more, you can have a great time without breaking the bank. Read on for our list of the best free things to do in New York. Fortunately, most museums offer free hours or days and admission pays whatever you want. You just have to know where and when they are.
We have the information you need in our guide to everyday free museums and cheap tickets in New York that you should know. Little Island is one of New York City's most popular attractions. This floating green space offers visitors and locals alike a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. The park is full of open grass, colorful foliage, great facilities, and even a secret garden. Little Island is open every day at 6 in the morning (closing times vary throughout the year) and admission is completely free.
You'll need a ticket for the special performances at The Amph. The Schwarzman Building is home to more than 250 unique and rare objects extracted from its research centers, including the only surviving letter from Christopher Columbus announcing his discovery of the Americas to the court of King Ferdinand and the first Gutenberg Bible brought to the Americas. Every Sunday at 11 in the morning, rain or shine, expert guides are ready to offer you a historic tour of the Flatiron-Nomad neighborhoods. On these fascinating walking tours, take a stroll through this iconic area while admiring architectural jewels and even learn some outrageous details. It's totally free; there's no need to RSVP. Meet your guide at the tip of the Flatiron Building on 23rd Street, just east of Fifth Avenue.
Queens County also has plenty of free activities to offer. As the longest continuously cultivated site in the city (it's been in operation since 169), Queens County Farm Museum is well worth the bus, hike, or car trip. Feed and pet the animals in the pen, such as sheep, ponies and goats, hop on a carriage ride and return during the fall harvest season, when you can go pick pumpkins and try to make your way through the incredible corn maze (yes, it's a corn maze).Founded in 1971 and with more than 1000 works, Bronx Museum of Arts focuses on artists from the 20th and 21st centuries who live in the Bronx or are of African, Asian or Latin descent. The museum offers family programming from time to time.
Enjoy the outdoors while appreciating the impressive sculptures and large scale installations in this 4.5-acre public space. Built on a former landfill, today the park offers beautiful, lush green gardens with views of the East River and has a reputation as a premier outdoor venue for artists to create site-specific wonders.
Fashion Institute of Technology
, supervised by fashion historian Valerie Steele, exhibits selections from its permanent collection as well as temporary exhibitions focusing on individual designers and the role of fashion in society. FIT has one of the largest and most impressive collections of clothing, textiles and accessories in the world, which includes some 50,000 suits and fabrics dating from 5th century to present day. The Jewish Museum located in Warburg Mansion of 1908 also offers free admission on Fridays from 5 to 7 p.m.Reservations are required for this one week in advance activity; if you're in New York City with kids or you're a Disney fan be sure to check out The New York Public Library.Stephen A Hamilton was born and raised in West Indies and arrived in New York at age 17 to attend Columbia University; this library is also designated by New York City as cooling center.
