The Essential NYC Guide: 10 Free Things To Do And See

When you arrive in one of the most expensive cities in the world, feeling overwhelmed is understandable. With rent prices as high as the Empire State Building and slices of pizza retailing for astronomical sums, it’s hard to know where to get the most for your money. Never fear, New York City has adequately provided for those on any and all budgets. We explore ten of the best free things to do and see in NYC.

1. Tour The Brooklyn Brewery

Brewery, Park

brooklyn brewery new york williamsburg USA america

With the hipster culture in full swing, investigating Brooklyn Brewery is not only free, but a rite of passage when you set foot into New York City’s second most popular borough. Free tours run every half hour, with the option of five beer tokens for $20 (a steal in NYC) to accompany your experience. The Brooklyn-esque décor juxtaposed with the endearing ambiance of this brewery and bar seals the deal for a perfect Saturday night.

Wander Central Park

Central Park is a tourist haven, but that’s no excuse for missing out on one of the most beautiful, must-see destinations in the Big Apple. Taking up 50 blocks of some of the city’s most prime real estate, Central Park is a perennial oasis nestled amongst the concrete walls of Manhattan’s brick and mortar jungle. Wander through the Conservatory Garden, scale the Belvedere Castle, get lost in Sheep’s Meadow or, if you’re feeling romantic, take a boat out on the lake where you’ll glimpse the Boathouse Restaurant.

2. The High Line, New York

Park

New York City’s High Line, converted from an obsolete train track into an elevated and elegant boulevard, was unprecedented and has since been unmatched. The illuminated walkway has brought increased attention to the celebrity packed area. Take a stroll up or down the almost 1.5 mile long walkway at almost any time of day and fall in love with Manhattan’s West Side. You’ll pass through the Meatpacking District on your way to Chelsea as live music and organic food vendors attempt to lure you in.

3. Explore The MoMA

Art Gallery, Building, Museum, Opera House

The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) is a symbol of the eccentric and boisterous personality that is New York City. Nestled on 53rd Street near 5th Avenue, this museum is bursting with peculiar artwork in all shapes, sizes and forms. From yelling clocks and hanging helicopters to the world renowned Rain Room exhibition, this imaginative museum is eye-catching to say the least. Though charging $25 for admission throughout the week, UNIQLO sponsors a Free Friday Nights program that allows anyone and everyone to experience the museum gratis.

4. South Street Seaport

Historical Landmark

South Street Seaport Historic District in New York City

For cobbled streets, pop-up shops, street performers and riverside dining, head to South Street Seaport. Located way downtown on Manhattan’s East Side, South Street Seaport/Pier 17 is an underrated and often overlooked gem. This trendy yet sophisticated port resides where Fulton Street hits the east River, and has an early 1900’s architectural motif complete with rustic streets, restored ships and an outdoor plaza teeming with quaint shops. The extinct Fulton Fish Market leaves this place with a raw and historic New York feel.

5. Ride The Staten Island Ferry

Building, Ruins

Most people fall in love with New York City when they first set eyes on its captivating and unparalleled skyline. Jump aboard the Staten Island Ferry for panoramic views encompassing the Statue of Liberty, and photo opportunities galore. The ferry is available to any and all, free of charge, for a 25 minute journey across Manhattan Bay. The ferry runs all day back and forth, charmingly allowing you to witness the bustling metropolis in all its architectural glory.

Downtown Manhattan

Manhattan’s most wonderful irony is that the greatest thing to do within its expensive borders is to walk, free of charge, around its never-ending network of avenues and streets. Start in Chelsea and head to the West Village before turning east towards SoHo. Saunter through Greenwich and the East Village, perhaps stopping for a coffee to refuel before you move on to Little Italy and Chinatown. Strolling Manhattan’s historic downtown neighborhoods is perhaps the best and most authentic way to take it all in.

Intersection of Broadway and Spring, Manhattan

6. Brooklyn Bridge, New York

Bridge

The Brooklyn Bridge is a must. Jump on the 6 train to Brooklyn Bridge/City Hall and take in the aging bricks as you tread across the world famous suspension bridge. This walk is beautiful in any season, so long as the sky is clear. With over 4,000 people making the trek every day, you can be sure you’ll have some company. When you’ve arrived in Brooklyn, head under the bridge to Grimaldi’s for a slice of their historic pizza and a view of the harbor. If you can muster the energy, walk back across the bridge as you take in excellent views of Manhattan.

7. Watch a Television Show Taping

Building

SNL, The Tonight Show, 30 Rock – New York City plays host to some of television’s best comedic powerhouses. Unbeknownst to most, the tickets to the majority of major show tapings are 100% free. This secret won’t last for long however, so pop on down to Rockefeller Center and settle in for an afternoon that’s sure to keep you entertained. Book early and don’t be surprised if you see Alec Baldwin or Jimmy Fallon getting ready for an appearance. Rockefeller Center itself is also good value, so be sure to explore the area.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.