Our Top List of Free Things to Do in NYC

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For New Yorkers or visitors on a tight budget, the city opens up with a bunch of free events, from contemporary art exhibitions with free admission to cultural festivals in Washington Square Park.

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Let’s dive into how you can enjoy NYC’s best spots, from the hidden corners of Central Park to the bustling waterfronts, all for free.

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Shakespeare in the Park

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Brooklyn Bridge Walk

[{"selector":"#anim-dfbb1416-620a-4dd7-ac97-cecdfce0f914","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":800,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-e1a33d99-bf01-462a-ac05-ebf3be16e2b6","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0px, 100.61050%, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":800,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Walking the Brooklyn Bridge isn’t just good exercise–it gives you unbeatable views of the Manhattan skyline and the East River, all without spending a dime! It’s a must-do for both new visitors and seasoned New York residents. Learn more

Brooklyn Botanical Garden

[{"selector":"#anim-696794ab-ee8e-4c2b-b2df-61606763af75","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":800,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-c61a7993-e7a7-4407-9f25-f7ade8c17dcf","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0px, 100.61050%, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":800,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] The Brooklyn Botanical Garden offers pay-what-you-wish entry times, making it easy to enjoy nature in the city. It’s a lush, calming spot perfect for a leisurely visit, proving some of the best things in NYC are indeed free. Learn more

Madison Square Park

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Flatiron District

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Enjoy Times Square Summer Spectacles

[{"selector":"#anim-11a888bb-832c-4217-b414-407e65c41308","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":800,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-cc3b0558-576b-4635-8037-faa2732cee6b","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0px, 100.61050%, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":800,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Summer transforms Times Square with a wide array of free activities ranging from outdoor concerts to yoga sessions. It’s a testament to New York’s dedication to offering free things for everyone to enjoy. Learn more

Explore the Coney Island Boardwalk

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Chill at Washington Square Park

[{"selector":"#anim-01fd7211-fab8-482b-99a9-956ac3d54dd4","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":800,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-d8966047-3ab8-4390-8c65-4d11bfd142ba","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0px, 100.61050%, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":800,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] With the iconic arch framing the lower Manhattan skyline, this park embodies the spirit of New York City. From free performances to just people-watching, it’s a microcosm of the city’s diverse tapestry, totally free to explore and enjoy. Learn more

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