Some of the best free things to do in NYC by season

New York City is often considered one of the world's iconic destinations. But for savvy travellers, the city also offers an array of free experiences that capture its magic and vibrancy. From world-class cultural performances to breathtaking natural spaces, these are some things to do in NYC for free, season by season.

Visit Grand Central Station

Spring’s the perfect time to check out Grand Central Station, one of New York’s most iconic spots. It’s more than just a train station – it’s a beautiful piece of architecture. Don’t miss the stunning celestial ceiling in the Main Concourse, try out the Whispering Gallery where your whispers carry across the room thanks to the acoustic – and just kick back and watch the busy commuters rushing by.

Don’t want to miss anything? Consider taking a tour of Grand Central Station’s secrets and beyond.

Go gallery hopping

With spring comes fresh art, and the city’s gallery scene is buzzing. Take a stroll through the Chelsea Gallery District, where you’ll find all kinds of art like contemporary pieces, photography and installations. In the creative heart of Brooklyn, you’ll have little trouble finding open galleries, artist talks and live performances. It’s one of the most popular free things to do in New York City because you only need to be there to experience it. 

Explore street art

New York is a living, breathing art gallery, and some of the best works can be found on its streets. The Bowery Wall in Manhattan is a constantly changing canvas for street artists, and over in Brooklyn, the Bushwick Collective is a whole neighbourhood of huge, colourful murals. If you’re in Harlem, check out the Graffiti Hall of Fame, where some of the city’s legendary graffiti artists have left their mark.

Walk the High Line

Spring is when the High Line truly comes to life – and it’s arguably one of the best free things to do in NYC. This elevated park, built on an old railway track, runs over two kilometres through Chelsea and the Meatpacking District. It’s the perfect place to take a relaxing walk, enjoy some gardens and art installations and check out some of the best skyline views in the city.

Check out a cherry blossom festival

Spring in NYC means cherry blossoms, and the Brooklyn Botanic Garden is one of the best places to see them. Their annual Sakura Matsuri Cherry Blossom Festival is amazing, and while there’s an entry fee for the festival, the garden offers free admission on select days, so you can catch those gorgeous pink and white blooms for free. Other cherry blossom-viewing spots include Central Park’s Cherry Hill and Flushing Meadows-Corona Park in Queens.

If you’re craving some nature – and a break from the city – consider renting a car and driving out to the Catskills. It’s only about a three-hour drive and the ride itself is stunning. Once you’re there, you’ll find the perfect mix of outdoor adventure and small-town charm.

Shakespeare in the Park

Every summer, The Public Theater puts on free performances of Shakespeare’s best works at the Delacorte Theater in Central Park. It’s a classic New York experience – past shows have even starred Meryl Streep and Denzel Washington. The only catch? You’ll have to line up for tickets, but luckily, New York’s summer days are lovely and temperate.

Movies in the park

When the sun’s out, NYC’s parks turn into open-air movie theatres, screening everything from big-budget hits to indie favourites. Locals and tourists alike flock to this event in NYC. Head to Bryant Park, Brooklyn Bridge Park or Hudson River Park for a magical movie night under the stars. Just grab a blanket, pack some snacks and you’re all set.

Stroll down Coney Island Beach and Boardwalk

Coney Island’s old-school charm is hard to beat. Take a stroll down the wooden boardwalk, catch some sun on the beach and watch some lively street performances. While the rides at Luna Park come with a price tag, just walking past the legendary Cyclone and Wonder Wheel is an experience all on its own.

Ride the Staten Island Ferry

One of the best (and free) ways to see the Statue of Liberty is by taking the Staten Island Ferry. The ferry runs 24/7, offering stunning views of Lady Liberty and the Manhattan skyline, all at no cost. But for a pretty little price, you can amp up the experience by taking a sightseeing cruise of Staten Island and other iconic landmarks.

Manhattanhenge

Twice a year, NYC puts on a sunset show you don’t want to miss – Manhattanhenge. The sun lines up perfectly with the city’s grid, creating a sublime glow between Manhattan’s rows of skyscrapers. Catch it in late May or mid-July from 42nd Street or 34th Street for the best views.

New York Philharmonic in the park

Nothing beats a summer night with the New York Philharmonic playing under the stars. Every year, they bring free concerts to parks across the city, ending with a stunning fireworks show. It's one of the most memorable things to do in NYC for free! Bring a blanket, some snacks – and get there early for the best spot.

Festivals and parades

New York’s summer is packed with free festivals and parades. Highlights include NYC Pride, a vibrant celebration of LGBTQ+ rights and Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks show, one of the largest fireworks displays in the US.

See the crimson display in Central Park

Nothing says autumn in New York like a stroll through Central Park when the leaves turn fiery shades of red, orange and gold. Wander through The Mall, cross the recognisable Bow Bridge or get lost in the lushness of The Ramble – it’s like stepping into an autumnal postcard. Aside from helping you get your steps in, it’s also one of the most relaxing things to do in NYC for free.

Go to Times Square

Love it or hate it, Times Square is the heartbeat of New York. Visit after dark when the neon lights are in full force, watch street performers and soak in the buzz of the city. One of the top things to do in Times Square for free is watching the costumed characters. Just be sure to tip them if you’re snapping a picture!

Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge

For unbeatable views of Manhattan and Brooklyn, a popular thing to do is to walk across the Brooklyn Bridge – but you can do this scenic route for free. The nearly two-kilometre trek is perfect at sunrise or sunset when the skyline looks extra magical. Once across, reward yourself with a waterfront stroll in Brooklyn Bridge Park.

Explore New York’s diverse neighborhoods

New York is a city of neighbourhoods, each with its own distinct vibe – and each one has its own cool things to do in New York. In Harlem, you’ll find the legendary Apollo Theater, where music icons got their start, along with incredible street art and soul food spots. 

Head to Chinatown, where a stroll down Mott Street leads you through bustling markets and some of the best dumplings in the city. Over in Queens, you can explore the diverse flavours of Flushing’s food scene or take in stunning skyline views from the Long Island City waterfront. 

The Bronx is home to Arthur Avenue, NYC’s real Little Italy, where you can grab what’s arguably the most authentic slice outside of actual Italy. And if you’re in the mood for classic New York charm, Greenwich Village is the place to be – perfect for people-watching in Washington Square Park or discovering historic jazz clubs and cafés.

Explore a museum on a free day

Winter in New York is the perfect time to check out the city's world-class museums without spending a dime. It’s even a favourite free thing to do in New York among New Yorkers. Many places offer free admission on certain days or have ‘pay what you wish’ deals. For example, MoMA has free entry on the first Friday of every month from 16:00–20:00. The Brooklyn Museum is free on the first Saturday of each month and sometimes features live music and special exhibits.

Go ice skating at Bryant Park

While skating at Rockefeller Center comes with a price tag, Bryant Park’s Winter Village offers free ice skating – you just need to bring your own skates or rent a pair for a fee. The rink is surrounded by a festive holiday market, twinkling lights and cosy spots to grab a hot chocolate. It’s one of the best ways to soak up New York’s winter magic without dipping into your pockets.

Visit the New York Public Library

Escape the cold and step into the stunning New York Public Library at Bryant Park. This iconic Beaux-Arts building is a book lover’s paradise, home to breathtaking reading rooms and historic collections, including the original Winnie-the-Pooh stuffed animals. Take a self-guided tour and admire the architecture or just find a cosy corner to read and recharge.

Attend a free TV show taping

Ever dreamed of being part of a live studio audience? New York City is the hub for some of the most popular late-night and morning talk shows. For a unique thing to do in NYC for free, you can request tickets to these shows in advance to be part of the action – many places offer them at no cost. If you’re feeling spontaneous, there are also some shows that offer standby tickets, so you might just end up with a last-minute spot in the audience.

New York City’s endless offerings of free things to do will have you feeling like you’ve seen the city, without compromising on experiencing it. If you’ve got a bit of budget to spare, consider getting the New York CityPASS, which lets you explore the city’s main sights at your own pace. But, no matter what kind of traveller you are, the city’s lively parks, vibrant art scene, historic galleries and more have you covered.