Free things to do in New York

Visiting New York doesn’t always require spending money. Here’s a list of places, landmarks, and museums you can visit for free. Make the most of it!

MANHATTAN

Staten Island Ferry

Take the Staten Island Ferry at least once while you’re in New York. This ferry connects the southern tip of Manhattan to Staten Island across New York Harbor. The 20-minute crossing offers sweeping views of Manhattan’s skyline and the Statue of Liberty. Ferries depart every 30 minutes, and it’s free.
Address: Staten Island Ferry Terminal.
Subway: Bowling Green.

National Museum of the American Indian

Facing Battery Park, not far from the Wall Street Bull, stands the impressive Alexander Hamilton U.S. Custom House. This former New York customs building now houses the National Museum of the American Indian. Explore Native American culture and history through a remarkable collection of artifacts. Admission is free.
Address: 1 Bowling Green.
Subway: Bowling Green.

National September 11 Memorial & Museum

Built on the site of the former World Trade Center towers, the National September 11 Memorial & Museum documents the events of 2001. Admission is free on Mondays from 3:30 pm to 5 pm. Note: you must reserve your free tickets in advance on the museum’s website.
Address: 180 Greenwich Street, 9/11 Memorial plaza.
Subway: Cortlandt St.

Federal Hall National Memorial

In the heart of Wall Street, facing the New York Stock Exchange, Federal Hall National Memorial stands on the site of the first U.S. Capitol. George Washington took the oath of office as the first President of the United States here in April 1789. The building houses an exhibition about Washington and the early years of the American nation. Admission is free.
Address: 26 Wall Street.
Subway: Broad St.

The Federal Reserve Bank

Also in Wall Street, the Federal Reserve manages U.S. monetary policy and produces coins and currency. The Fed welcomes visitors too. Free guided tours of the vaults and gold reserves run Monday through Friday. Register on the Fed’s website. Book well in advance.
Address: 33 Liberty Street.
Subway: Broad St.

Museum of Chinese in America

Founded in 1980, the Museum of Chinese in America, known as MOCA, tells the story of Chinese immigrants in the United States. Admission is free on the first Thursday of each month, thanks to support from New York City and the J.T. Tai & Co. Foundation.
Address: 215 Centre Street.
Subway: Canal St.

Rubin Museum of Art

Open since 2004 between Madison Square Park and Greenwich Village, the Rubin Museum of Art focuses entirely on Himalayan art, particularly Tibetan art. Admission is free on the first Monday of the month for seniors only.
Address: 150 West 17th Street.
Subway: 18 St.

Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology

Love fashion? This museum is for you. The Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology features rotating exhibitions exploring fashion history, trends, and designers. Admission is free.
Address: 227 W 27th Street, at 6th Avenue.
Subway: 28 St.

New York Public Library

At Fifth Avenue and 42nd Street, the main branch of the New York Public Library is a landmark worth visiting. Admission is free, and you can explore the beautiful reading rooms and exhibitions. Film fans will recognize it from The Day After Tomorrow.
Address: 476 5th Avenue.
Subway: 42 St – Bryant Pk.

American Folk Art Museum

Steps from Central Park and Lincoln Center, the American Folk Art Museum showcases outsider art and self-taught artists. Founded in 1961, it offers a different perspective on art. Admission is free.
Address: 2 Lincoln Square, at Columbus Avenue and 66th Street.
Subway: 66 St.

Neue Galerie

As its name suggests, this museum focuses on German and Austrian artists. Admission is free on the first Friday of the month from 6 pm to 8 pm. The museum is near the Metropolitan Museum of Art, facing Central Park.
Address: 1048 Fifth Avenue/86th Street
Subway: 86 St.

General Grant National Memorial

This impressive mausoleum holds the tomb of General Ulysses S. Grant, victor of the Civil War and U.S. President from 1869 to 1877. Dedicated in 1897 and designed by architect John Duncan, it was inspired by the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Admission is free.
Address: West 122nd Street and Riverside Drive.
Subway: 125 St.

Studio Museum in Harlem

Located in the heart of Harlem, this museum houses an extensive collection of works by African American artists. Admission is free on Sundays, thanks to support from Target.
Address: 144 West 125th Street.
Subway: 125 St.

BROOKLYN

Brooklyn Botanic Garden

To visit Brooklyn’s botanical garden for free, time your visit right. Admission is free every Friday before noon. It’s also free on all weekdays in winter, December through February.
Address: 990 Washington Avenue, Brooklyn.
Subway: Frankin Av.

New York Transit Museum

Housed in a converted subway station, the New York Transit Museum tells the story of transportation in New York. Admission is free on Wednesdays for visitors 62 and older. Younger visitors will need to purchase a ticket or plan another visit.
Address: Boerum Pl & Schermerhorn Street, Brooklyn.
Subway: Borough Hall.

BRONX

The Bronx Museum of the Arts

Located on Grand Concourse, the Bronx’s main avenue, the Bronx Museum of the Arts focuses on contemporary art and American artists. Opened in 1971, admission is free.
Address: 1040 Grand Concourse, between 165th and 166th Streets.
Subway: 167 St.

New York Botanical Garden

Founded in the Bronx in 1891, the New York Botanical Garden is the largest botanical garden in the United States. Explore the grounds for free on Wednesdays all day, or on Saturdays from 9 am to 10 am.
Address: 2900 Southern Blvd, Bronx.
Subway: Fordham Rd.

QUEENS

Museum of Moving Image

Film lovers shouldn’t miss the Museum of Moving Image in Queens. It features a permanent exhibition dedicated to Jim Henson, creator of The Muppet Show. Admission is free on Fridays from 4 pm to 6 pm.
Address: 36-01 35th Avenue, Queens.
Subway: Steinway St.

Queens Botanical Gardens

Like Brooklyn and the Bronx, Queens has its own botanical garden. From April to October, admission is free on Wednesdays from 3 pm to 6 pm and Sundays from 9 am to 11 am. From November to March, admission is always free.
Address: 43-50 Main St, Flushing, Queens.
Subway: Flushing Main St.

New York Hall of Science

Located in Flushing Meadows Park, the New York Hall of Science is a science museum with interactive exhibits. Admission is free on Fridays from 2 pm to 5 pm and Sundays from 10 am to 11 am.
Address: 47-01 111th St, Corona, Queens.
Subway: Mets-Willets Point.