Planning a trip to The Big Apple? NYC can be pretty pricy, but we know the perfect spots to go to on a budget. From taking a stroll through some of New York City’s most iconic parks to a simple visit at the local library, there is no shortage of budget friendly and no cost experiences while enjoying your stay in one of the most glamorous cities around. Check out our favorite free things to do in NYC.
1. SummerStage Concert Series at NYC Parks
Location: 13 parks across NYC
New York City’s iconic SummerStage free concert series hosted by the City Park’s Foundation is back for its 38th season with 85 free concerts across 13 parks. The annual celebration highlights jazz, powerhouse women, hip hop visionaries, and global superstars bringing their talent to all five boroughs. They also host benefit concerts if you’re looking to support their mission. There will be drinks, bites, and all the good vibes. Concerts go through October, so see the full schedule here.
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2. New York Public Library
Location: 476 5th Avenue, New York City, New York
A trip to the library is well worth it, especially when you get to enjoy the sights of New York City along the way. The New York Public Library is the second largest public library in the United States and has multiple branches throughout the city so there are various locations to check out although the main branch is a must see. Free of charge, family friendly, and easily accessible, going to the library is our definiteion of self-care as you browse a collection of over 53 million items. Find other branches in the boroughs of Manhattan, Staten Island, and The Bronx.
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3. Backyard at Hudson Yards
Location: 20 Hudson Yards. New York, NY 10001
If you’re looking for free things to do in NYC, Hudson Yards has plenty! Get ready a full season of free outdoor programming with Backyard at Hudson Yards featuring a jam-packed calendar of free concerts, live sports screenings, theater performances, fitness classes, pickleball play and more! September 13th starts the Hudson Yards Movie Night Series at the Vessel, where you can see all your romcom favorites for free with picnic boxes from Little Spain and grab-and-go from Verano NYC. The Vessel is the extraordinary centerpiece of Hudson Yards made up of a a spiral staircase interactive artwork as a focal point where people can enjoy new perspectives of the city and one another from different heights, angles and vantage points. Comprised of 154 intricately interconnecting flights of stairs — almost 2,500 individual steps and 80 landings — the vertical climb offers remarkable views of the city, the river and beyond. The Vessel is temporarily closed while floor-to-ceiling steel mesh is being installed, but it is set to open later this year. Check out the full lineup of the Backyard at Hudson Yard series from now till November 3rd here.
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4. The High Line
Location: Runs from Gansevoort St. to 34th St. on Manhattan’s West Side, NYC
If you’re looking for a good place to explore and an amazing view, hit up The High Line. The High Line is a public park built on a historic freight rail line elevated above the streets on Manhattan’s West Side. Saved from demolition by neighborhood residents and the City of New York, the High Line opened in 2009 as a hybrid public space where visitors experience nature, art, and design. We recommend the Interim Walkway at the Western Rail Yards between 30th and 34th Street. The 360-degree views of the Hudson River and the city here are stunning. They also host pop-ups, weekly star gazing, and more, so be sure to stay tuned.
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5. The Oculus
Location: 185 Greenwich St LL3110, New York City, NY 10006
The Oculus features stunning architecture and is a great place for photos, shopping, and more. The Oculus really belongs in a museum, but luckily it’s another one of our free things to do in NYC. Free of charge to just walk the space and take in the spectacular interior, it is the epicenter of the World Trade Center Transportation Hub, and the Westfield Shops Mall. The Oculus is also one of the most striking buildings in the city and is home to 12 subway lines. On the main floor of the building, expect weekly farmers markets, art exhibits and musical performances from various artists. Make sure to bring your camera to capture all the activity and amazing views as well!
Courtesy of World Trade Center
For unique things to do in NYC, check out our list here.
