13 Free Things to do in NYC that are Actually Worth Doing

By: Sarah

New York is known to be an expensive city. However, it is not impossible to experience much of what it has to offer for free or dirt cheap. Watch my video below for some of the top things to do in the Big Apple that are completely free or budget friendly.

Things to do in video:

  1. Free Tours By Foot

  2. Movies with a View at Brooklyn Bridge Park

  3. Bryant Park Free Daily Activities

  4. The Skint

  5. Brooklyn Botanical Garden (free Fridays 8a-12p) and New York Botanical Garden (free all day Wednesday and Saturday from 9a - 10a)

  6. Free Museums - Always free (or pay what you wish) Museum of Natural History, The Cloisters, The Met, and the MOMA. Download Laura’s free e-book here for a full list of all of the museums that are free.

  7. Free Kayaking - Brooklyn Bridge Park Boathouse. For a list of all of the locations that offer free kayaking download Laura’s free e-book.

  8. Yoga to the People - Free yoga classes

  9. Good Morning America Summer Concert Series - 2019 schedule will be announced in the Spring.

  10. Shakespeare in the Park

  11. Have your own Picnic in Central Park

  12. Bronx Zoo (free on Wednesdays) and the New York Aquarium (Wednesdays starting at 3p)

  13. Free Comedy Shows

you might also like

Featured
Best Things to do in NYC in Winter (January, February, & March)
Best Things to do in NYC in Winter (January, February, & March)

There are tons of things to do in New York City in the winter. In this guide I’ll cover some of my favorite restaurants, bars, and experiences to do in New York in January, February, and March.

13 Free Things to do in NYC that are Actually Worth Doing
13 Free Things to do in NYC that are Actually Worth Doing

New York is known to be an expensive city. However, it is not impossible to experience much of what it has to offer for free or dirt cheap. Watch my video below for some of the top things to do in the Big Apple that are completely free or budget friendly.

50 Things to do in NYC, plus a free checklist
50 Things to do in NYC, plus a free checklist

There are so many things to do in New York City that sometimes all of the options can be overwhelming. To make planning your trip easier I’ve put together a checklist on my favorite 50 things to do here.

Best things to do in autumn in New York City
Best things to do in autumn in New York City

Autumn is the best time of the year in New York for weather. With the crisp, dry air it is the ideal time to explore the outdoors, yet also get cozy indoors. In this guide, I’ll go over my favorite things to do in fall in the city.

How to have the ultimate end of summer picnic
How to have the ultimate end of summer picnic

There is still time to enjoy summer in New York before the cold weather kicks in. One of the most enjoyable ways to take in the sunshine and picturesque views of the city is through a gourmet picnic in Central Park. This is your ticket to a billion dollar view at a low price tag.

Making A Big Splash White Water Rafting With Sourced Adventures
Making A Big Splash White Water Rafting With Sourced Adventures

When most people think of New York City, I bet exploring the great outdoors doesn’t come to mind. Well that’s because New York City isn’t “outdoorsy”, right? Wrong - that couldn't be further from the truth.

Sculpting Grotesque Faces With New York Adventure Club
Sculpting Grotesque Faces With New York Adventure Club

When was the last time you played with play dough? If you’re like me, it’s been a few decades. Playfully combining sculpting and wine, New York Adventure Club Play-Dough and Wine Night offered a fun and interactive experience where I learned how to sculpt using play-dough. No previous experience required.

Creating An Essential Oil Body Scrub From Scratch
Creating An Essential Oil Body Scrub From Scratch

During this 2-hour workshop with Craft Jam, learn about the benefits of essential oils and how to create your own body scrub. 

A Night of Unmatched Beauty at the New York Botanical Gardens Orchid Show
A Night of Unmatched Beauty at the New York Botanical Gardens Orchid Show

The Orchid show features an astonishing array of blooming orchids that culminates in a jaw-dropping scene of a large arched façade in the style of a traditional Thai pavilion. 

13 free things to do in nyc.png