NYC is one of the best places to be in the summer. There is so much to do, and many of these things are absolutely free! Check out my list of free and fun things to do in New York City below!
1. Visit the Flatiron District
One of my favorite places to be, the Flatiron district is a great place to be if you want to catch a bite, take a stroll around Madison Square Park, or snap an iconic photo in front of the Flatiron itself.
2. Visit the High Line
Built on a historic freight rail line, Manhattan’s ever so popular, High Line, offers amazing views and events that are open to the public. One of my favorites is stargazing in the park through high powered telescopes from dusk to 30 minutes before park closing!
3. Kayaking In Multiple Locations
There are many locations that offer free kayaking around NYC. Some of these include Brooklyn Bridge Park Boathouse, Long Island City Community Boathouse, and Manhattan Community Boathouse.
4. Be a Guest at your Favorite Talk Show
Request tickets to morning or late night shows such as The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon, Dr. Oz, Good Morning America, and The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.
5. Have Movie Night at Bryant Park
Check out a movie at Bryant Park and enjoy food and drinks with your friends.
6. NYC Beaches
It may not be the same as the beautiful beaches of Dominican Republic, but have yourself a little getaway at one of New York’s many beaches such as Long Beach or Jones Beach.
7. Outdoor Group Workout Classes at Brooklyn Bridge Park
Check out a variety of free workout classes at BBP, including zumba, dance, and yoga.
8. Movies with a View at Brooklyn Bridge Park
Check out Movies with a View on Thursday evenings in July and August. Enjoy your movie with delicious food, dessert, and drinks from Smorgasburg.
9. Free Outdoor Yoga
Stop by Bryant Park for a free one hour yoga class on Tuesday mornings or Thursday evenings from mid-May to September.
10. Visit Brooklyn Botanical Gardens
Visit BBG free during the summer on Friday mornings before noon.
11. Walk along the Coney Island Boardwalk
Here you’ll be able to relax at the beach, find places to eat, or have fun at Luna Park.
12. Visit the Bronx zoo
Check out the Bronx Zoo for free general admission on Wednesdays.
13. Visit Socrates Sculpture Park
Socrates Sculpture Park features public artworks and exhibitions in LIC.
14. Visit Central Park
Central Park is one of those places that is beautiful during any season. Stop by for lively street performers, the fair, boating, and sight seeing.
15. Museum of Natural History
Visit the Museum of Natural History which operates on suggested amounts of payments, but is technically always free if thats what you wish to pay. Check out this list of other free museums around NYC.
16. Free tours of Brooklyn Brewery
Enjoy free tours of Brooklyn Brewery on Saturdays and Sundays every half hour from 1-6 p.m.
17. BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! Festival
Check out BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! Festival where you can grab a bite, enjoy concerts, watch performances, and more!
18. Free Outdoor Concerts
Attend free concerts at Prospect Park & at SummerStage.
19. Take the Staten Island Ferry
Take in beautiful sights such as the Statue of Liberty by taking the Staten Island Ferry which runs between Manhattan and Staten Island every 30 minutes, 24 hours a day
20. Visit Art Galleries in Chelsea
Enjoy art galleries that are open to the public on Thursday nights for free. Many of these galleries offer free cheese, wine, and more.
21. Free Walking Tours
Get to know the city by enjoying free walking tours in some of the best places.
22. New York Public Library
The New York Public Library is the perfect place to wind down while also enjoying the beauty of the historic building.
23. Visit Upright Citizens Brigade
Check out the Upright Citizens Brigade on Sunday nights for a free show where improv comedians create sketches to match a guest monologists stories.
24. Fridays at the MoMA
Visit the MoMA for free from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. The line for free tickets begins at the Museum’s 54 Street entrance.
25. Street Fairs
Have you really visited NYC if you haven’t been caught up in one of their street fairs? Street fairs are a great way to get out and find cool vendors, enjoy street food, and hang out with friends. You can happen upon them very frequently around the side streets of Time Square or find some here.
Thanks for stopping by, and don’t forget to follow along on my NYC adventures on Instagram!
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