Free Things to Do in NYC

#1 · New York

Central Park

Urban oasis spanning 843 acres, offering scenic landscapes, recreational activities, and cultural attractions.

#2 · New York

Brooklyn Bridge

Historic suspension bridge connecting Manhattan and Brooklyn with stunning views of the NYC skyline.

#3 · New York

Rockefeller Center

Iconic complex featuring art deco architecture, shopping, dining, and observation deck with stunning city views.

#4 · New York

The New York Public Library

Iconic landmark with stunning Beaux-Arts architecture and vast literary collections.

#5 · New York

Little Island

Little Island is one of New York City's most imaginative public parks, floating above the Hudson River on sculptural concrete columns that create a rolling, garden-like landscape. Visitors can wander curving paths through dense plantings, relax on lawns with skyline views, or catch seasonal performances.

#6 · New York

Fort Tryon Park

A serene uptown park known for its gardens, walking paths, and views of the Hudson River, as well as being home to The Cloisters museum.

#7 · Brooklyn

Prospect Park

Brooklyn's flagship park, designed by the creators of Central Park, featuring lakes, wooded trails, open meadows, and year-round recreational activities.

#8 · Brooklyn

Brooklyn Bridge Park

A revitalized waterfront park with converted piers, offering stunning Manhattan skyline views, sports facilities, and landscaped green spaces.

#9 · New York

Grand Central Terminal

Iconic Beaux-Arts train station with stunning celestial ceiling, historic architecture, and shopping.

#10 · New York

High Line

Elevated linear park built on historic freight rail line, featuring gardens, art installations, and city views.

#11 · New York

Hispanic Society Museum & Library

Spanish, Portuguese, and Latin American art and culture.

#12 · New York

Bryant Park

Bryant Park serves as Midtown's backyard, a lively green space framed by skyscrapers and anchored by the New York Public Library. The park is known for its café seating, open lawn, and constant calendar of events from summer movie nights to winter markets and ice skating.

#13 · New York

Washington Square Park

Washington Square Park captures the creative, free-spirited atmosphere of Greenwich Village, centered on its iconic marble arch and fountain plaza. Musicians, street performers, students, and chess players fill the space throughout the day.

#14 · New York

Staten Island Ferry

The Staten Island Ferry is both a commuter lifeline and one of New York's best free sightseeing experiences, delivering sweeping views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and Lower Manhattan's skyline.

#15 · New York

The African Burial Ground National Monument

Located in Lower Manhattan, this powerful historic site preserves one of the oldest and largest known burial grounds for free and enslaved Africans in colonial North America. A visitor center and outdoor memorial interpret the lives, labor, and cultural legacy of the thousands buried here.

#16 · New York

Governors Island National Monument

Governors Island National Monument protects two historic fortifications, Fort Jay and Castle Williams, which played key roles in defending New York Harbor. The site blends military history with scenic waterfront views, walking paths, and seasonal programming.

#17 · New York

Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture

The Schomburg Center is a premier research facility dedicated to documenting and preserving the global African and African-American experience. The center features archives, rare collections, exhibitions, and public programs that explore history, arts, and culture.

#18 · New York

Madison Square Park

A beautifully landscaped park in the Flatiron District featuring rotating public art installations, shaded seating areas, and the original Shake Shack location.

#19 · New York

Riverside Park

A scenic waterfront park along the Hudson River, offering walking and biking paths, sports fields, and peaceful green spaces with river views.

#20 · New York

Hudson River Park

A long stretch of waterfront parkland featuring piers, bike paths, sports courts, and recreational spaces with sweeping views of the Hudson River.

#21 · New York

Battery Park

A historic waterfront park at the southern tip of Manhattan, offering views of the Statue of Liberty and access to ferries heading to Liberty and Ellis Islands.

#22 · New York

Carl Schurz Park

A quiet Upper East Side park overlooking the East River, known for its peaceful atmosphere, waterfront promenade, and proximity to Gracie Mansion.

#23 · Brooklyn

Domino Park

A modern waterfront park built on the site of a former sugar refinery, featuring industrial design elements, playgrounds, and East River views.

#24 · Manhattan

Times Square

The crossroads of the world - a vibrant hub of entertainment, shopping, and electric energy.

#25 · New York

The National Museum of the American Indian

Smithsonian museum dedicated to Native American culture and history.

#26 · New York

Nicholas Roerich Museum

Museum dedicated to artist and philosopher Nicholas Roerich.

#27 · Queens

Socrates Sculpture Park

Outdoor sculpture park on the East River waterfront.

#28 · New York

Federal Hall

Federal Hall stands on Wall Street as one of the most historically significant sites in the country, marking where George Washington was sworn in as the first U.S. president. Today the neoclassical building houses exhibits on the nation's founding.

#29 · Brooklyn

Brooklyn Navy Yard Center at BLDG 92

Brooklyn Navy Yard Center at BLDG 92 traces the site's transformation from a naval shipbuilding powerhouse to a modern manufacturing and innovation campus. It offers a compelling look at New York's industrial past and its evolving creative economy.

#30 · New York

Center for Jewish History

One of the world's leading research institutions dedicated to Jewish culture, scholarship, and archival preservation. Its exhibitions, lectures, and educational programs provide a rich window into history, identity, and global cultural exchange.

#31 · New York

FDNY Fire Zone

FDNY Fire Zone serves as an interactive fire safety center and museum dedicated to the history of the New York City Fire Department. Exhibits include historic equipment, multimedia presentations, and hands-on educational displays.

#32 · New York

Hamilton Grange National Memorial

Hamilton Grange National Memorial preserves the home of Alexander Hamilton, one of the nation's founding figures. Relocated and restored in Harlem's St. Nicholas Park, the house museum interprets Hamilton's life, political legacy, and family history.

#33 · Manhattan

John J. Harvey

The John J. Harvey is a restored 1931 fireboat that now serves as a floating museum and public event vessel in New York Harbor. This historic ship tells the story of the city's maritime firefighting history and famously returned to service during the 9/11 response.

#34 · New York

The National Jazz Museum in Harlem

The National Jazz Museum in Harlem celebrates the legacy of jazz through exhibitions, performances, and educational programs. Located in the historic cultural hub of Harlem, the museum preserves recordings, artifacts, and oral histories while offering live events.

#35 · Brooklyn

Weeksville Heritage Center

Weeksville Heritage Center celebrates one of America's first free Black communities, founded in 1838 in Brooklyn. Through restored historic houses, exhibitions, and educational programs, the center illuminates the lives and cultural contributions of early African-American residents.

#36 · New York

Union Square Park

A bustling downtown gathering space known for its year-round Greenmarket, street performers, protests, and lively mix of locals and visitors.

#37 · Brooklyn

McCarren Park

A popular neighborhood park serving Williamsburg and Greenpoint, with sports fields, a public pool, and plenty of space for recreation.

#38 · New York

Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology

Fashion museum with rotating exhibits of historic and contemporary fashion.

#39 · New York

Leslie-Lohman Museum of Art

LGBTQ+ art museum with contemporary and historic collections.

#40 · New York

Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace

Historic house museum and birthplace of President Theodore Roosevelt.

#41 · New York

American Folk Art Museum

Folk art from 18th century to present day.

#42 · Staten Island

Alice Austen House

Overlooking New York Harbor on Staten Island, this Victorian Gothic cottage was home to pioneering photographer Alice Austen. The museum showcases her groundbreaking images of everyday life, immigration, and women's independence at the turn of the 20th century.

#43 · Brooklyn

BRIC House

BRIC House serves as a lively contemporary arts and media hub in Downtown Brooklyn, bringing together performance, exhibitions, public programs, and community storytelling under one roof. Known for showcasing emerging artists alongside established voices.

#44 · Bronx

The Bronx Museum of the Arts

A leading contemporary art institution dedicated to amplifying diverse voices, particularly artists of African, Asian, and Latin American descent. Free admission and community programming make the museum an accessible cultural anchor in the borough.

#45 · New York

Castle Clinton National Monument

Originally built for coastal defense in the early nineteenth century, Castle Clinton later served as an entertainment venue, immigration station, and aquarium. Today it functions as both a historic site and the main departure point for ferries to the Statue of Liberty.

#46 · New York

Columbia Rare Book & Manuscript Library

One of the country's premier academic research collections, preserving centuries of literary, historical, and cultural materials. Exhibitions and special programs occasionally open this remarkable collection to the public.

#47 · New York

Drawing Center

The Drawing Center focuses exclusively on drawing as a vital contemporary art form, showcasing both historical works and experimental practices. With lectures, artist talks, and educational programs, it plays a unique role in supporting one of the most fundamental forms of visual expression.

#48 · New York

Dyckman Farmhouse Museum

The Dyckman Farmhouse Museum offers a rare glimpse into Manhattan's rural past as the borough's last remaining Dutch Colonial farmhouse. Built in 1784, the restored home showcases period furnishings, local artifacts, and exhibitions exploring early life in northern Manhattan.

#49 · New York

General Grant National Memorial

General Grant National Memorial, often called Grant's Tomb, is the final resting place of President Ulysses S. Grant and his wife Julia. Overlooking the Hudson River in Riverside Park, the imposing classical structure honors Grant's Civil War leadership.

#50 · New York

Gracie Mansion

Gracie Mansion, the official residence of the Mayor of New York City, stands along the East River as one of Manhattan's oldest surviving wooden houses. Built in 1799, the historic home functions as both a ceremonial space and a museum.

#51 · New York

Grolier Club

The Grolier Club is America's oldest society devoted to book arts and collecting. Its Midtown headquarters hosts scholarly exhibitions, lectures, and publications focused on rare books, printing, illustration, and literary history.

#52 · Brooklyn

Lefferts Historic House

Lefferts Historic House in Brooklyn's Prospect Park is a restored 18th-century Dutch farmhouse that interprets early New York agricultural life. Through family-oriented exhibits, craft demonstrations, and seasonal events, the museum brings colonial-era history to life.

#53 · Newark

The Newark Museum of Art

The largest museum in New Jersey, featuring diverse collections of American, African, Asian, and decorative arts, alongside contemporary exhibitions. The museum also houses a planetarium and offers educational programming.

#54 · Queens

Queens County Farm Museum

The Queens County Farm Museum preserves the borough's agricultural history on the oldest continuously farmed site in New York City. Visitors can explore historic farmhouses, barns, and fields, participate in seasonal activities, and learn about sustainable farming.

#55 · New York

Scandinavia House – The Nordic Center

Scandinavia House–The Nordic Center promotes Nordic art, design, literature, and cultural exchange. Located in Manhattan, it hosts exhibitions, performances, lectures, and workshops showcasing contemporary and traditional Nordic creativity.

#56 · Brooklyn

Waterfront Museum

The Waterfront Museum, located on a restored historic barge in Brooklyn, explores the city's maritime history and waterfront culture. Exhibits include historic artifacts, model ships, and interactive installations about New York Harbor's industrial past.

#57 · New York

St. Nicholas Park

A Harlem park with historic staircases, open lawns, and tree-lined paths, offering a peaceful retreat with views of City College.

#58 · New York

Marcus Garvey Park

A historic Harlem park featuring an amphitheater, elevated lookout points, and cultural events that reflect the neighborhood's heritage.

#59 · New York

The Vessel at Hudson Yards

Striking honeycomb-like structure with interconnected staircases offering unique views of the city.

#60 · New York

The Drawing Center

Contemporary and historic drawing exhibitions.

#61 · New York

Graffiti Hall of Fame

Outdoor gallery celebrating street art and graffiti culture.

#62 · New York

Goethe-Institut New York

German cultural center with exhibitions and language programs.

#63 · Bronx

Bronx Museum of the Arts

Contemporary art museum in the South Bronx.

#64 · Hempstead

African American Museum of Nassau County

African American history and culture in Nassau County.

#65 · Sag Harbor

Custom House Museum

Maritime and customs history in Sag Harbor.

#66 · Amagansett

Amagansett Historical Association

Preserving Amagansett's maritime and agricultural heritage.

#67 · New York

Americas Society

On the Upper East Side, this cultural institution promotes dialogue and artistic exchange across North, Central, and South America. Its gallery presents contemporary Latin American art exhibitions alongside concerts, talks, and public programs.

#68 · New York

Austrian Cultural Forum New York

Housed in a striking modernist tower on East 52nd Street, this cultural center serves as Austria's official arts and cultural outpost in the United States. It hosts exhibitions, film screenings, concerts, and lectures.

#69 · Bronx

Bernard Museum of Judaica

Located within Temple Emanu-El on Fifth Avenue, this museum presents Jewish ceremonial art from around the world. Displays include historic Torah ornaments, textiles, and ritual objects, alongside rotating exhibitions.

#70 · New York

Clemente Soto Velez Cultural & Educational Center

A major hub for Latino and multicultural arts on the Lower East Side. Housed in a historic school building, the center supports theater companies, visual artists, writers, and community organizations through rehearsal spaces, exhibitions, and performances.

#71 · Bronx

Derfner Judaica Museum

Derfner Judaica Museum presents exhibitions exploring Jewish history, ritual objects, and contemporary cultural expression. The museum combines traditional Judaica collections with rotating art exhibitions that reflect Jewish life across generations.

#72 · Brooklyn

Harbor Defense Museum

The Harbor Defense Museum, located within Fort Hamilton in Brooklyn, explores the military history of New York Harbor. Exhibits include coastal defense weapons, uniforms, and archival materials that trace the evolution of harbor protection.

#73 · Jamaica

Jamaica Center for Arts & Learning

Jamaica Center for Arts & Learning serves as a cornerstone of Queens' cultural life, presenting exhibitions, performances, and arts education programs across multiple disciplines. With a focus on community engagement and accessibility.

#74 · New York

Jewish Theological Seminary Library Galleries

The Jewish Theological Seminary Library Galleries showcase rotating exhibitions drawn from one of the world's most important collections of Judaica, manuscripts, and rare books. The galleries present scholarly yet accessible displays.

#75 · Jamaica

King Manor

King Manor in Jamaica, Queens preserves the home of Rufus King, a Founding Father, diplomat, and early advocate against slavery. The restored house museum offers period rooms, educational exhibits, and public programs that explore early American politics and family life.

#76 · New York

Korea Society

The Korea Society promotes greater understanding between the United States and Korea through cultural programs, exhibitions, lectures, and policy discussions. Its Manhattan gallery presents contemporary Korean art and historical displays.

#77 · New York

Mmuseumm

Mmuseumm is a tiny yet inventive museum located in a Tribeca alley, dedicated to examining modern life through small objects and curated artifacts. Despite its size, it presents thought-provoking exhibitions about global culture, consumerism, and everyday design.

#78 · Staten Island

Newhouse Center for Contemporary Art

The Newhouse Center for Contemporary Art at Snug Harbor Cultural Center presents rotating exhibitions by emerging and established contemporary artists. With a focus on experimental and thought-provoking work, it engages visitors with innovative approaches to visual arts.

#79 · New York

Salmagundi Museum of American Art

The Salmagundi Museum of American Art, located in Greenwich Village, celebrates the country's artistic heritage through exhibitions, collections, and educational programs focused on American fine arts including painting, sculpture, and decorative arts.

#80 · New York

Swiss Institute Contemporary Art New York

Swiss Institute Contemporary Art New York presents cutting-edge exhibitions by international artists alongside performances, talks, and educational programming. The nonprofit gallery focuses on innovative contemporary art practices.

#81 · Brooklyn

Wyckoff House

Wyckoff House, built in the 17th century, is the oldest surviving structure in Brooklyn. The museum preserves the Dutch Colonial architecture and interprets early settler life, offering educational programs and exhibitions that explore the area's rich historical roots.

#82 · New York

Yeshiva University Museum

The Yeshiva University Museum presents Jewish art, history, and cultural artifacts with a focus on scholarship and public engagement. Exhibitions explore religious traditions, material culture, and contemporary artistic expression.

#83 · New York

Museum of American Illustration

Showcasing American illustration art and history.

#84 · Hempstead

Hofstra University Museum

University museum with diverse art collections.

#85 · Southold

Southold Historical Society

Local history museum in historic buildings.

#86 · Bridgehampton

Bridgehampton Historical Society

Local history museum in historic buildings.

#87 · Bronx

Bronx River Art Center

Bronx River Art Center blends environmental awareness with artistic expression, offering gallery exhibitions, art classes, and community projects rooted in the surrounding neighborhood. Its mission connects creativity, community development, and environmental stewardship.

#88 · Bronx

City Island Nautical Museum

City Island Nautical Museum captures the maritime heritage of this small Bronx island long known for boatbuilding and seafaring traditions. Exhibits highlight the community's shipyards, yacht culture, and working waterfront.

#89 · New York

Czech Centre New York

Czech Centre New York promotes Czech culture through exhibitions, film screenings, lectures, and design showcases. The center connects New York audiences with contemporary Czech art, literature, and innovation while celebrating historic cultural contributions.

#90 · Flushing

Godwin-Ternbach Museum

Located on the campus of Queens College, the Godwin-Ternbach Museum presents rotating exhibitions drawn from its collection of modern and contemporary art, design, and cultural artifacts. The museum emphasizes academic engagement and public programming.

#91 · New York

Museum of Public Relations

The Museum of Public Relations explores the history, impact, and evolution of the public relations industry. Through exhibitions, archival materials, and interactive installations, the museum highlights how communication strategies have shaped business, politics, and culture.

#92 · New York

Parsons The New School for Design Gallery

The Parsons The New School for Design Gallery showcases student, faculty, and visiting artist work across fashion, design, and visual arts. The gallery highlights innovative approaches to design and creativity.

#93 · Staten Island

Seguine Mansion

Seguine Mansion, dating back to the early 19th century, is a Staten Island historic house museum that interprets the life and architecture of prominent local families. Visitors can tour the mansion, view period furnishings, and attend programs on Staten Island's history.

#94 · Flushing

Voelker Orth Museum

The Voelker Orth Museum preserves a historic 19th-century Queens home and garden, offering visitors a glimpse into local history, architecture, and horticulture. Its period rooms and seasonal events provide context for understanding the borough's cultural development.

#95 · Brooklyn

Williamsburg Art & Historical Center

The Williamsburg Art & Historical Center combines contemporary art exhibitions with programming that celebrates Brooklyn's cultural and historical heritage. Located in a historic building, the center hosts rotating shows, community events, and educational workshops.

#96 · Quogue

Quogue Historical Society

Village history and historic building preservation.

#97 · Westhampton Beach

Westhampton Beach Historical Society

Local history museum with rotating exhibits.