Best Free Things to Do in New York City

THE 10 BEST Free Things to Do in New York City

Best Free Things to Do in New York City

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Travellers' Choice Awards winners (including the "Best of the Best" title) are among the top 10% of listings on Tripadvisor, according to the reviews and opinions of travellers across the globe.
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631 results sorted by traveller favourites
  • Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, number of page views, and user location.
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Showing results 1-30 of 631

What travellers are saying

  • GAR
    995 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    I didn’t feel safe at all in the park after dark as a woman alone. To be clear I wasn’t there at night, but at 5pm when the sun sets early in winter. Even on a main path it didn’t feel safe to me at this time. However, the park is very beautiful and well worth a visit in the light
    Written 17 February 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Walshy Travels 🇬🇧
    Portsmouth, UK5,589 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Woke up with jet lag and was staying near Times Square which is close to the start of The High Line. It was a lovely early morning walk even if some of it was closed off for maintenance until the summer (I guess). We started in Hudson Yards and ended up in Chelsea and the Little Island which was a nice surprise. Highly recommend.
    Written 11 February 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jason P
    3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Wow it's so lively and exciting to be there and being a huge fan of watching movies shot there so I always wondered how it must be. Its was very busy and everyone happy and enjoying the moment. Prices of food near by is very expensive, if you walk couple of blocks its almost half.
    Written 7 February 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • GAR
    995 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    It is just a train station - but I knew that before going. I wouldn’t go out of my way to see it but I do recommend it if you’re nearby as it is a beautiful building
    Written 17 February 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • zeroSky
    200 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Seeing this place for the first time and not from the movies is just amazing, the architecture wonder on it and be able to walk around on it is a dream come true
    Written 10 February 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Sonsli U
    12 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    If i was rich, I’d live there. Superb? I felt as if Fred Astaire were on my arm, or Gene Kelly dancing me down the street—just dancing, or singing in the rain.
    Written 14 January 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Courtney T
    Newark, OH82 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is the best view of the Statue of Liberty and it's free! If you are staying in Time Square take the subway all the way to the ferry. It was snowing the day we went so our view wasn't as great this year as it has been in the past but still a fun ride.
    Written 22 January 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Andrea & Joshua P
    Hickory, NC106 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Lots of food and shopping! Definitely a must to check out when visiting NYC. It got more crowded during the lunch time but still was able to look around. Lots of unique stores. Food was delicious that we bought.
    Written 18 February 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Fiona
    41 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Do not miss this! A beautiful building with fabulous architecture. You can tour it by yourself or sign up for a guided tour. The reading room needs a tour guide to access. We saw the Winnie the Pooh exhibition and the shop is fantastic.
    Written 27 January 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Rose Tea
    North Carolina1,557 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    A Christmas Classic! The horn playing angel installation is my absolute favorite. We didn't ice skate, I did as a child, but there was plenty of Christmas cheer to be had just walking around the area and also enjoying the decorated storefront windows.
    Written 3 February 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • GAR
    995 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I liked the park more than I thought I would, it was very charming. Controversially, I think it may be my favourite park in New York
    Written 17 February 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • GAR
    995 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I think it could be argued that the Manhattan skyline is the most iconic skyline in the world. I would recommend going to the Statue of Liberty to see the skyline as a whole from a distance, and of course there are numerous observation decks in Manhattan itself
    Written 17 February 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Potomac_11
    Potomac, MD519 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Stunning architecture for what is really a high-end shopping mall. Great setting in lower Manhattan, The Oculus has a beautiful interior as well as exterior. Well worth a visit!
    Written 12 February 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • GAR
    995 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This palace of a cathedral is free to visit. I was lucky enough to visit during a mass, which really added to the atmosphere
    Written 17 February 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Potomac_11
    Potomac, MD519 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This famous area of Lower Manhattan is well worth a visit, for its leafy streets and quieter vibe as well as its long history and association with may famous American artists.
    Written 9 February 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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