A local’s guide to exploring New York on a budget.

I was always told that the good things in life come free, but that doesn’t really apply to those who love to travel. Visiting the Big Apple can cost a lot of money—from transportation fees to hotel prices—but once you get here, you can experience New York on a budget. I’ve lived in the city for roughly two years and I rarely pay for anything outside of regular living expenses.

In NYC, free things to do are easy to find, you just have to know where to look. In fact, some of the best things to do in New York are free! From stunning outdoor walks that’ll take you through the best of the city’s scenery, to iconic must-see monuments, here are 10 of the best free things to do in NYC that even locals overlook.

1. The Brooklyn Bridge

For unmatched views of the city, the water, and even the Statue of Liberty, the Brooklyn Bridge is an excellent free activity in New York City. All it costs you is the patience to trek alongside a crowd of like-minded travelers and the endurance to keep moving across. You’ll end the walk on the edge of Williamsburg, Brooklyn, which is an excellent spot to wander around. There’s a delightful walk along the water and a giant Carousal for the kids.

My tip for people visiting the bridge who want to avoid large crowds is to go on a week day in the early morning, and maybe on a cloudier day—New Yorkers are tough, but they are weather-averse. Though, don’t choose a completely overcast day because you’ll still want to experience the view.

You’ll find the Brooklyn Bridge on the lower east corner of Manhattan in the Financial District (FiDi), which is a great neighborhood to explore in general. Despite how boring the name is, I’ve discovered that some of the best vibes can be found in the Financial District. There’s a great walk by the water, besides the Brooklyn Bridge, and lots of great restaurants, fun streets, and plenty of culture to soak up. You’ll also get a close-up glimpse at the Freedom Tower, the 9/11 Memorial, and the beautiful City Hall building.

Location: Financial District, Corner of Park Row and Centre Street.

A big bridge with big buildings behind it, free things to do in nyc, the Brooklyn Bridge, NYC

2. Little Island

You’ve never seen a park quite like this one. Little Island is a newer addition to the city’s outdoor excursions, and it definitely brings in a unique charm. Built on what look like giant marble wine glasses, this park offers a 360-degree view of the Hudson River and downtown Manhattan, with plenty of seating areas and trails to explore.

There’s an amphitheater that hosts free performances in the summer, winding pathways lined with wildflowers, and a handful of little lookout spots where you can just sit and watch boats float by.

For avid walkers who want a long, challenging hike, this is not the place to go. But for subtle wanderers who wish to explore without ever getting lost, this is your spot.

Little Island sits on the border between Chelsea and Greenwich Village, two neighborhoods that offer vibrant culture and cuisine. You’re not far from the Chelsea Market, which is a the perfect place for food lovers who want a little bit of everything.

Location: West 13th Street (as far west as you can go before you hit water).

3. A Concert at Juilliard

Capitalistic greed enjoys the night off as you take your seat in the most prestigious performing arts school in the country. If you’re looking to experience an incredible, authentic New York musical experience, come to a Juilliard concert. As unimaginable as this may seem, given the prestige of the NYC music scene, many faculty and student performances at Juilliard are free. You can confirm which upcoming events are free on Juilliard’s website.

Don’t be fooled by the word “student”; these performers are masters of their craft, and you’ll feel as though you’ve witnessed a professional show that would typically cost you an arm and a leg.

You’ll find Juilliard in the epicenter of musical excellence in Manhattan: Lincoln Center. With the Philharmonic, Metropolitan Opera House, and New York City Ballet all next door to each other, you’ll be up to your neck in culture.

Places to eat near Juilliard:

Lily’s Cocktail and Wine Bar: It’s chic, but not too fancy. Lily’s is the perfect place to pre-game a Juilliard show with a cute cocktail and a bar snack. I’m not an espresso martini kind of person, but my friends have tried Lily’s and gave them glowing reviews. Their food is pretty good as well, especially their Mac and Cheese, and this is coming from a Mac and Cheese aficionado. Their pretzel flights are also top-notch. I’d definitely recommend this place; it’s comfortable, quiet, and close to Lincoln Center on 72nd Street and Columbus Ave.
Friedman’s: Yes, Friedman’s is a chain, but don’t knock it till you try it. It’s got amazing diner food, most of which is gluten free, though you could never tell (says a person who eats gluten regularly). The Friedman’s near Lincoln Center on 61st Street and West End Ave doubles as a Chinese restaurant. You get the best of both worlds with dumplings and diner food.

Juilliard Location: 66th Street between Amsterdam Avenue and Broadway.

4. Central Park

I mean, where to begin? Central Park is an endless maze of free, fun activities. From hiking alongside the Loch in the North Woods to watching boaters by the Lake, Central Park will keep you busy all day long. You can find amazing hidden NYC gems like the Belvedere Castle, or set up camp at Sheep Meadow for a chill, picnic kind of day.

A green lawn in a park with tall elm trees around it, Central Park Walking Tour, Central Park, NYC

Or, you can enjoy a sophisticated afternoon in the Conservatory Garden, admiring English, French, and Italian-style gardens. You can take a stroll through history with the Mall and Literary Walk, observing statues of people like William Shakespeare and feminist pioneers. You can bird watch while hiking through the Ramble, and take amazing photos under the Bethesda Terrace. Really, the possibilities are endless.

Places to eat in Central Park:

Central Park has some of the best places to eat in the entire city! There’s the iconic Tavern On the Green, that you might recognize from Mr. Popper’s Penguins. I’ve eaten here once, and I’d love to go back, but it’s a bit pricey. However, the food was delicious—I got the ravioli. There was even live music outside, and people danced. I’d recommend coming here if it’s a nicer occasion, because the Tavern is pretty fancy. You’ll find it near the West 67th Street entrance to the park.

There’s also the Boat House Cafe, which you’ll find by the Lake in the lower center of the park. This is a more romantic place to eat as it’s right next to the water. It’s pricey, of course, but the food is fantastic and the staff are incredible. Their stuffed mushrooms were the show stealer for me. You can choose to hang out at the bar, the outdoor cafe, or stay for a full meal at their restaurant.

If you’re looking for somewhere more casual, there are two Le Pain Quotidien cafes in the park. One is located just north of Sheep Meadow and the other is located at the Conservatory Water. Click the links to see their exact locations. These are nicer cafes than Starbucks and offer the famous Crookie, a cookie/croissant hybrid. I’ve tried this legendary Crookie and let me just say, it knocked my socks off. Definitely worth a try.

For more insight on the best things to see in Central Park, check out the 10 Best Places to Walk in Central Park!

Location: Between 59th and 110th Streets, and 5th Ave and Central Park West.

The Central Park Reservoir

5. A Free Ball Game at the Heckscher Ballfields

Calling all sports fans who don’t want to pay for the cost of a ticket to a professional game—Central Park has you covered. At the Heckscher Ballfields, you’ll often find intramural baseball and kickball teams playing their hearts out for anyone to watch. You can chill out on the bleachers, get to know the players, yell passionate words of encouragement, and enjoy a hot dog from a nearby cart at the same time. Check out the intramural schedules to make sure you head down on a day when a game is happening.

The Heckscher Ballfields are located in the Children’s District of Central Park. Beyond a game of a baseball, you’ll find the Carousal, the Dairy, which is Central Park’s designated gift shop for a little capitalism fix, and the Heckscher Playground, which, in my opinion, is the Disney World of Central Park playgrounds.

Places to eat near the Heckscher Ballfields:

The Ballfields Cafe: Luckily for us, Central Park has already thought of our snack and beverage needs. The Ballfields Cafe is located right next to the Heckscher Ballfields and offers lots of game day snacks like burgers, fries, soda, and ice cream.

Location: In Central Park from the West 64th Street Entrance.

6. Sunday Markets

If you’re looking for the best way to spend a New York morning, hit up a Sunday flea or farmer’s market. Though the items you purchase are not free, the feeling of community you’ll experience as you walk amongst like-minded shoppers and explore the rows of fresh produce is priceless. A city market is as close as New York comes to that authentic European experience, which, if you’re coming from across the pond, will make you feel right at home.

The Grand Bazaar Market: It’s a flea market if you’ve ever seen one. The Grand Bazaar Market features genuine artwork from different cultures, vintage clothing, delicious food, and antiques to fill the China cabinets for years to come. You’ll find this market on the corner of 78th Street and Columbus Avenue.
The 79th Street Greenmarket: Open from 9 AM to 4 PM, this market takes you alongside the Museum of Natural History, with plenty of fresh produce to peruse. It’s lively, authentic, and packed with enthusiastic farmers, ready to send you home with a bag full of life-changing flavors. You’ll find this market on the corner of 79th Street and Columbus Avenue.
Union Square Market: This classic NYC market offers a great selection of produce and delicious food. And in the holiday season, Union Square offers a fantastic—albeit CROWDED—winter market. You’ll find internet-acclaimed, viral food vendors, and hot chocolate to knock your winter socks off. This market, of course, is at Union Square on 14th Street.
Chelsea Market: Open daily, the Chelsea Market is a great indoor activity for a rainy day. This market is a food lover’s paradise with esteemed restaurants, take-home meals, and all things culinary. You’ll find the Chelsea Market at 75 Ninth Avenue in Manhattan.

7. Riverside Park

While the weather still permits outdoor excursions, head over to Riverside Park for a day of free activities along the water. From dog parks, gorgeous riverside trails, stunning scenery, basketball courts, and more, Riverside Park will take care of your weekend needs. You’ll discover hidden gems such as the Sailors and Soldiers’ Monument and the Warsaw Ghetto Memorial Plaza. You’ll find Riverside Park as far west as you can go, beginning at 72nd Street.

And if you’re feeling really crazy, you can continue down to Riverside Park South between West 59th and 72nd Street. You can hang out on Pier i and watch some fishermen reel in the catch of the day, or stroll along the gorgeous waterfront trail.

Location: West 72nd Street and Riverside Drive

8. Trinity Church

Way down in the Financial District, you’ll find an incredible church that occasionally offers a free event and a tour of its beautiful quarters. The church hosts community-building events such as Young Professionals’ Night, as well as free concerts, all within the building's gorgeous aesthetics. Check out their schedule to find the perfect event for you!

Location: Corner of Wall Street and Broadway

9. The Bryant Park Winter Village and Ice Skating Rink

This extravagant winter market opened on October 24th and hosts a myriad of fun things, including Manhattan’s largest free-admission ice skating rink. After blowing everyone away with your figure skating skills, you can grab a hot chocolate and Tiktok- famous corn dogs (not free) for a full NYC winter experience.

The Bryant Park Winter Village is also one of the best places to find your holiday gift haul, with stalls selling every possible item you can imagine. From authentic, Japanese socks, to ceramics, puzzles, holiday decorations, jewelry, and more, Bryant Park’s got it all.

My advice to those wishing to visit the market is to do so outside the holiday season. While the market is extremely festive and gives you that perfect boost of winter spirit, you’ll be fighting for your life through the crowds of people the later in the season you go.

Location: Bryant Park, at 42nd Street and 6th Ave. Behind the New York Public Library.

An ice skating rink with people skating and trees and buildings in the background, Bryant Park Winter Village, Bryant Park, NYC

10. The New York Public Library

Speaking of Bryant Park, the New York Public Library has to be on your list of free things to do in Manhattan. Not only are the iconic steps a perfect place to take pictures, but you'll find yourself lost in a haven of literary treasures as you wander through.

A giant marble building with big steps and pillars and people walking in and out, the New York Public Library, New York, New York

And for those rolling their eyes because going to a library doesn't seem like a vacation-worthy activity, I hear you. But this is no ordinary library. From the iconic lion statues by the front steps to the incredible architecture lining the interior, you'll feel as though you're exploring a museum—and NYC museums aren't free. This is your way to get that museum fix without spending a dime.

Location: 42nd Street and 5th Ave, behind Bryant Park.

I Live in Manhattan and Rarely Pay for Entertainment. These Are the 10 Free Things I Actually Do.