12 Free Things To Do On Your Next Visit to NYC

White Sweater (xxs) | Leather Skirt | Tights | Combat Boots

It’s true that New York City is one of the most exciting cities in the world, but OMG is it expensive. In an effort to try and offset the fact that I’m paying an arm and a leg for rent, food, ubers, etc. – I’m always on the lookout for free things to do in the city. Here’s a list of my favorite completely free things for you to do on your next trip to NYC!

1.Washington Square Park – one of New York’s most iconic parks, located in the heart of Greenwich Village. It’s a meeting place for students, sunbathing locals, a battleground for chess enthusiasts, a playground for dogs & kiddos, and a stage for street musicians to perform. Home to the majestic Washington Square Arch – named after George Washington.

2. Brooklyn Bridge – walk the Brooklyn Bridge (early morning is best – less people and a beautiful sunrise view) and spend a few hours exploring Brooklyn. Once you cross over, one of the most epic skyline views of NYC is right by Jane’s Carousel, where the Manhattan and Brooklyn Bridges meet.

3. MoMA – The Museum of Modern Art is located in Midtown on 53rd Street. MoMA is known for collecting modernist art, and is often identified as one of the largest and most influential museums of modern art in the world. The museum offers free admission every Friday from 4 p.m. to 8 pm!

4. 9/11 Memorial Pools– I highly recommend anyone coming to NYC to visit the 9/11 memorial site and pay your respects to those who passed on this horrible day. While there’s a fee for the museum, the outdoor memorial is always free. White roses are placed next to the names of the deceased on their birthdays. I live right by the memorial pools and walk by them often, and always think this a beautiful touch and way to pay tribute.

5. Central Park – A must if you’re visiting NYC, New York City’s playground. You could get lost in here for hours wandering through the various lawns, fountains, walking paths, trees, waterfalls and picnic spots.

6. Grand Central Terminal – If there’s one place that captures the nostalgia of old world New York, it’s Grand Central Terminal. A visit to this 102-year-old train station is a must.

7. New York Public Library – a jaw dropper to walk through! We loved shooting in here too, it’s so incredibly beautiful, the ornate ceilings are mesmerizing. Free tours take place at 11am and 2pm Monday to Saturday, and 2pm on Sunday.

8. Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) Museum – Features rotating exhibits by students and a detailed collection of the country’s first gallery of fashion dating from the 18th century to today.

9. Times Square – you can’t visit New York City without getting a glimpse of Times Square. There’s really nothing like it! And it’s such an iconic spot to take photos 🙂

10. The Highline – A 1.45-mile-long elevated linear park created on a former New York Central Railroad on the west side of Manhattan with beautiful views of Manhattan’s west side with places to sit and people watch.

11. St. Patrick’s Cathedral – a breathtaking experience once you walk inside. Stop inside to light a candle & say a prayer for someone you love.

12. Bryant Park Ice Skating – New York City’s only free admission ice skating rink – open daily 8am-10pm through March 3rd.

Hope you can enjoy a few of these during your next visit to New York City. Pass this list along to a friend you’re traveling with or someone planning a visit 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!