50 Best FREE Things To Do in New York City!

Summary

Discover the top 50 free activities in New York City with this comprehensive guide. From stunning rooftop views at the Stavros Niarchos Library to the historic charm of Central Park and the Brooklyn Bridge, this script offers a diverse array of experiences. Explore hidden gems like the TWA Hotel's retro flight center, the aromatic Old Factory Art Gallery, and Grant's Tomb. Delve into NYC's culture with free concerts, art gallery openings, and TV show tapings. Whether you're a history buff, art enthusiast, or nature lover, there's something for everyone in the city that never sleeps.

Takeaways

• 🏢 The Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library offers a free rooftop view of the Empire State Building and the skyline from its seventh floor.
• ✈️ The TWW Hotel at JFK Airport is a free time capsule to the Golden Era of flight in the 1960s.
• 🎨 The Museum of Chinese in America is the world's only museum dedicated to art that has been hidden in Chinatown and is free to visit.
• 🏰 Grant's Tomb is the largest mausoleum in North America and is open to the public as the final resting place of President Ulysses S. Grant and his wife.
• 🌆 Greenwood Cemetery is a famous landmark in Brooklyn with famous sculptures and burial sites, and it's free to stroll around.
• 🌉 The Brooklyn Bridge is a must-visit, crowded tourist destination that should be experienced early in the morning for better photos.
• 🌿 The Elevated Acre in Manhattan is a favorite secret park with views of the East River and Brooklyn Bridge.
• 🕊️ The 9/11 Memorial is a must-see, offering a reflective experience with two fountains where the towers once stood.
• 📚 The New York Public Library is a perfect rainy day spot with free access to the Palante exhibition featuring original Winnie the Pooh and a copy of the Declaration of Independence.
• 🌃 Times Square offers the Midnight Moment, a digital public arts program on 92 displays from 11:57 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.
• 📺 New York has many TV shows that offer free audience tickets, including The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon and Saturday Night Live.

Q & A

What is the best free rooftop view in New York City and where is it located?

The best free rooftop view in New York City is on the top floor of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library in Midtown. It offers a straight-up shot of the Empire State Building and the skyline without any entry fees or the need to buy a drink.

Can you visit the TWW Flight Center without any cost?

Yes, you can visit the TWW Flight Center, now part of the TWW Hotel attached to Terminal 5 at JFK Airport, for a free trip back to the Golden Era of flight in the 1960s.

What is unique about the art gallery in Chinatown?

The art gallery in Chinatown is unique as it is the only old factory art gallery in the world dedicated to art that has sent. It is a hidden gem that is completely free to visit during its opening hours.

What is special about Grant's Tomb?

Grant's Tomb is the largest mausoleum in North America and is the final resting place of President Ulysses S. Grant and his wife. It is open to the public for free.

Why is Greenwood Cemetery an interesting place to visit?

Greenwood Cemetery was one of New York's most visited landmarks, known for its famous sculptures and burial sites. It offers a stroll through history and is completely free to explore.

What is the appeal of the Elevated Acre in Manhattan?

The Elevated Acre in Manhattan is a secret park that offers a unique combination of being surrounded by big buildings and nature at the same time. It also provides tremendous views of the East River and Brooklyn Bridge.

What is the significance of the 9/11 Memorial and why should visitors be respectful there?

The 9/11 Memorial is significant as it features two fountains where the Twin Towers once stood, serving as a majestic and reflective reminder of one of the saddest days in U.S. history. Visitors should be respectful and avoid taking smiling selfies.

What can you find at the New York Public Library that is worth seeing?

At the New York Public Library, visitors can admire the ceiling murals and the free Palante exhibition on the ground floor, which features the original Winnie the Pooh and a copy of the Declaration of Independence.

What is special about the midnight moment in Times Square?

The midnight moment in Times Square is a unique event where, from 11:57 p.m. to 12:00 a.m., the world's largest digital public arts program is displayed on 92 screens spanning eight blocks.

How can one get free tickets to TV show audiences in New York?

Many TV shows in New York need audiences and offer free tickets. Interested individuals can check the show's website for details, although some shows like SNL may require waiting in line all day.

What is the Irish Hunger Memorial and where is it located?

The Irish Hunger Memorial is a hidden gem dedicated to the Great Famine, featuring imported grass and an old cottage from Ireland. It is located in lower Manhattan and serves as a testament to the hardships Irish immigrants faced on their journey to America.