— No ticket required
Free things to do in New York
You don't need a big budget to enjoy New York. These experiences are completely free to attend — though many still require you to reserve a spot in advance because capacity is limited.
See all New York
Zero cost, still worth booking.
Matches
412
City
New York
Total in city
297
Min rating
any
About this list
Why this shortlist
Free walking tours are the single most popular free activity in New York, and we list every reputable one in town. Many are tip-based, which means you pay what you think the tour was worth at the end.
Aside from walking tours, look for free museum entry days, open-air concerts, and self-guided routes with downloadable maps.
Shortlist
Free things to do in New York
The 9/11 Memorial & Museum: Entry Ticket
From$36
The Phantom of the Opera
From$59
Death Becomes Her
From$188.4
One World Observatory: Entry Ticket
From$43.11
Maybe Happy Ending
From$59
Hell's Kitchen
From$69
Empire State Building: 86th Floor Observatory Admission
From$47.91
Sunset Boulevard
From$79
Chicago
From$118.86
The Outsiders
From$100.56
Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island: Entry Ticket + Roundtrip Ferry from Manhattan
From€26.04
American Museum of Natural History plus 1-3 Top NYC Attraction Tickets
Top of the Rock with 2 or 3 Top NYC Attraction Tickets
Suffs
From$59
The Lion King
From$89
Top of the Rock: General Admission
From€39.04
American Museum of Natural History (AMNH): Entry Ticket
From€31.59
American Museum of Natural History Tickets
Sweeney Todd
From$69
Wicked
From$79
The Book of Mormon
From$69
Back to the Future: The Musical
From$69
Big Bus: New York City Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour
Before you book
FAQ
- Are tip-based tours really free?
- Yes — there's no obligation to tip. Most guides survive on tips, though, so €5–€10 per person is the norm if you enjoyed it.