25 Cheap & Free Things to do in Manhattan

New York City is expensive. There’s no way around that. Beers cost $12 and movie tickets can run $30 (I wish I was exaggerating). When you come to New York, be prepared to spend money. But, after living here for over a year, I’ve figured out ways to stretch my dollar in the city.

In this post, I’m going to share my 25 favorite cheap and free things to do in Manhattan. This list is filled with some of the best eats and activities you can do on a budget in NYC. Honestly, I consider many of these as can’t miss activities so it’s pretty great that you can do them on the cheap! (Who doesn’t like saving money?)

Ready to get started? Let’s go!

The Freebies

1. Walk on the High Line

Take a leisurely stroll above the sidewalk. The High Line is a 1.5-mile park built on the site of a former railway line. You can still see the train tracks that were converted into flowerbeds. In June 2019 the newest section of the High Line opened, so the park now stretches from Chelsea to Hudson Yards (more on that in a bit).

2. Get Cultured at a Museum

There are so many free and pay-what-you-wish museums in NYC you might not even be able to fit them all in during your trip! A few of my favorites are:

National Museum of the American Indian (always free)
American Museum of Natural History (pay what you wish)
Museum of Modern Art (free on Fridays from 4-8 pm)
Guggenheim Museum (free on Saturdays from 5-8 pm)
Whitney Museum of American Art (free on Fridays from 7-9:30pm)
Morgan Library & Museum (free on Fridays from 7-9 pm)
Frick Collection (free on Wednesdays from 2-6 pm & the first Friday of the month from 6-9 pm)

3. Pose for the ‘gram at The Vessel

The Vessel in Hudson Yards is NYC’s newest landmark. This interesting structure is basically a collection of stairways to nowhere. But, it looks cool, it’s free to visit, and it photographs really well (hello Instagram). You can reserve free tickets online two-weeks in advance or try for same-day tickets at the on-site ticket office.

4. Enjoy the Views from the Brooklyn Bridge

The Brooklyn Bridge is so iconic and historic, you really can’t skip it! Sure, it feels touristy and it gets very crowded in the afternoons, but it’s popular for a reason. This was the world’s first steel-wire suspension bridge and it connects the boroughs of Manhattan and Brooklyn. Walk the entire length, which is just over a mile, or make it part of the way to get the views and experience.

5. Visit Teddy Roosevelt’s Childhood Home

Teddy Roosevelt, the 26th American president, grew up in Manhattan. Although his house was torn down, a recreation was built which you can visit today. Take a free guided tour to learn about the president’s early life. The house is open Wednesday-Sunday and tours are offered at 10 am, 11 am, 1 pm, 2 pm, 3 pm, and 4 pm.

6. See the Statue of Liberty from the Staten Island Ferry

If you want a free up-close view of the Statue of Liberty, take a ride on the Staten Island Ferry. These ferries are as much of a tourist attraction as a commuter vehicle these days. Catch the ferry from the South Ferry Terminal and enjoy the 25-minute ride past Ellis Island and Lady Liberty. Once in Staten Island, feel free to explore or just get right back on the ferry to Manhattan.

7. Attend a TV Show Taping

Have you ever wanted to see the behind the scenes of a TV show? Now is your chance! There are so many TV shows taped in NYC that are free to attend. Each show works differently, but you can often score free tickets to the tapings by waiting in line or signing up in advance on the website. A few to check out are:

8. Learn a New Skill or Watch a Move in Bryant Park

Bryant Park, located near the New York Public Library in Midtown Manhattan, is one of my favorite places to relax. The lawn is large and the perfect spot to sunbath or enjoy a picnic. During the summer, Bryant Park hosts a bunch of free events, including concerts, Bingo nights, and yoga classes.

9. Explore the New York Public Library

25 Cheap & Free Things to Do in Manhattan- The Adventuring Millennial

After visiting Bryant Park, step inside the iconic Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, which is home to the main branch of the New York Public Library. This beautiful building is free to explore so take your time wandering through the reading rooms. Don’t miss the original Winnie the Pooh stuffed animals on display in the Children’s Center.

10. Check out the Museum of Street Art

Yes, we talked about museums earlier, but the Museum of Street Art is so unique I decided it deserved a separate entry. This vertical museum is located in a staircase of the citizenM Bowery Hotel on the Lower East Side. 20 graffiti artists collaborated on the project which celebrates the former 5 Pointz art park in Queens. Tickets are free but must be reserved online in advance.

11. Laugh at a Comedy Show

New York is a great city for comedy and there are so many places where you can enjoy a free high-quality show. One of my favorite shows in the city is ASSSSCAT 3000. This group was originally started by a few comedians (including Amy Poehler) in the 1990s. You can score free tickets to the 9:30 pm show every Sunday by making a reservation. The Peoples Improv Theater also offers free shows multiple nights a week.

12. Relax in a Community Garden

Green spaces are needed and welcomed in NYC. A leisurely stroll through Manhattan’s neighborhoods will probably bring you past a few community gardens. Anyone is welcome to enjoy the garden and they are maintained by local residents. In April, the West Side Community Garden offers a stunning tulip festival. The large Ninth Street Community Garden has space for BBQs and picnics.

13. See Rare Books at The Strand

If you can resist buying a book then this experience still fits under the Freebie section. But, at the same time, many of the books are discounted or second-hand, so you really don’t have to spend a ton of money while browsing. Head upstairs to the rare book collection to see the unique books on display.

14. Take a Free Fitness Class

If you want to get your sweat on, sign up for a free workout class. During the summer you will find a variety of free classes, from yoga in Bryant Park to Shake Shack group runs. All year long Dr. Jordan Metzel hosts workouts around NYC. Check out his Ironstrength workout calendar to sign up.

15. Get Free Samples at a Popup

You’ve probably heard about the Museum of Ice Cream, Color Factory, or another Instagram-focused pop-up museum. While those always seem fun, tickets usually cost more than I want to spend. Instead, consider visiting a FREE popup in NYC. It can be tricky to figure out when a popup is happening, but the 14th Street Garage in the Meatpacking district often hosts pop-ups for brands looking to gain exposure by offering free samples. I’ve attended an M&M popup here when they were advertising a new chocolate bar. Check out the Instagram account @fomofeed for updates- they often post about free popups around NYC.

16. Stroll Through Riverside Park

Although Central Park gets most of the fame, the Upper West Side features another notable park. Riverside Park is a 4-mile long park that stretches from 72nd to 158th street along the Hudson River. Fans of the show The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel might recognize this park, as Midge often walks through the park herself.

On the Cheap:

17. Take a Picnic in Sheep Meadow

If you wanted to sunbathe, read, or just relax this could fall under the Freebie category. But, I recommend bringing a picnic to fully enjoy Sheep Meadow. This large patch of grass in Central Park is only open in the summer and locals make the most of it on sunny days. Stop by Whole Foods in Columbus Circle or a food cart nearby to stock up on supplies for your picnic.

18. Go Boating in Central Park

From April to October, you can rent a rowboat from the Central Park Loeb Boathouse. This is a romantic and fun way to enjoy the park. The boats cost $15 an hour to rent but you also have to put down a $20 deposit to reserve your boat. You will get the $20 back when you return the boat, but make sure to bring $35 in cash when you go!

19. Ride a Citi Bike

You will probably notice the blue Citi Bikes docked all across Manhattan. These bikes cost $3 for every 30 minutes or you can buy a $12 day pass. The bikes can be picked up and returned at any Citi Bike station. If you don’t want to ride on the road, go for a ride around Central Park. There are a few docking stations located just outside the park.

20. Nap in a Hammock on Governors Island

For $3 you can take a ferry from Brooklyn or Manhattan to Governors Island. This car-free island is an 8-minute ferry ride from downtown Manhattan. Once on the island, you can rent a Citi Bike, relax in a hammock, hike for a skyline view, or enjoy one the pop-up food carts. Check out my complete guide to Governors Island for more ideas!

21. Ride the Ferry from Wall Street

One of the best ways to enjoy the Manhattan skyline is from the water. Unfortunately, it can get expensive to take a boat ride. So, why not take a ferry trip instead? For $2.75, you can take a ferry from Wall Street to Brooklyn. Enjoy the views along the way and consider exploring Dumbo once you arrive in Brooklyn. (P.S. this is where you can get that insta-worthy pic of the Manhattan Bridge).

22. Try a NYC Bagel

Have you really been to New York if you didn’t try a bagel? There are so many places to sample these iconic pastries, from food carts to bodegas to cafes. One of my favorite bagel shops is H&H Midtown Bagels East. Try one for yourself to see if the water really does make a difference.

23. Pay $1 for Pizza

Have you really been to New York if you didn’t try pizza? There are plenty of places to try classic, thin, and delicious NYC pizza. But the best way to experience this pizza? From a slice shop (I recommend 2 Bros. Pizza). Grab a dollar slice, fold it, and keep moving.

24. Get an Iconic Cookie

Yes, I’m on a food kick here at the end. But, again, have you really been to New York if you didn’t try a black and white cookie? Ok, this isn’t quite as iconic as the bagel or pizza, but its pretty close. You can try these from cafes around Manhattan but stop by Donut Pub for one of the best (and biggest) in the city.

25. Take a Free Walking Tour

Wait, this isn’t under the Freebie category? True, but that’s because the free tour isn’t technically free. Free Tours by Foot offers a ton of great walking tours across NYC. They are free to join but it is understood that you will tip the guide at the end of the tour. But trust me, these are worth it and you will still end up paying less than you would for a traditional tour. (If you want a completely free self-guided tour, check out my Central Park or Upper West Side walking tours).

Ready to plan your trip to NYC? I hope you enjoyed my list of the 25 best cheap & free things to do in Manhattan. Be sure to check out TimeOut New York or Thrillist for updates about even more budget-friendly activities in the city. I also post updates about free NYC events on my Instagram stories so be sure to check those out as well!

Looking for more? Check out these posts:

30 NYC Desserts You Need in Your Life

How to Score Cheap Broadway Tickets

8 Historic Sites to Visit in NYC + My Favorite Dessert Shop Near Each One