New York City is one of the most expensive cities on earth, but it also offers a remarkable number of world-class experiences that cost absolutely nothing. The Statue of Liberty, Central Park, world-renowned art museums, iconic bridges, and Broadway-calibre performances are all accessible for free if you know where to look. This guide covers the best free things to do in New York City.

Getting to New York is the first step. Compare fares across airlines and lock in the best deal on flights to JFK, Newark, and LaGuardia.

Free, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The 25-minute voyage from Lower Manhattan passes within 500 yards of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. No ticket needed; simply board at the Whitehall Terminal in Lower Manhattan.

All 843 acres of Central Park are free to enter at all times. Free highlights: Bethesda Terrace and Fountain, Bow Bridge (most photographed spot in NYC), The Mall (promenade lined with the country's largest collection of American elms), Strawberry Fields (John Lennon "IMAGINE" mosaic), the Ramble (36-acre woodland), and the Conservatory Garden.

Built on a decommissioned 1930s freight rail line on Manhattan's west side. 1.45 miles of gardens, art installations, and Manhattan skyline views. Free always.

Free 1.1-mile pedestrian path from Chambers Street in Lower Manhattan to DUMBO, Brooklyn. Gothic Revival stone towers, East River views.

Free daily 8am to 8pm. Two reflecting pools in the footprints of the Twin Towers, surrounded by the names of nearly 3,000 victims. (The National 9/11 Museum requires a paid ticket; the outdoor memorial is free.)

Free always. At 1 Bowling Green in Lower Manhattan, in the landmark Alexander Hamilton U.S. Custom House.

Cobblestone streets under the Brooklyn Bridge. At the corner of Washington Street and Water Street, the gap between the two bridge towers frames the Manhattan skyline in an iconic photograph. Free to explore at any time.

New York has hundreds of bookable experiences. Browse what's available and compare prices on Traveloka activities.

Pay-what-you-wish for visitors from outside New York State. The suggested donation of $30 is explicitly not a fixed fee. One of the world's great art museums -- allow at least half a day.

Free every Friday evening from 5:30pm to 9pm. Arrive at 5:30pm at opening.

Brooklyn Museum opens for free on the first Saturday of every month from 5pm to 11pm, with live music and art-making activities.

Brooklyn Bridge Park (waterfront beneath the bridge), Bryant Park (free outdoor films and Broadway performances in summer), Prospect Park (Brooklyn, 585 acres, free). Shakespeare in the Park -- 2026 season: Romeo and Juliet (May 22--June 28) and The Winter's Tale (July 25--August 23) at Delacorte Theater in Central Park. Tickets free via lottery. SummerStage Central Park: 80+ free performances in summer. Chelsea Gallery District (West 20th--26th Streets, 10th--11th Avenues): world-class commercial galleries all free to enter.

Finding a great place to stay puts you closer to all of it. Traveloka's hotel search lets you compare properties across Manhattan, Brooklyn, and beyond.

New York City is one of the world's top long-haul destinations, and Traveloka, Southeast Asia's leading travel platform trusted by over 100 million users, has everything you need to plan your trip efficiently. Search and compare flights into JFK, Newark Liberty, and LaGuardia across hundreds of airlines. Arrange your airport transfer in advance. If you plan to travel beyond the city, a car rental booked through Traveloka gives you freedom to explore on your own schedule. Check the latest Traveloka promotions for savings on flights and hotels before you book. Download Traveloka and start planning your New York trip today.