Whether you’re planning a trip to NYC or live in the area, at some point you’ll want to stop spending money without ending your entertainment. Here at EMK we’re always looking for ways to help you save money, that’s not at the expense of your happiness. Frugality can still be fun. Here’s 25 ways to spend your time in NYC without having to spend a dollar.

Grab some comfy shoes, sunscreen, umbrella, bottle of water, and likely a jacket before starting your trek. We’ve put the first 16 in order of how we’d do these things if trying to do as many as possible in a short period of time. You’ll likely want to allocate about two to three days if you want to do even a fraction of them all. We threw in a few seasonal items at the end to help keep you busy during all parts of the year.

1.Cross the Brooklyn Bridge

One of New York’s oldest bridges; the Brooklyn Bridge is not only a historic landmark, it is often captured by many photographers as a defining symbol of NYC. Estimated time to cross on foot is about 30 minutes. Avoid the crowds by going early morning or late evening. If walking, keep right, as the left lane is meant only for bikes.

2.Enjoy the skyline view from Brooklyn Bridge Park

A short walk from the entrance of the Brooklyn Bridge; the Brooklyn Bridge park offers skyline views of NYC from across the East River. Layout in the grass, let the kids play at the playground, or just take in the view. This is a great way to see NYC from a different angle.

If you made it to the Brooklyn Bridge Park but don’t want to walk back across the bridge, then take the A or the C subway at High Street, for a few bucks, towards Washington heights to get back into the city. You can get off at the first exit which is Fulton St to continue your journey or to return near the Brooklyn Bridge entrance.

3.Visit Wall St.

New York is considered one of the financial capitals of the world. As technology has changed, most of the trading has moved electronic, and many of the banks have moved to Midtown, but the New York Stock Exchange still remains a tourist attraction. Walk down the cobblestone roads and get a glimpse of New York’s history.

4.Take your picture with the Charging bull

I’m sure you’ve heard the saying, “Grab the bull by the horns”. Here’s your chance to do just that! Another symbol of financial growth and prosperity; get some encouragement from the symbolic charging bull of Wall St.

5.Watch the Helicopters take off

Sometimes you just need a break and take a load off of your feet, or need something to keep the kids preoccupied while finding your next destination. We often take breaks at Coenties Slip Park to sit in the shade and watch the helicopters take off. 30th street helipad on the west side also offers close up views of helicopters taking flight, and can be seen from the highline.

6.Take the Staten Island ferry

Want to get out on the water without spending a dime? Many are surprised when they find out the Staten Island Ferry is free to ride. Get off at Staten Island to check out the area and enjoy the beaches, or come right back to NYC on the next one out. The Ferry departs every 15-30 minutes, 24/7, 365 days a year!

If you just want to view the bright orange Staten Island Ferry leaving NYC, head to the right of the US Coast Guard recruiting building to access the waterfront.

7.See the Statue of Liberty

While you can’t get to Liberty Island for free, you can get a good view of the statue from the Staten Island ferry. For some, this will be enough to check it off the list, but if you want to go inside the statue you’ll have to pay up.

8.Visit the fountains at the 9/11 Memorial

While not to be taken lightly, this memorial is a beautiful and peaceful area to reflect.

9.Run, Skate, or Bike down the Hudson River Greenway

This waterfront pathway runs basically the length of Manhattan Island. It’s a great way to get some exercise and access the George Washington Bridge to New Jersey.

If you don’t have equipment of your own, a few of the rental places along the path will offer discounts to residents if you choose to rent. We rented a tandem bike on the Greenway near 42nd st. and had a blast.

10.Urban hike from Downtown to Midtown

If you really want to see NYC then see it! Each area has its own vibe and is constantly changing. The hike from Downtown to Midtown will likely take you over an hour, but it’s a great way to experience the areas first hand.

11.Take a stroll down the Highline

This elevated old rail line has been turned into a park like walkway that squeezes between buildings and over the Hudson Rail Yard. Pick it up near 34 st. and 12th ave, and take it to Gansevoort st. near 11th ave. There are exits along the way if you want to get off sooner. We suggest stopping in the Chelsea Market if you’re looking for lunch along the way.

12.Be part of the action at Times Square

The characters in this area will have you busy people watching for hours. You likely won’t find too many NYC locals wanting to spend time here, but if you want to see in person, what so many people watch on TV on New Year’s Eve, then that’s your spot.

13.Check out the Amazing view from Bar SixtyFive

While not intended on being free, there’s nothing saying you can’t go up for a meal or drink, check out the view, and then decide you’re no longer hungry. Or you can think of it as a buy one, get the view for free. We want value! You can spend over $40 going to the top of the rock just for the view, or you can go to a slightly lower floor, in the same building, at Bar SixtyFive for free. We’ve been there for dinner, and we very much enjoyed our meal and the view!

Note – Business casual attire is required, and you will need to be over 21 to enter.

14.Get back to nature in Central Park

The city can get overwhelming at times; fortunately Central Park was preserved, leaving an oasis in the city. Beautiful both in the daytime and at night, one can almost forget they’re a few blocks from such a large city. Bring a blanket and a book, a frisbee and a friend, or just explore the area. It’s a great place to decompress.

15.View and take pictures of iconic buildings

One of the greatest things about NYC is the diversity of so many things: food, people, art, and architecture just to name a few. If you appreciate the time and talent that goes into designing and building these magnificent buildings, like I do, then you can spend days just looking up in awe. Capture these moments in time, as New York is in a constant state of flux.

16.Go to one of the many free museums

Many people go to NYC for the museums, but did you know that many are free, and even the ones that cost money often have free days? There’s too many to list, but before paying full price for the museum that you intend on visiting, google the museum name followed by “free days”, and check if that fits into your schedule. In addition, a few employers in the city provide employees, and their guests, free access to many museums in the area. So if you know a NYC local, it’s worth asking if they get a discount and if they want to join you.

17.Read a book

Are you bored, broke, or lost? I’ve been all three. Even if you’re not any of these, the free public libraries are an amazing resource. Get yourself a library card and scour the shelves for something new or different to entertain you or to learn from. Better yet, ask a stranger in the library one book they’d recommend reading. I’ve done this to force myself to get ideas from others. It’s too easy to get stuck in our ways and only focus on what we think matters. I like knowing what others find value in. Try something new; you may even make a friend.

Seasonal items

18.Street fair/Farmers markets

Mainly during the summer months, you can find street fairs and farmers markets happening on the weekends. Some are so large that they shut down entire streets for them. Check the area you’re in and I’m sure you’ll find one happening close by. If you’re visiting one of the surrounding NYC areas that likely aren’t promoted as much, ask a local where and when they see them set up.

19.Parades

While the Thanksgiving Day parade is one of the most famous, there’s often parades happening most weekends for a number of reasons. Check out events in NYC for a current list.

**20.Visit the Christmas tree at Rockefeller center **

Watching them haul the tree into the city is an event in itself! Once lit, the massive tree attracts tourist from all over to view its beauty. Be forewarned it gets packed! We’ve been at 11pm, and there was still crowds in the area.

21.Dance classes at Herald Square

Classes may be a bit of a stretch. It’s more like a free for all. The area in front of Macy’s is cleared out, music goes on, and those who want to dance, dance. If you’re not into dancing but find entertainment in people watching, this may be gold. You never know what you’re going to see in NYC. Nothing really fazes us anymore.

22.Yoga at Bryant park

Nervous about looking silly in that typical small yoga studio? Well, here you can blend in with the crowd with 1000 of your closest yoga going friends. Available during the warmer months, here’s one way to be active outdoors in the city.

23.Summer movies at Bryant Park

Usually held from mid-June to mid-August; get out of that crammed studio and spend an evening watching films on the grass. Like a drive in movie without the cars; this can be a fun night out with friends that’s completely free. The lawn typically opens at 5pm with the movie starting at sunset. Pack your blanket and snacks, and be sure to get there early to claim your spot.

24.Visit a free public beach

While you’ll likely have to spend a little on transportation, depending on your location, spending your day at the beach could be the piece of tranquility you’ve been looking for. Be sure to check that the beach you decide on doesn’t require a pass to enter. Free beaches tend to fill up faster, because, well, they’re free. We have been to Midland beach, via Staten Island ferry, then bus, and the crowds were much smaller.

25.Create your own celebrity/historical tour

There’s so much history, stardom, and prestige surrounding NYC that you could spend a lifetime searching and viewing it all. Whether it’s the restaurant where they filmed the TV series Seinfeld, or St. Paul’s Chapel, the church George Washington frequented, there’s so many places in NYC where you can go to see noteworthy places in person, for free. Find what matters to you, and I’m sure a quick online search will turn up hours, if not days of items to keep you busy.

Do you know of other free things to do in NYC? I want to try! Let me know in the comments below!

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