Free things to do in Manhattan

36 places in Manhattan with free entry or no charge, based on guide listings and map data.

Ranked with the travel guide's picks and well-known places first.

SeeFinancial District
African Burial Ground National Monument
For most of the 18th century, Africans in New York City were buried in a graveyard outside the city. The graveyard was eventually forgotten and was rediscovered in 1991. This museum and memorial site commemorate the estimated 15,000 Africans that were interred on the site of the memorial. Note that the museum is located inside of a Federal building so airport-style security should be expected.
Visitor Center: Tue-Sat 10AM-4PM except Federal holidays; Memorial: Daily 9AM-5PM except Federal holidays. Memorial closed November–MarchFree
SeeCentral Park
Arsenal
A picturesque brick building that actually predates the park. It was built in 1851 to serve as a munitions supply depot for the New York State National Guard, and was designed to look like a medieval fortress, with battlements overlooking the area. Today the building holds a refreshment stand and a small art gallery with rotating/seasonal exhibits.
Mon-Fri 9AM-5PMFree
DoUpper East Side
Asphalt Green Upper East Side Campus
Asphalt Green
With a massive fitness and pool center in the area's signature arches, there's an endless array of activities here, including baseball, flag football, gymnastics, lifeguard training, martial arts, soccer, swimming, tennis, and yoga. On the western half of the block is a turf field that provides a vast playing field for games, playing around, and relaxing. There is a playground just north of the fitness center.
Mon-Fri 5:30AM-10PM, Sat Sun 8AM-8PMFree admission at all times
SeeFinancial District
Battery Park
At the southern tip of Manhattan, Battery Park is a waterfront green space, named for the artillery batteries which were installed here to protect the settlement of New York when it was under Dutch, then British rule. In the lead-up to the War of 1812, was constructed as a fort to protect the city, and is now operated as a small museum. There are several memorials in the park, including, a public art piece originally housed on the World Trade Center site which survived the events of September 11 and was moved to Battery Park. Ferries departing to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island (see below) depart from here.
Free
SeeCentral Park
Belvedere Castle
Sitting on Vista Rock, one of the highest points in the park, the castle provides excellent views of Central Park, particularly to the north. It is a popular spot for photography and contains a visitor center and a nature conservatory. Just below the castle to the north is Turtle Pond, a small, swamp-like pond holding various fish, frogs, insects, and birds.
Tue-Sun 10AM-5PMFree
DoUpper East Side
Carl Schurz Park
Home of Gracie Mansion, the Official Residence of the Mayor of New York, Carl Schurz Park also boasts wonderful views of Hell Gate and the East River. Compared to other New York parks, Carl Schurz is extremely quiet, given that the surrounding area is almost exclusively residential. The park features two bustling dog parks, two playgrounds, a sports court, multiple fields of grass to rest on on a peaceful spring day, and a boardwalk with beautiful views of Roosevelt Island. This is a great destination for any visitor sick of the overwhelming crowds elsewhere in the city.
Daily 6AM-midnightFree
SeeCentral Park
Conservatory Garden
A six-acre garden which is Central Park's only formal garden, representing Italian, French, and English landscape styles, with formal plantings and numerous sculptures.
8AM-duskFree
SeeFinancial District
Federal Hall
On this site on April 30, 1789, George Washington stood on a balcony overlooking Wall Street and was inaugurated as the first president of the United States. The old building on the site had been used as New York's city hall and had hosted some of the first congregations of the colonies in the lead-up to the American Revolution, such as the Stamp Act Congress. After the revolution the building, now Federal Hall, briefly housed Congress, the Supreme Court, and Executive Branch offices before the national capital moved to Philadelphia. The current building dates to 1842 and was used first as a Customs House, then later the US Sub-Treasury (millions of dollars of gold and silver were kept in the basement vaults). Today the building is maintained by the National Park Service as a museum dedicated to the history of the site. Guided tours of the building are available, or you can just walk in and look up at the rotunda and view some of the artifacts, such as the bible Washington used in his inauguration ceremony.
Mon-Fri 9AM-5PM. Free guided tours Mon-Fri at 10AM, 11AM, 1PM, 2PM and 3PMFree
SeeFinancial District
Federal Reserve Museum and Gold Vault Tour
Suspended indefinitely for the public, tour for school groups available on request.
Tours Mon-Fri at 1PM & 2PM, except bank holidays. Arrive 30 minutes early for security screeningFree
SeeUpper West Side
General Grant National Memorial
Grant's Tomb
General Ulysses S. Grant and his wife are buried in this imposing mausoleum, the largest tomb in North America. If you come when it is closed, you can still see the impressive facade, but coming during open hours gives you the opportunity to view the murals, the tomb and various documentation inside. Across Riverside Drive, there is a viewpoint to look across the Hudson River, a museum, gift shop and restrooms.
Fall/Winter/Spring Wed-Sun 10AM-4PM, Summer Wed-Sun 10AM-5PMfree
SeeFinancial District
Governors Island
Governors Island has a long military history, home to headquarters and military posts of the United States Army from 1794 until 1966, then a complex for the U.S. Coast Guard before becoming a historic district open to tours.
Open seasonally; Wed-Thu guided tours take place at 10AM and 1PM, Fri ferries leave every hour 10AM-3PM, Sat-Sun ferries leave every hour 10AM-5PM, from Brooklyn ferries leave every 20 minutesFree
SeeCentral Park
Grand Army Plaza
A public square at the southeast corner of the park which marks one of the primary entrances to Central Park. The square is named for the Union Army of the Civil War and sports a gilded bronze statue of Union General William Sherman and the Pulitzer Fountain, which is crowned with a bronze figure of Pomona, the Roman goddess of fruit.
Free
SeeMidtown East
Grand Central Terminal
Walk in and see the main concourse, a cavernous room often filled with people and elegantly detailed, with arched windows, a lovely clock, and an astronomical ceiling.
5:30AM-1:30AMFree
SeeChelsea
High Line Park
Built on a defunct elevated railway that runs 30 feet above the streets, the re-purposing of the rail line as a park has made it the focus of major development in the neighborhood. There are plenty of plantings and art installations along the park as it winds its way between (and through!) buildings, and walking the stretch offers some pretty unique views over the streets of Manhattan. No dogs or bicycles. There are restrooms at Gansevoort St. (the southern terminus), 16th St, 30th St, and 31st St/ Dyer Ave.
Open daily Apr–Nov: 7AM-10PM; Dec–March: 7AM-8PMFree admission
SeeUpper East Side
Jewish Museum
Containing artifacts spanning 4,000 years of art and Jewish culture, with a collection of 26,000 objects – paintings, sculpture, works on paper, photographs, archaeological artifacts, ceremonial objects and broadcast media. The museum also hosts the annual SummerNights concert series and the annual New York Jewish Film Festival.
Sat-Tue 11AM-6PM; Thu 11AM-8PM; Fri 11AM-4PM; closed Wednesday. Open until 5:45 on Fridays until November 1$15/adult, $12/senior, $7.50/students, free for children 18 and under. Free admission for all on Saturdays and pay what you wish Thursday 5-8PM
DoUpper East Side
John Jay Park
Not many know of the peaceful nature of the area of Manhattan just by the East River, but that doesn't mean it doesn't have any special gems nearby. Just along the bustling FDR Drive is the peaceful yet impressive John Jay Park, which doesn't only include traditional benches and playgrounds for a quick rest but an outdoor pool in the summer that makes this area great for anyone looking for water sports in this area of New York City.
Daily 7AM-10PMFree
SeeLower East Side
Kehila Kedosha Janina Museum
Museum inside the only Romaniote (Greek-speaking) synagogue in the Western Hemisphere, telling the story of Greek Jews. Designated a NYC Landmark in 2004.
Sun 11AM-4PMFree
SeeTheater District
Museum of Modern Art
MoMA
One of the greatest and most popular collections of modern art, on a par with the Tate Modern in London or Paris's Centre Georges Pompidou. Exceedingly popular so be warned: queues for tickets start early and stretch long. To avoid the crowds, turn up at the door at least a half hour before opening, then take the elevator to the top floor and work your way down. The building is as much a draw as the outstanding collection; possessing arguably the best collection of modern masterpieces world-wide, MoMA houses important art works from Van Gogh, Picasso, Monet, Matisse, Salvador Dalí, Paul Cézanne, Frida Kahlo, Piet Mondrian, and works by leading American artists such as Jackson Pollock, Jasper Johns, Edward Hopper, Andy Warhol, and Chuck Close. MoMA also holds renowned art photography and design collections. In addition to being the crown jewel of modern art museums, MoMA puts on a terrific repertory program in a nicely renovated theater below the museum.
Sat–Thu 10AM–5:30PM, Fri 10:30AM–8PM, open until 9PM on first Thu of the month and every Thu Jul–Aug$28 adults, $20 seniors, $15 students, free for children 16 and under. Free admission for all on Fridays 4PM–8PM
SeeFinancial District
National Museum of the American Indian
Housed in the Alexander Hamilton US Custom House, this Smithsonian museum is the New York branch of the National Museum of the American Indian (the other branches are in Washington, D.C. and Maryland).
Fri-Wed 10AM–5PM, Thu 10AM-8PMFree
SeeFinancial District
National September 11 Memorial & Museum
World Trade Center site - note that the term 'Ground Zero' is never used by New Yorkers
On the site of the former World Trade Center towers, the memorial consists of two enormous waterfalls and reflecting pools set within the footprints of the twin towers, lined with bronze panels with the names of the nearly 3,000 victims of that fateful day inscribed. The surrounding plaza holds a grove of trees. The museum, which sits underground right next to the memorial, contains exhibits which explain the events of 9/11 and their aftermath, with remnants of the original towers and artifacts from that day. If you see a white rose on one of the names, it's because today is that victim's birthday.
Memorial: 8AM-8PM daily; museum: W-M and some Tu:9AM-7PM; last museum entry 5:30PMMemorial: free; Museum: adult $36, senior or 13-17 or US college student $30, 7-12 $24, child 6 and under or military/veteran free; free admission Monday evenings after 5PM
SeeGramercy Flatiron
New York Public Library
The main branch of the New York Public Library (the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building), this is the grand structure flanked by lions on both sides of the entrance. Inside you'll see impressive architecture, long hallways, and beautifully designed reading rooms.
Mon Thu-Sat 10AM-6PM, Tue Wed 10AM-7:30PM, closed SunFree
SeeUpper West Side
Nicholas Roerich Museum
Collection of more than 200 paintings of the artist, exhibited on three floors of a classic townhouse.
Sat Sun Noon-5PM, Tue-Fri noon-4PMfree
SeeTheater District
Saint Thomas Church
The interior of this Episcopal church is a peaceful place, and both the exterior and interior are architecturally harmonious and worth looking at if you are walking nearby.
Mon–Fri approximately 7:30AM–6:30PM; Sat mornings and afternoons (hours vary week to week); Sun 7AM–6PM (Sep-May), 7AM–1PM (Jun–Aug)Free admission
SeeFinancial District
St Paul's Chapel
Built in 1766, the chapel is an active part of the Parish of Trinity Church and is Manhattan's oldest public building in continuous use. It is the only remaining colonial church in New York City and was George Washington's place of worship after he was inaugurated as president. Since 2001, the chapel has been known for surviving the events of 9/11 without even a broken window - despite being across the street from the World Trade Center - and for its role as a place of refuge for the WTC recovery workers in the days that followed.
10AM-6PMFree
DoUpper East Side
St. Catherine's Park
A hidden gem that's been a hotspot for Upper East Side recreation since 1996. While the area may seem like any park welcoming screaming children from nearby areas and plenty of areas to exercise such as basketball courts and the running track, this park is so much more. Such a small park is so rich in history, mimicking Rome's Santa Maria Sopra Minerva church and including many Roman-influenced details few and far between. If you're in this area, be sure to pay the park a visit.
Daily 7AM-6PMFree
SeeGreenwich Village
Stonewall National Monument
A new national park unit located in Christopher Park across the street from The Stonewall Inn with a visitor center next door.
Christopher Park: 7AM-5PM, Visitor center: Tue-Sun 10AM-4PMfree
SeeUpper East Side
Temple Emanu-El of New York
This temple traces its lineage to the founding of the Reform Jewish community in New York in 1845, although this building itself dates from 1929. The building is an important and impressive landmark, and the congregation numbers among its members many of the pillars of the Jewish community in New York, including major philanthropists, businesspeople, and politicians. If you don't arrange to visit the interior, it's worth just walking past the building and looking at the decorations on its exterior.
Visitors are welcome Sun-Thu 10AM-4:30PM — except in the occurrence of a holiday or funeral service (call ahead to make sure the temple is open when you plan on going). You can also visit the temple to pray, such as on the Sabbath, if you so chooseNo charge for self-guided or guided visits (for groups of 10 or more) is mentioned on the website
SeeCentral Park
The Lake
The lake is a fine setting for a serene afternoon in the park. Rental boats are available from the Loeb Boathouse (on the eastern side of the lake) for a ride on the water. The Bow Bridge, a Central Park landmark, spans the middle of the lake.
Free; boats are available for rental, $15/hour
SeeTheater District
The Paley Center for Media
formerly the Museum of Television & Radio
Dedicated to preserving and collecting television programs as a service to the public, the museum consists of two museum branches in Los Angeles and New York City; combined they hold over 100,000 television programs that are available to the public, providing a historical, artistic and cultural perspective to television and radio. You may use their library here for the price of admission. They have lots of old shows and a database so you can see if they have what you want.
Wed Fri–Sun noon–6PM; Thu noon–8PM; closed Mon TueAdmission is free; suggested admission: $10 adults, $8 students/seniors, $5 children under 14
SeeFinancial District
Trinity Church
An Episcopalian (Anglican) church and parish was first established on this site in 1697 under charter by King William III. The present Neo-Gothic Revival church building (the third incarnation) dates from 1846 and remains a significant landmark within Downtown. The original burial ground at Trinity Church includes the graves and memorials of many historic figures, including Alexander Hamilton, William Bradford, Robert Fulton, and Albert Gallatin.
Mon-Fri 7AM-6PM, Sat 8AM-4PM, Sun 7AM-4PMFree
SeeMidtown East
United Nations Headquarters
The UN HQ sits on an 18-acre site between 42nd and 48th Streets, and between First Avenue and the East River. It is noted for its gardens and outdoor sculpture. There is a charge for the tours of the General Assembly and Secretariat but you can visit the Visitor's Lobby for free (although you do have to pass through a security checkpoint). There are two levels to the lobby area which includes a gallery, a gift shop, and a bookshop. If you're just visiting the lobby, don't join any queues - just find your way around. There is little in the way of signs to tell you where you can go - this is the UN, well-meaning but not well organized. Outside the building is a display of national flags which represent the 193 sovereign states that are members of the UN. Highlights include the 116-kg Japanese Peace Bell, where the bell is traditionally rung twice a year in honor of world peace.
Mon-Fri 9AM-4:30PM, Sat Sun 10AM-4:30PM (no guided tours on Sat and Sun)Free; guided tours $26 adults, $18 seniors and students, $15 children (5-12; younger children not allowed on tours)
SeeChelsea
Visio Dell'Arte
Visio Dell'Arte, established in Paris in 2007, has a second gallery in Chelsea. They feature fine art paintings from masters such as Rasikh Akhmetvaliev, Anatoli Bourykine, Kaloon Chhour, Cosmina, Ene, Anik Legoupil, Helene Modebadze, Oliver Valli and Petre Velicu. All artists are exclusively represented by Visio Dell'Arte.
Tue–Sat 10:30AM–6:30PM, Sun 1:30–6:30PMFree admission
SeeUpper West Side
American Folk Art Museum
A museum dedicated to folk & self-taught artists.
Wed-Sun 11:30AM-6PMfree
SeeChinatown
Museum of Chinese in the Americas
Exhibits on the history and culture of Chinese-Americans.
Wed-Sat 11AM-6PM, Sun 11AM-4PMfree, suggested donation: $10/adult, $5/concession
SeeFinancial District
Museum of Jewish Heritage
A memorial to the Holocaust.
Sun-Tue Thu 10AM-5:45PM, Wed 10AM-8PM, Fri 10AM-5PM$12 adults, $10 seniors, $7 students, children 12 and under free; free admission W 4-8PM
SeeChelsea
Rubin Museum of Art
Art of the Himalayas.
Mon Thu 11AM–5PM, Tue closed, Wed 11AM–7PM, Fri 11AM–10PM, Sat Sun 11AM–6PMAdults $19, seniors/students $14, children (ages 12 and under) free, free admission Fridays 6–10 PM

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Manhattan (CC BY-SA 4.0).