Explorer The Real Free Attractions in New York City (2020)

As you would probably expect from one of the world’s most famous cities, there are a lot of tourist attractions in New York.

Just because it is famous does not mean to say that all the attractions to see in New York have to be expensive, in fact many of them are free.

Even some of the family attractions in New York are free, such as a trip on the Staten Island Ferry. This free ferry travels across the harbor affording not only great views of the harbor but also spectacular views of Manhattan and passes close to the Statue of Liberty. Central Park is free to enter, cross the famous Bow Bridge, see the Alice in Wonderland Statue and of course it is a great place for a picnic. Check out what is going on whilst you are there because there are often free events that take place in the park.

Other free attractions include Times Square, although it is probably most famous for the “New Year Ball”, all year round it is busy and has things to do. From here you can buy your tickets for the Broadway shows or take the kids to see some of the huge stores located there, there is Toys-R-Us, Hershey’s and M&M’s.

Here are just a few of the many attractions to see in New York for free:

The National Museum of the American Indian has exhibits from 1,200 indigenous peoples over a 12,000 year history.

Sony Wonder Technology Lab., Is a state of the art facility that allows you to explore new technologies in a family friendly environment.

Ellis Island was “America’s Golden Door” from 1892 to 1954 and was known as “Island of Hope, Island of Tears”, visit this attraction and learn some of these extraordinary stories.

Brooklyn Bridge is accessible to both pedestrians and cyclists who take the elevated walkways above the traffic. Crossing the bridge you can get some impressive views.

Bronx Zoo has Wednesdays that are free for visitors. With over 6,000 animals, this is the largest of the metropolitan zoos in the country.

New York Stock Exchange receives over 700,000 visitors each year to see this fundamental part of the American way of life as it openly trades in over $7 trillion of stocks.

The New York Public Library was the largest marble construction in the US when it opened in 1911. Apart from its regular function as a library it also hosts many events and holds unique items such as a Gutenberg Bible, the first book ever printed.

These are just some of the attractions, many of the museums are free to visit and walking is free and can be interesting if you go to Broadway, looking at the different theaters or to Greenwich Village and enjoy the interesting shops and bars amongst the brownstone buildings flanking the tree lined streets.

Yes, New York may be “The Big Apple” and famous but with its diverse selection of free attractions, it is a perfect example that not everything needs to cost.