11 Things to Do in NYC That Won’t Cost a Dime

New York City might be one of the most expensive cities in the world, especially when it comes to rent costs. However, there are certain activities and solutions when you’re either a visitor or a tenant that can work with even the tightest budget. Whether you’re subletting a furnished rental at the lowest cost possible or just visiting NYC for a few days, there are a lot of things you can do without breaking the bank. Here are 15 things to do in NYC that won’t cost a dime, and will make your visit to the Big Apple a memorable one.

1. Take a Stroll Through Central Park

Central Park is one of the most popular parks of not only NYC, but also the entire U.S. The park is always open to visitors and completely free. Even better, the Central Park Conservancy offers free guided tours in the park.

2. Spend a Tuesday Evening Stargazing on the High Line

The Amateur Astronomers Association sets up telescopes every Tuesday between West 15th and the West 16th Streets on the High Line.

3. Friday Evenings at the Museum of Modern Art

Normally the ticket to the MoMA costs $25, but on Friday evenings, admission to see your favorite artists’ work is totally free.

4. Enjoy the Summers at the Public Beaches

NYC plays host to many free beaches, such as Brighton Beach, Fort Tilden and the Rockaways. Take the kids, too, for a truly memorable family-friendly experience in NYC.

5. Watch Movies in the Park

Free, outdoor movie screenings occur across many major parks in NYC. The movie screening under the stars in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, is a perennial favorite.

6. Get Cultural at the New York Public Library

The New York Public Library hosts exhibitions of archival photographs, tours, and the Book at Noon series talks with an author panel – and all of it is completely free!

7. Take a Kayak Out On The Hudson River

If you’re an adventure-seeker, consider taking the free kayak out on the Hudson River at Pier 26 on Tribeca or at the Manhattan Community Boathouse locations.

8. Watch the Tonight Show Taping at the NBC Studio

Free tickets to the Tonight Show hosted by Jimmy Fallon are released a month prior to the taping so you’ll have to plan ahead, but it’s well worth it. If you’re lucky, though, you might get standby tickets at the last minute.

9. Discover the Whispering Gallery at the Grand Central

Grand Central Station is a historic structure that’s home to attractions like the Whispering Gallery, which resides under the Guastavino-tiled arches near the Oyster Bar. Apparently if two people stand on adjacent diagonal arches and whisper, their voices can be heard like a game of an old telephone.

10. Get A Dose of Culture in the Art Galleries of Chelsea

There are a number of art galleries in Chelsea, and most of them are free near the opening hours. They all present museum-quality exhibits, and a few of the more popular ones are Milk Gallery, Pace, David Zwirner, and Gagosian.

11. Learn the Art of Beer Making at Brooklyn Brewery

Located in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, the Brooklyn Brewery offers free tours every half hour on weekends, and a wine tasting at the tasting room for a discounted price.

In order to enjoy all of the activities NYC has to offer, both free and paid, renting a short-term apartment is a great solution. You don’t need to spend a ton to find a budget-friendly place, especially when you enlist an apartment search service that lets you filter by price, neighborhood, and more. Get the most bang for your buck subletting an apartment in NYC, and enjoy the convenience that comes with it.