15 Free Awesome Things to Do in NYC

Many of you know I was born and raised in NYC (Queens specifically). This prompted me to write a blog post or rather an ode to some of my old stomping grounds. I also included some places that I haven’t been to yet but will visit one day.

Why write this post? Well in addition to nostalgia, I’ve come across many articles that offer free activities to do in NYC. However, most of them ONLY include Manhattan. This blog post will include free activities from ALL of the FIVE boroughs. After all, you can’t talk about NYC without including Queens (my personal fav since I’m from here), Brooklyn, Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island.

This will be one of the first, but definitely not one of the last blog posts I write on NYC. I just can’t fit all of the cool things to do in one blog post it’s impossible. Without further ado, let’s get started.

Disclosure: This blog post has affiliate links which means if you click and make a purchase I may earn a small commission at NO additional cost to you. These are my own personal suggestions based on products I love and use. Read the full disclosure here.

Queens NYC

I’m going to talk about Queens first (you already know why lol). Queens is finally gaining more popularity and the respect it deserves. After all, it’s known as the “World’s Borough” due to its diversity. Some celebrities who are from Queens include the rapper Nas and director Martin Scorsese. Nas makes great music check out his albums Illmatic and It Was Written. Martin Scorsese is known for very popular movies such as Taxi Driver, The Wolf of Wall Street, and Gangs of New York to name a few. Another fun fact is that the very popular (and classic) movie “Coming to America” starring Eddie Murphy actually took place in Queens.

That being said, Love nature? Cunningham Park will be right up your alley. Cunningham Park is one of the largest parks in Queens. It is such a beautiful scenic park where you can have a picnic, go bike riding, BBQ, or just take a walk. I actually used to play tennis here sometimes and I would highly recommend checking it out. The park also hosts different programs and events. I attended their NY Philharmonic Concert with my dad for FREE. Here’s more information.

Not into nature? Okay, cool I’ve got you covered. How about shopping at Queens Center Mall? I love shopping here and eating all of the delicious noms. Check out Mama’s Empanadas and thank me later. Queens Center Mall is the largest mall in Queens and with good reason. They have awesome stores, food, and great deals. Check out more here.

Queens Continued

I’m thankful that you all are getting to know me and what I like, so by now you know food is my thing. Once summer hits, you’ll have to check out Queens Night Market. Queens Night Market is a food festival that lasts all summer long and is free. You’ll only pay for food you may or may not want to sample but who are we kidding here? You’re going to want to try it all (at least that’s my truth anyway) lol. I have not been here yet (a travesty I know), but give it time, I will! More info here.

I would not be my usual self if I did not mention a museum. I love museums and for some strange reason I have not visited this one yet (argh). Last on the list for Queens (for now anyway), the Queens Museum. The Queens Museum has free options for NYC students, NYC Department of Education employees, and children 18 or under. However, they have a suggested amount of donations for regular visitors (pay as you wish) so technically it’s free. A fun fact about this museum is that it actually used to be an ice skating rink, which now features beautiful artwork collections, workshops, and tours.

Brooklyn NYC

I’m sure this goes without saying, but Brooklyn is a VERY popular borough for obvious reasons (the famous rapper Notorius B.I.G. and Jerry Seinfeld (from the cult classic Seinfeld) are from here). Therefore to start off the list, I’m going to talk about my personal fave the Brooklyn Botanical Garden. I love surrounding myself with plants and flowers. Not only is it aesthetically pleasing, it’s good for purifying the air!

The Brooklyn Botanical Garden is free during the winter months, and also has select free days during other times listed here. I have been here so many times, and I never get tired of it. I would highly recommend visiting.

I’ve recently began exercising in an effort to become more active how about yourself? If not, that’s okay. You’ll still love my next suggestion which is to walk the Brooklyn Bridge.

Brooklyn Continued

I’ve walked this bridge numerous times with friends just having fun, living life, and enjoying one another’s company. It’s also great if you’d like to go solo as well. This activity is free and it’s honestly beautiful. Who wouldn’t want to take in NY in all its glory? The bridge connects Manhattan and Brooklyn.

Another activity I love in Brooklyn is the Brooklyn Museum. This museum is awesome and not only has beautiful artwork, but also hosts First Saturdays which is a free entertainment event the first Saturday of every month. Trust me you do not want to miss this!

Last on the list for Brooklyn is Smorgasburg. Similar to the Queens Night Market I mentioned earlier, Smorgasburg is a free open-air food market where you can try different foods and drinks from local vendors. Entrance to Smorgasburg is free; you’ll only pay for the items you purchase. I sampled so many delicious foods I ended up stuffed but satisfied.

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Manhattan NYC

Now we’re onto the borough EVERYONE knows when talking about NYC. I love Manhattan (not as much as Queens :), and found myself working in Manhattan quite a bit despite being from Queens. Some famous people from Manhattan are celebrity chef Bobby Flay, and famous actor Robert De Niro.

First up on the list is Central Park. This is honestly one of my favorite parks which runs along the Upper East and West Side. This park is so beautiful and I’ve been here on numerous occasions either with friends having a picnic, doing a photoshoot, or just walking through it after work. Check out more info here.

Next up is the MoMA, which is the Museum of Modern Art. This is one of my favorite museums and I’ve been here more times than I can count. I also just recently learned that there is also a location in Queens (I haven’t been to it yet). This museum does have an entrance fee, BUT it is free on Friday evenings during UNIQLO Free Friday Nights. Please check this museum out, you won’t regret it.

Another great free activity is to walk The High Line. I remember seeing the construction and anticipating when it would finally be done. Friends of mine, my sister and I love to hang out here and walk. I recently took pictures here after eating brunch with friends.

The High Line changes based on the season, but it boasts artwork, food vendors, and entertainment. You can visit The High Line any time of the year; I’ve visited during both winter and summer. More info here.

Last up on the list for Manhattan is to take the Staten Island Ferry. I’ve taken the ferry a few times, and it’s honestly a nice relaxing free boat ride to take to and fro. More information can be found here.

Staten Island NYC

Admittedly Staten Island is a borough that I have the LEAST experience with so bear with me. I’ll try to change that. Here’s a fun fact about Staten Island, a very famous rap group named the Wu-Tang Clan comes from this borough.

Now that we’ve gotten that out of the way; I remember seeing sailors walking around in Manhattan and realizing it was because it was fleet week! Staten Island Fleet Week is an event where you’re able to tour the ships for free while honoring the U.S. Navy, Coast Guard, and Marine Corps. More info here.

If you like to bike ride, jog, and walk, then you’ll want to visit Franklin D. Roosevelt Boardwalk and Beach. I haven’t visited here yet, but I plan on going for the great views and beach activities. This boardwalk is free. More here.

Bronx NYC

Oh man I have so many funny stories of times spent in the Bronx with family. First up is City Island. It’s a given that when summertime hits, EVERYONE is headed to City Island for seafood and good times right on the water. Entrance to City Island is free, you only pay for what you decide to eat or drink. I highly recommend going here. Read more information about City Island here.

I of course have to tell you some famous people from the Bronx. Famous singer and actress Jennifer Lopez is from here along with the very talented actress Kerry Washington.

Last on the list, and the final recommendation for the Bronx is the beloved Bronx Zoo. How could I forget the Bronx Zoo seeing as how I’ve spent many school trips here as a child and with family. The Bronx Zoo is free on Wednesdays so take a trip and enjoy!

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Final Thoughts

That concludes my list of free things to do. I hope you enjoyed the list and get to check out some of these awesome activities. Would you like more blog posts recommending things to do in NYC? Found this blog post helpful? Learn anything new or have any feedback? Let me know!

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This blog post has affiliate links which means if you click and make a purchase I may earn a small commission at NO additional cost to you. These are my own personal suggestions based on products I love and use. Read the full disclosure here.

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