My 12 favorite cheap & free things to do in Manhattan

The pricey metropolis of Manhattan can feel financially out of reach for even the average traveler. 

As someone who used to live in NYC, I can confirm that many things in this city are ridiculously expensive, but that doesn’t mean all hope is lost. There are plenty of things to do in NYC for every budget. 

When my bank account is running thin, I actually have a whole list of things I can still do in Manhattan and most of them won’t cost you a penny. These are a few of my go-to cheap and free activities in NYC. 

1. Check out St Patrick’s Cathedral

💵 Cost: Free 

One of the first places I recommend to people who want to visit NYC on a budget is St. Patrick’s Cathedral. It’s completely free to enter the building and appreciate the gorgeous neo-Gothic architecture of this famed landmark. 

When I was little, my Dad would take me all over the area of lower Manhattan where he grew up and it typically culminated with a stop at St. Patrick’s Cathedral. He wasn’t super religious, but he thought this particular church was something special and I have to agree. 

If you happen to have an extra dollar or so on hand, you can light a candle inside in honor of loved ones who have passed. 

2. Eat in Chinatown

💵 Cost: Under $10 

While you will have to shell out a couple of dollars to enjoy the eateries of Chinatown, it is by far one of the cheapest places to get your fill. It’s very possible to find all sorts of NYC food for less than $10 around this neighborhood. 

Spongie’s Cafe is one of my default choices when I’m reaching the end of my budget because their signature treats only cost $1.25 each. Their airy sponge cakes come in a wide assortment of flavors. I crave the banana chocolate chip one at least once a month. 

When I want something savory, Mei Lai Wah is the answer to all my prayers. Even though it’s one of the most famous places to eat in NYC for its delicious buns and dim sum, their prices remain low. You can get their huge and filling roast pork bun for just $2.50. 

3. Take street photos at Grand Central Terminal 

💵 Cost: Free 

From Gossip Girl to Men in Black, Grand Central Station is no stranger to being on camera. This history alone can be quite exciting for newbies to NYC because it gives you the chance to actually walk through the scenes of many films. 

As a former Manhattan resident, the star-struck quality of Grand Central has worn off a bit. However, I still think it’s an excellent locale for travel photography. Nearly a million people scurry through this notorious terminal every single day. This provides a lot of opportunities for gorgeous, in-the-moment street photos. 

The best part is that you can sit there with your camera as long as you want and it won’t cost a thing. My ideal time to go shooting at Grand Central is in the very early morning when people are on their work commute because I tend to get very raw images at this hour. 

4. Visit free museums like the American Folk Art Museum and the Fashion Institute Museum 

💵 Cost: Free

I’ve lived the charmed existence of visiting NYC museums throughout my entire childhood. I can wholeheartedly testify that they’re some of the best in the world. 

Even better? Many NYC museums are free to visit, so anyone on any budget can browse the impressive collections. 

The American Folk Art Museum, the Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology, and the Bronx Museum of the Arts are just a few examples of galleries that are always free. 

Many of the city’s museums have free periods for New Yorkers as well. One of my favorites, the Museum of Modern Art, allows residents to reserve free tickets in advance for the first Friday of every month [source]. 

5. Read or work at the New York Public Library

💵 Cost: Free 

Much like Grand Central, the New York Public Library holds a celebrity mystique in my opinion. You can spot it making an appearance in classics like Sex and the City, 13 Going on 30, and Breakfast At Tiffany’s. 

Beyond its star quality, I find this enormous library to be a very peaceful place to read and work. As opposed to being stuck in the midst of a chaotic cafe buying an overpriced latte. There are plenty of places to relax and it’s always very quiet. 

You’ll need a library card to borrow any books or media, however, it is free to enter as a visitor if you just plan on hanging out. Just keep in mind that this century-old library is a popular study/work spot for New Yorkers, so be respectful of that atmosphere. 

6. Build things at the Lego store

💵 Cost: Free 

My friend Ashley’s Lego addiction led us to the massive Manhattan Lego store during my last trip to the city. 

The NYC store has a Lego experience set up where you can build stuff right in the middle of the space for free. While Ashley went on the hunt for the Lego money tree set, I kept myself quite entertained at these building stations. 

This free activity is a must-do for families with young children. Even as an adult, I found it difficult to pry myself away from creating stuff. As long as your kids don’t beg to bring home a set of their own, it is an easy way to have fun without spending money. 

7. Go window shopping on 5th Ave 

💵 Cost: Free 

5th Avenue is the most expensive retail shopping district in the world. You may be thinking I’ve made a grave mistake by including it on this list, but it was very much intentional. 

Traveling on a tight budget doesn’t mean you can’t appreciate the glitz and glory of 5th Ave. All you have to do is stick to window shopping. Peering at all the pretty things through glass isn’t as painful as it seems. 

I actually find it really amusing to explore the extraordinarily luxurious goods without spending anything. I usually wander around Saks Fifth Avenue, Bergdorf Goodman, and MUJI to see all the current styles. 

8. Browse craft and art vendors around Central Park West and Greenwich Village 

💵 Cost: Cheap to free 

The streets of New York City are filled with all types of surprises, such as talented street vendors peddling their art. These blocks are like a free, outdoor museum featuring up-and-coming artists whose names are still unknown to the public. 

The easiest place to find these artists in my experience is around Central Park West and Greenwich Village. I’ve stumbled upon large-scale paintings, pocket-sized drawings, photographs, ceramics, digital art, jewelry, and even furniture from street vendors in NYC. 

If something does catch your eye in a way you can’t ignore, these artists’ pieces tend to be fairly affordable souvenirs. I got a hand-drawn postcard with a beautiful landscape scene for just a couple of dollars from one of these local retailers. 

9. Roam Central Park 

💵 Cost: Free 

Central Park is the first place my mind goes when I want to enjoy myself in Manhattan without spending cash. Covering over 50 city blocks, this isn’t your average urban green space. There are tons of amazing things to do in Central Park and many of them are completely free. 

The Great Lawn and Sheep Meadow are the perfect, cost-free venue for a picnic in Manhattan. 

During the summer, there are performances of Shakespeare at Delacorte Theatre and concerts that are free to attend. 

The serene six-acre Conservatory Garden also offers complimentary admission to everyone. The garden even has free tours from April to October. Plus, you can always go biking, feed the ducks, or do some bird watching around Central Park without denting your bank account.

10. Take a stroll along the High Line

💵 Cost: Free

As a huge hike lover, it was tough for me to find adequate destinations to go for a trek around the Empire City. That’s why I was so elated to discover the High Line on the West Side of Manhattan. 

The High Line was transformed from a freight rail line to a 1.5-mile walking path elevated 30 feet above the city streets. I love the views of the NYC architecture from this slightly raised position. 

Whenever the city’s hustle and bustle got to be overwhelming for me and I needed a breath of fresh air, I’d find my way to the nearest High Line entrance. Not only is it an excellent escape from the hectic Manhattan streets, but it’s also completely free to visit. 

11. Take in the street art around the Lower East Side and the East Village 

💵 Cost: Free

No matter where you stay in Manhattan, you have a high chance of coming across some gorgeous street art. It’s one of the things I cherish about NYC the most because anywhere can quickly become a free art museum. 

In my opinion, the best parts of the city for discovering street murals are the Lower East Side and the East Village. Every time I walk around these neighborhoods, I always find something new that leaves me staring for far too long. 

On my last trip to Manhattan, the quilt-like piece of street art photographed above left the biggest impression on me. It went on for a full block with these intricate, colorful squares each holding a unique scene. I spent at least 15 minutes making sure I’d adequately seen each one before moving on. 

12. People-watch in any NYC neighborhood 

💵 Cost: Free

My mom always told me growing up that her favorite thing to do in NYC was people-watching. When I was young, I didn’t really understand the appeal, but now I completely get it. 

Every neighborhood in New York City is filled with these rich scenes of strangers living their lives. There is something mesmerizing about watching it all play out from a distance.

As a photographer, I find the people-watching hobby in Manhattan even more fun. It allows me to capture cute, little moments, such as the street photograph above of a waiter bonding with a woman’s dog. 

Truth be told, I could easily spend an entire day watching lives unfold in Manhattan and I’d never get bored or need to spend a single dollar. 

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There you have it – at least a weekend’s worth of activities that won’t do damage to your budget. Need a bit more advice before you spend time in the Big Apple? Read Niamh’s article on what to know before visiting NYC.