If you’re a college student in NYC, chances are you’re always on the lookout for things to do that won’t break the bank. Well, look no further! Here is a guide to some of the best free things to do in the city. From art and culture to parks and recreation, there’s something for everyone. So get out there and enjoy all that NYC has to offer!
Explore free museums and cultural attractions
New York City has plenty of attractions that you don’t have to spend a dime to visit. Whether you’re into culture or history, there are so many wonderful museums and cultural attractions dotted throughout the city, which can be enjoyed all year round. Many museums offer free days or discounted rates for students! Take advantage of these amazing deals and explore some of the city’s finest cultural sights without breaking the bank! From Guggenheim to MoMA, from the Met to the Whitney, get ready to dive into NYC’s vibrant art scene while staying within budget. So why not make the most out of this amazing city by taking advantage of its rich artistic offerings – with no cost involved?
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
If you’re a student from New York, New Jersey or Connecticut, you can get in for free to the Metropolitan Museum of Art with your student ID. While there is a suggested amount, you’re under no obligation to give anything. (Students from other states pay a reduced student rate of $17.) This is a great opportunity for anyone who loves art and culture and wants to experience one of the most famous museums in the world. From its iconic works by Monet, Degas, and Van Gogh, to its impressive collection of Greek sculptures, ancient Egyptian mummies and Ming Dynasty artifacts, the Metropolitan Museum offers something for everyone. It’s definitely worth a visit!
All you need to do is show your valid student identification at the ticket counter when entering the museum. Enjoy exploring art from around the world without having to worry about breaking your wallet.
Museum of Modern Art
Visiting the Museum of Modern Art in NYC is a great way to explore modern art without breaking the bank. College students who attend one of the following schools can get in for free one time with their college ID:
- City University of New York (CUNY) schools
- Columbia University in the City of New York
- Cooper Union
- New York University
- Pratt Institute
- School of Visual Arts
- SUNY Schools
- The Juilliard School
- The New School
- The Rockefeller University
You’ll be able to celebrate some of the most iconic artwork, including Van Gogh’s “The Starry Night” and Andy Warhol’s “Campbell’s Soup Cans.” See these widely lauded masterpieces in person while experiencing all that MoMa has to offer.
If you do not go to one of these schools, don’t fret — you can still get in for free on the first Friday night of each month. MoMA stays open late on the first Friday of every month and admission is free for New Yorkers through a partnership with UNIQLO. Don’t miss out on this free opportunity while living in New York!
See a Broadway show with steeply discounted Student Rush tickets
Are you looking to take in a show while visiting New York City? Great news — you don’t need to break the bank to do it! Broadway might be famously expensive, but there are always discounted tickets available for students.
Being a student comes with many great benefits, one of them being the availability of Student Rush tickets. The box office before every show will have a handful of discounted, low-price tickets just waiting to be purchased by students. All that is required is your valid school ID and an extra form of identification such as a passport or driver’s license; payment must also be made in cash. Then you’ll be ready to enjoy the show!
Broadway shows have their own unique Student Rush ticket policies. Generally, the box offices will begin distributing these discounted tickets when they open in the morning (most times at 10 am Monday through Saturday and at noon on Sunday), but some may wait until just a few hours before showtime to start selling them. It is best to call ahed to find out the policy for the show you want to see.
Taking in a live production is one of the most quintessential NYC experiences, so if you’re looking for a way to be entertained on the cheap, student discounts are the way to go. From musicals and plays to modern works by emerging artists, there’s something for everyone at any budget. So put on your best Sunday shoes and check out a Broadway show — it’s not one of those ‘you can only do it once’ experiences!
Walk around Central Park
Central Park is one of the most iconic places in NYC, and it’s completely free to enjoy.
An outdoor escape in the bustling city of New York, Central Park is one of the most iconic destinations in the world. Come to take a break from your daily stress with a stroll through its winding paths, admire the beauty of its meadows and lakes, or explore attractions like Belvedere Castle or Cleopatra’s Needle. It is completely free to walk around this green oasis — providing endless enjoyable moments for any kind of visitor. Enjoy quiet moments in nature or get active by joining activities like roller skating or riding a Citi-bike, which you can rent throughout the city for a nominal amount.
Take a ferry ride to Staten Island
Looking to get a view of the greatest city in the world for free? Hop on the Staten Island ferry! From its station at Whitehall in southern Manhattan, you’ll be able to get a great view of lower Manhattan, the Statue of Liberty, and Brooklyn on your way over to Staten Island. This 25-minute scenic ride is free, making it one of the most economical ways to experience New York’s beauty. The ferry is perfect for anyone looking to see NYC from a different perspective. It’s also great for couples to take their time, relax, and take in some of NYC from a peaceful waterway.
Take the NYC Ferry
NYC Ferry is the perfect way to explore New York City on a budget. The network of ferry routes allows visitors and locals alike to take in views of the iconic skyline, from Brooklyn Bridge Park to the Statue of Liberty and Governor’s Island. The ferry runs throughout New York Harbor, and each destination offers something unique for visitors to experience. Ticket prices are incredibly reasonable — $4 for an adult one-way ticket, making it an affordable option for anyone looking to navigate the city by water. NYC Ferry offers discounted prices if you buy a 10-trip pass.
Ready to hit the beach? NYC Ferry’s Rockaway route is your go-to transit link from Rockaway to Lower Manhattan, taking you straight to New York City’s amazing beaches.
Browse through one of the many farmers markets
Whether you’re looking to save some money or pick up fresh, local produce, visiting one of the numerous farmers markets in NYC is a great idea. From downtown Manhattan to Long Island City, Bronx or Queens, there’s likely a farmers market close by. You can usually find a wide variety of locally-grown fruits and vegetables along with some other tasty treats like jams, sauces, breads, and dairy products. Take your time browsing through the stands to find the freshest produce in your area. Not only does it provide an opportunity to stock up on healthy ingredients at a reasonable price for your next meal but also lets you support local business owners who are often small family farms!
Conveniently located just above the 14th Street Union Square train station, the Union Square Greenmarket is the most famous farmers market in NYC. Step into a paradise of succulent, fresh produce and fragrant flowers. Savor the award-winning farmstead cheeses, take in the aroma of freshly baked breads, and sample small batch whiskeys — all at one place. The market has the most number of vendors on Saturdays and is great for people-watching if that’s your thing.
Check out a comedy club or open mic night
If you’re looking for a good laugh, head to one of the many comedy clubs or open mic nights in NYC. With plenty of cheap — and even free — options available, there’s sure to be something to make your sides ache from laughter. Whether you’re looking for an intimate nighttime in a cozy club setting, or a rowdy barroom atmosphere, these comedic venues offer endless entertainment for all types of audiences. So take yourself out for some laughs – because with all the amazing options available throughout NYC, this is guaranteed to be a night filled with fun.
Check out the different NYC neighborhoods
Exploring the different neighborhoods of New York City is often a great starting point when it comes to free things to do. Each area has its own special ambiance, and getting out and taking a walk can provide you with an immersive experience in local culture. From Chinatown, Little Italy, and K-Town’s food scenes to the murals of the Lower East Side, there are plenty of sights to be seen for free. No matter where you choose to go, your exploration of NYC’s neighborhoods will give you insight into the city like never before!
Take advantage of free events and activities
New York City is a vibrant and exciting place to visit, and you can maximize your fun and minimize expenditures by taking advantage of all the free events and activities that happen throughout the city all year round. Whether it’s outdoor concerts in the parks — the Delacorte Theater’s Free Shakespeare in the Park is a must-see, visiting some of NYC’s world renowned museums, or attending a festival hosted in one of the city’s vibrant boroughs, you’ll never be short on things to do. With so much happening each day, you can enjoy New York City without ever having to pay an admission fee.
And don’t forget to check out the New York Public Library. Not only do they have an impressive collection of books, films, and other resources available to borrow for free, but they also host a range of events including book clubs, author readings, film screenings, and more — all open to the public at no cost. There’s truly something for everyone at the library, so why not take advantage of all that it has to offer?
Enjoy all the parks and green spaces NYC has to offer
If you’re eager to get out and explore New York City without breaking the bank, there are plenty of great outdoor options available. From beautiful parks in every borough to spacious playgrounds, you can experience all the city has to offer with some fresh air and exercise. Hang out with friends for leisurely sports like volleyball or basketball, take a jog along a waterfront path, or head to one of the numerous rooftop farms for some unique views! You’ll never run out of free activities to help keep your body and mind fit in this vibrant city.
Explore all the great food options
New York City is a food lover’s paradise! From succulent street food carts to dim sum, you don’t need to break the bank to explore the culinary adventures that NYC has to offer. Plus, most cheap eats are also delicious — you don’t have to sacrifice taste for price when it comes to eating out in New York City!
Take a tour of Dekalb Market Hall, a 27,000-square-foot food hall in Brooklyn featuring a range of international cuisines. With over 30 local and regional food vendors, there is something to suit every palate.
The Queens Night Market in Flushing Meadows is a delightful experience. From late May to mid-October, the area transforms into a lively and vibrant space filled with international street food, live music, and unique handmade items. Attendees can sample Latin American fare such as Guatemalan tamales or Venezuelan arepas, listen to Hindu folk songs, and browse art pieces from artists of all walks of life. With over 100 vendors from around the world, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at the Queens Night Market.
Conclusion
With so many free things to do in NYC, you’ll never find yourself bored or short on cash. From exploring all the different neighborhoods to taking advantage of free events and activities, there’s something for everyone. So get out there and start enjoying all that New York City has to offer!
For more useful articles and tools to help you save money on everything you buy and budget travel, check here.
