Quick Summary:

  • Many of Manhattan's most world-renowned attractions are accessible for free, including the sprawling urban oasis Central Park, which offers four seasons of outdoor fun for visitors of all ages.
  • Renowned museums such as the Museum of Modern Art can be explored for free during select times.


  • Updated with new information since originally published.
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  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. The Museum of Modern Art ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Museums & Culture
The Museum of Modern Art | Free Vacation Ideas in Manhattan
© Courtesy of kammetob - Fotolia.com

2. Central Park ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Activities
Central Park | Free Vacation Ideas in Manhattan
© Courtesy of littleny - Fotolia.com

3. Federal Hall, Manhattan

Federal Hall, Manhattan | Free Vacation Ideas in Manhattan
© Courtesy of Tono Balaguer - Fotolia.com

4. The Federal Bank of New York's Gold Vault

The Federal Bank of New York's Gold Vault | Free Vacation Ideas in Manhattan
© Courtesy of R.Babakin - Fotolia.com

5. The New York Earth Room

Category: Museums & Culture
The New York Earth Room | Free Vacation Ideas in Manhattan
© The New York Earth Room

6. Grand Central Terminal

Grand Central Terminal | Free Vacation Ideas in Manhattan
© Courtesy of Stuart Monk - Fotolia.com

7. General Grant National Memorial

Category: Attractions
General Grant National Memorial | Free Vacation Ideas in Manhattan
© Courtesy of alon - Fotolia.com

8. Hamilton Grange National Memorial

Category: Attractions
Hamilton Grange National Memorial | Free Vacation Ideas in Manhattan
© Hamilton Grange National Memorial

9. The Leslie-Lohman Museum of Gay and Lesbian Art

Category: Museums & Culture
The Leslie-Lohman Museum of Gay and Lesbian Art | Free Vacation Ideas in Manhattan
© The Leslie-Lohman Museum of Gay and Lesbian Art

10. The Museum at FIT

Category: Museums & Culture
The Museum at FIT | Free Vacation Ideas in Manhattan
© The Museum at FIT

11. The National Museum of the American Indian

Category: Museums & Culture
The National Museum of the American Indian | Free Vacation Ideas in Manhattan
© Courtesy of TTstudio - Fotolia.com

12. The African Burial Ground National Monument

Category: Activities
The African Burial Ground National Monument | Free Vacation Ideas in Manhattan
© Courtesy of Zack Frank - Fotolia.com

13. Eldridge Street Synagogue Museum

Category: Museums & Culture
Eldridge Street Synagogue Museum | Free Vacation Ideas in Manhattan
© Courtesy of demerzel21 - Fotolia.com

14. The Morgan Library and Museum

Category: Kids & Family
The Morgan Library and Museum | Free Vacation Ideas in Manhattan
© Courtesy of Loulou & Lily - Fotolia.com

15. The American Folk Art Museum

Category: Museums & Culture
The American Folk Art Museum | Free Vacation Ideas in Manhattan
© The American Folk Art Museum

16. The Stephen A. Schwarzman Building

The Stephen A. Schwarzman Building | Free Vacation Ideas in Manhattan
© Courtesy of Luis - Fotolia.com

17. The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts

Category: Kids & Family
The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts | Free Vacation Ideas in Manhattan
© The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts

18. The New York Transit Museum

Category: Museums & Culture
The New York Transit Museum | Free Vacation Ideas in Manhattan
© The New York Transit Museum

19. The Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument

Category: Activities
The Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument | Free Vacation Ideas in Manhattan
© Courtesy of demerzel21 - Fotolia.com

20. Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace National Historic Site

Category: Attractions
Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace National Historic Site | Free Vacation Ideas in Manhattan
© NPS Photo

21. The Irish Hunger Memorial

Category: Attractions
The Irish Hunger Memorial | Free Vacation Ideas in Manhattan
© Courtesy of el_cigarrito - Fotolia.com

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