11 best views in NYC for free
Last updated on February 10th, 2026.
Ask anyone who’s been to New York City — or even a local — and they’ll tell you one thing: it’s expensive.
Freebies in the big apple are hard to come by, but they do exist — if you look hard enough.
Sadly, they won’t present themselves in the form of a hotel stay. However, you can find plenty of mesmerizing viewing points in NYC that are either free, or close enough.
Whether you’re on a budget, or just like bagging a bargain, these 11 places are where you'll find the best views in NYC for free.
11 best views in NYC for free
1. Central Park north
This green, grassy landmark covering 2.5 miles (4km) is one of the best free things to do in New York. In fact, there are so many things to do in Central Park, that you probably need a full day to see everything.
Most travelers tend to explore Central Park from the south entrance, which starts at 59th Street. The popular NYC horse and carriage rides begin — and end — here. What’s more, there’s also the opportunity to hire bikes to explore the grounds.
Book: NYC horse and carriage ride
The south entrance is also closer to park attractions, like the Central Park Zoo, Wollman Rink and Bethesda Terrace. However, there’s one side that doesn’t get as much visitor love, and that’s the north end.
Conservatory Garden
As alluring as the south side of Central Park is, it also tends to be busier. Exploring north of the Metropolitan Museum, the park begins to feel less like a tourist spot.
While the attractions are fewer up north, there’s one place in particular that’s worth the journey.
The Conservatory Garden is a 6-acre formal garden located at 105th Street and Fifth Avenue.
An iron gate guards the entrance to this floral oasis. Within its grounds are several gardens, such as the Italian garden, with its grand lawn and 12ft jet fountain.
Also here, is the French-style garden with its colorful display of tulips come spring. At its heart is a fountain with a sculpture, the Three Dancing Maidens, by German sculptor Walter Schott.
The conservatory garden in Central Park really is the jewel of the north (end). Visit during fall and enjoy seasonal varieties like Korean chrysanthemums.
Tips on visiting the Conservatory Garden
The Conservatory Garden is open all year round, and is 100% free. Opening and closing times can change depending on the season, so check the website before making your trip.
I suggest taking the metro or bus, especially if beginning your trip from the south end of Central Park. The Conservatory Garden is towards the far northern end of the park and is a good walking distance.
Instead, follow my lead and take the metro from 59th Street Lexington Avenue to 103 Street. It’s about an 11-minute walk to get to the park.
Alternatively, you can exit at 110 Street Station Central Park North, and walk down to the Conservatory Garden.
Conservatory Garden, 1233 5th Avenue
Map: 11 FREE or cheap viewing points in NYC
2. The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Commonly known as The Met, this gargantuan institute is an NYC staple. It’s probably the most popular of all the galleries on this stretch of road known as Museum Mile.
Outside and in, the Met is quite a work of art. The lobby’s a constant stream of conversations merging into one noise bubble. It’s grand, bold, and one of my favorite places to return to when in New York.
An awesome view, but for a price
While the views from The Met are free the initial entrance ticket isn’t. During my visit, tickets cost:
- $25 (£19 / €23) for adults;
- $17 (£13.20 / €15) for senior citizens; and
- $12 (£9 / €10.30) for students.
Children under 12 enter for free.
Residents of New York state, and university students from New York, New Jersey and Connecticut can pay what they want.
However, even though there’s a fee, it does give you entry to all exhibitions. On top of this, your ticket’s also valid for 3 consecutive days, and gets you access to all 3 Met locations.
The Cantor Rooftop Garden Bar
From about mid-April to October (depending on the weather), The Met opens its popular Cantor Rooftop Garden Bar. Located on the 5th Floor, it’s a tranquil spot to enjoy an alfresco drink, or meal.
Take the elevator in the European Sculpture and Decorative Arts galleries to reach the bar on the 5th floor.
My tip is to come here just before sunset. There’s no need to shell out on a fancy meal or cocktail. Instead, simply come to enjoy the views of Central Park and the surrounding skyline.
The usual opening hours are Sunday to Thursday, 11am to 4:30pm, and Friday and Saturday: 11am to 10 pm. However, as always, check the website, as times can change according to when you visit.
3. MO Lounge
See New York City from a different angle at the MO Lounge. The lounge and dining area sits on the 35th floor of the luxurious Mandarin Oriental hotel on Columbus Circle.
Take your seat (there are 90 to choose from) and take in the views overlooking Central Park and Manhattan.
Mandarin Oriental, 80 Columbus Circle, New York
4. Brooklyn Bridge
It’s long, it’s wide and it’s 100% free. The Brooklyn Bridge isn’t only one of the city’s most famous landmarks, it also offers incredible views from both sides.
Joining the boroughs of Manhattan and Brooklyn, the bridge was the first fixed crossing across the East River. It stands at 41m tall and 26m wide and has been featured in countless films and TV shows.
Walk along the bridge towards Brooklyn, admiring the far-reaching river views on either side, and the Brooklyn neighborhoods ahead.
5. Brooklyn heights promenade
When across the river in Brooklyn, it almost feels like you’re watching the world at a distance. While the area has grown tenfold in popularity — and prices, Brooklyn remains as chilled as ever.
Along with excellent places to eat, drink and live, Brooklyn also has some fantastic viewing points. One such place is Brooklyn Heights promenade.
This pedestrian walkway within easy reach of Brooklyn Bridge, gives uninterrupted views of Downtown Manhattan and the East River. A long platform measuring 557m in length, it's free to roam and gives you a different perspective of New York.
Watch local life go by
Walk, bike, or just find an empty bench and relax. For me, coming to Brooklyn Heights Promenade gives you a temporary resident status. It’s a place where you can watch the joggers, dog walkers and walkers go about their daily routine.
Grand townhouses and mansions line the Promenade, giving a hint to the borough’s historic past.
Brooklyn Heights Promenade stretches from the Brooklyn Bridge to the ramp north of Atlantic Avenue. Metro stations 2 and 3 are the nearest, if you plan to skip the bridge and come straight here.
6. Brooklyn Bridge Park
Under the Brooklyn Heights Promenade and past the Brooklyn Bridge is a park bearing the same name.
Different portions of the park — called piers — have different features. Pier 1 has plenty of green spaces, a playground and views of New York Harbor and Brooklyn Bridge.
Pier 2 is, in short, the sports area. Come here to try your hand at basketball, handball or get your skates on at the roller rink.
Most probably my favorite pier is no. 4. It’s where you’ll find the park’s very own sandy beach. The park also includes a tobacco warehouse and 2 19th-century structures.
7. Westlight at The William Vale
In the Williamsburg neighborhood in Brooklyn, is a rooftop bar known for one thing: 360° views of lower Manhattan. The William Vale is a 5-star luxury hotel, home to 183 rooms, and a magnificent rooftop bar called Westlight.
Take the elevator to the 22nd floor to reach the bar. An inside bar and dining area are surrounded by an outdoor terrace, offering guests unrivaled views of Manhattan.
A touch of sophistication in Brooklyn, Westlight is ideal for long lunches and lazy summer evenings.
Turn a night out into a night over with a stay at The William Vale. Rooms come with floor-to-ceiling windows, open-air balconies, and of course, the best views overlooking the NYC skyline.
8. Staten Island ferry
There may be no such thing as a free lunch, but there is such a thing as a free ferry. Since 1997, the Staten Island Ferry has been 100% free, transporting passengers between Manhattan and Staten Island.
Of course, the ride isn’t the only thing that’s free here. Views from the ferry are too, especially if you bag a good seat.
It operates 24/7, and with a journey time of about 25 minutes. Ferries leave every 15 to 20 minutes during peak hours, and every 30 minutes at other times. However, I always advise checking the schedule before you travel.
Where to get the Staten Island ferry
In Lower Manhattan, the Staten Island ferry departs/arrives at Whitehall Terminal on Whitehall Street. On the Staten Island side, you arrive at/depart from St. George Terminal in St. George.
The R and W lines will take you to Whitehall Street on the Manhattan side. You can also take the 1 train to South Ferry and take a short walk to the ferry terminal.
Tips before visiting
Be aware of public holidays in the USA as they can affect ferry schedules. On these days, services run every 30 minutes throughout the day. Departures leave on the hour and half hour from each terminal.
Avoid using the ferry service during the rush hour (8-10am/5-7pm). Boats tend to be packed during these times, and it won’t be pleasant for you, or for regular commuters.
9. Empellón Al Pastor at Pod 39 Hotel
Take a breather in midtown Manhattan at the Empellón Al Pastor rooftop bar. Situated at the top of the building of Pod 39, the bar’s an intimate place to spend an evening.
At night, enjoy the views of New York City lit up like a Christmas tree. If your budget allows, try a cocktail and some Mexican street food made by upscale local eatery Empellón Al Pastor.
Empellón Al Pastor at Pod 39 is open seasonally, weather permitting.
10. Roosevelt Island Tramway
Experience an aerial view of Manhattan and the East River on board the Roosevelt Island Tram. Technically, the ride isn’t free, but if you’ve already got a MetroCard, you can use it to pay the fare.
I first took the train to Roosevelt Island station, and then came back on the tram. The station’s one of the deepest below sea level, located more than 100ft (30m) below ground.
What to see on Roosevelt Island
On a bleak, dreary day in January, I made the trip to Roosevelt Island. I didn’t have any idea about what to expect when visiting, but I was curious to see it for myself.
Aside from an information center, there’s not much to see on Roosevelt Island. The views along the river are pretty, and the tranquil surroundings are a welcome from the maddening crowds of Manhattan.
However, aside from this, Roosevelt island consists of residential buildings, offices and the tram.
All on board
It’s easy to understand why visitors like the tram. This moving cable car awards some of the best views in NYC, and it’s also something different too.
The entrance is at 2nd Avenue and 60th Street. It runs every 7 to 15 minutes, with a journey time of around 4 minutes to Tramway Plaza.
As you can imagine, the tram’s very popular and lines build up quickly. However, if hanging around in long lines isn’t your thing, visit during the week — the earlier the better.
Another option to visit Roosevelt Island is by the NYC ferry. The boarding point’s on the east side of the island. Unlike the tram, the ferry makes one stop at Long Island City and then continues on to Manhattan.
As always, check the tram schedule before visiting, and avoid visiting during the weekday rush hours.
11. Governors Island
Unbeknownst to many visitors, there’s a 172-acre island in New York Harbor just 800 yards from lower Manhattan. Governors Island is a destination with serene parks, historical buildings and a 22-acre national monument.
It was also from Governors Island where Wilbur Wright made the world’s first historic flight in 1909.
The views from Governors Island are also pretty spectacular. Navigate your sights on the New York Harbor, Lower Manhattan skyline and the Statue of Liberty (book tickets).
Things to do on Governors Island
Governors Island is open from 1 May to 31 October. From spring to fall, the island has plenty of attractions to make up an ideal day trip.
A walking tour is one of the easiest ways to navigate, and learn more about, Governors Island. There are 2 welcome centers: Soisson Landing and Yankee Pier, from which you can join a guided tour.
Check the website for the most up-to-date information on tour days and times.
Come summer, hordes of people come to Governors Island for the scenery, parks and to have a picnic. You’re welcome to bring your own food and dine al fresco at one of the island’s picnic tables.
Alcohol, however, isn’t permitted on Governors Island, but you can buy, and drink it, in certain areas.
Barbecues too are off limits, unless you’ve reserved a designated grilling station. Eating out at Governors Island is also an option. There are plenty of vendors on hand selling a diverse variety of cuisines.
How to get to Governors Island
The only way to reach Governors Island is by ferry. Ferry services run daily and, on the hour, starting at 10am from Lower Manhattan.
The departure point is the Governors Island ferry waiting room in the Battery Maritime Building.
A good tip to finding the building is to look for the Staten Island Ferry Terminal at 10 South Street. The Battery Maritime Building is just next door.
Traveling by New York subway
There are several options to reaching the Governors Island ferry waiting room by metro. They are:
- No. 1 train to South Ferry;
- R train to Whitehall St station
- 4-5 train to Bowling Green station
Cost of the ferry to Governors Island
A round trip to Governors Island costs $2 for adults and $1 for seniors. Children under 12 are free. Everyone rides for free at the weekend, so long as you go before 11:30am.
All ferries have accessibility for passengers in wheelchairs, but this doesn’t extend to all buildings on the island. There are, however, wheelchair-accessible portable toilets on the island.
Have you been to New York City, or are planning a future visit? Which of these NYC free viewing points would you most like to see? Leave me a comment below.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that I’ve recommended. Thank you for your support.
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wow. the pictures are really stunning! hopefully, i could go to these places someday... but now, ill just visit them online due to this pandemic we have.
That's the best thing you, and everyone else, can do right now.
I went to New York last November and visited some of these places, they are all amazing and a must do while in town for sure
I 1000% agree with you!
Great tips for views of NYC! I love NYC and have visited multiple times, but I must admit there are several places on here that I have not been to or even thought of visiting for these great views. Even more, they are all free (can't go wrong there!). Governor's Island sounds very interesting to me. I have heard of it before but have never visited. I have been thinking about visiting again soon and you have inspired me to do just that!
Thanks Melissa! It's an easy mistake to make, I must admit! I've been a few times and still missed some of these the last time 🙂
This is a really useful post as I am planning a trip to NYC next summer. Its great to know that not all nice things cost money. I shall certainly try and visit some of these spots you have recommended.
Perfect Nanya, I hope you have a lovely time there!
Well you had me at FREE! What a wonderful guide to the best views in New York City. Sometimes the best things in life really are free...or close enough. Did not know about the Roosevelt Island Tram. It looks like the views of Manhattan would be amazing. A must on my next visit!
Perfect! NYC can be so pricey, so I thought I'd throw in some freebies here 🙂
I'm a native New Yorker and while it's true that NYC is an expensive place, there are plenty of spots that are cheap. Thanks for sharing these spots 🙂
There sure are! And I was happy to find several!
I haven't been to NYC in years. You make it look so good! My partner has never been to America so I will bring there next year!
Amazing! You can enjoy these places together 🙂
Yet to visit New York but yeah when it's an expensive city these are exactly where I would be heading to. Travel to me is more about these views that we set out to witness. Beautiful pictures giving a feel of being there. Will hunt out whenever we manage to be in New York.
Great to know, thank you for taking the time to read and comment 🙂
Wow this is such an amazing post! I love how comprehensive you are with each place. I love NYC and can't wait to go back and check some of these places out!
Thanks Jay, I appreciate the feedback 😀
This is such a great list. I love NYC.
Me too!
NYC is simply the best city i've ever been into, LOVE IT!!! I know a few of these views, super excited to check the ones that I don't know.
Amazing! Make sure to re-visit the other views on your next visit 🙂
I love NYC and everything there is pretty amazing. I most definitely enjoy the Museum of Natural History and will have to get there soon to check out the Metropolitan Museum of Art as I have not visited there yet 🙂 Thank you for the tips!
Welcome Melissa, I hope you find it useful for your next visit 🙂
I'm headed to NYC next month and will definitely hit up a couple of these spots!
Great to know! Go and find these spots!
I love how comprehensive this guide to the best places in New York City. Captivating pictures. Already added this to my travel list.
Thanks Kim! I really appreciate the feedback, and enjoy NYC!
Wow you’ve got some amazing places here. I’ll bookmark for when I get to take the trip
Wonderful! Hope it comes in handy
These are really great views of the city. The one from Brooklyn was pretty amazing. It just makes me sad about some of the views which are no longer there. 🙁
I completely know what you mean David 🙂
I have been to NYC but was not knowing about so many spots from where we can admire NYC's stunning skyline and that too for free. I never knew that Staten Island is free and transports so many passengers for free and that too daily. The views from Brooklyn bridge is really amazing and for me that is the best spot to admire the beauty of NYC.
The ferry has been free since 1997, it's a great tip in NYC for travelers on a budget!
This is a fabulous guide! I wish I had it a few years ago when I was in NYC. I'll bookmark this for when I go there again.
Perfect, I'm glad you enjoyed it Cindy 🙂
We live less than 30 minutes from NYC and we're there all the time. Love it there!
Amazing, you can make good use of this post!
These are great tips! I will have to check a few of these locations out for myself since every time we visit NYC we enjoy getting nice views of the skyline and the city. Thank you for sharing!
You're welcome, glad you find the tips useful!
I love this list, so many great places to visit on my next trip to NY, I have visited the Brooklyn Bridge, promenade and park but I haven't been to any of the other places. I definitely want to go to the conservatory garden and also some of the islands on my next visit. Thanks for the tips.
Many visitors forget to visit the islands; they've some amazing views!
I am a New Yorker my enter life. Love it such amazing places to visit.
There really are!
As a NYC resident, so many of my favorite spots that I can absolutely attest to and some new ones for me which is awesome! Brooklyn Bridge Park is SUCH a good one - it's the most iconic view of the NYC skyline. I hope many travelers read that and get inspired to go because they will get amazing pictures. Great suggestion regarding Roosevelt and Governor's Island. I'll never forget watching the sun go down from the RI tram - it was nothing short of magical! You've definitely done your due diligence!
Ah thanks Stephanie, that means a lot given that you're a local! You're so right about Brooklyn Bridge, it's so understated as a viewing point 🙂
Absolutely stunning pictures of NYC!!
Thanks!
This is very useful since I`m planing to visit NYC! Thank you for your suggestions!
You're welcome 🙂
This so helpful for someone planing to visit new york. I would love to visit this city someday.
I hope you do too!
Lisa, after reading your post I have come to realise that I need to go back to Manhattan even though I have already been there twice. So much to experience but so little time.
It's such a crazy and chaotic city that it's not easy to see everything 🙂
I am moving to that area this summer so this will be super useful for me. Glad I came across it!
Perfect! I hope you'll use it when you're there 🙂
I have not been to NYC in a very long time, I need to go back. You gave someone me great suggestions for roof top bars, I’m bookmarking this! I can’t believe I haven’t Riad the system island ferry, that needs to change!
It's something that's easy to miss 🙂
Oh wow, I love that many of these are free. That's so helpful for a budget. Thanks so much for sharing this with all of us!
You're welcome!
This is good to know! I've been to NY once before and found it very expensive just to get up to get a view. I wish I had known about these places.
It's insanely expensive! These places are mostly free 🙂
I have only passed through NYC and never stayed. This makes me want to spend a week or two there and take it all in! Those pictures are amazing!
Consider staying next time, there's plenty to see here!
Beautiful pictures. I specially like the fountain..
Thank you
I will have to check some of these views out when I go visit my son. I like these unique places to visit
And many are free too 🙂
Wow...this is super..I haven’t been to New York yet...plan to visit in the future. This is great!
Glad you enjoyed it
It is a great and so useful list for travelers, thanks a lot! It is so many exciting facts about NY in your article. So many exciting hints about free viewpoints. As a photographer, I appreciate this kind of tips which helps me not to spend too much money when I want to take pictures.
I'm glad you liked it! It shows that you can get something for free in NYC 😀
Not been to NYC yet, but will definitely keep these places in mind in case I ever visit
Perfect! It's a great city
I love New York City I would like to take a picture on the Brooklyn Bridge is so iconic
It's an NYC must!
I have never been to New York, but it is one of those must-see places that I would like to visit one day. A great list of viewpoints, I will definitely use it when I am in the USA. Westlight seems to be a really cool place. I think it's great to have a drink while admiring the New York skyline.
It's a great Brooklyn bar to stop and take in the views 🙂
Gorgeous! You make me want to get back to NYC. These are such amazing photos. I'll keep this post in mind.
Thank you! There are some fun and free things to do in NYC 🙂
I have been to NYC several times. But unfortunately, I couldn't mange to visit several famous museums. Its parks are also on my list. By all mean, I don't know these Freebies. So thanks for the sharing.
You're welcome! I hope you get to see a few of these the next time you're back
This is such a great list, Lisa. I love NYC but agree that it can be so hard on pocket. Everything is so expensive. But with a little research like reading your article, we can do so much for free in New York City. I did so many of these when I was last there. Need to go back and finish the rest.
Thank you! Freebies aren't easy to come by in NYC 😀
What a great list, Lisa! I was in NYC a few years ago and I visited maybe a couple of spots from your list - need to go back and cover them all now! My memories of NYC are mostly about how expensive it was, and how much walking was involved!
Lol yes! I do enjoy walking in general, but I remember doing a lot in NYC! Glad you enjoyed it 😀
What a lovely and inspiring post. I hunt the best spots everywhere I go so this information is like a gold mine. I think that the suspended tram would be my first choice because from there you can get more panoramic views while moving in the air.
It's really fun! And even for someone like me who's not amazing at heights lol
Thanks for sharing this awesome list of the best views of NYC for free or with a small fee. I've only done the Staten Island ferry, Brooklyn Bridge walk, and Governor Island. I still have many other places to visit such as the Conservatory Garden in Central Park. I don't know how I missed that during the last visit.
It's a part of the park that many people, including myself, had missed. But, it's much quieter and so pretty to wander around.