Free Things To Do in New York

The Big Apple is every solo girl’s dream. This vibrant city will have you lost in movie-scene nostalgia, in a shopping frenzy at famous department stores, and at dizzying heights at the top of world-renowned landmarks.

But spending time here can come with a price tag as high as the Empire State Building. For those penny conscious solos amongst us, here is the best way to spend 24 hours in New York City on a budget. Includes where to stay in NYC, tours and how to get from the airport.

N.b. By booking through this page for your New York trip you are helping to improve the lives of vulnerable girls about the globe. Thanks for helping.

Contents

• Morning
• Lunch
• Afternoon
• Early Evening
• Dinner
• Evening
• Longer Than 24 Hours in NYC
• New York Pass
• Accommodation in NYC
• Getting From The Airport
• Getting To NYC

Morning

9am – 10am. Grand Central Station

It may seem strange to begin your day in one of the world’s greatest cities but this Grand Central Terminal has movie-star status, having appeared in movies such as Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, amongst others. Grand Central Terminal is the busiest train station in America. It’s huge!

You can do tours here which come at a price but this historic landmark is free to just look around and admire the painted constellations on the high ceilings. If you’re a film buff you may recognise it from the flash dance scene in the movie Friends With Benefits.

• Find it at: 89 E. 42nd Street (at Park Avenue), New York, NY 10017
• Opens at: 5.30 am – 2.00 am
• Costs: Free (a tour is an additional $25)
• Website: Grand Central Terminal

11am – 1pm. Times Square

Just fifteen minutes on foot are the neon lights of Times Square. Named so after the New York Times headquarters moved there. With giant adverts adorning buildings and over-the-top glitz, Times Square is a tourist attraction in itself and you won’t feel as though you’ve truly experienced New York City without visiting this vibrant area.

Don’t forget to walk (or just sit) on the famous red glass steps, where Alicia Keys and Jay-Z performed the amazing song, Empire State of Mind.

Lunch. 12pm – 1pm

Times Square

Depending on what time you get peckish, you can either enjoy a bite to eat at Times Square or head over to the next stop – Central Park. Times Square may sound as though it’s going to be expensive but if you buy your lunch from one of the street carts you can find here, you’ll save yourself on a sit down meal.

• Find it at: Times Square. Various opening hours. Just look for your nearest street cart offering tasty meals.

Central Park

Our favourite in Central Park is Tavern on the Green – an iconic landmark in itself offering soups, classic caesar salads and wild mushroom risottos all in an elegant atmosphere.

• Find it at: Central Park West & 67th Street, New York, NY 10023
• Opens at: 11am – 11pm
• Costs: Soup starts at $14 (more costly than street food but eating in a gorgeous courtyard is worth it.
• Website: Tavern on the Green

Early Afternoon

 Optional – Roosevelt Island Tram

Ready for the afternoon? Okay so this isn’t free but if you’ve already paid for a Metro ticket you can use your ticket on the Roosevelt Island tram to get a good view of the city from the air. With a height of 250 feet, this is one of the cheapest views in the city. Only 30 minutes from Times Square on foot.

• Find it at: E 59th St & 2nd Avenue, New York, NY 10022
• Opens at: 6am – 2am
• Costs: The price of a metro ticket
• Website: Roosevelt Island Tram

2pm – 4pm. Central Park

No matter which season you are visiting New York, Central Park is beautiful, whether in the Fall or in a snow-covered winter. The park is huge and perfect for strolling around and people watching as you go.

If you are a Beatles fan, the Strawberry Fields area of Central Park has an “Imagine” plaque surrounded by colourful flowers – a tribute to John Lennon. If you’re lucky you may hear some buskers playing Beatles tunes down the way.

• Find it at: New York (no address)
• Opens at: 6am – 2am
• Costs: Free
• Website: Central Park

Early Evening (2 options)

5pm – 7pm. Fifth Avenue

Every girl loves to shop and even if it’s only window shopping whilst in New York, what better place to do it than at America’s most-known flagships at the prestigious Fifth Avenue.

Lose yourself in sparkly window displays of jewels at Tiffany & Co, browse the World’s most famous department store at Macy’s and get giddy at sight of the 86 story-high Trump Towers. If you are feeling flush, treat yourself to a New York souvenir.

• Find it at: Fifth Avenue. The best shopping is from 39th to 60th Street.
• Opens at: 10am – 7pm
• Costs: Free to look!

5pm – 8pm. Museum of Modern Art

Visit New York on a Friday night and you’ll get a free pass to the Museum of Modern Art. Spend time marvelling at a Monet whilst mingling with the distinguished evening crowd. A great way to spend an arty and cultural evening with the potential to meet others too.

• Find it at: 11 W 53rd St, New York, NY 10019
• Opens at: 10.30am – 5.30pm
• Costs: Free on Friday evenings from 5pm
• Website: MOMA

Dinner

There are so many places to eat here. If you're on a budget head to 32nd street and pop into the Korean food court for a cheap bite to eat or find cheap New York Street food such as a slice of pizza or a hot dog in-between your sightseeing. Below are recommendations of our favourite places to eat in New York:

• Squire's Diner – 80 Beekman St # 1, New York, NY 10038
• Bo Ky – 80 Bayard St, New York, NY 10013
• Chelsea Market – 75 9th Ave, New York, NY 10011
• Malibu Diner – 163 W 23rd St, New York, NY 10011
• Blaggards – 8 W 38th St, New York, NY 10018
• Delis 48 – 48 W 48th St, New York, NY 10036
• Eat Here Now – 839 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10065
• Good Enough to Eat – 520 Columbus Ave, New York, NY 10024
• Neil's Coffee Shop – 961 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10021
• Harlem Bar-B-Q – 2367 Frederick Douglass Blvd, New York, NY 10027
• Brooklyn: Akaru Sushi – 201 Wyckoff Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11237
• Brooklyn: Juliana's – 19 Old Fulton St, Brooklyn, NY 11201

Evening

Listen to a concert

You’re in New York baby! There are always free events happening in the evenings in New York depending on which day you are here. If you visit during the summer, the best way to spend a night in NYC is to enjoy a concert in Prospect Park, for free.

Watch a screening

If acting is more your style (watching it that is), then watch one of the free film screenings in various spots in the city during the summer months. Look at Rooftop Films for listings.

If you can’t find any local events on for the time that you’re there, find a killer happy hour and sit at the bar chatting to the barman.

Longer Than 24 Hours in NYC

With only 24 hours in the city, you’ll be pushed to see everything. This itinerary shows you the best of NYC with some window shopping thrown in. If you have 48 hours, head across to the Staten Island Ferry (which is free), walk along Brooklyn Bridge, and visit the 9/11 Memorial (free from 7.30 am to 9 pm).

There is so much more of the city to see. If you have longer than 48 hours, I recommend the following tour companies for New York attractions and day tours. Or you may want to just spend an evening or rainy afternoon watching a movie at the cinema.

Stranger Things Experience – If you’re a fan of the Netflix series Stranger Things, and are in New York from Wednesday to Sunday, you can join the Stranger Things Experience and immerse yourself in the iconic locations and tubular monsters in New York. Walk through the iconic sets, see your favourite characters and discover hidden secrets in the Hawkins Lab. Prices are $74.

* Check dates, times and availability for Stranger Things Experience 

Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide helps you to find top-rated activities and day tours in worldwide destinations including New York. Choose from a Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island tour, a private Manhattan walking tour, or a 9/11 Memorial & World Trade Centre tour with a museum ticket. Some of the tours require a minimum of 2 people but there are several to book as a solo including a Catacombs by Candlelight tour, and a half-day photography tour, and it’s really simple to use. Just check the reviews, price and availability then book online. Read my Get Your Guide review  or click the link below for all their tours. * Check all New York Get Your Guide tours, prices and availability

Viator Tours – Viator are similar to Get Your Guide. They are an American company and a tour platform with more than 345,000 tours and worldwide activities. Choose from a skip-the-line ticket for the Empire State Building, a One World Observatory ticket, or a guided one day sightseeing tour. You can even take a Manhattan Sky Tour on a helicopter flight. Read my Viator review or click the link for all their tours.

* Check all Viator tours New York and availability

Intrepid Travel – If you’re searching for some company to explore the USA with, Intrepid Travel is a responsible travel company that offers a group tour from New York to New Orleans for 18 to 29 years olds. Over 9 days follow a historical and musical trail of the USA from the Big Apple to the Big Easy. Intrepid operate a flexible booking policy so you can change your travel plans up to 21 days before departure. Read our Intrepid Review here or click on the link below for their tours. 

* Click here for the Intrepid itinerary, price and start dates

New York Pass

If you don't mind splashing the cash to pay for some of New York's other attractions, consider buying a New York Pass which allows you to see over 80 of the city's attractions. You can save up to 70% even if you only plan to visit three attractions a day. Download your free New York guidebook with travel information to help you plan where to go, what to do and how to get there. Click here

Staying in NYC

New York City was once home of the landmark women-only Barbizon hotel that has seen the likes of several female Hollywood starlets such as Liza Minnelli, Betsey Johnson and Joan Crawford. Today, you can find any accommodation from 3 to 5-star international hotels to boutique hotels, pod hotels and hostels in the city. But New York isn’t cheap so expect to pay a lot to stay in the city. The further out you stay the less expensive the accommodation is.

Plus there’s Airbnb which offers rooms with a local and rental accommodation in New York on a short-term basis. If you are travelling during peak seasons and the prices are too high, Airbnb can be a good alternative. If you are unsure where to stay in the city, here are some of the best areas to stay in New York:

Best Areas To Stay in New York

Midtown Manhattan – This area is the heart of New York City and is home to many iconic landmarks such as Times Square, the Empire State Building, and Rockefeller Center. It's a great place to stay if you want to be close to major attractions, shopping, and dining options.

Greenwich Village – This area is known for its bohemian vibe, charming streets, and historic brownstones. It's a great place to stay if you're looking for a more laid-back and artsy atmosphere, with many cafes, restaurants, and shops.

SoHo – This area is known for its trendy boutiques, galleries, and restaurants, as well as its cast-iron architecture. It's a great place to stay if you're looking for a lively and fashionable atmosphere, with many nightlife options.

All of the accommodations below have been recommended by solo female travellers from our Girls about the Globe community and come with our Solo Female Friendly endorsement. For all other accommodations in New York, click on the link below.

* To book, check prices or availability for all New York accommodation

HI NYC Hostel – $

For those on a budget, the HI NYC Hostel is a great option. Located near to Central Park and metro lines. HI NYC Hostel has a great atmosphere and plenty of opportunities for social interaction with daily activities such as pub crawls and comedy nights. There’s a laundry room, a pool table to break the ice with other guests and a cinema area. The beds have reading lights and charging stations and there are even hairdryers in the bathrooms. Because it’s so sociable expect the hostel to be noisy. Choose from a bed in a mixed dorm room or a female-only dorm.

• Prices from £32/$46 USD per night for a bed in a mixed dorm
• To book, check prices or availability for HI NYC Hostel

Moxy NYC Chelsea – $$

There’s a reason this 4-star hotel is popular. It’s trendy, stylish and oh so boutique with large windows and a view of the Empire State Building. Located near a subway station and a 15 minute walk from Macy’s, the hotel is in an ideal location in the city. There’s a fitness centre, a 24-hour front desk and friendly staff. The rooms are small but perfect for solos and all come with an air purifier, air-conditioning and heating so it doesn’t matter what time of year you visit New York. Choose from a double room, a king room, or a double or king room with a city view.

• Prices from £133 / $188 USD per night for a double room
• To book, check prices or availability for Moxy NYC Chelsea

Iroquois Hotel Times Square – $$

Located in midtown Manhattan, this classy hotel is close to Times Square and walking distance to many of the main sites. The staff are very attentive and can help with anything you need. Iroquois has everything that you expect from a 5-star hotel including a cafe in the lobby, a restaurant and a Finnish sauna. Rooms come with an MP3 docking station, your very own bathrobe and some with a heated bathroom floor. Choose from a superior, deluxe or premium queen room, a deluxe or premium king room, or a one-bedroom suite.

• Prices from £175 / $248 USD per night for a superior queen room
• To book, check prices or availability for Iroquois Hotel Times Square

Getting From The Airport

New York City isn’t a city where you’ll need to drive due to its great Metro system and famous yellow taxis. From JFK airport you can take a train to New York Penn Station for approximately $12, changing at Jamaica. There's also a NYC Express Bus for $20 each way. A taxi costs from $50 depending on where you are staying in the city or pre-book an airport transfer if you prefer to have someone waiting at the airport for you. 

Getting To NYC

The best way to get to New York is by flying. John F. Kennedy airport is the main airport and has several flights from the UK. If your local airport is too pricey, Just click on ‘add nearby airports’ when creating your search and see if a short drive, bus or train journey could save you pounds.