NYC for Free: An NYU Student’s Guide to Exploring on a Budget

First of all, I’m sure you weren’t expecting me to write Broadway as an inexpensive option! It’s true! I took this picture right before I saw David Byrne’s American Utopia. This was a show I attended for free thanks to NYU Box Office. Every semester NYU puts out a number of options for students to snag free or heavily discounted tickets. These offers often include tickets for Broadway shows, operas, sporting events, and more all across the city.

Northwest of our Washington Square Park campus is an entrance to the High Line, a public park built on an old rail system elevated from the street. Beginning in Chelsea near the Whitney Museum of American Art, the High Line takes you all of the way up to Hudson Yards. It’s important to note that there are many entrances and exits along the way. Ever since my first year at NYU, the High Line has been a great way to take in beautiful views of the city and enjoy the nice weather!

From May to October anyone can kayak for free during the weekends and holidays at Pier 26 at Hudson River Park! I have gone kayaking a number of times now. It’s great way to cool off during hot summer days.

Still, I was a little freaked out at first getting close to the Hudson River, since it’s not the cleanest water. However, I am happy to report the area where you kayak is generally calm so there is not much splashing going on!

Also important to mention is that NYU offers free museum access for a number of popular locations around New York City. Some of these museums include the Museum of Modern Art, Museum of the Moving Image, and the Whitney Museum of American Art.

As you can see, the artwork inside of the Whitney is not the only thing that’s impressive there. The balconies surrounding the museum have amazing views of Manhattan!

A classic, to be sure. Most New Yorkers will direct you to Central Park given its many areas to explore and free public access.

Fun fact: Central Park is the most filmed public park in the world. So, if you are attending NYU as an aspiring movie star, perhaps a walk through Central Park will be your big break!

This picture was taken in the Conservatory Gardens. It’s just one small corner of the whole park and my favorite area to walk around in the spring or summer.

Maybe you’re a History major at CAS seeking a unique collection. Maybe you’re a Finance major at the NYU Stern School of Business eager to learn more about the banker J.P. Morgan. Either way—the Morgan Library might interest you.

Admission to the historic rooms is free on Tuesdays and Sundays from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Admittedly, when my first-year roommate suggested we take a visit here, I was skeptical about how much fun we would have. However, I ended up being fascinated by the detailed architecture and vast collection of works.

Another staple of the New York City experience? Walking or biking across the Brooklyn Bridge. Especially on a clear day, you can enjoy stunning views of both the Brooklyn and Manhattan skyline. Once you have crossed the bridge, you can eat some of the best pizza New York City has to offer in Brooklyn. Some of my favorite spots are Juliana’s Pizza and Grimaldi’s Pizzeria. Evidently there is debate between New Yorkers about which place has the better slice. Of course, I encourage you to go ahead and decide for yourself!

All considered, the Met is probably my favorite museum in New York City. It has one of the world’s largest collections and every time I go, I find myself exploring a new wing or area I didn’t know existed. I have actually been sent to the Met a number of times to complete projects for some of my NYU classes.

For example, I took a class, Egypt of the Pharaohs, last semester and had to write an analysis of an ancient Egyptian artifact. Regardless of whether you go for school or leisure, the Met is always great to explore. Admission is pay what you wish as an NY resident, and your NYU student ID counts as proof of your residency.

Roosevelt Island is located in New York’s East River. Here you can discover historic sites, parks, restaurants, and amazing views of the city.

The island is free to enter and accessible by subway or the Roosevelt Island tram which costs $5.50 round trip! If you are not in a rush, I would suggest taking the tram. Then, you can enjoy views of both the skyline and the island as you travel suspended above the East River.

Hudson River Park runs a few miles along Manhattan’s West Side. Without a doubt, it is one of my favorite places to go for runs, have a picnic, or just explore. There are a number of piers with seating and grassy fields. You’ll often see New Yorkers sunbathing, playing football, or just chilling out with friends.

On the one hand, there is plenty to see in Washington Square Park right on our campus. But, I would suggest for NYU students to travel a little west and enjoy the Hudson River Park too! 😁