Well I’m back with another installment of our video mini-series dedicated to showing you how to have fun in New York… for free. That’s right, one of the most expensive cities in the world offers a seemingly endless supply of fun and free activities.
If it’s the arts and music you are after, there are plenty of opportunities for the frugal traveler to get into major New York museums and concerts for free.
Museum of Modern Art: (MoMA)
Many of New York’s museums have certain days where they have free entry. The MoMA is a great example. It is normally $20 for adult admission, on Friday afternoons from 4 to 8pm, the MoMA is free for everyone. It is located at the limit between Midtown West and Midtown East.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art: (The MET)
With its 5 million visitors per year, the Metropolitan Museum of Art is one of New York City’s most popular attractions. It is located in the Upper East Side and entrance is based on a donation, so you get to decide your price of entry.
If you are looking to get out of Manhattan, the Brooklyn Museum is a great place to check out. Entry is free every first Saturday from 5 p.m. to 11p.m. Of course, arriving after 5 may not give you enough time to visit all of the museum’s permanent collection containing more than one-and-a-half million objects.
Studio Museum in Harlem:
Opened in 1968, the Studio Museum in Harlem has earned recognition for its role in promoting the works of artists of African descent. This museum is free the first Saturday of every month.
In fact, most museums in New York have a day each week or each month where entry is free. So if you’ve got a museum you absolutely must see, but don’t have it in your budget, contact the museum – they just might have a free day during your visit.
And speaking of your budget, don’t forget that a great way to save money during your next trip to New York City is by renting a fully furnished apartment in New York through New York Habitat.
This 1 Bedroom Rental in Harlem (NY-11590) is just a few blocks away from the Studio Museum in Harlem. You’ll also be steps away from the Apollo Theater and the Abissinian Baptist Gospel Church.
This 1 Bedroom Midtown West Accommodation (NY-4646) will put you a few blocks away from the MoMA, Times Square, Rockefeller Center… the list goes on.
Art may inspire your soul, but music will set it free. The problem is catching quality live music in New York can also drain your wallet!! So where can you catch good music for free?
BB King Blues Club and Grill:
Located in the heart of Times Square, you’ll find free shows almost every night at the BB King Blues Club and Grill. Shows generally start at 8pm.
Brooklyn Academy of Music: (BAM)
Another great place to catch great free live music is the Brooklyn Academy of Music. Head over to their BAMcafé where you’ll find great music. Every Friday and Saturday is free to the public.
Summerstage:
If you’re coming to New York in the summer, you’ve got to check out Central Park’s Summerstage. SummerStage is New York’s premiere outdoor concert venue in Central Park. All summer long you’ll find amazing concerts – and they’re all completely free.
There’s a seemingly endless list of ways to take in some quality art and music for free in New York City. If you’ve got any other suggestions, be sure to leave them in the comments section below.
And if these ideas have inspired you to catch the next flight to New York, you’ll definitely want to consider booking a New York furnished vacation rental.
In ourIn our previous article we discovered Free Views of New York. and in the next article we will focus on Free things to do in New York.
I was very disaoppointment by the MOMA museum, I went there a few months ago and I did not find this museum super interesting. Maybe I should go back some time…
In this economy free things are really needed!!I did not realize how things you can do in New York city without spending any money! Great Love it
The MoMA is probably my favorite museum in the city. If you enjoy interpreting art and are interested in experiencing anything from Picasso to Worhol, this is defnitely the musuem to go to!
As a New-Yoker for 15 years now I really did not know that 1 day a month museums are free. I will do some research about that but this is a super info!
Harry will strongly suggest that you go back to the museum and do as Jason!
I remember the old MOMA, years ago when I saw an some of Mataise paintings. Now I’m dying to see this new building, I heard a lot of great things about it.