
24 Jan 7 Free Places to Visit in Lower Manhattan
Manhattan is easier to fall in love with when it isn’t maxing out your credit card. Wouldn’t it be great to tick off a few free places to visit in Lower Manhattan?
A myriad of things can happen under the luminescent glow of huge adverts, which bombard you with the latest products and store sales. Costumed buskers, the warm scent of soft pretzels, a plethora of tourists busying the streets and a hearty population of 8.5 million people, solitude in NYC may seem like a startling notion. But within NYC, Manhattan is so busy and lively, it’s entirely possible to remain invisible, which does well to let you give yourself undivided attention.

There are many things to do in Lower Manhattan, NYC. It’s easy to want to do everything, yet do nothing while spending time figuring out activities for the day. If you’re attracted to bustling and pricey New York, here are the top seven free places to visit in lower Manhattan and while (mostly) on foot!
The Brooklyn Bridge
Numero uno of the free places to visit in Lower Manhattan.
Start your day at the Brooklyn Bridge. The earlier the better if you want the bridge (mostly) to yourself and to take photographs. If you’re into a morning stroll, it takes about 60 minutes to walk across the bridge’s entirety. The view is incredible. The Manhattan Bridge and Williamsburg Bridge come into view across the East River. You can spot the Statue of Liberty.

The Statue of Liberty
The Statue of Liberty was gifted from the French to commemorate the American Declaration of Independence and the alliance of France and the United States during the American Revolution. A globally recognized iconic statue, don’t settle on viewing the Statue of Liberty from afar, it’s worth it to see up close. There are two ways to do this: take the free Staten Island ferry or purchase a Liberty Island entry ticket.
The Staten Island Ferry Whitehall Terminal is located close to the base of the Brooklyn Bridge in Lower Manhattan, just a 20-minute walk or 10-minute taxi/Uber ride. The ferry transports individuals to and fro Manhattan and Staten Island. It’s an excellent way to not only see the Statue of Liberty, but to also catch NYC’s glimmering skyline.
View the Staten Island Ferry schedule.

Wall Street
Did you know Wall Street is named after a wall built by the Dutch in the 17th century? It was built for protection, but later dismantled by the British. Back then it was a busy trading area. It still is, although now it’s a trading hub of the largest financial markets.
And what’s a trip to NYC without devouring the heart of capitalism? Upon return from your Statue of Liberty cruise to the Staten Island Ferry Whitehall Terminal, walk five minutes to the charging bull and fearless girl, another two iconic American statues.

Trinity Church
Your Wall Street tour isn’t over yet, but just four minutes away is the Trinity Church, near where Wall Street and Broadway intersect. The Trinity Church is centred around the Episcopal Church and the global Anglican Communion. It provided refuge for those fleeing the 9/11 attacks and has been amidst controversy involving Occupy Wall Street.
Dim lights and low, rhythmic hymns occupied the church—I happened to visit during Sunday mass. Security is present to remind visitors to stay quiet and observe from the back of the church.
Trinity Church Inside the church
Wall Street Financial District
Make your way south on Wall Street. The offices and headquarters of NYC’s major financial institutions like the New York Stock Exchange, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, 23 Wall Street, which used to be the J.P. Morgan & Co headquarters and the Trump Building will come into view.
The Trump Building New York Stock Exchange
An interesting thing to note, and one which many tourists don’t seem to know was the 1920 terrorist attacks on 23 Wall Street. On September 16, a dynamite-filled horse-drawn carriage detonated, killing 30 people. First believed to be caused be a Russian from the Red Army, FBI investigation concluded, 3 years later, that Italian anarchists were behind the attack. The group had conducted an onslaught of bombings across America in 1919. There’s nothing notable left of the bombings, except markings and scars on the side of 23 Wall Street.

The National September 11 Memorial
From the Wall Street Financial District, take a 10-minute walk back towards Trinity Church, past Broadway to the 9/11 memorial. Officially opening in 2011, the memorial is located at the site of the former World Trade Center complex. The names of the 2996 people who died are inscribed on bronze parapets surrounding the twin memorial pools.

Right in front of you will be the One World Trade Centre, the main building of the rebuilt World Trade Center complex. It’s the tallest building in NYC and offers a 360° birds-eye-view of the city from its observatory for a price.

There are many free or pay-what-you-wish museums in the area, such as the National Museum of the American Indian. You can also visit Battery Park. Afterwards, you can make your way to Times Square via train (subway) or hail a cab/book an Uber.
Times Square
The heart of NYC, Times Square was named after the New York Times. More so located in Midtown Manhattan, it’s an outdoor gallery, with various performers and cartoon characters. See the Naked Cowboy or Gospel Choir at Times Square Church. You can eat, grab a seat in the pedestrian zone and people watch—NYC hosts many interesting characters. You can snatch a free seat for a live taping of the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon or The Late Show with Stephen Colbert at the Ed Sullivan Theater. Just remember to book your free seat in advance. If you’re in Times Square near midnight, don’t miss the Midnight Moment—the world’s largest digital art exhibition where sign operators collaborate to display synchronized, creative content on the huge billboards every night, immersing the city with spectacular imagery.

If you have time to spare, visit the NYC Information Centre in Times Square located on Broadway, between 43rd and 44th Streets. You can get free guides, maps, brochures, coupons and discounts for hundreds of activities and sights in NYC.
I visited New York City a few weeks ago, after 15 years, and I forgot how mesmerizing the city can be. It’s a perfect city to explore solo, although I would advise solo women take caution while exploring at night. Times Square is generally a safe place due to crowds. I explored Manhattan with my DSLR in hand and nothing happened. I was there for a weekend and I hope to return soon.
Have you been to NYC? Which free activity have you enjoyed there?
Abigail Sinsona
Posted at 02:28h, 24 JanuaryI have all of these items in my bucket list. I am glad that these are free places because we all know how NYC is notorious for being expensive. I would just like to say that your photos are truly inspiring. NYC is one of those cities that I’ve longed to visit and this post rekindled that fire!
Samah Khan
Posted at 02:49h, 24 JanuaryThank you, Abigail! I hope you get to visit one day soon 🙂
Lisa
Posted at 10:30h, 24 JanuaryI remember visiting the 9/11 memorial and feeling shivers run up my spine just thinking of the tragedy that day. Brooklyn Bridge is a must see in NYC, as is the statue of Liberty. I never knew about the 1920 terrorist attack in Wall Street; you learn something new everyday!
Samah Khan
Posted at 03:25h, 26 JanuaryIt was surprised about the attacks too, there’s nothing notable left of it. I agree the Brooklyn Bridge is a must see.
Suzanne
Posted at 12:31h, 24 JanuaryThis is a great rundown of the main sights in lower Manhattan. I’ve visited all of them on previous trips to NYC and really enjoy Brooklyn Bridge. I could spend hours there just looking at the river and the people jogging and biking by.
Samah Khan
Posted at 03:26h, 26 JanuaryAgree, the Brooklyn Bridge in the morning is quite beautiful especially.
Ada
Posted at 13:25h, 24 JanuaryThis is a perfect day tour! I would also add Central Park to it, at least a little part and maybe not in the end but at the beginning as we all heard the stories 🙂 I love Brooklyn Bridge, I was there few times already, and the park next to it is definitely my favourite spot in the city ( am sure there are better places but I am just a tourist there 🙂 ) New York is such a wonderful place and I cant wait to go back!
Samah Khan
Posted at 03:27h, 26 JanuaryCentral Park is a must, but not in Lower Manhattan 🙂 But it’s a few minutes walk from Times Square so it could be possible.
Heidi
Posted at 16:58h, 24 JanuaryThat is one busy day but completely doable if you’re cramming it all in for a short stay. Personally, I wouldn’t miss Central Park and the Central Library either, but it’s a lot. Love your photos.
Samah Khan
Posted at 03:28h, 26 JanuaryThanks, Heidi. Almost everything is in walking distance so it’s not too bad – It’s just Lower Manhattan after all.
Julia Guerra
Posted at 00:25h, 25 JanuaryWow that’s a lot of places to visit in one day! About 10 years ago, I remember seeing the Brooklyn Bridge, Wall Street, and Staten Island. It was a wonderful trip but I felt a little overwhelmed because there was so much to do and we were only there for 5 days.
Samah Khan
Posted at 03:29h, 26 JanuaryThere is way too much to do in NYC haha. This was quite feasible, I had a lot of time left over at the end, which I spent in Times Square!
Joanna
Posted at 10:45h, 25 JanuaryI had no idea how big Brooklyn Bridge was and that it takes at least 60 minutes to walk it from one side to another. Wow! You can’t go to New York and not visit The Times Square, imagining all those scenes from all those movies that have been filmed here. I have never been to New York but I know it is a fascinating city that I would like to see some day.
Samah Khan
Posted at 03:30h, 26 JanuaryIt’s such a spectacular city, I hope you get to visit one day, Joanna!
zoi
Posted at 15:51h, 25 JanuaryIt seems you had a great trip. I have never been in NY, I hope I can travel there one day. You are brave to travel solo, I don’t think I can do that especially in a city that big!
Samah Khan
Posted at 03:30h, 26 JanuaryTravelling solo in a large city has its perks!
Jodi
Posted at 16:35h, 25 JanuaryThis is so helpful! I’m planning a trip to New York and Manhattan was at the top of my list of places I need to visit! Thanks for sharing!
Samah Khan
Posted at 03:31h, 26 JanuaryGlad you found this helpful, Jodi!
Susannah
Posted at 17:28h, 25 JanuaryWe loved the 9/11 memorial! It doesn’t take too long to visit and is really beautiful and meaningful!
Samah Khan
Posted at 03:31h, 26 JanuaryI loved it too! And the One World Trade Centre looks amazing
Michelle
Posted at 18:38h, 25 JanuaryI actually haven’t been to NYC and I would love the go there. This is such a great post — I’m going to have to file it away for the future!
Michelle x
dressingwithstyle-s.com
Samah Khan
Posted at 03:32h, 26 JanuaryThank you, Michelle! It’s a great city with lots to do.
Kate
Posted at 03:52h, 26 JanuarySo true–for people who love bustling cities, it’s hard to beat NYC! I’ve visited several times, but haven’t spent much time in lower Manhattan–just a walk through of the major sights. I did walk across the Brooklyn Bridge, though, as you mentioned at the top–such a cool experience, especially on a day with good weather!
Patricia-Ann Que
Posted at 16:04h, 26 Januaryah new york new york! love the hustle and bustle but im surprise that i actually havent been the the church even after several visits! will surely do next time back!
Juliette
Posted at 10:15h, 28 JanuaryI’ve never been to NYC but it’s been on my list for years – it looks like such an incredible place to visit and I hear so many wonderful things about it! I’d love to walk across Brooklyn Bridge and of course see the Statue of Liberty – but Trinity Church also looks beautiful! And of course Times Square sounds like a must-visit as well. Beautiful photography!
Samah Khan
Posted at 14:15h, 04 FebruaryIt’s a great place to experience, Julliette! I think it’s a must visit.
Fatema
Posted at 13:35h, 04 FebruaryNew York City… sucha a love hate relationship. I miss the buzz yet when Im there I curse the crowds. Love your photographs
Cheers from Pakistan- Fatema
Erin
Posted at 13:59h, 04 FebruaryI haven’t been to America yet, but it’s high on my list!
I just wanted to say that your photography is incredible too!
Samah Khan
Posted at 18:47h, 07 FebruaryThank you, Erin! NYC is a must visit when in America!
Teresa
Posted at 00:19h, 05 FebruaryLots of great recommendations here! I’ve been meaning to go to NYC for such a long time!
Samah Khan
Posted at 18:47h, 07 FebruaryHope you do this walking self-tour, it’s great!
Carmela from Seeker
Posted at 07:32h, 05 FebruaryGreat list of free activities in one of the most expensive cities in the world, haha! Definitely saving this for when I visit NY again <3
Samah Khan
Posted at 18:48h, 07 FebruaryNice to hear that, Carmela! Hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
Wynee
Posted at 08:01h, 05 FebruarySo thankful for this! NYC can be super expensive
Samah Khan
Posted at 18:48h, 07 FebruaryI really agree! It’s nice to find free things to do in the city!
Marvi
Posted at 11:10h, 05 FebruaryThis is such a detailed guide. I’d love to visit New York and feel its city vibe! My husband is all for bustling metropolis too and I’m sure he’ll have the time of his life! I’ve seen countless movies filmed in NYC and it will surely be a blast to see the Statue of Liberty, the Brooklyn Bridge, and the Times Square (to name a few) in person.
Samah Khan
Posted at 18:49h, 07 FebruaryAw, that’s great, Marvi! I really hope you visit one day and the Statue of Liberty is a must see.
ryan
Posted at 14:45h, 05 FebruaryI can’t wait to visit NewYork!!! Kirsty has been trying to get us to book for yours hopefully this Christmas might be the year!
https://acoupleofidiotsabroad.co.uk/
Samah Khan
Posted at 18:50h, 07 FebruaryChristmas in NYC is magical.
Nathan
Posted at 09:23h, 06 FebruaryI’ve been to the U.S. a few times, but I’m usually on the west coast. Nevertheless, I would love to visit the east coast and explore the Statue of Liberty on the Staten Island cruise which you recommended above 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
http://shioktravels.blogspot.com
Samah Khan
Posted at 18:50h, 07 FebruaryThe free Staten Island cruise is great! It’s worth it to see such an iconic statue.
Constance
Posted at 02:35h, 07 FebruaryI go to NYC fairly often because I have family there and I love eating there so I was surprised to see the addition of Times Square, but you did admit that it’s technically in Midtown. Overall, this was a great compilation of the top things to do in lower Manhattan. I also appreciate that it was very budget friendly, thank you for sharing!
Samah Khan
Posted at 18:51h, 07 FebruaryGlad you enjoyed this post, Constance. There’s just so much going on in Times Square I just had to include it!
Megan
Posted at 21:38h, 10 FebruaryThis is a really cool post, especially since NY is so expensive! I would also add the High Line onto this list – a walkway created from an old railway track!
Samah Khan
Posted at 22:03h, 15 FebruaryThe High Line sounds interesting – need to check it out when I return!
Sherrie Fabrizi
Posted at 21:42h, 10 FebruaryWhats not to love about NYC when you can see so many things for free! Central Park is my favorite, just walking for hours and hours. Next time I am there I would like to check out the Trinity church 🙂 Thanks!
Samah Khan
Posted at 22:04h, 15 FebruaryCentral Park can provide hours of fun. Do check out the church, it’s quite the sight, plus it has a ton of history behind it!
neha
Posted at 04:54h, 11 FebruaryWonderful list. I guess some of these like the Brooklyn bridge and the statue of liberty would be anyways in the must see list of first time visitors. It is always good to have places in your list that you can do over a day and that also for free, and that also in expensive areas like manhattan, it is all the more welcome
Samah Khan
Posted at 22:05h, 15 FebruaryGlad you found this helpful, Neha, I really kept solo and budget travellers in mind while compiling this list.
Bruce Schinkel
Posted at 16:48h, 11 FebruaryReally fun list! I love visiting NYC, especially since it’s such a quick (and often cheap) flight from Toronto 🙂 I found a few items on your list that I missed, or need to revisit, so thanks for sparking that
Samah Khan
Posted at 22:06h, 15 FebruaryNo problem, Bruce! I love that NYC is so close to Toronto too.
David
Posted at 18:59h, 11 FebruaryI visited New York in October and I managed to visit every one of these! I definitely agree with your list, the 9/11 Memorial and Tour is a must. It’s so easy to get round NYC too which surprised me given things are all over the place
Samah Khan
Posted at 22:07h, 15 FebruaryYep, if you plan to do a city tour, you’ll be surprised at how many things are actually in walking distance to one another!