Discover Free Adventures Near MoMA in NYC

Uncover fantastic free attractions around MoMA NYC today.

Discover Free Adventures Near MoMA in NYC

Welcome to the heart of New York City, where incredible experiences are just around the corner. Visiting MoMA is a thrill in itself, but the surrounding area offers even more excitement without costing you a penny. New York teems with dynamic energy and free cultural gems waiting to be discovered. From peaceful parks to historical landmarks, these attractions make for an unforgettable adventure. Join us as we explore the delightful free offerings around MoMA that perfectly complement your Big Apple journey. 

Central Park 

Central Park is a quintessential NYC experience that offers a serene escape from the urban hustle. This massive green space features picturesque landscapes, charming bridges, and iconic landmarks like Bow Bridge and Bethesda Terrace. Whether you're wandering through the enchanting Conservatory Garden or enjoying a picnic on the Great Lawn, Central Park has so many weird and wonderful thing to see throughout its surprisingly large space. The park also hosts free events, from theater performances to concerts, offering diverse entertainment throughout the year. Its winding paths, tranquil lakes, and vibrant nature ensure a refreshing retreat where you can immerse yourself in the beauty and spirit of New York City. 

Times Square 

The vibrant atmosphere of Times Square is an experience like no other. As a bustling hub of lights, energy, and entertainment, it's a must-visit destination near MoMA. Wander through the crowds, marvel at the digital displays, and enjoy the lively street performances. The square's electric vibe offers endless photo opportunities and a chance to feel the heartbeat of the city. Times Square embodies the dynamic spirit of New York, making it an essential stop where culture, entertainment, and excitement converge in an unforgettable way. 

St. Patrick’s Cathedral 

Not far from MoMA is the stunning St. Patrick's Cathedral, a serene sanctuary amidst the city's bustle. Its Gothic Revival architecture and exquisite stained glass make it a visual delight. Visitors can explore the grand interiors, admire the intricate details, and enjoy a moment of reflection. The spiritual ambiance offers respite from the hustle and bustle, inviting admiration and tranquility. Whether you’re attending a service or simply appreciating its artistry, the cathedral stands as a testament to craftsmanship and cultural heritage in the heart of New York City. 

Rockefeller Center 

Rockefeller Center 

Exploring the Rockefeller Center is a vibrant experience that brings art, architecture, and culture together. From the renowned Radio City Music Hall to the beloved ice skating rink (in winter), there's always something happening. Wander the plaza, encounter public art installations, and appreciate the iconic art-deco design. The center is alive with energy, offering plenty of sights and sounds to enjoy. Experiencing the lively atmosphere and discovering the area's rich history makes it a captivating spot to explore, right near MoMA. 

Bryant Park 

Bryant Park offers a green oasis filled with lush alleys, charming seating areas, and year-round activities. Nestled among skyscrapers, it hosts free events such as yoga classes, movie nights, and chess matches. The park’s calm elegance and vibrant social scene create a perfect spot for relaxation and community gathering. Whether you're enjoying a leisurely stroll or partaking in public events, Bryant Park is a great escape from NYC’s hustle and bustle. 

Grand Central Terminal 

Step into Grand Central Terminal to experience its grandeur and rich history. The architectural beauty of this bustling hub offers intricate details like celestial ceilings and iconic clocks. Explore hidden nooks, enjoy rotating exhibits, and discover the whispering gallery. The terminal's energetic atmosphere captures the essence of New York City, offering more than just transit. It's a meeting place, a cultural landmark, and a visual masterpiece, ensuring an engaging visit for both locals and tourists near MoMA. 

The High Line 

The High Line offers a unique park experience above the city streets. Built on a historic freight rail line, this elevated greenway features beautiful gardens, art installations, and stunning views of Manhattan. A leisurely walk unveils an urban sanctuary with thoughtful design and vibrant community spirit. Enjoy the public art, relax in seating areas, and take in panoramic vistas of the cityscape. The High Line blends nature, art, and history, creating an experience where architecture and creativity meet in a truly inspiring way. 

The New York Public Library 

The New York Public Library 

The New York Public Library on Fifth Avenue is more than just a repository of books. Its captivating Beaux-Arts architecture and marble interiors invite exploration and appreciation. Discover free exhibitions, attend literary events, or find inspiration in its vast reading rooms. The grand hallways and iconic lions offer photo-worthy moments, while the quiet spaces provide a break from the busyness. The library stands as a cultural emblem of knowledge and community, enriching any visit to New York with its inviting atmosphere. 

Hudson Yards 

Hudson Yards introduces a modern landscape that blends innovation and leisure. Wander through public art and interactive installations, or take in views at the Vessel – from the outside, at least, as entry does cost. The vibrant plaza features a variety of activities and green spaces to relax in. As a new and dynamic district, Hudson Yards presents an exciting blend of architecture, culture, and community. Whether exploring art, dining at nearby eateries, or enjoying its lively atmosphere, it offers an enriching experience close to the heart of New York. 

Central Park Zoo Gates 

While the Central Park Zoo requires admission, exploring the area around its gates offers a taste of wildlife adventure. Listen to the sounds of exotic birds and enjoy the scenic surroundings of Central Park. The architecture and layout enhance the atmosphere, creating anticipation and excitement. It's an enjoyable walk, perfect for families and individuals keen on experiencing the allure of the zoo without entering. With pathways leading deeper into Central Park, it's a delightful starting point for further exploration. 

Radio City Music Hall (Exteriors) 

Appreciating the exterior of Radio City Music Hall offers a glimpse into one of New York’s entertainment treasures. Its art-deco design stands as a testament to the city's vibrant cultural legacy. The marquee lights add to the theater's charm, drawing visitors into its legendary past. Whether you're attending a show or simply walking by, the music hall captures the essence of New York's entertainment scene. 

Little Island 

Little Island 

Little Island, nestled in the Hudson River, provides a unique urban oasis with free access to its stunning grounds. This enchanting park features beautifully landscaped gardens, walking paths, and amphitheaters. The creative design invites exploration and relaxation, offering sweeping views of Manhattan and the waterfront. With arts programs, music performances, and gardens to enjoy, Little Island provides a dynamic and serene space for all. It's a delightful blend of nature and creativity, making it a must-visit destination for anyone near MoMA looking for an outdoor adventure. 

Socrates Sculpture Park 

Located in Long Island City, Socrates Sculpture Park is a free outdoor museum and public park dedicated to showcasing large-scale sculptures and multimedia installations. Wander the expansive grounds and discover innovative artworks that change with the seasons. With the skyline as a backdrop, the park offers an inspiring fusion of art and nature. Participate in free programs and workshops or simply enjoy a picnic with scenic views. It's a vibrant community space promoting creativity and connection, making it a cherished destination for art lovers. 

Chelsea Market Browsing 

While savoring Chelsea Market's culinary delights often comes at a price, wandering through its vibrant halls is entirely free. The market's blend of industrial charm, intricate design, and art installations create an inviting atmosphere. It's a feast for the senses, showcasing the rich tapestry of local artisans and global offerings. Even without purchasing, the visual and sensory experience is worth the visit. 

For more, check out the city’s best historical stops, and extend your stay with our 4-day itinerary.  

Step up your sightseeing with Go City®.  

We make it easy to explore the best a city has to offer. We’re talking top attractions, hidden gems and local tours, all for one low price. Plus you'll enjoy guaranteed savings, compared to buying individual attraction tickets. 

See more, do more, and experience more with Go City® - just choose a pass to get started! 

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Viewfinder at the top of the Empire State Building
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Best hotel stays near the Empire State Building

High-end glam or budget chic, these hotels are all minutes from New York’s most iconic skyscraper.
View of the Empire State Building from Top of the Rock, New York
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Top of the Rock vs Empire State Building: Comparing the Differences Between the Two Observation Decks

So, what's the difference between the Top of the Rock and the Empire State Building?  Both are historically and culturally important buildings and offer some of the best skyline views New York City has to offer, but the two experiences can be very different.  Although the Empire State Building might be the most iconic building on the New York City skyline, keep in mind you don't have much of a view of it from the building itself (the same goes for Top of the Rock). We've put together a list of the key similarities and differences between the two attractions to help you decide which one best fits your New York itinerary, we're talking...  What's included with general admission  The different locations  The difference between the views  Top tips for visiting both  How to save on entry to both  Both observation decks feature educational exhibits and experiences included in the general admission price. Think modern displays and historical explanations, and of course, fantastic views. Here's a summary of what you can expect at each experience.  Empire State Building general admission includes:    Access to the Main Observation Deck, a 360-degree, open-air 86th-floor Observation Deck.  Admission to The Empire State Building Experience, including 12 interactive displays on the 2nd and 80th floors.  Access to a self-guided multimedia tour that helps identify the landmarks you can see in the skyline.  Please note: Access to the 102nd floor is not included with general admission tickets, other add-ons like express passes can also be bought for an extra charge.  Top of the Rock general admission includes:   Access to three floors of indoor and outdoor observation decks on the 67th, 69th, and 70th floors.  Sky shuttle elevator ride up to the top with a light show.  Admission to exhibits that feature Top of the Rock and Rockefeller Center history and the interactive Beam Walk, which simulates what it's like to walk on a construction beam 69 floors above Manhattan.  Comparing locations The biggest difference between the views from each building's observation deck is the view of the actual buildings themselves. 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Landmarks you can see from the Empire State Building:  Rockefeller Plaza Center, Chrysler Building, One World Trade Center (closer views than at Top of the Rock), Central Park (further away views than from Top of the Rock), Times Square, Statue of Liberty (closer views than at Top of the Rock), the Brooklyn Bridge and more.  View from the Top of the Rock  Slightly lower than the Empire State Building observation deck, the deck at Top of the Rock is 800 feet above the ground. The building is located further north in Manhattan, so it offers better views of Central Park. Landmarks you can see from the Top of the Rock:  Empire State Building, Chrysler Building (partially obscured), One World Trade Center (further away than at the Empire State Building), Central Park (closer than from the Empire State Building), Bank of America Tower, Flatiron Building, and more.  Tips for visiting the Empire State Building and Top of the Rock  Empire State Building tips:    To beat the crowds, it's best to visit early in the morning or late in the evening.  Plan to spend 2-3 hours visiting the Empire State Building.  If you want to catch the sunset, plan to get to the top well before - the hour before sunset is excellent for pictures, too! (Leave extra time to wait in line, sunset is a popular time to visit.)  Kids under six can visit for free with an accompanying adult. 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It's also got audio tours you can listen to as well.  As with the Empire State Building, it's colder and windier at the top, so make sure to bring some spare layers.  Don't forget your camera, portable chargers, and binoculars to guarantee the best views and best pics. So, which New York observation deck should you choose? Both attractions are extremely popular and offer unique experiences. The main difference is genuinely the view. So if you can only fit in one, pick the view you'd prefer to see. If you want the most iconic picture of New York's skyline, go to Top of the Rock because then your pictures will have the Empire State Building in them.   But if you're more keen to tick the Empire State off your bucket list, you can capture stunning views featuring the water and Rockefeller Plaza instead. It'll be a winner, whichever you choose.  Can't choose? 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Family Friendly Restaurants in NYC

New York City is undeniably one of the culinary capitals of America. With its diversity of cuisines and rich population of top-notch chefs and restaurateurs, the New York dining scene has something to offer practically every palate. Of course, when you’re traveling with kids sometimes experimental haute cuisine just isn’t going to cut it. So to help you out, we’ve put together a list of the best family-friendly restaurants in NYC. Or, if you’re looking for a bit of time away from the kids, we’ve also thrown in some foodie suggestions. These restaurants are located in New York City and are within walking distance or a quick subway ride from a few great NYC attractions, so they can be easily worked into your family vacation itinerary. Kid Friendly New York Restaurants Renaissance Restaurant If you're looking for an extensive menu and inexpensive prices, this is the spot for your family. The Renaissance menu really has absolutely everything, from chocolate chip pancakes to deli sandwiches to pizza. There will definitely be something everyone in the family will enjoy. The casual environment is good for kids and the food comes out very quickly (great for short attention spans). With 24-hour service, this diner is number one for convenience, too. Nearby Attractions: Central Park, USS Intrepid Museum, Bike Rentals Shake Shack This popular eatery offers more than just shakes. Burgers, hot dogs, fries, and ice cream make this place a kid favorite, but fresh, high-quality ingredients mean it's a favorite among parents as well! The prices are very reasonable for New York, and the prime location makes it a definite top pick. Nearby Attractions: Grand Central Terminal, Bryant Park, Central Park Movie Tours Peanut Butter & Co. Sandwich Shop Only in NYC could you find a restaurant dedicated entirely to menu items featuring peanut butter. You'd be amazed at the diversity of peanut-buttery options, from the classic PB & J to the Mighty Maple Sandwich (maple peanut butter with crisp bacon) to the Peanut Butter Brownie Blast Sundae. If your kids want to try out a peanut butter creation, but you'd rather not, don't worry – a few peanut butter free options are offered as well (like the tuna melt or the salad bowl). This restaurant is so perfect for kids they'll even cut the crusts off for you! Nearby Attractions: Washington Square Park, New York University, 9/11 Tribute Center Artie's Delicatessen This restaurant is a re-created 1930s Jewish deli featuring dozens of the owners' favorite traditional recipes. Your kids might not care for the history, but they'll love the delicious chicken fingers, frankfurters, and birthday cake for dessert. If you can get your kids to go for something healthier, they also offer very appetizing soup, sandwich, salad, and entrée options. Try to sell them on the chicken noodle soup or macaroni salad. All menu items are available in house or to go! Nearby Attractions: American Museum of Natural History, New York Historical Society Museum, Hayden Planetarium Ditch Plains UWS This place is a great destination for seafood lovers, burger lovers, and barbeque lovers – you name it. Their unique spin on the experience is what they call “beach dining,” a selection of classic picnic or backyard barbeque fare prepared by expert chefs. You’ll find everything from hotdogs and hamburgers to BLTs and mac and cheese at this tasty dining destination. The Upper West Side location is especially conveniently located for further exploration. Nearby Attractions: The American Museum of Natural History, Central Park, the Children’s Museum of Manhattan NINJA New York What kid could pass up the chance to dine with ninjas?! This contemporary Japanese restaurant (which includes an accessible variety of cuisines – not just the more complicated stuff) is designed to look just like a recreated 18th century ninja village. Walk through the maze-like interior and marvel at the beautiful construction – don’t forget a camera! Be warned, however, that this isn’t going to be a cheap dining experience. Nearby Attractions: 9/11 Memorial and Museum, TriBeCa, City Hall Local Cuisine John’s of Bleecker Street Representing NYC in the great American Pizza Wars, John’s of Bleecker Street is a local institution that’s been serving up NY-style pizza in this historic location for a long time. If you’re looking for the authentic NY pizza experience while trying to avoid tourist traps or overpriced meals, this is the place to go. Be sure to arrive hungry, because slices are big! Nearby Attractions: Hudson River Park, Ground Zero Museum Workshop, departure point for many neighborhood tours (like the Brooklyn Bridge tour) Strip House Next Door If you’re looking for another restaurant that represents the best of local cuisine, then why not check out this top-rated steakhouse? Prices are more than reasonable for how delicious the food is, and it’s in a trendy location that allows you to see more of the city than you might otherwise. Strip House Next Door is the perfect destination for both families and couples! Nearby Attractions: Union Square, Flatiron District, West Village Vegetarian & Foodie Options Candle Café For those of you in the market for tasty veggie options, then Candle Café is the perfect place for you. With locations on both the Upper West Side & Upper East Side, this trendy local hotspot features fresh, organic vegan cuisine, plus a delicious juice bar. It’s near a lot of local museums (and Central Park), so it’s easy to pop in for a healthy lunch on a busy day of sightseeing. Nearby Attractions: Metropolitan Museum of Art, Central Park, Guggenheim Museum Angelica Kitchen This is another excellent vegetarian option that uses exclusively fresh, farm-to-table ingredients in their sumptuous organic cuisine. Everything is made with only the best fruit, vegetables, and grains, so you know what your kids are eating is going to be healthy and tasty. They also offer many gluten-free options if you’ve got any allergies in the family. Nearby Attractions: East Village, Union Square, Empire State Building (a bit north) Café Paulette Thinking about going for a date night without the kids on your NYC vacation? Then check out Café Paulette in Brooklyn, one of our favorite French bistros. It’s more affordable than many similar restaurants in Manhattan, but offers the same level of quality and expertise. It’s also a great wine bar, so plan to spend a long time enjoying their delicious offerings in a romantic setting. Nearby Attractions: Fort Greene Park, Brooklyn Museum, Brooklyn Botanic Garden Lilli and Loo For lovers of Asian cuisine – including adventurous kids! – Lilli and Loo is an excellent dining destination. Located right in Midtown, this restaurant/sushi bar has tons to offer for the discerning diner in a fun environment. They serve all of your tradition faves, plus a number of plainer options to appeal to pickier eaters. Plus, it’s super affordable, so you don’t need to worry about breaking the bank on lunch. Nearby Attractions: Midtown, the Museum of Modern Art, Top of the Rock Of course, you’ll be able to find several great restaurants in the Times Square area, so don’t feel like you have to wander out to the edges of Manhattan to find good food. These selections help you avoid some of the more touristy spots and introduce you to a variety of NYC cuisine. Some areas to explore for additional restaurant options include Greenwich Village, TriBeCa, the West Village, and NoMad. Be sure to read reviews before you go, and choose a spot near a subway station for easy transit (not a difficult task in NYC – there are subway stations everywhere).
Katie Sagal

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