New York City is known for being a diverse city populated with people from all backgrounds and nations. This is one of the reasons that it is often referred to as a “melting pot.” But behind all of the hustle and bustle lies the history of a great nation. This makes New York the perfect place to visit on a free walking tour—you will experience how this country began while enjoying all of the energetic avenues, giant parks, and wonderful street art this metropolis has to offer.
New York is largely a walking city, so be sure you bring along your most comfortable shoes to visit all the must-see places in Brooklyn and Manhattan!
What are your Free Tour options in New York City?
Free Tours from Civitatis
Free Tours from Guruwalk
Which are the Best Free Tours in New York City?
New York City is a huge multicultural metropolis comprising five boroughs and many unique neighborhoods. By joining one or even several free walking tours you will have the opportunity to see the best of this wonderful city in just 2-3 hours, and get a smooth introduction to its streets and sights.
A classic Free Walking Tour of Lower Manhattan will help you explore the best of The Big Apple, including the famous Wall Street, the Stock Exchange and the National 9/11 Memorial.
Any visit to New York City must include a tour of Liberty & Ellis Islands. You will need to take a ferry at Battery Park to get to both places; one ticket covers transportation to each site.
- Ellis Island is home to the Immigration Museum, Here you can learn about the stories of the 12 million immigrants that passed through the doors that led them to America.
- Your next stop will be Liberty Island. Here you can view the Statue of Liberty up close, and if you were able to make your reservations in advance, you can even climb the 377 steps from the main lobby to the crown platform. With no elevator and a pretty steep climb, you will want to make sure that you are in good shape!
Consider joining a Free Tour in Midtown Manhattan to explore the theaters of Broadway, see Art Deco buildings, and climb to the stunning Empire State Building! While it may not be the tallest building in the world, it is still an impressive part of the New York City skyline and one of the city’s most popular attractions. From the 86th Floor Observation Deck you can see Central Park, Times Square, and the Brooklyn Bridge.
Need a calming break from the stresses of the big city? Go to Central Park and relax among lush tree-lined paths. With a variety of tours that include walking, biking, and horse and carriage, Central Park is a must-see on any New York City visit. With over 100 unique attractions you will want to spend the day walking among the sprawling gardens, unique bridges and the classic architecture that brings the park to life.
Finally, if you loved West Side Story, join a Free Tour around the Lower East Side to feel the energetic vibe of the migrant neighborhoods: Chinatown and La Piccola Italia. Strolling around this former ghetto and industrial area, you will learn about the hardships of the people who forged NYC, one of the most diverse places on Earth!
What is a Free Tour?
Free Tours are walks provided by passionate local guides without requesting any upfront payments. They allow every traveler, no matter their budget, to experience and enjoy what a place has to offer.
Who takes Free Tours?
Free Tours guests are travelers of all ages and backgrounds seeking to enjoy authentic experiences. Independent tourists usually book Free Tours because they are looking for special activities, where they can learn historical facts, but also get an overview about the local culture, environment, and people.
Are Free Tours really Free?
Yes. Free Tours run on a “Pay-What-It’s-Worth” basis, so they are completely free unless you decide to make a contribution according to how much you enjoyed the experience. Guides appreciate receiving tips of any amounts at the end of the tour, but it’s completely voluntary to do so.
Do I have to book my Free Tour?
Yes. It’s mandatory to make a booking to ensure group sizes remain manageable and Guides can provide a better experience for all guests. Making a booking is absolutely free and it will take you less than one minute!
