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skyline of New York at night
skyline of New York at night
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Columbia Barnard | Career > Money

A Saturday for Free in New York City

Alyssa Finigan Student Contributor, Columbia University & Barnard College
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Columbia Barnard chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.

New York City is notoriously known as one of the most expensive cities in the world. While this is certainly true, with $8 frozen yogurt and $10 lattes, there are definitely ways to make your life a little less expensive while still enjoying all that New York has to offer. Whether you are in town for the dead of winter or during the hot summer, here are some ways to spend a Saturday in the city for free.

  1. Check out @nyc_forfree Instagram’s page for pop-up food events to start your day

In the past, they have featured collabs with companies like Chick-Fil-A or coffee shops, with fries or drinks at $0. This Instagram is definitely worth a look—check it out to see if you can find a free spot for your morning meal and spend some time exploring the city while you are at it!

  1. Visit the New York Public Library for gorgeous views and a nice place to relax

This is a great option no matter the season, since it will give you a chance to either escape the cold or the heat. If you are visiting during the winter, it is right next to Bryant Park Village, so you can indulge in some windowshopping or a sweet treat on your way there. Definitely look at the library’s website to see if they are doing any fun pop-up events, which in the past have featured The New Yorker!. 

  1. Take a cute dog for a walk at the animal rescue in Soho!

Check out this amazing rescue, which is one of the largest no-kill shelters in the city, allowing visitors to take one of their dogs out for a day of fun! These dogs are all looking for love and will appreciate you taking them out for a day to enjoy the sunshine or even just some attention. Even if you are a college student, you can still take a dog out for a walk!

  1. Visit the Met

The Met offers free tickets to students at both Barnard and Columbia! Take advantage of this opportunity, as normal tickets can cost $30! You can bring your laptop and spend the day studying, surrounded by some of the most gorgeous pieces of art in the whole world. After you finish, a walk through Central Park is a great way to see the city and get some exercise at the same time!

Overall, there are so many fun activities in New York for free that you should definitely take advantage of as a student! Enjoy the nice weather now that the cold has stopped and explore all that the city has to offer.

Alyssa Finigan

Columbia Barnard '29

Alyssa Finigan is a driven and thoughtful student whose academic interests and personal experiences are deeply rooted in leadership, advocacy, and community engagement. She is a freshman at Barnard College of Columbia University, where she plans to major in Political Science and Human Rights with a minor in Psychology. Alyssa is highly motivated to attend law school and aspires to become a criminal defense lawyer, with a particular interest in advocating for equity and fairness within the justice system.

Recognized as a Milken Scholar, Alyssa has demonstrated a strong commitment to academic excellence while actively pursuing opportunities to make a meaningful impact beyond the classroom. Her passion for civic engagement began early, as she founded a debate club at her local middle school. Through this initiative, she introduced students to world geography and global politics while helping them build confidence in public speaking, critical thinking, and respectful discourse. This experience reinforced her belief in the importance of education as a tool for empowerment.

In addition to her educational outreach, Alyssa volunteered with the Beach Cities Health District, where she advocated for increased attention to youth mental wellness. Her work emphasized the importance of accessible mental health resources and proactive community-based solutions, further shaping her interest in the intersection of policy, psychology, and social justice.

At Columbia, Alyssa serves on the recruitment committee for Phi Lambda Sigma, a pre-professional society for students interested in policy, politics, and government, and is also an active member of the university’s pre-law society. Outside of academics, she enjoys exploring New York City, discovering new food spots, and spending time in Central Park observing its wildlife. Alyssa is motivated by growth, curiosity, and a desire to contribute meaningfully to the communities she is part of.