Where Tourists Can Find Free WiFi in New York City

Sure, everything is expensive but you CAN find free WiFi in New York City when you're visiting as a tourist. So don't stress about your data plan and international roaming fees and connect at one of these free spots instead. 

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The stores and attractions in and around Times Square are great spots to find free WiFi in New York City. Photo by Luca Bravo on Unsplash

New York City is “The City That Never Sleeps,” and it is no surprise that it’s a chock full of free public Wi-Fi connections. From popular chain stores to funky bars, public transportation networks to tourist attractions, you are never far from an easy connection, perfect for posting your latest travel pics to social media, 24 hours a day. So if you're worried that you'll never get a connection or that it will cost you a fortune, rest easy! Tourists can find free WiFi in New York City with ease. I know because I've been one of them, multiple times, and I know this list will help.

At Subway Stations and on Subway Trains

New Yorkers are divided on how well it works, but there’s no denying that having free public Wi-Fi as part of the subway system is a game changer for tourists. It’s an easy place to quickly connect and update your travel plans while getting to your next stop. The official MTA map can help you with your travel plans. Note that the network’s name is TRANSITWIRELESSWIFI and that it doesn’t work during those few times the Subway train goes above ground. 

Photo by Andrea Belussi on Unsplash

All Around The Parks

Parks and Wi-Fi? Why not! New York City’s parks and public squares are popular places to hang out. Having free public Wi-Fi access here makes good sense. You can see the entire list of participating parks on the NYC Parks Wi-Fi page. Here are some key locations in and around tourist hot spots: 

In Lower Manhattan, the Downtown Alliance coordinates the following sites - look for the #DwtwnAllianceFreeWiFi network. 

• Trinity Churchyard on Broadway between Rector and Pine Streets
• St. Paul’s Chapel on Broadway between Fulton and Vesey streets
• Staten Island Ferry Whitehall Terminal, South St. near Broad St.Terminal 
• Bowling Green Park on Broadway between State and Whitehall streets
• Historic Stone Street near Frances Tavern from Broadway to Broad St.
• Plaza in front of 7 World Trade Center at Vesey and Greenwich Streets 

Many public spaces in and around the Manhattan parks work with AT&T to provide free Wi-Fi. Look for the network attwifi at these spots:

• Bryant Park behind the New York Public Library 
• The High Line
• Central Park near the Sheep Meadow Mineral Spring
• Central Park near Rumsey Playfield
• Central Park Zoo

LinkNYC 

It’s easy to think of LinkNYC as the modern-day version of the once ubiquitous phone booth. There are over 1,500 kiosks or “Links” throughout New York City. In addition to offering free Wi-Fi, they also have USB ports for charging (though you, of course, must have your charging cord with you). You can also use the Links to make phone calls within the United States, and there’s a “911” button for emergency services. They also come with built-in tablets with info on city services and directions. You can see a list of all locations here, but chances are you will see them long before you need them.  

Tour Buses and Tourist Attractions

Nearly every major museum and attraction in New York City offers free Wi-Fi. However, there are some exceptions (such as historic sites, like churches), and sometimes the signal is only in the lobby, gift shop, or cafe.

Hop on, hop off style bus tours love advertising that their buses include free Wi-Fi. This should be considered a bonus and not a guarantee. Sometimes, those signals are dodgy, and other times, you’re not on the bus long enough to make it worthwhile. However, it doesn’t hurt to try. 

Apple Stores

Apple Stores aren’t exactly the most fun place to hang out. Who wants to be surrounded by people whose computers just crashed!? But in New York City, Apple Stores are abundant and have the bonus of easy phone charging (and sometimes restrooms!)

Here are some locations to check out:

• World Trade Center 185 Greenwich St
• Chelsea 401 W 14th Street (at 9th Ave),
• SoHo 103 Prince Street (at Greene St),
• Midtown East 45 Grand Central Terminal,
• Midtown East 767 Fifth Avenue (bet. E 58th & E 59th St)
• Upper West Side 1981 Broadway (at W 67th St),
• Downtown Brooklyn 123 Flatbush Ave (Hanson Place)
• Williamsburg 247 Bedford Ave (at N 3rd)

Cafes, Studios, and Bookstores

Cafes, studios, and bookstores have long led the charge for incredible places to get free Wi-Fi. In fact, they’ve become so popular that you might even find anti-Wifi properties, where you are forbidden to take out your phone and laptop. Of course, many restaurants now have free Wi-Fi, but I can’t help but feel that the spirit of “free” Wi-Fi is defeated if you really have to buy a meal to get it. But a cup of coffee or glass of wine is a price point I can get behind.

The places on this list are especially prized by writers.

• Alt. coffee - 139 Ave. A between St. Marks and E. 9th St.
• Bowery Poetry Club - 308 Bowery between Houston and Bleecker
• DTUT Café - 1626 2nd Ave. between 84th and 85th St.
• Grounded - 28 Jane St. between West 4th and Greenwich Ave.
• Sunburst Espresso Bar - 206 3rd Ave. between 18th and 19th St.

Bars and Pubs

A growing number of bars, pubs, and even wine bars have free public Wi-Fi (with the expectation that you’ll likely linger with a drink or two). You might pick up on the signal with a spot of luck if you’re lounging by the front door. If not, head inside, ask what’s local on tap, and get a bit of a cultural experience along with your social media updates. These three properties are excellent places to start. 

• Ace Bar - 531 East 5th St. between Ave. A and Ave. B
• Upright Brew House - 547 Hudson St
• Epistrophy - 200 Mott St

Hotel Lobbies 

I know what you’re thinking. You want to explore, not hang out in a hotel! But a quick visit to a hotel lobby is a great way to discreetly check your email. If anyone asks (which they won’t), mention that you’re waiting for your friend, who is a guest. You can also take advantage of clean washrooms and, if you’re lucky, a beautiful lobby, resplendent with fine decor. Among the long list of hotels with free Wi-Fi are these properties. 

• Algonquin Hotel - Free Wi-Fi in the lobby area, 59 W 44th St. between Fifth and Sixth Ave
• Courtyard by Marriott - Free Wi-Fi in the lounge area. 866 Third Ave. between 52nd and 53rd St.
• La Quinta Hotel - 17 W. 32nd St. near Broadway
• Millennium Hilton - Free Wi-Fi in the lobby bar and Church & Dey restaurant. 55 Church St.
• Omni Berkshire Place - 21 East 52nd St. at Madison Ave.

The New York Public Library

The spot that most people think of as the New York Public Library is actually just one of 81 branches throughout the city. The Humanities and Social Sciences Library is a New York City landmark and even offers free tours highlighting its beautiful architecture, artwork, and literary collection. It offers free Wi-Fi, as do all library locations. In fact, this might just be the prettiest spot for free WiFi in New York City!

If you’re in New York for a long time and want to brush up on your tech skills, they also offer special adult education classes for free. 
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Chain Stores

Dunkin’ Donuts, McDonald’s, Whole Foods…. If it’s a well-known national chain in New York City, it’s in abundance, and chances are it has free public Wi-Fi. My personal favourite is Starbucks. I like my Wi-Fi with a side of cappuccino and chocolate chip cookies! And I can’t help but remember the great scenes from the movie You’ve Got Mail that centred around this popular coffee shop - so fun! There are Starbucks locations every few blocks in New York City, and you’ll never be far from your next connection. 


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