New York City can be SO expensive, but there is plenty to do there that is inexpensive or even free! Believe it or not, New York City is a great destination for budget travelers. There are many things to do in the city that won’t break the bank. 

How you can save lots of $$$ on your trip to New York City:

• Find Activities that are FREE
• Activities that are $10 or less per person
• How to save money on Broadway Show Tickets
• NYC Hotels that offer FREE Breakfast
• Get the OMNY Pass to Save $$ on transportation

READ ON, my friend…

Things to do in New York City that are Absolutely FREE

NYC has many free attractions, including Central Park, the Brooklyn Bridge, and the High Line. Take advantage of these to save money while still seeing some of the city’s top sights.

Staten Island Ferry

The Staten Island Ferry is a popular transportation service that operates between Manhattan and Staten Island in New York City. The ferry offers stunning views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the Manhattan skyline. The 5.2-mile ferry ride takes approximately 25 minutes each way and is completely free, allowing passengers to enjoy a scenic ride across the harbor without any cost.

Ride the Staten Island Ferry

Visit Grand Central Station

Grand Central Station, located in Midtown Manhattan, is a world-famous landmark and transportation hub that opened to the public on February 2, 1913. It serves the northern parts of the New York metropolitan area.

The beautiful station is not just a train station, but also the heart of a remarkable urban campus, a sprawling complex of shops, office towers, hotels, and restaurants. There are 35 dining options available at the station, including fine dining, classic cocktail bars, and grab-and-go fast-casual restaurants. Some of these restaurants include Sparks Steak House, Benjamin Steakhouse Prime, Wokuni, Docks Oyster Bar and Seafood Grill, The Capital Grille, The Campbell Bar, Cipriani Dolci, and Grand Central Oyster Bar (seen in the current opening of Saturday Night Live).

Grand Central Station Website

Coney Island Beach

Coney Island Beach – A beach? In New York? YES! Coney Island Beach is a popular summer destination located in Brooklyn, New York. The beach stretches nearly 3 miles along the Atlantic Ocean, offering visitors a beautiful and family-friendly sandy beach. Established in 1824, Coney Island has a rich history as a seaside resort and is home to the iconic boardwalk. The beach is closed for the winter but opens for swimming on Memorial Day weekend.

Spend Some Time in Central Park

Central Park in New York City offers a ton of activities and attractions for visitors to enjoy. Locals and visitors like walking or biking along the winding paths that lead to picturesque landscapes, lush gardens, and serene lakes. The park is also home to various iconic landmarks, including the Belvedere Castle, Bethesda Terrace, and Strawberry Fields. For nature enthusiasts, the Central Park Zoo (costs $$) and the Conservatory Garden are must-see spots. Additionally, visitors can partake in boating on Central Park Lake, have a picnic on the Great Lawn, or watch a live performance at the Delacorte Theater.

Walk Across the Brooklyn Bridge

Walking across the Brooklyn Bridge in New York City is a quintessential experience that offers breathtaking views of the city skyline, including the majestic Manhattan skyline and the Statue of Liberty in the distance. As you walk along the pedestrian walkway, you also appreciate the bridge itself. With its Gothic arches and intricate cable patterns, it is a marvel of engineering and architectural beauty. Walking across the Brooklyn Bridge offers a unique perspective on New York City and is a must-do activity for locals and tourists alike.

Tour the High Line

The High Line was a former railway that has been repurposed. Located in Manhattan’s West Side, It offers stunning views of the city and is a great place to stroll, people-watch, and take in some art installations. It is about 1.45 miles long. It runs from The Meatpacking District all the way to Hudson Yards in Midtown. This area features art installations, and beautiful gardens full of perennials and wildflowers, and offers free public tours. While here you can also see/visit Chelsea Market, The Vessel, Gansevoort Market- plus many restaurants, bars, and coffee shops!

Take a Free Walking Tour

You can see a list of free walking tours here or from a local historian here or use the New York Map and Walks app to take your own self-paced walk. At The High Line (mentioned above), free docent-led public tour are offered on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays from May to October, and on Wednesdays and Saturdays from November to April.

Enjoy One of the Other Free Tours

Take a free tour of many of the city’s museums and landmarks, including the Brooklyn Brewery and the Federal Reserve Bank of New York (also its Museum and Learning Center offers free group tours). Check their websites for schedules and details.

Join Club Free Time

New York City offers about 50 free events a day throughout the year. You can see gallery openings, join free tours of different neighborhoods, go to free jazz and classical music concerts, hear free talks/lectures/seminars at NYU and Columbia U, and/or listen to a free reading by a famous author. Join Club Free Time to see all of the free events available during your visit.

Fun With The Little Ones, Kiddos, and Teens

The Bronx Zoo is FREE on Wednesdays

Bronx Zoo (scroll down the page to Wednesday’s section) – Limited Admission is free all day on Wednesdays at the Bronx Zoo. ADVANCE-TIMED TICKETS ARE REQUIRED. The Wednesday Ticket Store opens on Mondays at 5:00 pm for that Wednesday’s reservations. You can’t visit the zoo without a reserved ticket.

Take the Kids to a Playground

When my kiddos were little, I was so excited to see a playground when we were on vacation. They never seemed to run out of energy! New York City has MANY playgrounds that little ones will enjoy.

Queen’s County Farm Museum

General Admission to the farm is free to the public, except for special ticketed admission days and group visits. They are open daily, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Queens County Farm Museum // 73-50 Little Neck Parkway – Floral Park, New York 11004-1129 // 718.347.3276

Queen’s County Farm Museum WEBSITE

Shakespeare in the Park

The event is held at Central Park’s open-air Delacorte Theater. The shows are always free (you may have to wait in line or enter a lottery to win tickets) and feature performances of some of Shakespeare’s famous plays. Sometimes, famous actors participate in the plays as well. Some who have joined the cast in the past include Natalie Portman, Meryl Streep, Liev Schreiber, and John Lithgow.

Tour Ample Hills Ice Cream Museum

Located in Brooklyn, Ample Hills is the Largest Ice Cream Factory in New York City. You can tour the 15,000 sq. ft. ice cream factory and the interactive ice cream museum. Tours are self-guided and you can learn how Ample Hills develops and makes new ice cream flavors. 

New York Public Library

The New York Public Library (NYPL) is one of the largest and most renowned public library systems in the United States, located in New York City. Its iconic main branch, known as the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, is situated on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan. This magnificent Beaux-Arts building, with its grand marble facade and majestic lion statues guarding the entrance, has become an architectural symbol of the city.

Inside the library, visitors can explore a vast collection of over 53 million items, including books, manuscripts, maps, photographs, and more. The library also offers a variety of educational programs, exhibitions, and public events. It hosts lectures, discussions, author readings, and workshops, fostering intellectual and cultural enrichment for people of all ages and backgrounds.

Tour the New York Public Library

Little Island

Discover Little Island – Little Island is a new public park, located in Hudson River Park, where all New Yorkers and visitors can experience nature and art in a unique urban oasis on the Hudson River.

Alexander Hamilton’s Harlem Estate

See Alexander Hamilton’s Harlem Estate – A great activity for history buffs, those interested in American history, and fans of the Broadway Musical. Only open Fridays through Sundays. All tour tickets are free and they are first come, first served. Tickets may book up before your chosen tour time, so please be sure to arrive early.

Kids Free at Brooklyn Botanic Garden

Brooklyn Botanic Garden ***ONLY kids under 12 years of age are FREE

Spanning 52 acres, the gardens have a diverse collection of plants, including over 10,000 species. From the stunning Cherry Esplanade lined with flowering cherry trees to the serene Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden, every corner of the garden offers a picturesque oasis from the busy city life. The Brooklyn Botanic Garden also hosts various educational programs, workshops, and events throughout the year.

Watch a Movie in Bryant Park

Watch a movie in Bryant Park – Bring a blanket and a friend to see the 10 screenings on summer Mondays nights at Bryant Park. The lawn opens at 5 p.m. for anyone who brought a picnic and the movie begins at 8 p.m. Food and beverage offered by Hester Street Fair will be available for purchase on the Fountain Terrace starting at 4 p.m. Beer, wine, and snacks can be bought on the back lawn from Stout NYC.

Harry Potter Store

Located in Times Square, this store is a three-story, 21,000-square-foot retail space dedicated to all things Harry Potter and the Wizarding World. It is the largest collection of Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts products in the world, from pocket money items to rare collectibles. The store offers exclusive lines, magical photo opportunities, and much more.

Harry Potter fans will be fascinated by the decor sitting on the shelves above all the incredible merch, including full house robes. The store has a room full of gorgeous HP stationary by MinaLima, massive models of Fawkes the Phoenix, and an interactive wand table.

Harry Potter Store

Drama Book Store

Drama Book Store – Very cool bookshop with Broadway Play Memorabilia. This store is co-owned by Lin Manuel Miranda and he wrote “In the Heights” here.

TV Show Tapings

TV Show Tapings – There are tons of great shows that are taped in New York. Tickets to these tapings are free and you can request tickets to attend a taping. There are some shows that have standby tickets to fill extra seats. so even if you miss tickets you can give that a shot!

Attend a FREE Concert or Performance

There are plenty of free concerts and performances throughout the city, especially during the summer. Check out the NYC Parks website for schedules and locations. Here’s the 2023 list of free concerts and events.

Visit a Farmers’ Market

There are dozens of farmer’s markets throughout the city, and many offer free samples and cooking demos. It’s a great way to taste some fresh local produce and support small businesses.

Brooklyn Bridge Park

Brooklyn Bridge Park – This park is open 7 days a week from 6 a.m. to 1 a.m. and entry is free. Within Brooklyn Bridge Park, Pier 6 is a favorite spot for kids. There is a splash pad, slides, and rope swings. See an interactive map HERE (just click on Pier 6 or any spot to see activities and photos). This park offers hundreds of free activities and events here, for kids and adults.

Free Kayaking at Downtown Boathouse

Go Kayaking at the Downtown Boathouse – The Downtown Boathouse offers the world’s largest FREE Kayaking program. They give free 20-minute kayaking tours on the Hudson on the weekends. Just come by the Boathouse on weekends & holidays from the end of May to the first of October 10:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. The last boat goes out at 4:30 p.m. and no reservations are needed.

Things to Do in New York City for $10.00 or Less

Roosevelt Island Tram

Pay $2.75 (one way), get on at the Manhatten Tramway Plaza, and ride the tram to Roosevelt Island. The ride lasts about 5 minutes (each way). You will sail through the sky at 250 feet above the East River, enjoying incredible views of New York City. Passengers must exit the tram at each stop (either Manhattan-bound or Roosevelt Island-bound) and pay again to return to the other side. If you don’t want to ride the aerial tram again, there is a Metro Station nearby to take you where you want to go. Only MTA MetroCards are accepted.

The Roosevelt Island Tram // E 59th St & 2nd Avenue – New York, NY 10022

Hours the Tram runs:

• Sunday through Thursday: 6 AM – 2 AM
• Friday and Saturday: 6 AM – 3:30 AM
• Morning Rush Hours (Monday through Friday): 7 AM – 10 AM
• Evening Rush Hours and Holidays (Monday through Friday): 3 PM – 8 PM

Sea Glass Carousel

Sea Glass Carousel – Located in The Battery, this unique carousel is open Monday-Thursday from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Friday-Sunday from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. The last ride cycle will be 10 minutes before closing. It is $6.00 to ride, and you can buy tickets on-site

Central Park Carousel

Located mid-park at 65th Street, this carousel features 50 beautiful hand-carved horses. It is the largest and most popular carousel in the country. The Central Park Carousel is open 7 days a week when weather permits. Hours you can ride are 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the winter, and 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. in the spring, summer, and fall. The rides are $3.25 per ride, per person.

National September 11 Memorial and Museum

• Free Admission Mondays – Free Admission Monday tickets will be available on the website each Monday beginning at 7 a.m. ET and are first come, first serve. You can use these tickets and visit the Memorial and Museum on Mondays between 3:30 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.
• Visit the Memorial Only – The 9/11 Memorial is free and open to the public seven days a week, 9 a.m.–8 p.m. 
• Active/Retired U.S. Military (With valid ID) are FREE – Complimentary ticket offer applies only to service members. If additional tickets for family members and friends are needed, they will be available for purchase and require a separate transaction.
• FDNY/NYPD/PAPD (With valid ID) – These individuals can get discounted tickets for $12
• Discounted Family Pass – The Family Pass is $93 and includes two adult tickets and three child/young adult tickets (ages 7-17) at a discounted price. As of March 2023, Adult tickets are $29, young children (7-12) are $17, and older children (13-17) & College students are $23. So, this can be a great money-saving option for families. A family with 2 adults and 3 teenagers would pay $127 with individual tickets, but only $93 with a Family Pass – that’s a $34 savings.
• Children 6 years and younger are FREE
• Seniors (65+) get a reduced ticket price of $23 and Retired Military get a discount ticket for $18.
• SNAP participants/EBT cardholders – The 9/11 Memorial & Museum participates in Museums for All which offers free admission to visitors receiving SNAP benefits. For tickets through this program, simply present your EBT card at our box office. There is a limit of four per person.

See all Ticket Options HERE

MoMa

The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City is a world-renowned gallery dedicated to modern and contemporary art. With over 150 years of collecting art from around the world, MoMA is a must-visit destination for art lovers and first-time visitors alike. Adult ticket prices are normally about $25, but there are ways to get discounted tickets:

Discounted & Free Admission to MoMA

• Children 16 and under are always free at MoMA – Booking your timed entry tickets in advance is highly recommended. For the best availability, book tickets in advance online. Free admission does not apply to children in groups.
• Active Military and their families are FREE – MoMA offers one free admission to active members of the US military with valid ID as well as free admission for military families with dependent cards. Tickets are available at the Ticketing Desk.
• NIQLO NYC Nights – FREE for NYC Residents ONLY -These tickets for UNIQLO NYC Nights are FREE for New York City residents ONLY. They must be reserved in advance, are available for up to two adults, are subject to availability, and proof of residency may be required. These tickets are released one week before each event.

Read More HERE

Guggenheim

First Option: Pay-As-You-Wish Saturday Evenings

You can visit the Guggenheim Museum in NYC on Saturdays between the hours of 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. Pay-What-You-Wish hours are Saturdays from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. Visitors with tickets for 6 pm will be admitted between 6:00 p.m. – 7:45 p.m. Visitors with tickets for 7:00 p.m. will be admitted between 7:00 p.m. – 7:45 p.m.

Take a look at our exhibitions on view HERE.

Things to Know

• Tickets for Pay-What-You-Wish hours are released on Mondays at 12 p.m.
• Ticket quantities are limited and sell out quickly. If you receive a message that reads “Sorry, tickets are not available for this event”, that means that the tickets are sold out for the week, but you can check the page again on the following Monday.
• Pay-What-You-Wish tickets are non-refundable and cannot be rescheduled.
• The time selected is your earliest entry time on Saturday.

Second Option: Second Sunday Family Tours

Guggenheim offers Second Sunday Family Tours. These tours have been created for families with children ages five and up and only cost $40 for an entire family (admission and tour for up to 2 adults and up to 4 children. Guggenheim Family members can participate for FREE.

These tours take place on the second Sunday of every month. Families can explore the museum with an interactive, tour that includes creative, hands-on gallery activities kids will love it! The tours usually follow a special theme and showcase artworks from both the permanent collection and special exhibitions.

The Battery

The Battery offers breathtaking views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the New York Harbor. You can spend time admiring the iconic landmarks and the beautiful waterfront. The park also provides ample green space where you can relax and have a picnic. There are benches, grassy areas, and waterfront seating available for visitors to enjoy their meals or snacks.

The Battery is home to several gardens, including the Battery Bosque, Battery Gardens, and the Bosque Gardens. There is a network of paths that are ideal for walking, jogging, or biking. You can rent a bike or simply enjoy a leisurely stroll along the waterfront. This park is a transportation hub for various ferry services. You can catch a ferry to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, Staten Island, or other destinations along the harbor.

Additionally, you can visit the SeaGlass Carousel, take a Harbor Cruise, visit the Museum of Jewish Heritage, and let the kids play at the Battery Playground. The park is open 7 days a week 7:45 am – 5:00 pm, and is free to enter.

Broadway Shows

Use Hilton Honors Points

Simply connect your Hilton Honors account to your Ticketmaster.com account in a few clicks. Then, you can begin to redeem your available Points for tickets any time you purchase on Ticketmaster. With your Hilton Honors account connected to your Ticketmaster.com account, view your Points total and use your available balance for ticket purchases at checkout. You can pay for the entire cost of show tickets with Hilton Honor Points. If you don’t have enough points to pay for the entire cost of show tickets, you can use Hilton Honors Points as part of your purchase. Any remaining balance is charged to an eligible Credit Card or Gift Card on Ticketmaster.

Discount Broadway Show Tickets

• Lucky Seat – Discount Theatre Ticket (lottery). Must be VERY flexible with dates/times.
• Today Tix – Download APP
• Broadway Box – Discount Broadway tickets on this website
• Broadway for Broke People

Stay in a New York City Hotel that offers FREE Breakfast

Here are a few hotels that offer free breakfast – that’s one free meal every morning of your visit. This is not ALL of the hotels that offer breakfast with the hotel stay, but here are a few to get you started:

• Residence Inn New York Downtown Manhattan/World Trade Center Area (Marriott) – FREE hot breakfast (including eggs) with fruit and yogurt. (Location: 1033 Avenue Of The Americas, New York, NY – Times Square – Theatre District)
• Hampton Times Square South – A complimentary on-the-go breakfast is served daily from 6 AM to 10 AM (Located at 337 West 39th Street)
• Holiday Inn Express – Times Square –  Try one of their famous cinnamon rolls from the Free Hot Breakfast Bar (Address: 343 West 39th Street, New York, NY – Times Square – Theatre District)
• Lex Hotel NYC – Breakfast included with stay as well as continuous coffee, tea & ice (Location: 67 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY – Empire State Building Area)
• Hampton Inn By Hilton Manhattan/Times Square Central – Continental Breakfast Included with Stay (Location: 220 West 41st Street, New York, NY – Times Square – Theatre District)
• The Pearl – Continental Breakfast for 2 persons and 24 Hour Coffee, Tea, and Light Snacks at the Gem Cafe (Located: Times Square at 233 W 49th St, New York, NY, 10019)
• Comfort Inn Manhattan – Midtown West – Guests can enjoy a free hot breakfast, which includes fruit, cereal, yogurt, eggs, sausage, and pancakes.
• Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott New York Manhattan/Times Square – Guests can enjoy a complimentary breakfast, which includes eggs, sausage, and cereal.
• The Evelyn Hotel – The hotel provides a complimentary grab-and-go breakfast for two people daily
• Best Western Plus Hospitality House – This hotel offers a free breakfast buffet each morning, featuring options such as pancakes, bagels, and fresh fruit.
• Ramada By WYNDHAM New York Times Square West – Complimentary Breakfast Buffet

If Riding the Subway, Get the OMNY Pass

Okay, so basically, you can use OMNY to ride the subway and/or bus an unlimited amount of times in one week for $33.00. And, you can use OMNY for several people. Just tap OMNY for you, your husband, your 6 kids, your grandma, etc. You will be charged 2.75 for each tap but the charges will stop once you reach $33. It’s a great deal.

Once you’ve paid $33 for fares in a seven-day period (beginning at 12 a.m. on Monday and ending at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday), you can ride free for the rest of the week. 

Register for an OMNY account HERE. You can also buy an OMNY Card (sold at stores like Walgreens in NYC) or use their contactless fare payment system.

Pay your fare at any of the subway turnstiles, AutoGates, and onboard buses (including Select Bus Service buses). Simply tap your own contactless credit or debit card, smart device, or OMNY card on the OMNY reader. You can use the same card or device for both legs of your trip to get a free transfer.

The screen will instantly confirm that your tap was successful and then you can be on your way.

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