While it’s easy to spend a small fortune in New York City, especially when it comes to hotels, shopping, and dining, you certainly don’t have to. I’ve traveled to the city dozens of times throughout the years on all budgets, starting with my family, later as a backpacker, and finally as a business traveler. So, needless to stay, I have learned some cheap things to do around New York. Keep in mind that you might have to be flexible to take advantage of the “free” stuff.
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The Free Things to Do in New York City
Museums
Take advantage of New York’s incredible museums, especially the free days. The Guggenheim has pay what you wish on Saturdays, while the Whitney offers the same on Friday nights. The MOMA is free to visit on Friday nights. The Neue Galerie, home to some of Klimt’s iconic works, is free every first Friday from 6-8 pm. But there are plenty of other museums and other attractions that have free days, according to this post.
Other Sights and Activities
Some of the best things in New York are free, like walking on the iconic Brooklyn Bridge and checking out the unique Oculus building. The neighboring September 11 Museum is free on Tuesday nights and the New York Aquarium is free on Friday nights.
The New York Public Library, one of my favorite places in the city, has free exhibits and tours. The stunning Morgan Library is free on Friday nights and the McKim Rooms are open for some windows three days a week. Catch a free comedy show at the Knitting Factory in Brooklyn on Sunday nights or a free tour of Brooklyn Brewery on Saturdays and Sundays.
Go on one of the free walking tours or get tickets to one of your favorite shows like the Daily Show, SNL, Tonight Show, and the Late Show. And don’t forget about the constant events and festivals happening on any given day.
Outdoors
Spend some time in New York’s incredible parks, including the most famous: Central Park. With all of the statues and monuments inside, it would be easy to spend an entire day here. But don’t forget about Washington Square Park and the dozens of smaller ones around town.
The High Line is another favorite and they also offer free tours. Free entry is granted to the New York Botanical Garden on Wednesdays and on Saturday mornings. If you want to see some of the city’s best work for free, admire the street art in neighborhoods like Nolita and Bushwick.
Eating and Drinking
Who knew that you can eat for free in New York? One of my favorite places is Rudy’s in Hell’s Kitchen, which serves hot dogs to their customers. Offside Tavern has free wings with the purchase of a pitcher during comedy shows and live music. But they’re not the only ones.
This great post from Eater outlines where else you can chow down for free at bars around town. Do you want to drink for free? Take advantage of free tastings around town at places like Astor’s and Bottlerocket, as well as ladies nights.
Public Transportation
The best way to see the city for cheap is on foot. Be sure to wear comfy shoes. You can also ride the Staten Island ferry for free, along with the IKEA water taxi from Wall Street to Red Hook, which is free on weekends.
Accommodation
Free accommodations are hard to come by, but there is a Couchsurfing community in New York. Keep in mind that it’s more than a “free place to crash.” Show your hosts respect and use it as an opportunity to learn about their homes.
The Cheap Things to Do in New York City
Sights and Activities
If you’re willing to spend a bit more, you can find plenty to entertain you, whether it’s comedy shows, drop-in fitness classes, last minute show tickets, or live music. Time Out has a good lineup of cheap activities throughout the city, like a $10 show with the Upright Citizen’s Brigade. There are also some cheap museums like the International Center of Photography and the American Museum of Natural History.
Public Transportation
Skip the expensive taxis and rideshares in favor of the subway and buses, which cost $2.75 per ride. Fill up a MetroCard or purchase a 7-day pass, depending on how long your trip is. Ferries also use the same cards and cost the same amount, but also offer great views of the city. CitiBike is another option, with docking stations all over town, but wear a helmet and watch out for cars.
Eating and Drinking
The best meals in New York don’t have to cost a fortune. It’s my favorite place to eat dim sum, which allows you to order as much as you’re hungry for or split with friends. Dim Sum Palace, pictured, is one of my favorites, but Nom Wah Tea Parlor is a longtime Chinatown eatery.
Delis and falafel shops are also great places for a filling meal on the go. For food trucks, head to Smorgasburg, a weekly food truck gathering. And classic street food items can’t be missed, especially breakfast sandwiches, knishes, pizza slices, and “dirty water” hot dogs. This guide from Eater also highlights cheap places to eat in the city.
There are also cheap drinks to be found in town. Professor Thom’s in the East Village has specials nearly every night of the week, including 2 for 1 drinks on Tuesdays for those on Tinder dates (!), 50 cent wings on Wednesdays, and “reverse happy hour” on Sunday nights. Rudy’s, Jimmy’s Corner, and McSorley’s Ale House also have cheap drinks.
Accommodation
There are also plenty of cheap places to stay if you don’t mind sacrificing space. Freehand New York is a stylish boutique hostel and hotel, while HI NYC and Jazz on the Park are two standard hostels.
The Jane is set in an old seafarer’s home, with narrow cabin-like rooms, while the Row NYC has its own mini food hall in the heart of Times Square. The Pod hotels have three locations around town with small space and big amenities, as does the futuristic Yotel. The Bowery House is a hostel and hotel in a historic building.
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