NYC On a Budget (Exactly How to Do It On the Cheap)

👉 Jump to: Budget Tips | Cheap & Free Things to Do | Where to Stay | Cheap Eats | FAQ

Due to its expensive reputation, you may be wondering if it’s even possible to do NYC on a budget. Although it can certainly be very pricey, visiting NYC affordably is well within the realm of possibility. 

With some money-saving tips and insight into the cheapest things to do in New York, you can spend time in this gorgeous city without breaking the bank.

I lived in New York City through college, and let me tell you, I wasn’t exactly rolling in dough during those years. This article is going to be packed with all the first-hand knowledge you need to save money on your NYC trip.

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11 Tips to Do New York City on a Budget

Take Advantage of Free Events

Even though New York City is one of the priciest places in the whole world, it surprisingly offers a ton of free events. You can come across concerts, comedy shows, attractions, and classes here that don’t cost a dime. All it takes is a little bit of searching and preparation.

A great place to start looking is the NYC Parks free events page. Free events in NYC change depending on the season. Do a few preemptive Google searches before your NYC vacation or you could be missing out on a bunch of fun, affordable activities. 

Take the Subway

One of the simplest and most effective tips for visiting NYC on the cheap is to ride the subway. It’s the most efficient and affordable way to get around the city besides your feet. Plus, it’s really simple to navigate and there are maps on every train. 

This tip is especially important when you fly into the airport. Cabs charge a $50-55 flat fee to get into Manhattan from NYC airports. Even more during rush hour.

Don’t Stay in Manhattan

Even though Manhattan is notoriously expensive, New York City is a large city with many places to stay. Luckily, there are so many interesting neighborhoods outside the pricey confines of central Manhattan.

Staying in the farther areas of Brooklyn, Queens, upper Manhattan or even New Jersey can help you save money on accommodations.

Book Accommodations in Advance 

Another hot tip to make your trip more affordable is to book everything in advance. Last-minute bookings always tend to be more expensive in a popular city like New York. 

👉 Want to Become a Budget Travel Pro? Check out Budget Travel 101, written by Travel Lemming’s budget travel expert McKenna.

Visit From January to April

Your New York City budget will change drastically depending on when you’re visiting. Hands down the cheapest time to visit NYC is in the dead of winter from January until the very beginning of April. 

However, keep in mind that winter in New York is serious business. You’ll need to be prepared with warm clothes and a list of winter-friendly activities if you’re taking advantage of this cheap season.

Enter NYC Museums for Free

New York museums are known around the globe for their impressive collections. Yet, even some of the city’s most famous museums offer opportunities to explore their collection at a reduced rate. 

At the Metropolitan Museum of Art, there is a ‘pay what you wish’ policy for New York residents and children under 12 can enter for free. The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum runs a similar “pay what you wish” program for everyone on Saturdays from 4 pm to 6 pm.

Then there are spots like the American Folk Art Museum, where admission is always totally free. There are plenty of museum deals and free days to explore across New York City. You can enter many NYC art galleries for free as well.

Get a New York Pass

A New York Pass won’t work for everyone. If it’s your first trip to NYC though, it could reduce your trip costs if you plan on visiting a lot of the city’s top attractions. 

The New York pass provides visitors with admission to stuff like the Empire State Building, the 9/11 Memorial,  hop-on hop-off bus tours, and many more. You can get a pass that lasts anywhere from one to ten days.

Sites like the Empire State Building can be much pricier if you’re planning on going to all these big attractions individually. So, investing in the New York Pass can definitely save you some dough when you’re planning out your itinerary for the city.

Avoid Buying Things in Times Square

Personally, I’d avoid the hectic streets of Times Square altogether. But I can understand why first-time visitors to New York might want to see the flashy area for themselves. 

If you are planning on checking out Times Square on a budget vacation, just make sure you don’t buy anything there. The prices around this tourist-dense location are always highly inflated.

Stay in a Pod Hotel or Hostel

One of the most expensive parts of any trip is paying for the accommodations. In New York and anywhere really, one way to cut costs in this department is opting for a pod hotel or even a hostel instead of a hotel. 

It may sound a little questionable if you’ve never done it before, but there are actually plenty of clean, cozy spots that cost half of a typical NYC hotel. For instance, Pod 51 in Midtown East even made our list of the best hotels in New York City and costs as little as $115 per night in the low season. 

Indulge in Affordable NYC Food Staples

New York-style pizza, hot dogs, chopped cheese sandwiches, bagels, and cheesecake.

It just so happens that one of the most expensive cities in the world has some of the cheapest food staples around. Take advantage of all the famous affordable New York delicacies and munch away!

Whenever Possible, Walk

New York City is one of the most walkable places on the planet. Technically, you could walk all the way from the tippy top of Manhattan to the farthest corner of Brooklyn. 

Since your own two feet can take you anywhere in the city for free, it’s one of the most economical modes of transportation. Try to walk to destinations closer than 30 minutes and save the subway ride for further trips. You’ll be surprised how much money you can save just by walking everywhere.

21 Cheap & Free Things to Do in NYC

Grand Central Station

Take photos at this iconic station featured in countless movies and TV shows.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (212)-340-2583 | Website | Hours: 5:15 am – 2 am daily | Entrance: Free

You probably know Grand Central Station from TV shows and movies. On your trip to NYC, you can see it off the silver screen with your own eyes. Completely free! 

Taking photos at this legendary train station is a must-do for your first NYC trip. It also happens to be one of my favorite free activities in Manhattan for visitors.

Village Underground Comedy Cellar

Catch an affordable comedy show at this awesome venue.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (212)-777-7745 | Website | Hours: 6 pm – 1 am daily, Closed Tuesdays | Entrance: $15-$25 Depending on the day

There are lots of places to watch upcoming comedians take the stage in New York City. One of the most affordable spots to see a comedy show in NYC is the Village Underground Comedy Cellar. 

Just about any show here will cost you less than $30 and it’s a super fun activity for a Saturday night.

Battery Park

One of the coolest parks in NYC that has great views of the Statue of Liberty.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (212)-344-3491 | Website | Hours: 6 am – 12 am daily | Entrance: Free

Located on the southern tip of Manhattan, Battery Park is another entertaining, totally free place to visit in New York City. Not to mention one of the coolest parks in New York. 

The Battery offers views of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. You can also hop on a boat from here that will take you to these popular attractions.

Free Walking Tours

This is one of the best ways to get the inside scoop on a new city.

The idea of free tours might not be conducive to New York City in your mind. But believe me, there are lots of opportunities for completely free walking tours around different parts of New York. 

If you’re on the hunt for some interesting NYC walking tours, check out Free Tours by Foot. Just make sure you still provide your guide with a tip for their services.

Bryant Park

A cozy, green space (with bathrooms!) right in the heart of Manhattan. 

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (212)-768-4242 | Website | Hours: 7 am – 11 pm daily | Entrance: Free

Many people envision Manhattan as a hardened metropolis with only skyscrapers as far as the eye can see. But there are actually quite a lot of green spaces across the island. Bryant Park right in the heart of Midtown overlooked by the Empire State Building is a perfect example. 

It doesn’t cost any money to enter this quaint park to eat lunch, read a book, or people watch. There’s even a merry-go-round for children. If you’re visiting during the winter, the park puts on a fantastic Christmas Market with free entry called Bryant Park Winter Village. It has ice skating, eateries, and more.

Brooklyn Heights Promenade

View the Manhattan skyline from this beautiful park.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (212)-639-9675 | Website | Hours: 6 am – 1 am daily | Entrance: Free

Not only is Brooklyn Heights one of New York’s most adorable neighborhoods, but it’s also a great spot for stellar views of the Manhattan skyline. You can see the Brooklyn Bridge and the East River from here as well. 

Yet again, taking in the million-dollar views at Brooklyn Heights Promenade won’t cost you a penny. 

TKTS Booth

Grab discounted Broadway tickets at this booth.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (212)-912-9770 | Website | Hours: 3 pm – 8 pm Mon, Tues, Fri / 11 am – 8 pm Wed, Thurs, Sat / 11 am – 7 pm Sun 

Most travelers think that seeing a Broadway show will cost an arm and a leg. Usually, this is true. Unless you’re privy to the helpful NYC travel hack known as the TKTS Ticket Booth, that is. If you wait in line, you can get your hands on extremely discounted Broadway tickets for same-day shows and following-day matinees. 

Just be aware that if you go to the location at the link above, you’ll probably be waiting in a pretty long line. If you’re short on time, then head to TKTS Booth’s second location in Lincoln Center.

Staten Island Ferry 

Ride this free ferry for epic views of Manhattan and Brooklyn.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 24/7 | Entrance: Free

The Staten Island Ferry leaves from Whitehall Terminal in lower Manhattan and it’s 100% free to ride. Yes, you read that correctly. A free ferry in New York!

Even if you’re not planning on visiting Staten Island, it’s a lovely ride with views of Manhattan and Brooklyn. It’s the perfect filler activity when you need a break from running around the city streets. 

Central Park

Explore New York City’s famous park with so many low-cost to free activities.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (212)-310-6600 | Website | Hours: 6 am – 1 am daily | Entrance: Free

If you asked me, “What is the #1 best free thing to do in NYC?” I’d reply without hesitation: Central Park.

There are lots of awesome parks in New York from Washington Square Park to Prospect Park. However, there are just so many different things to do in Central Park. You could spend days wandering the 843-acre park and still find new stuff. [Source]

👉 Pro Tip: While Washington Square Park and Prospect Park aren’t as well-known as the massive Central Park, they’re still worth a visit and also totally free!

Postmark Cafe

Grab a creamy cappuccino from this affordable Brooklyn cafe.

📍 Google Maps | (718)-768-2613 | 7:30 am – 4 pm Mon-Fri / 8:00 am – 4 pm Sat-Sun

Brooklyn is known for its chic cafes that welcome NYC students and professionals to click-clack away at their laptops. 

If you’re looking to treat yourself to a warm cup of coffee during your low-budget trip, check out Postmark Cafe in Park Slope. It’s delicious and affordable.

New York Public Library

People watch on the steps or check out the intricate architecture inside this 129-year-old library. 

📍 Google Maps | (917) -275-6975 | Website | 10 am – 6 pm Thurs – Mon, 10 am – 8 pm Tues – Wed, Closed Sundays 

Visiting the library might sound like a questionable vacation activity, but trust this recommendation when you’re visiting New York. You can check out the gorgeous architecture inside the New York Public Library and maybe catch a few quiet minutes for free. 

Even if you don’t want to venture inside, it’s worth making a stop here to see the massive building from the outside. Snap a few photos or even stay awhile to have lunch and appreciate the surroundings.

Brooklyn Bridge

Stroll across the bridge that connects Manhattan to Brooklyn (with a jacket, of course!).

📍 Google Maps | Website | Entrance: Free

A walk over the Brooklyn Bridge is the cheapest way to get between the two boroughs. Plus, it’s a lovely scenic stroll with better views than taking the subway. 

The only thing is that it gets cold up there on the bridge, even during the summer. So, bundle up before you attempt this walk. 

St. Patrick’s Cathedral

Spend some time appreciating this gorgeous 1800s cathedral from the inside out.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (212)-753-2261 | Website | Hours: 6:30 am – 8:45 pm daily | Entrance: Free

St. Patrick’s Cathedral will fill you with awe. The structure built in the 1800s is just as stunning from the outside as it is from the inside. 

I have a lot of fond memories of visiting this cathedral with my dad when I was a kid. Even though I’ve seen it a million times before, I still find it insanely impressive every time I visit. Especially considering it’s smack dab in the middle of 5th Ave.

Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty

Take an audio tour of these iconic New York City landmarks.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (832)-960-0009 | Website | Hours: 9:45 am – 4:45 pm daily | Entrance: $25.50 adults, $16.50 under 12 

Whenever you’re visiting a new place, it’s nice to get a glimpse of the area’s history. In NYC, one of the best places to start digging into this local history is Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. 

This site and museum are a little more expensive than some of the attractions on this list. But, they’re still pretty affordable and well worth the splurge if it’s your first time in the city. 

👉 Pro Tip: If you’re planning to visit many major New York attractions, you may save money by purchasing a New York Pass. Buying tickets to a bunch of these big, touristy activities can add up quickly. 

Ride the Cyclone at Coney Island

The rollercoasters here are decently affordable and fun for the whole family.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (718)-373-5862 | Website | Hours: Check their website | Entrance: $10 per person  (for single ride entry, all-day ticket is $79.99 online)

If you need a boost of adrenaline on your New York trip, take the subway to Coney Island’s Luna Park. There are a few different exciting rides to try at this family-friendly amusement park, but the crown jewel of the place is the Cyclone. It’s a wooden rollercoaster that opened to the public almost 100 years ago. 

While the day pass is quite expensive, you can pay to ride the cyclone individually for $10 per person. 

The High Line

This public park was built on an elevated train line.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (212)-500-6035 | Website  | Hours: 7 am – 10 pm daily | Entrance: Free

Elevate yourself above the hustle and bustle of the busy Manhattan streets on the High Line. 

This is a 1.4-mile-long public park that was built on an old raised train line. Today, it’s one of the most popular free green spaces among New Yorkers.

L Train Vintage

Snag high-end fashion items for a discounted price at this thrift store.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (212)-228-5201 | Website | Hours: 12 pm – 7 pm daily

New York has some of the most luxurious clothing stores on earth, but many aren’t exactly budget-friendly. If you’re on a budget, there are still opportunities for you to snag some of these high-end fashion items at one of New York City’s many thrift stores. 

Thrift shopping in New York is an entire experience that could result in you going home with a super-discounted piece. One of my favorite spots for thrifting in NYC is L Train Vintage. They always carry one-of-a-kind items that you just can’t find in chain stores today.

The Museum of Modern Art

Get your art fill by experiencing one of the most beautiful collections in the country. 

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (212)-708-9400 | Website |  Hours: 10:30 am – 5:30 pm Sat – Thurs, 10:30 am – 8:30 pm Fridays | Entrance: $30 adults (Many people can receive a discount or complimentary admission) 

New York is flush with some of the top museums on the entire planet. Unfortunately, though, many of them lean towards the more expensive end of things. If you only have room in your budget for one of New York’s top museums, then I’d go for the Museum of Modern Art. 

The MoMA will run you $30 a head, but it’s worth it for a peek at some of the world’s most captivating artwork. It’s also covered by the New York Pass, so that can be a smart way to visit this iconic museum for less.

Hudson River

Take a boat cruise on the Hudson for a new perspective.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (212)-627-1825 | Website  | Hours: 9 am – 10 pm daily | Entrance: Depends on the tour

A fun way to get a new perspective of NYC is by hopping on a boat and floating down the Hudson River. There are a bunch of boat cruises and tour options along the Hudson River at various price points. 

For a budget traveler, I’d suggest this New York City Landmarks Circle Line Cruise. It will take you on a narrated tour of all the big NYC sites and is still affordable enough for most budgets. 

Watch The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon Live

Be a part of a live studio audience for free if you’re lucky enough. 

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 3:33 am – 5:36 pm Mon – Fri, Closed Sat-Sun | Entrance: Free (Tickets required)

You would think that scoring tickets to a famous production like The Tonight Show in New York would cost an arm and a leg. However, the chance to be a part of the audience for this show is actually completely free. All you need is preparation and a little bit of luck on your side. 

To get tickets, join the waitlist for The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon exactly a month before your trip via the 1iota website. It’s also possible to grab free tickets for The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, The Daily Show, and more on the same website. 

Later, you’ll find out if you were destined to be chosen. You never know. It could be a free NYC activity you’ll remember for a lifetime. 

The Lego Store

Take your kids to build masterpieces for free at this huge Lego utopia in Midtown. 

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (929)-493-3074 | Website  | Hours: 10 am – 9 pm Mon – Sat, 10 am – 9 pm Sundays | Entrance: Free

Traveling with children on a budget can be tough because you want to make all their dreams come true, but that might not always be financially possible in New York City. One free Manhattan activity that will have young ones happily entertained for hours is the Lego Store on 5th Avenue. 

There are all sorts of detailed Lego sculptures throughout the space, almost like it’s a free museum. They also have huge bins of colorful Legos in the middle of the store to build your own creations on the spot.

Where to Stay in NYC on a Budget

By far the most expensive part of traveling to New York City is booking accommodations. Most NYC neighborhoods are incredibly costly. But there are a few areas that offer places to stay in New York at a reasonable price: 

Long Island City, Queens

👉 Best Area For Artsy Vibes | ✨ Best Budget Hotel: Feather Factory Hotel

Long Island City is situated right up against the East River with spectacular views of the Manhattan skyline. The neighborhood has lots of appeal. There is a big art scene with many galleries to explore, adorable bars, and even one of New York’s best state parks: Gantry Plaza State Park.

Not only does Long Island City come with stunning views of the concrete jungle, but it’s also one of the most affordable places to stay in New York City. There are several well-priced hotels and Airbnbs around the area that can help greatly reduce the price of your trip overall.

Washington Heights, Manhattan

👉 Best Area For Easy Ride to Central Manhattan | ✨ Best Budget Hotel: Radio Hotel 

If proximity to central Manhattan is your goal, consider staying in Washington Heights. 

Located at the tippy top of the Manhattan borough, there are a lot of historic attractions in this area, including The Little Red Lighthouse and the Morris-Jumel Mansion. More importantly for your purposes, Washington Heights is a great place to stay in New York City on a budget. 

Coney Island, Brooklyn

👉 Best Area For Families | ✨ Best Budget Hotel: Best Western Brooklyn-Coney Island Inn

Coney Island is a little farther from Manhattan than the other neighborhoods on this list. It takes about an hour to get into the borough on the train. However, Coney Island is definitely one of the more affordable places to stay in New York City, and the subway costs a flat rate per ride. 

Plus, Coney Island is a fun area for families. In addition to the popular amusement park, there is the large sandy Coney Island Beach and the New York Aquarium. 

👉 Pro Tip: If you’re going to take the subway a lot on your NYC trip (which you probably will be), consider buying a 7-day or 30-day unlimited MTA pass. It will give you unlimited subway and local bus rides for your allotted amount of time. The weekly pass is $34 and the monthly pass is $132. 

Midtown, Manhattan

👉 Best Area For First-Time Visitors | ✨ Best Budget Hotel: Pod Times Square 

It might sound counterintuitive to stay in the center of NYC for low prices, but it’s true. Midtown around Times Square is often flooded with first-time visitors because it’s the most well-known section of the city for non-New Yorkers.

This means that it is very busy at all times and feels very touristy. But, there are also plenty of cheap stays around here trying to entice travelers. It has the added benefit of being in the heart of all the action. So if it’s your first tim in the city and you can handle the crowds, staying in Midtown can definitely lower trip costs.

Cheap Eats in NYC

One thing that really surprised me when I moved to the city was that some of the most famous restaurants in NYC are also the most affordable. You just need to know where to look. Here are some of my favorite cheap eats in New York:

🍽️ Want a full breakdown of restaurants? Check out Niamh’s guide to dining out in NYC!

Noodle Village

Chinese

📍 Google Maps | Website | Price Range: ($)

Noodle Village is a classic, low-cost Chinese restaurant located right in the heart of New York’s famous Chinatown. This restaurant is best known for its variety of soup dumplings and congee. It’s the perfect stop for warming up on a cold NY afternoon. 

2 Bros. Pizza

Pizza

📍 Google Maps | Website | Price Range: ($)

If there is one thing you absolutely, 100% must eat when you visit NY, it’s pizza. I’m a firm believer that a NY slice is the best pizza in the world. 

If you need a pie on a budget, there is no better place than 2 Bros Pizza. There are a few locations, but my favorite is the one on 8th Avenue in Midtown.

Mei Lai Wah

Asian Bakery

📍 Google Maps | Website | Price Range: ($)

In the thick of a New York day, sometimes you just need a quick, cheap bite to power through. When that happens, I always find myself at Mei Lai Wah in Chinatown. 

This bakery is beloved for their pork buns that cost under $3 each. I specifically love the slightly sweeter pineapple pork bun. There are plenty of other affordable eats that you can easily take to go on their menu as well, like rice noodles and shumai.

Gray’s Papaya

Hot Dogs

📍 Google Maps | Website | Price Range: ($)

Walking around the streets of New York, you’ll probably stumble across about 5,000 places to get a hot dog. But, I would hold out for one from Gray’s Papaya. 

Gray’s Papaya is one of my all-time favorite budget food spots in NYC for its juicy, fresh dogs. They also have some delicious juices. Not only is it cheap, but it’s also open all night. Perfect for a midnight snack after hitting the NY nightlife scene. 

Spongies Cafe

Cake

📍 Google Maps | Price Range: ($)

Another Chinatown gem for a cheap sweet treat is Spongies Cafe. This unassuming shop makes a huge variety of fluffy sponge cakes fresh daily. Two of my favorites are the cappuccino and Thai tea flavors, but they rotate often, so there’s always something new and delicious. 

Better yet, these tasty morsels cost just $1.50 each or $18 for a dozen of all different flavors.

Los Mariscos

Mexican

📍 Google Maps | Website | Price Range: ($)

Craving some top-tier Mexican food? Grab a table at Los Mariscos. They have incredible tacos, ceviche, and even a raw bar with oysters and clams. It’s a fun, reasonably-priced spot to wind down for dinner after a day of exploring New York. 

Bánh Mì Saigon

Vietnamese

📍 Google Maps | Website | Price Range: ($)

There are two big reasons to fall in love with Vietnamese food: it’s cheap and mind-blowingly delicious. One of the tastiest spots to try a classic Vietnamese Banh Mi sandwich in NYC is Bánh Mì Saigon. Each filling sandwich is around $7. My favorite one is the Banh Mi Pate Cha. 

Mamoun’s Falafel 

Middle Eastern

📍 Google Maps | Website | Price Range: ($)

If you’re in the mood for Middle Eastern food, have lunch at Mamoun’s Falafel near Washington Square Park. They have the standard fare like falafels, kebabs, and shawarma. All for a very affordable price in a cute environment. 

La Bonbonniere

American Diner

📍 Google Maps | Price Range: ($)

Something I always subconsciously associate with New York is diners. There are many different styles of diners scattered across the city (some even with singing waitresses). My go-to NYC diner is La Bonbonniere. Their menu has all the classic diner food without the insane Manhattan prices. 

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FAQs

Can you do NYC on a budget?

It is absolutely possible to visit New York City on a budget. The most important aspect of saving money in NYC is planning your trip ahead of time and doing research. There are many cheap to free activities, restaurants, and places to see in New York City.

What is a good budget for New York City?

Approximately $1,000 per person weekly is enough for a comfortable budget trip in New York City (not including flights). This should be enough for a private hotel room or hostel, food, activities, and souvenirs. Since New York City is one of the more expensive cities in the world, even a low-budget trip comes at a high price point. While it’s possible to visit New York City for less, it will be more of a no-frills experience and include more free activities like Central Park.

How do I plan a trip to New York on a budget?

To start planning a trip to New York on a budget, first decide when you want to visit, where you want to stay, and what activities you want to do. The best time to visit NYC on a budget is the winter months. Then, start factoring in miscellaneous expenses.

What is the cheapest month to go to NYC?

January is the cheapest month to visit New York City. It’s right after the holiday season and the weather is extreme. So, prices tend to go down. But, visitors need to be prepared for very cold temperatures and likely snow. 

***

You’re all set to discover the incredible Big Apple without blasting through your entire bank account. Thanks to the train and bus system, day trips from NYC can be pretty budget-friendly as well. To learn more, check out our round-up of the best day trips from New York City next!

Lea Rose Allbaugh contributed to this article.