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How to do New York on a budget

Get the lowdown on doing New York without breaking the bank.
New York might seem like an expensive trip, but there are plenty of ways to save cash while exploring the Big Apple. That includes visiting art galleries and museums for free, finding on-the-day tickets for Broadway shows, and exploring away from the big-name sights. Here’s the lowdown on the best cheap eats, free attractions and famous film locations to help you do New York on a budget…

Once you’ve had a read, take a look at our New York city break deals.

Do a tour of the city’s free attractions

Just like in London, you’ll find loads of art exhibitions and museums to explore for free or a suggested donation in New York. Parts of The Museum of Modern Art are free and the New York Public Library has complementary tours throughout the day. Chelsea, on the far west side of New York, has the most art galleries in one area and most completely free to enter. Plus, the intricately-designed Grand Central Terminal is worth a visit in itself. You’ll recognise it from films like The Avengers and Men In Black.
The Grand Central Terminal in New York.

Stroll around Central Park

A visit to the world’s most iconic urban park is a must-do on any New York trip. It spans a huge 843 acres, and is made up of extensive walking tracks, lakes, ponds, 21 playgrounds and two ice skating rinks in winter – plus a packed schedule of free events and concerts. The park itself has been the backdrop for so many iconic films and TV shows, you’ll be getting a free locations tour as you explore. You’ll spot the settings of famous scenes from films like Home Alone, Sex And The City, Enchanted, Spider-Man, Elf and Ghostbusters.
A birds-eye view of Central Park and the surrounding skyscrapers.

Soak up the views of the city

Getting a sky-high view or a dazzling panoramic snap of New York is the only way to prove you were there to your Instagram followers. If you walk across Brooklyn Bridge you’ll get a stunning view of Lower Manhattan from the other side, or you can take a trip on the Roosevelt Island tram, which costs the same as a subway trip. Rooftop bars are a great way to enjoy a skyscraper backdrop with your drink, and there a plenty to choose from in Manhattan. Haven Rooftop is known for its mid-week happy hours, and The Lookup is another spot serving wallet-friendly cocktails.
A view of the Brooklyn Bridge.

Go off the beaten track

Take a break from the bright lights and bustling city centre to stroll around the alternative nearby neighbourhoods. NoHo, Tribeca and the bohemian Greenwich Village are all within easy reach and packed with boutique shops and quaint eateries to explore. In Greenwich Village you’ll also find the High Line – a public park created from abandoned subway tracks which takes you from the Meatpacking district to 12th Avenue.
A leafy street in Greenwich Village.

Search out some cheap eats

New York is a foodie’s paradise, with dining options to suit all budgets (and no, you don’t have to stick to hot dogs). Food trucks and pop-up eateries are all over the city and are a great way to grab homemade, quality food while you’re sightseeing. There’s a truck for just about every kind of food, from Philly Cheesesteaks and pizza to tacos and lobster. If bagels are more your vibe, you’re in luck. The Upper West Side is considered the best neighbourhood to grab a delicious filled bagel in New York – from places like Absolute Bagels and Zucker's Bagels & Fish – but there are top-rated bagel spots dotted all over the city.
A couple eating a New York slice in a pizza parlour.

Get cheap tickets for a show

If you’re keen to catch a Broadway show, try the TKTS booths in Times Square or inside the David Rubenstein Atrium at Lincoln Center, or use the TodayTix app to find some discounted tickets. And, if you’re strolling along Broadway around show time, it’s worth nipping into the theatres to see if they’re selling leftover tickets or standing tickets for super low prices. Even when a performance is showing as sold out, there are often standing room only tickets available for walk-ups on the day.
Two people wandering through Times Square.
Ready to book that dream trip to NYC?

Browse our City Breaks to New York.

For more inspiration, take a look at the best things to do in New York, browse some surprising things to do in New York and discover all the reasons why you should spend Christmas in New York.

Pssst. Head to the Discover homepage for our latest articles.

Author: Katie Gregory

Last updated: 10.09.2026

Holiday Type

Destination

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