15 Popular NYC Activities on a Budget

New York City is one of the most expensive places in the United States and the world to visit! That doesn’t mean that popular attractions don’t have discounts which can save some serious dough when planning your trip to the Big Apple. Doing NYC activities on budget is totally possible if you have some flexibility in your schedule!

There are tons of free activities in the city as well, but I’m focusing on the ones that usually involve a fee. Please make sure to check the official website before booking any tickets or going to the destination as offers can change at anytime.

Founded in 1891 in the heart of the Bronx, the New York Botanical Garden’s 250 acres include renowned exhibitions, immersive botanical experiences, art and music, and events! They’re also home to globally significant research collections. Some of which are the LuEsther T. Mertz Library collection and the plant and fungal specimens in the William and Lynda Steere Herbarium, the largest such collection in the Western Hemisphere! Let’s also not forget tons of beautiful flowers and other plants!

Cost: Free
Who Qualifies: Everyone
When: All Day Wednesday (NYC Residents), 10-11am (Everyone Else)
Reservation Required: Yes
Website

2900 Southern Blvd, Bronx, NY 10458-5126

Home to over 200,000 paintings, sculptures, drawings, prints, photographs, media and performance art works, architectural models and drawings, design objects, and films, this museum draws millions of visitors each year. Perhaps its most well known being The Starry Night by Vincent van Gogh, which is a permanent part of the collection!

Cost: Free
Who Qualifies: New York State Residents
When: First Friday of the Month 5:30-8:30pm
Reservation Required: Yes
Website

11 West 53 Street, Manhattan, New York, New York, 10019

The only museum in the U.S. that explores the central technology of the present moment. This includes film, television, video games, and other forms of digital media that we use each and every day. See old film props, interactive exhibits, and rotating collections at this unique museum!

Cost: Free
Who Qualifies: Everyone
When: Thursdays 2-6pm
Reservation Required: No
Website

36-01 35 Ave, Astoria, NY 11106

Personal note: This is one of my favorite museums in the whole city!

Tucked just off Madison Avenue, the Morgan Library & Museum is a hidden gem in the heart of Manhattan—a perfect escape for travelers seeking culture and quiet charm. Once the private library of financier Pierpont Morgan, this stunning space now houses rare books, manuscripts, and master drawings, all set within a breathtaking mix of historic architecture and modern design. Whether you’re an art lover, history buff, or simply curious, the Morgan offers an unforgettable slice of NYC that’s both elegant and inviting!

Cost: Free
Who Qualifies: Everyone
When: Fridays 5-7pm
Reservation Required: Yes
Website

225 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10016

Spread across 265 acres, this iconic zoo is home to over 10,000 animals and offers immersive experiences like the Congo Gorilla Forest and Wild Asia Monorail! It’s perfect for families, couples, or solo travelers looking to slow down and reconnect with nature. With beautiful walking paths, seasonal exhibits, and plenty of space to roam, the Bronx Zoo feels like a true adventure, without ever leaving the city!

Cost: Free (Limited Admission), $17.95 (Premium Attractions Upgrade)
Who Qualifies: Everyone
When: Wednesdays
Reservation Required: Yes (Opens the Monday before at 5pm)
Website

2300 Southern Boulevard, Bronx, New York 10460

Right in the heart of NYC’s Meatpacking District, the Whitney Museum is all about celebrating American art and the artists behind it. With big names like Georgia O’Keeffe and Basquiat to bold new voices, there’s always something fresh and exciting to see. The building itself is a work of art, with killer views of the city, the Statue of Liberty, and the Empire State Building from its terraces. Whether you’re an art lover or just exploring the city, the Whitney is an inspiring, easygoing place to hang out and dive into American creativity!

Cost: Free
Who Qualifies: Everyone
When: Friday 5-10pm, Second Sunday of the Month
Reservation Required: Yes
Website

If you’re 25 and younger they now offer everyday free admission! If you’re under 18 you’ll have to reserve a ticket but if you’re 19-25 you can get an anytime pass.
They also offer free admission for active military members and veterans.

99 Gansevoort Street, New York, NY 10014

Located at the World Trade Center site in Lower Manhattan, the 9/11 Memorial & Museum is a moving and deeply meaningful place to visit. It honors the nearly 3,000 lives lost in the attacks of September 11, 2001 and February 26, 1993, as well as the courage of first responders and the resilience of survivors. The reflecting pools, set in the footprints of the Twin Towers, offer a quiet space for reflection, while the museum tells the personal stories behind the tragedy through powerful exhibits and artifacts. It’s a place that invites remembrance, reflection, and a renewed commitment to compassion, unity, and peace.

Cost: Free
Who Qualifies: Everyone
When: Mondays 5:30-7pm
Reservation Required: Yes (Opens Monday at 7am)
Website

Free admission anytime is also available to active and retired military and 9/11 family members.
Memorial access is free to everyone seven days a week.

180 Greenwich Street, New York, NY 10007

Built inside a historic nineteenth-century public school building and found in 1976 in the heart of Long Island City, Queens. PS1 is a world-renowned place for artistic experimentation and creativity! Just minutes from Manhattan, audiences can engage with new art and perspectives through exhibitions and programs.

Cost: Free / Free with MoMA Ticket (within 14 days)
Who Qualifies: New York State Residents / Everyone
When: First Friday of the Month 5:30-8:30pm
Reservation Required: No
Website

22-25 Jackson Avenue, Queens, NY 11101

If you’re in Brooklyn and love cool, thought-provoking art, the Brooklyn Museum is a must. It’s been around for over 200 years, with everything from ancient Egyptian artifacts to bold, modern installations (including a permanent feminist art space). The vibe is welcoming, the building is gorgeous, and there’s always something interesting going on, from exhibits to community events. Whether you’re an art buff or just want to wander somewhere inspiring for a few hours, this spot is perfect!

Cost: Free
Who Qualifies: Everyone
When: First Saturday of the Month
Reservation Required: Yes
Website

200 Eastern Pkwy, Brooklyn, NY 11238

Tucked away in a stunning historic mansion, The Frick Collection is a total hidden gem for art lovers in NYC. It’s home to an incredible lineup of Old Master paintings, European sculpture, and decorative arts, all originally collected by steel magnate Henry Clay Frick. Think Renaissance masterpieces, cozy gilded rooms, and serious “European grand tour” vibes. Beyond the art, there’s also the Frick Art Reference Library, a world-class research spot that’s been helping curious minds dig into art history for over a century. Whether you’re into classic art or just want to explore one of the city’s most elegant spaces, the Frick is a peaceful, inspiring escape from the hustle!

Cost: Pay-As-You-Wish
Who Qualifies: Everyone
When: Wednesdays 2-6pm
Reservation Required: No
Website

1 East 70th Street, New York, NY 10021 

One of NYC’s most iconic museums, the American Museum of Natural History is a must-visit! Since 1869, it’s been all about exploring everything from dinosaurs and deep space to human cultures and the natural world. Whether you’re marveling at massive T. rex skeletons, stargazing in the planetarium, or wandering through lifelike dioramas, this place is packed with awe-inspiring moments. It’s science, culture, and adventure—all under one legendary roof. Plus this is where “Night at the Museum” is based!

Cost: Pay-As-You-Wish
Who Qualifies: New York State Residents
When: Every Day
Reservation Required: No (Can Still Reserve Here)
Website

200 Central Park W, New York, NY 10024

The Metropolitan Museum of Art isn’t just NYC’s most famous museum, it’s a global creative journey over 5,000 years! From ancient artifacts to modern masterpieces, The Met’s massive collection spans cultures, continents, and time. Whether you’re strolling through grand galleries, catching a special exhibit, or checking it out online, The Met makes art feel alive, exciting, and totally worth a visit! This is also the home of the famous Met Gala!

Cost: Pay-As-You-Wish
Who Qualifies: NY Residents & NY, NJ, CT Students
When: Every Day (Closed Wednesday)
Reservation Required: No
Website

You can reserve tickets online as a NY resident. Students must get tickets in-person. You must pay a minimum of $0.01 for entry.

1000 5th Ave, New York, NY 10028

This museum feels like you’ve stepped into a medieval fairytale, complete with castle vibes, ancient art, and dreamy gardens! It’s got stunning views of the Hudson, quiet courtyards, and cool stuff like unicorn tapestries and real pieces of European monasteries. Super chill, super unique, and the perfect spot to slow down and soak up some serious old-world magic. You wouldn’t believe this is in Manhattan!

Cost: Pay-As-You-Wish
Who Qualifies: NY Residents & NY, NJ, CT Students
When: Every Day (Closed Wednesday)
Reservation Required: No
Website

You can reserve tickets online as a NY resident. Students must get tickets in-person. You must pay a minimum of $0.01 for entry.

99 Margaret Corbin Drive, Fort Tryon Park, New York, NY 10040

The New York Aquarium has been around since 1896! It now hangs out by the beach in Coney Island, right where you want to be on a sunny day. You’ll see everything from sharks to sea otters, and there’s always something cool going on, whether it’s a sea lion show or a walk-through tunnel surrounded by fish. It’s run by the Wildlife Conservation Society, so it’s not just fun—it’s all about protecting ocean life too. Perfect for families, date days, or just anyone who thinks jellyfish are awesome!

Cost: Pay-As-You-Wish
Who Qualifies: Everyone
When: Wednesday after 3pm
Reservation Required: Yes (Opens Monday at 3pm for that Wednesday)
Website

602 Surf Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11224

If you’re walking along Fifth Ave and see a big white swirl of a building—that’s the Guggenheim, and yes, it’s as cool inside as it looks. Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, this museum is all about modern and contemporary art, with exhibits that change all the time (so there’s always something new to see). You literally walk up a big spiral ramp while checking out the art—it’s kind of like an artsy stroll. Whether you’re into abstract stuff, just want some great Insta shots, or need a chill indoor stop near Central Park, the Guggenheim totally delivers. Fun fact, there are four of these around the world!

Cost: Pay-As-You-Wish
Who Qualifies: Everyone
When: Monday and Saturday from 4-5:30pm
Reservation Required: Highly Encouraged (Released at 10am Day Of)
Website

Suggested donation is $10, but the minimum is $1.

1071 5th Ave, New York, NY 10128

Looking for more things to do in NYC? Check out 16 Things to Do in New York City in the Winter!