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Best Budget-Friendly Things to Do in New York City

THE 10 BEST Cheap Things to Do in New York City

Best Budget-Friendly Things to Do in New York City

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Travellers' Choice Awards winners (including the "Best of the Best" title) are among the top 10% of listings on Tripadvisor, according to the reviews and opinions of travellers across the globe.
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664 results sorted by traveller favourites
  • Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, number of page views, and user location.
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Showing results 1-30 of 664

What travellers are saying

  • Brenna
    Province of Leinster, Ireland129 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Central Park is definitely worth a visit when visiting New York. It does fall lend itself to being one of the city's most famous attractions, but it is worth it to escape some of the hustle and bustle of the city itself. We visited in December/January and it was lovely to stroll around the park in the fresh, crisp air. There are plenty of people but due to it's vast size and numerous activities there is no element of it that is considered "too busy". Stroll through the park, rent a bicycle, or take a horse drawn carriage tour around to view the various sites such as Strawberry Fields, Bow Bridge or Bethesda Terrace. It’s an amazing place to walk around and explore.
    Written January 11, 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jack Shrek
    Berlin, Germany16 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    What's an amazing museum with great history.This is a must if you are a history lover.it was great experience. You can spend some hours.
    Written January 5, 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Karen J
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Our family visit to The Metropolitan Museum of Art was unforgettable! The vast collection, from ancient artifacts to modern masterpieces, amazed us all. The kids loved the Egyptian exhibit, and we were inspired by the European paintings. A perfect mix of education and fun!
    Written January 10, 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • SJPDS
    UK41 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    So pleased we did this. Such a great and different view of New York. It was January when we visited but I imagine in the spring/summer the walk is very beautiful.
    Written January 12, 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Sherwood C
    New York City, NY6 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We marveled at the stunning outdoor viewing decks, soaking in panoramic city views. The historical artifacts added a unique touch to our experience. Plus, the private event space looked perfect for celebrations. A must-visit
    Written December 31, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Stefan Varga
    Malta312 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A beautiful day out especially if the weather is nice, I recommend you spend half a day or longer as there’s lots to do and see.

    If you are looking to do crown tour make sure you book far in advance as the tickets are hard to come by.
    Written January 11, 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • TashaT440
    Brooksville, FL73 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I had a great time here. My children and I went for the new year celebration. We had plans on being in Times Square for the dropping of the ball but I didn't last that long. It was our first time in New York and I really had a great time seeing the yellow cabbies riding the subway getting pizza same Time Square for the first time while they set up on the street. And it was very safe and secure there were cops everywhere and they were stopping people to see what business they had in the area so you know that you were protected. Because they literally ask you for proof of your business in that area. Great job New York City Police. Very fun and festive during the New Year time no strange incidents lots of photo ops lots of good food everywhere. My favorite place in that area was a place called Rize, my adult and teenage kids loved it. It's near Times Square I believe it's on 42nd Street. Anyway it's an attraction and it will virtually show you the state of New York within your tour and it has a very nice ride you'll have to go to see it.
    Written January 11, 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • ItchyFeet
    Camarillo, CA11,798 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    We stopped to see the Grand Central Station as we were wandering around New York City. We were in the Big Apple for Christmas and went to see what kind of Christmas decorations they have.

    We wandered around a little bit and saw the large underground shopping area as well as the main area where I took photos and we also had an early dinner at the restaurant by the main entrance, Grand Brasserie which was good, yet NY expensive.
    Written January 11, 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • ItchyFeet
    Camarillo, CA11,798 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We did not get a chance to walk across the bridge in our 4 day quick Christmas visit, but we did get a chance to see the iconic bridge.
    We saw it as we were driving from one end of Manhattan to the other and it’s worth while at least driving by if you don’t have time to spend more time walking across the bridge.
    Written January 12, 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • bcheong
    Shanghai, China51,295 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Watched Romeo + Juliet here and you can feel the overall vibe with all the other broadway shows playing. Some restaurants and bars here too of course
    Written December 27, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Laura M
    Port Washington, NY25 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Not to MISS! Fun for all ages and interests. From FOSSILS to OUTER SPACE .Interactive science and exciting architecture.
    Written December 21, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Basit M
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Convenient, free, and scenic! A perfect way to relax while taking in views of the water and NYC skyline. A must-do for tourists
    Written January 9, 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Robyn Deverett
    Toronto, Canada174 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This market was kind of awesome. Lots of food and stores to choose from; you’re only limited by your imagination…and debatably your wallet.

    I’m a fan of Miznon, and I loved the seating options in the Chelsea Market location.

    I also am a sucker for halva, and thoroughly enjoyed my raspberry halva slice from Seed + Mill.

    Worth a visit if you’re in New York for a few days.
    Written January 11, 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Rebecca Z
    6 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Arrived at 9:50 to wait very briefly in line outside before doors opened. The gorgeous Rose Room was open and I greatly enjoyed working in there for a couple hours.
    Written December 30, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Travelozzy
    Bicester, UK1,096 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Our second journey to the Top of the Rock and it was great - brilliant views and great photo opportunities

    My favourite observation deck in NYC because of the history and that view over Central Park
    Written January 10, 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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