It can be hard to find cheap things to do in NYC. After all, those rumors are certainly true: New York City isn’t budget-friendly. In fact, the metropolis of 8.5 million people tied with Singapore as the most expensive city in 2022, according to a report by the Economist Intelligence Unit. Coupled with recent inflation and rising travel costs, visiting The City That Never Sleeps can feel unattainable when you start scanning prices.
However, while a day out on the town can easily rack up charges on your credit card bill, it doesn’t have to if you’re intentional about your itinerary. In fact, most of NYC’s must-see sights are completely free, requiring little more than a comfortable pair of shoes to navigate. Therefore, we’ve compiled our ideal, landmark-filled day in New York – which also includes tasting some of the city’s most iconic foods – promising to come under $50 in total, including transit costs. Explore and leave with a savings account still intact. We promise it’s possible.
10 am: Start with Coffee and Jewish Treats from Orwashers Bakery ($10)
The perfect day in New York City begins with some caffeine – and there are few better places to get it than at a Jewish cafe known for fresh-baked treats like bagels, bialies, and rugelach. Orwashers’ Upper West Side location sits among the neighborhood’s picture-perfect townhouses, and you’ll get to pass the American Museum of Natural History as you make your way to Central Park.
10:15 am: Stroll through Central Park (free)
A morning walk in Central Park is a must. With your coffee in hand (don’t forget your reusable cup!), you’ll be prepared to fully take in the scenery, explore the beautifully landscaped gardens, and get your fill of fresh air before venturing deep into the concrete jungle. Meander toward the park’s southeast corner, passing most of the highlights, including The Lake, the Bethesda Fountain, Sheep Meadow, and the carousel, just in time for the next stop on your tour.
11 am: Walk the Famed Fifth Avenue to Grand Central Station (free)
The upscale shops on Fifth Avenue are best admired from outside, particularly if you’re on a budget. With ornate window displays and high towers, the busy street comes to life and gives you a taste of the buzz that makes NYC so addicting. Plus, it’s conveniently on the way to other landmarks – like Grand Central Station, a classic spot for photos, and ideally connected to all the subway lines you’ll need.
11:30 am: Ride the Subway Down to the 9/11 Memorial ($2.75)
After admiring Grand Central, pay the $2.75 fare to hop on the 4 or 5 train toward Brooklyn, riding it only a few stops to Fulton Street. Upon arrival, look out for One World Trade – the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere – and follow it until you arrive at Ground Zero, a touching memorial to the Twin Towers that fell on September 11, 2001.
12:30 pm: View the Statue of Liberty from the Staten Island Ferry (free)
The Staten Island Ferry is one of the city’s greatest amenities, offering a fare-free, 25-minute ride across the river to Staten Island. It offers great views of Manhattan and also the Statue of Liberty (which otherwise costs a pretty penny to visit). Use some of the money you’ve saved to buy a cheap ‘ferry beer’ on board and sip while you ride. This is indisputably one of the best cheap things to do in NYC.
1:30 pm: Head to Chinatown for Lunch ($10)
Back on land in Manhattan, you can take a scenic walk to Chinatown, making note to pass through Wall Street and the renowned New York Stock Exchange on the way. In Chinatown, you’ll have your pick of affordable Chinese bakeries where baked buns, egg tarts, and pastries can be found – often for less than $1 each.
3 pm: Cross the Brooklyn Bridge (free)
Once you’re full, make your way toward the historic Brooklyn Bridge that connects Lower Manhattan with Downtown Brooklyn. Walking across the 1.1-mile structure takes about a half-hour on its own but schedule about an hour for the experience, accounting for the pictures you’ll take and views you’ll want to soak up.
4 pm: Zip Back into Manhattan ($2.75)
From the High Street-Brooklyn Bridge subway station, take a Manhattan-bound A or C train to the 14 St/8 Av station, which puts you on the border of Chelsea and Greenwich Village. Once you arrive, head directly toward the Hudson River.
4:30 pm: Kick Up Your Feet in the Little Island Gardens (free)
Little Island is a newer park and one of the city’s architectural feats. Built atop concrete platforms that seemingly sprout from the Hudson River, Little Island provides a beautifully landscaped green space with ample seating. Rest your feet and enjoy the breeze while soaking in nature.
5:15 pm: Walk the High Line to Hudson Yards (free)
Shift from one elevated park to another as you exit Little Island, and climb up to the High Line, a suspended railroad track-turned-trendy walkway that connects Chelsea Market to Hudson Yards. Take your time on the stroll, stopping for photos whenever possible and resting whenever needed.
6 pm: Enjoy a Happy Hour Cocktail ($13)
Exit the High Line at W. 28th Street and catch the tail-end of happy hour at Porchlight, which runs from 3 to 7 pm Monday through Saturday, and all-day Sunday. The drink menu includes mint juleps, salty dogs, dirty vodka martinis, and daiquiris. Accounting for a $2 tip, the total bill will only rack up to $13, a reasonable price for the cool atmosphere and much-needed break.
7:15 pm: Grab a Classic New York Slice ($2)
With a little buzz going, it’s time for supper. If you feel apprehensive about a $1 slice of pizza, trust that it’s a quintessential NYC experience. Pick up slices at any low-key dollar pizza joint along the way and enjoy them as you stand in awe of the nearby Empire State Building.
8 pm: See Times Square as it Lights Up the Night (free)
Times Square is among the most significant landmarks in the world, providing a spectacular display of bright lights, street entertainers, and shops. Experiencing Times Square after dark is essential, as the illuminated billboards steal the show from the day’s sunlight.
9 pm: Top Off the Night with Banana Pudding at Rockefeller Center ($7)
At this point, you’ve seen nearly all of the highlights of the day, but no New York agenda is complete without a medium cup of banana pudding. You may have to wait in line, but once you have your dessert, you’ll be right next to Rockefeller Center, where you can reflect on the whirlwind of experiences you packed into a single, budget-friendly day for less than $50.
