Cheap Things to do in Nyc

By Sarah Harris

New York is a fantastic tourist destination, but it isn’t always cheap. Still, there are a wide variety of ways to see the sites without breaking the bank. Whether you’re looking to check out the farmers’ market, walk the High Line, or relax at Central Park, you'll never be bored. Keep scrolling to see our list of the best free and cheap things to do in the Big Apple! To make the most out of your travel experience, make sure to check out our All-Inclusive pass and Explorer pass. With Go City, you can see more, for less.

Explore the City

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If you’re a total foodie, then the next item on our list might just be for you. Attracting a whopping 60, 000 shoppers per day, the Union Square Greenmarket offers a superb selection of fresh produce and artisanal food at super affordable prices. As if that wasn’t enough, visitors can also find beautiful plants, unique handmade goods, and craft whiskey and beer all in the same space. Browse the stalls, take in the fresh air, and soak it all in!

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Another one of our favorite parks in the city is the High Line. Running from Hudson Yards to the northern edge of Chelsea, this unique green space provides the perfect spot of recreation for out-of-town visitors and natives alike. Since its renovation in 2005, the elevated park now features flourishing greenery and outdoor art installations in addition to spectacular views of the city skyline. Take a casual stroll, have a picnic, or watch the sunset – the day is yours!

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Whilst New York is known for its world-class museums and towering skyscrapers, the city’s parks offer a budget-friendly way to enjoy the area. Situated between the Upper West and Upper East Sides of Manhattan, Central Park stands as the most visited urban park in the United States – and with good reason. Whether you’re looking to take a biking tour, catch a free concert, or see the Conservatory Garden, there’s plenty to see and do all year round. Some of our favorite free events include Shakespeare in the Park, SummerStage Festival, and New York Philharmonic.

One of the main draws of the city is its striking world-famous architecture. Since its opening in 1883, the Brooklyn Bridge has grown to become an evocative symbol of New York lifestyle. This architectural gem draws in millions of sightseers each year to appreciate its beautiful Neo-Gothic towers and sensational views of Lower Manhattan and the Brooklyn Waterfront. Trust us when we say that this is an essential part of the New York experience which you don’t want to skip on!

Get Cultured

New York is a real treat for art lovers, and luckily, the city provides a wide array of options that won’t have you breaking the bank. One of our favorite spots for creative intellectualism is El Museo de Barrio, located just near the northern end of Fifth Avenue’s Museum Mile. Combining creativity with culture, the museum seeks to preserve, interpret, and exhibit Puerto Rican, Caribbean, and Latin American art for a broad audience. Engaging and interesting, the institute provides a great space for visitors to learn about art history from around the globe.

New York City is well-recognized for presenting a wealth of fine cultural amenities. Those who are looking for a budget-friendly option should head over to the National Museum of the American Indian, where visitors can learn more about the Indigenous cultures of the Americas. The institute houses a magnificent collection comprised of around 800, 000 artifacts pertaining to Native American culture, including intricately detailed clothing, traditional artworks, and everyday tools. A total must-see for history buffs, the museum provides a fascinating educational experience at a fair price.

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Celebrated as a center of innovation and creative thought, New York is home many art institutions that you can check out at a fair price. Situated in the Chelsea neighborhood of Manhattan, the Museum at FIT seeks to showcase the history of fashion in all its glory. Here, you can view an expansive collection of over 50, 000 pieces dating from the 5th century right through to the present day. Through award-winning exhibitions, educational programs, and special events the museum provides a unique visual experience for all visitors.

Try Something New

Those who are interested in viewing some of the city’s best graffiti should consider booking a street tour. As captivating as they are Instagram-worthy, Joseph Ficalora’s pay-as-you-like excursions seek to showcase and interpret the vibrant outdoor street gallery gracing the walls of Bushwick Collective area. Along the route, you’ll be able to view major works by Banksy and Shepard Fairey, as well as other pieces by up-and-coming artists. In addition, you’ll be able to learn more about the history of the New York street art movement as well as what makes the artists tick.

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New York has long been recognized for its stunning architecture, presenting in a wide range of styles. Those who are interested in exploring the historical and constructural integrity of the city might want to check out St. Patrick’s Cathedral in the Midtown Manhattan area. Built in 1878, the noble structure remains one of the largest Cathedrals in the United States. Visitors can take free walking tours to view the majestic pillars and appreciate the romantic stained-glass windows up close.

Though visitors flock to New York for the bustling city and its monumental buildings, we highly recommend venturing a little further out to truly appreciate the intrigue of the area. An emblematic city attraction and totally free, the Staten Island Ferry provides scenic views of some of the city's most famous sights, including Ellis Island, the Statue of Liberty and the Lower Manhattan Skyline. The ferry stops at St. George Terminal, where you can alight for a relaxing day exploring this unique borough. Check out the South Beach Boardwalk, kick back at Silver Lake Park, or visit Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden – the world’s your oyster!

Enjoying New York on a budget is totally possible if you’re willing to plan ahead. With a little creativity and forethought, the city should open up right in front of your eyes. Whether you’re an art lover, a total foodie, just looking to see the sites, there’s no reason why you should miss out on the quintessential New York experience. Make the best out of your travel experience with our All-Inclusive Pass and Explorer Pass. With Go City, you can see more, for less.

Sarah Harris
Go City Travel Expert

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Best Museums in New York 

A major tourist city and distinguished intellectual hub, New York offers some of the most renowned cultural amenities in the world. World-class art galleries, interactive science centers, planetariums, and some of the country’s most significant historic housing make the city well worth the visit. Wherever your interests may lie, New York delivers an astounding range of compelling educational experiences time and time again. If you’re planning a trip, read through our rundown of the best museums in New York to check out whilst you’re there. Get Inspired New York City has always been a revered destination for art, so it’s no wonder that its museums reflect this. Located in Midtown Manhattan, the Museum of Modern Art houses one of the finest holdings of modern and contemporary art in the United States. Attracting 3 million visitors each year, the museum’s collection is comprised of 150, 000 artworks as well as 22,000 films. Famous pieces include Van Gogh’s Starry Night, Monet’s Water Lillies, and Pablo Picasso’s Les Demoiselles d'Avignon. New York is fortunate to have many creative attractions and activities for visitors and locals alike. For shutterbugs and lovers of captured light, the International Center of Photography offers exceptional exhibitions in visual culture. Holding one of the top photographic collections in the United States, the museum displays over 200,000 pieces stretching from the earliest forms of the medium right through to contemporary work. An incredibly thrilling and unique encounter, the institute works to provide a thorough technological and artistic view of photography. With so much to see, the museum makes for the perfect November rainy day activity. If film is more your thing, you might want to consider heading over to the Museum of the Moving Image. Celebrating cinema in all its forms, the educational institution encourages learning, curiosity and expression through the preservation, collection and interpretation of motion picture. In its large and eclectic collection, the museum houses historic filming and production equipment, famous film costumes, illustrations and vintage merchandise. An intriguing and enjoyable way to explore the creative process of film and television, you won’t want to miss out on this one! Soak Up the Culture One of the coolest things about New York is that it offers a large collection of fine educational institutions. Situated in Lower Manhattan, the National Museum of the American Indian seeks to investigate the history and diversity of Native American culture. The museum is a constituent of the Smithsonian Institution and features a large collection of historical artefacts, including various clothes, utensils and artworks, each divided up per habitat. In addition, visitors can catch dance and music performances, educational programs and film screenings that work to tell the Native American story. Whilst New York City offers a wide array of art museums, there is only one top contender for literary museums in our eyes. Built into a stunning designated landmark, the Morgan Library houses one of the most cherished on paper collections within the United States. Combining literature with history, the library holds an impressive collection of timeworn manuscripts, early printed books, and various drawings and prints. In addition, the library also holds important pieces of music, drawings and artwork. As beautiful as it is interesting, this place is a total bibliophile’s dream. A well-recognized cultural mixing pot, New York is home to more cultures than any other city in the United States – so it only makes sense that its museums document the history of immigrant lifestyle. Built into what once served as a residence for new migrants, the Lower East Side Tenement Museum seeks to preserve, protect and showcase the stories of those who once called the historic blocks home. Visitors can choose from a wide array of tours, all of which tell one of America’s most important stories: how settlers became American, and how the United States became a nation. Explore the Lower East Side, sample authentic cuisine, and hear personal stories of life in the past. Learn Something New If you love history, then the next item on our list of the best New York museums is for you! Standing as one of the world’s most influential scientific and cultural institutions, the American Museum of Natural History seeks to cultivate curiosity in the world around us. Located on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, the museum is comprised of 26 interconnected buildings, which house an expansive collection of over 34 million specimens of plants, fossils and meteorites. Through breath-taking exhibits and educational programs, visitors can learn more about human cultures, the environment, and the universe. Exciting and fascinating, this place makes the perfect day trip for those of all ages. Another one of our favorite history museums in New York is the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum. Situated in the Hell's Kitchen neighborhood on the West Side of Manhattan, this educational institution presents a stunning display of American military and maritime history. Interesting and fun, the establishment provides a totally unique experience for viewing legendary aircraft carriers, museum ships, and submarines. Expect to be blown away by the fascinating stories behind air, space and watercraft. Such historic manmade wonders include the first space shuttle, the British Airways Concorde, and of course, the USS Intrepid (CV-11). Whilst many New York museums center around the humanities, the Hayden Planetarium seeks to provide a fun and digestible understanding of the universe for the public. Housed in the American Natural History Museum and run under the direction of Neil Degrasse Tyson, the institute is arguably one of the best of its kind. Highlights include the establishment’s Cosmic Pathway exhibit exploring the known history of the universe, as well as its high-resolution video projection of the night sky. Through spectacular displays and public programs, visitors can investigate the fascinating inner workings of the universe. A major intellectual and artistic city, New York is home to some of the most diverse museums that can leave you overwhelmed with their fascinating and rare exhibitions. Whether you’re looking to learn about the background of the area or view seminal works of historical and contemporary art, the city is the place to be. When you make a visit, take in new information, see evocative pieces, and most of all, have fun! Hey, isn’t that what it’s all about? To find out how to save money on your trip, check out our Explorer Pass and All-Inclusive Pass. For more details, make sure to connect with us on Instagram and Facebook.
Sarah Harris
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Things to do in Chelsea 

Creative and diverse, Chelsea is one of New York’s best not so hidden treasures. Located on the West Side of Manhattan, the area boasts some of the city’s top cultural attractions, dining spots and nightlife destinations. From the fabulous repositories of The Whitney and Rubin to the buzzing kiosks at Chelsea Market, you'll find much to experience in this vibrant and trendy neighborhood. So, if you’re planning to explore Chelsea, use our list as a starting block. Whatever you choose to do, we promise you won’t be disappointed! Explore the Area Is there any better way to explore the culture of an area than by hitting up the local market? We think not. Housed in the former National Biscuit Company factory building (where the Oreo cookie was created), Chelsea Market is worth visiting if nothing else than for its food hall alone. A total treat for the senses, the market features over 30 vendors serving up culinary delights across a broad spectrum of cuisines. From tacos and bagels to donuts and currywurst hot off the grill, there’s a little something for everybody here. In addition to its delicious dining options, the market also presents an eclectic assortment of stores which are well worth checking out. Dive into the crowds, browse the stalls, and soak up the incredible atmosphere. Hey, what’s not to love? Chelsea has always been a neighborhood dedicated to artistry and culture, so it only makes sense that the area presents some of the best flea markets in New York. Bringing together the best vendors and tastemakers from across the city, the Artists and Fleas Market is an absolute dream for bargain shoppers. From reconstructed vintage and rare collectibles and to original artwork and handmade homeware, this place has it all. We especially love this market for its cool, laid-back atmosphere and one-of-a-kind offerings. If it’s luxury and escapism that you’re after, then look no further. As part of Chelsea Piers Sports & Entertainment Complex, the golf club is recognized as the city’s most popular driving range and teaching academy. Overlooking the Hudson River, this dreamy retreat from the city is the stuff dreams are made of. Welcoming avid golfers and casual players alike, the academy offers practice sessions, private lessons and full-swing simulators. Chill, chip and putt in a beautiful outdoor space. We couldn’t think of a better way to spend a sunny New York’s afternoon! See the Sites Scaredy-cats, look away! For thrill-seekers and risk-takers only, the Edge provides an exhilarating experience to remember. Floating way above the city, this attraction is recognized as the highest outdoor sky deck in the Western Hemisphere. Peer 100 stories down through the glass floor, sip champagne in the sky, and catch remarkable views of the urban landscape as you’ve never seen it before. If the Vessel didn’t do it for you, then this place sure will! When we think of New York, its world-renowned architecture is one of the first things that springs to mind. For enthusiastic Instagrammers and architecture geeks alike, the Vessel is most certainly a sight to behold. Standing at a whopping 150 feet, the striking public art piece offers new perspectives of the city, the river and beyond. We suggest wearing your comfiest shoes, since it’s quite the climb! Though New York City is mostly known for its towering skyscrapers and modern structures, it’s also home to many beautiful green spaces. Sitting high above the Hudson River, Little Island serves as a prime destination of leisure and entertainment. Strolling through the park, you’ll be able to enjoy dazzling views of the cityscape, as well as flowers, trees and shrubs of all kinds. In addition, there is a 700-seat amphitheater facing the Hudson, where you can catch music, theater and dance performances. Spanning 2.4 acres and offering a broad range of programs to get involved in, it’s impossible to be bored here. Get Creative Art plays a fundamental role in Chelsea’s vibrant and unrivalled culture scene. There are over 200 art galleries in the area, but our top pick is unwaveringly The Whitney Museum for its outstanding permanent collection and unique exhibitions. Since its founding in 1930, The Whitney has become recognized as one of the leading modern art institutions in the United States. Amongst its expansive collection, you’ll find paintings by Jean-Michel Basquiat, films by Andy Warhol, photographs by Richard Avedon... the list goes on. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or simply just a curious explorer, this place is sure to take your breath away. A well-recognized cultural hub and trendy hipster hotspot, Chelsea is one of the best spots in Manhattan for creative types. Combining art with history, the Rubin Museum of Art specializes in displaying works from the Himalayas, Central Asia, and Tibet. The museum’s impressive repository is comprised of over 38,000 pieces, and dates way back to the 15th century. Thoroughly fascinating and undoubtably unique, this one should be at the top of everybody’s itinerary! Teeming with creative energy and bursting with culture, Chelsea hardly falls short in the museum department. Thoroughly enthralling (and entirely admission free!), the Museum at FIT is recognized as the only gallery in New York dedicated exclusively to the art of fashion. Upon entrance, visitors can enjoy an expansive collection of over 50, 000 pieces dating way back to the 5th century. Those who are especially interested in fashion can also attend special programs, talks, and book signings with leading designers here. Perpetually cool and buzzing with life, Chelsea has everything to offer for the passionate traveler. The area is primarily known for its art galleries and famous landmarks. But it also attracts many visitors for its quirky markets and trendy restaurants. View world-class art at The Whitney, shop ‘til you drop at the Artists and Fleas Market, and view the city from up high on the Edge - the world’s your oyster! To get the most out of your visit, check out our All-Inclusive Pass and Explorer Pass. If you’d like to know more, connect with us on Instagram and Facebook. With Go City, you can see more, for less.
Sarah Harris

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