NYC Itinerary
NYC on a Budget: Free & Cheap Things to Do
You don't need $400/day to enjoy New York. This itinerary leans on the city's free parks, pay-what-you-wish museum hours, and the world's best free attraction (the Staten Island Ferry). Total ticketed spend can stay under $40 per person for a full weekend.
Best for: Budget travellers, students, locals doing a staycation.
Day 1
Day 1 · Parks, Bridges & Free Views
- 1Central Park10:00 AM
New York · Park · Free
Urban oasis spanning 843 acres, offering scenic landscapes, recreational activities, and cultural attractions.
- 2High Line1:00 PM
New York · Park · Free
Elevated linear park built on historic freight rail line, featuring gardens, art installations, and city views.
- 3Brooklyn Bridge4:00 PM
New York · Landmark · Free
Historic suspension bridge connecting Manhattan and Brooklyn with stunning views of the NYC skyline.
Day 2
Day 2 · Free Museum Hours
- 1Metropolitan Museum of Art10:00 AM
New York · Museum · $$$
One of the world's largest and finest art museums, featuring over 5,000 years of art from around the world.
NY-state residents pay-what-you-wish.
- 2Bryant Park1:30 PM
New York · Park · Free
Bryant Park serves as Midtown's backyard, a lively green space framed by skyscrapers and anchored by the New York Public Library. The park is known for its café seating, open lawn, and constant calendar of events from summer movie nights to winter markets and ice skating.
- 3Battery Park3:30 PM
New York · Park · Free
A historic waterfront park at the southern tip of Manhattan, offering views of the Statue of Liberty and access to ferries heading to Liberty and Ellis Islands.
Then take the free Staten Island Ferry.
Other itineraries
Information subject to change. Please verify current hours, admission prices, and attraction details directly with venue management prior to visiting.