NYC Guide · 2026

Cheap Things to Do in NYC

NYC on a budget? You don't have to skip the must-sees. Here are the best cheap things to do in New York — all under $25, plus dozens of free experiences.

We've curated attractions priced Free or $ (under $25), including pay-what-you-wish museums, free ferries, budget walking tours and discount Broadway via TKTS.

182 picks · Updated September 2026

Central Park

#1 · New York

Central Park

Urban oasis spanning 843 acres, offering scenic landscapes, recreational activities, and cultural attractions.

4.8FreePark
Brooklyn Bridge

#2 · New York

Brooklyn Bridge

Historic suspension bridge connecting Manhattan and Brooklyn with stunning views of the NYC skyline.

4.8FreeLandmark
Rockefeller Center

#3 · New York

Rockefeller Center

Iconic complex featuring art deco architecture, shopping, dining, and observation deck with stunning city views.

4.8FreeLandmark
The New York Public Library

#4 · New York

The New York Public Library

Iconic landmark with stunning Beaux-Arts architecture and vast literary collections.

4.8FreeLandmark
Little Island

#5 · New York

Little Island

Little Island is one of New York City's most imaginative public parks, floating above the Hudson River on sculptural concrete columns that create a rolling, garden-like landscape. Visitors can wander curving paths through dense plantings, relax on lawns with skyline views, or catch seasonal performances.

4.8FreePark
Fort Tryon Park

#6 · New York

Fort Tryon Park

A serene uptown park known for its gardens, walking paths, and views of the Hudson River, as well as being home to The Cloisters museum.

4.8FreePark
Prospect Park

#7 · Brooklyn

Prospect Park

Brooklyn's flagship park, designed by the creators of Central Park, featuring lakes, wooded trails, open meadows, and year-round recreational activities.

4.8FreePark
Brooklyn Bridge Park

#8 · Brooklyn

Brooklyn Bridge Park

A revitalized waterfront park with converted piers, offering stunning Manhattan skyline views, sports facilities, and landscaped green spaces.

4.8FreePark
Grand Central Terminal

#9 · New York

Grand Central Terminal

Iconic Beaux-Arts train station with stunning celestial ceiling, historic architecture, and shopping.

4.7FreeLandmark
Banksy Museum

#10 · New York

Banksy Museum

Showcases the provocative and influential works of elusive street artist Banksy through installations, murals, and multimedia exhibits.

4.7$Museum
Society of Illustrators

#11 · New York

Society of Illustrators

A distinguished cultural hub founded in 1901 dedicated to the art of illustration through rotating exhibitions, curated collections, and artist talks.

4.7$Museum
Louis Armstrong House Museum

#12 · Queens

Louis Armstrong House Museum

Historic home of jazz legend Louis Armstrong.

4.7$Museum
High Line

#13 · New York

High Line

Elevated linear park built on historic freight rail line, featuring gardens, art installations, and city views.

4.7FreePark
Merchant's House Museum

#14 · New York

Merchant's House Museum

One of NYC's most remarkable historic sites, offering a rare look into 19th-century domestic life with original furnishings and Federal-Greek Revival architecture.

4.7$Museum
Hispanic Society Museum & Library

#15 · New York

Hispanic Society Museum & Library

Spanish, Portuguese, and Latin American art and culture.

4.7FreeMuseum
Pollock-Krasner House and Study Center

#16 · East Hampton

Pollock-Krasner House and Study Center

Historic home and studio of artists Jackson Pollock and Lee Krasner.

4.7$Museum
Montauk Point Lighthouse Museum

#17 · Montauk

Montauk Point Lighthouse Museum

Historic lighthouse and maritime museum.

4.7$Museum
Sagamore Hill National Historic Site

#18 · Oyster Bay

Sagamore Hill National Historic Site

Theodore Roosevelt's Summer White House.

4.7$Museum
Holocaust Memorial & Tolerance Center

#19 · Glen Cove

Holocaust Memorial & Tolerance Center

Holocaust education and human rights museum.

4.7$Museum
Bryant Park

#20 · New York

Bryant Park

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.

4.7FreePark
Washington Square Park

#21 · New York

Washington Square Park

Washington Square Park captures the creative, free-spirited atmosphere of Greenwich Village, centered on its iconic marble arch and fountain plaza. Musicians, street performers, students, and chess players fill the space throughout the day.

4.7FreePark
Staten Island Ferry

#22 · New York

Staten Island Ferry

The Staten Island Ferry is both a commuter lifeline and one of New York's best free sightseeing experiences, delivering sweeping views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and Lower Manhattan's skyline.

4.7FreeLandmark
The African Burial Ground National Monument

#23 · New York

The African Burial Ground National Monument

Located in Lower Manhattan, this powerful historic site preserves one of the oldest and largest known burial grounds for free and enslaved Africans in colonial North America. A visitor center and outdoor memorial interpret the lives, labor, and cultural legacy of the thousands buried here.

4.7FreeMuseum
Governors Island National Monument

#24 · New York

Governors Island National Monument

Governors Island National Monument protects two historic fortifications, Fort Jay and Castle Williams, which played key roles in defending New York Harbor. The site blends military history with scenic waterfront views, walking paths, and seasonal programming.

4.7FreeMuseum
New York Yankees Museum

#25 · Bronx

New York Yankees Museum

The New York Yankees Museum, located within Yankee Stadium, chronicles the team's storied history with memorabilia, interactive exhibits, and tributes to legendary players. Fans can explore championship moments, iconic uniforms, and historical artifacts.

4.7$Museum
Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture

#26 · New York

Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture

The Schomburg Center is a premier research facility dedicated to documenting and preserving the global African and African-American experience. The center features archives, rare collections, exhibitions, and public programs that explore history, arts, and culture.

4.7FreeMuseum
Madison Square Park

#27 · New York

Madison Square Park

A beautifully landscaped park in the Flatiron District featuring rotating public art installations, shaded seating areas, and the original Shake Shack location.

4.7FreePark
Riverside Park

#28 · New York

Riverside Park

A scenic waterfront park along the Hudson River, offering walking and biking paths, sports fields, and peaceful green spaces with river views.

4.7FreePark
Hudson River Park

#29 · New York

Hudson River Park

A long stretch of waterfront parkland featuring piers, bike paths, sports courts, and recreational spaces with sweeping views of the Hudson River.

4.7FreePark
Battery Park

#30 · New York

Battery Park

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.

4.7FreePark
Carl Schurz Park

#31 · New York

Carl Schurz Park

A quiet Upper East Side park overlooking the East River, known for its peaceful atmosphere, waterfront promenade, and proximity to Gracie Mansion.

4.7FreePark
Domino Park

#32 · Brooklyn

Domino Park

A modern waterfront park built on the site of a former sugar refinery, featuring industrial design elements, playgrounds, and East River views.

4.7FreePark
Times Square

#33 · Manhattan

Times Square

The crossroads of the world - a vibrant hub of entertainment, shopping, and electric energy.

4.6FreeLandmark
The National Museum of the American Indian

#34 · New York

The National Museum of the American Indian

Smithsonian museum dedicated to Native American culture and history.

4.6FreeMuseum
New York Transit Museum

#35 · Brooklyn

New York Transit Museum

Museum in a decommissioned subway station exploring transit history.

4.6$Museum
Nicholas Roerich Museum

#36 · New York

Nicholas Roerich Museum

Museum dedicated to artist and philosopher Nicholas Roerich.

4.6FreeMuseum
Japan Society

#37 · New York

Japan Society

Japanese art, culture, and contemporary exhibitions.

4.6$Museum
Pioneer Works

#38 · Brooklyn

Pioneer Works

Multidisciplinary cultural center with art, science, and music.

4.6$Museum
Socrates Sculpture Park

#39 · Queens

Socrates Sculpture Park

Outdoor sculpture park on the East River waterfront.

4.6FreeMuseum
Snug Harbor Cultural Center

#40 · Staten Island

Snug Harbor Cultural Center

Historic arts center with museums, gardens, and performance spaces.

4.6$Museum
Sands Point Preserve

#41 · Sands Point

Sands Point Preserve

Historic Gold Coast estates and nature preserve.

4.6$Museum
Fire Island Lighthouse

#42 · Captree Island

Fire Island Lighthouse

Historic lighthouse with stunning ocean views.

4.6$Museum
Madoo Conservancy

#43 · Sagaponack

Madoo Conservancy

Artist's garden and sculpture garden.

4.6$Museum
Federal Hall

#44 · New York

Federal Hall

Federal Hall stands on Wall Street as one of the most historically significant sites in the country, marking where George Washington was sworn in as the first U.S. president. Today the neoclassical building houses exhibits on the nation's founding.

4.6FreeLandmark
NYC Ferry

#45 · New York

NYC Ferry

NYC Ferry is a citywide water transit system that connects waterfront neighborhoods across all five boroughs, offering a scenic and affordable alternative to subways and buses. With multiple routes and stops along the East River, Hudson River, and beyond, it provides convenient access to major attractions, parks, and neighborhoods while delivering some of the best skyline views in the city.

4.6$Tour
Brooklyn Navy Yard Center at BLDG 92

#46 · Brooklyn

Brooklyn Navy Yard Center at BLDG 92

Brooklyn Navy Yard Center at BLDG 92 traces the site's transformation from a naval shipbuilding powerhouse to a modern manufacturing and innovation campus. It offers a compelling look at New York's industrial past and its evolving creative economy.

4.6FreeMuseum
Center for Brooklyn History

#47 · Brooklyn

Center for Brooklyn History

The Center for Brooklyn History preserves and interprets the borough's layered past through archives, exhibitions, and public programs. Housed in a landmarked building, the institution offers deep insight into Brooklyn's evolution from colonial settlement to global cultural powerhouse.

4.6$Museum
Center for Jewish History

#48 · New York

Center for Jewish History

One of the world's leading research institutions dedicated to Jewish culture, scholarship, and archival preservation. Its exhibitions, lectures, and educational programs provide a rich window into history, identity, and global cultural exchange.

4.6FreeMuseum
Dia:Chelsea

#49 · New York

Dia:Chelsea

A major contemporary art space dedicated to large-scale installations and long-term exhibitions by influential modern artists. Operated by the Dia Art Foundation, known for presenting works that require expansive, thoughtfully designed environments.

4.6$Museum
FDNY Fire Zone

#50 · New York

FDNY Fire Zone

FDNY Fire Zone serves as an interactive fire safety center and museum dedicated to the history of the New York City Fire Department. Exhibits include historic equipment, multimedia presentations, and hands-on educational displays.

4.6FreeMuseum
Hamilton Grange National Memorial

#51 · New York

Hamilton Grange National Memorial

Hamilton Grange National Memorial preserves the home of Alexander Hamilton, one of the nation's founding figures. Relocated and restored in Harlem's St. Nicholas Park, the house museum interprets Hamilton's life, political legacy, and family history.

4.6FreeMuseum
Jacques Marchais Museum of Tibetan Art

#52 · Staten Island

Jacques Marchais Museum of Tibetan Art

Houses one of the most significant collections of Tibetan artifacts in the United States. Designed to resemble a Himalayan monastery, the Staten Island museum features sculptures, ritual objects, and paintings exploring Tibetan culture and spirituality.

4.6$Museum
John J. Harvey

#53 · Manhattan

John J. Harvey

The John J. Harvey is a restored 1931 fireboat that now serves as a floating museum and public event vessel in New York Harbor. This historic ship tells the story of the city's maritime firefighting history and famously returned to service during the 9/11 response.

4.6FreeMuseum
Mets Hall of Fame & Museum

#54 · Flushing

Mets Hall of Fame & Museum

The Mets Hall of Fame & Museum at Citi Field celebrates the history of the New York Mets through memorabilia, multimedia exhibits, and tributes to legendary players and moments. Located within the ballpark, it enhances the overall game-day experience.

4.6$Museum
National Lighthouse Museum

#55 · Staten Island

National Lighthouse Museum

The National Lighthouse Museum on Staten Island is dedicated to preserving the history of American lighthouses and the lives of lighthouse keepers. Exhibits include historic artifacts, interactive displays, and educational programs.

4.6$Museum
The National Jazz Museum in Harlem

#56 · New York

The National Jazz Museum in Harlem

The National Jazz Museum in Harlem celebrates the legacy of jazz through exhibitions, performances, and educational programs. Located in the historic cultural hub of Harlem, the museum preserves recordings, artifacts, and oral histories while offering live events.

4.6FreeMuseum
Queens Museum

#57 · Corona

Queens Museum

Housed in the historic New York City Building, the Queens Museum is known for its sweeping architectural models, including the Panorama of the City of New York, alongside contemporary art exhibitions and public programs.

4.6$Museum
Weeksville Heritage Center

#58 · Brooklyn

Weeksville Heritage Center

Weeksville Heritage Center celebrates one of America's first free Black communities, founded in 1838 in Brooklyn. Through restored historic houses, exhibitions, and educational programs, the center illuminates the lives and cultural contributions of early African-American residents.

4.6FreeMuseum
Union Square Park

#59 · New York

Union Square Park

A bustling downtown gathering space known for its year-round Greenmarket, street performers, protests, and lively mix of locals and visitors.

4.6FreePark
McCarren Park

#60 · Brooklyn

McCarren Park

A popular neighborhood park serving Williamsburg and Greenpoint, with sports fields, a public pool, and plenty of space for recreation.

4.6FreePark
Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology

#61 · New York

Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology

Fashion museum with rotating exhibits of historic and contemporary fashion.

4.5FreeMuseum
Museum of Chinese in America

#62 · New York

Museum of Chinese in America

Preserving and presenting Chinese American history and culture.

4.5$Museum
Fraunces Tavern Museum

#63 · New York

Fraunces Tavern Museum

Historic tavern and museum of American Revolution history.

4.5$Museum
Leslie-Lohman Museum of Art

#64 · New York

Leslie-Lohman Museum of Art

LGBTQ+ art museum with contemporary and historic collections.

4.5FreeMuseum
Sugar Hill Children's Museum of Art & Storytelling

#65 · New York

Sugar Hill Children's Museum of Art & Storytelling

Children's museum focusing on art, storytelling, and culture.

4.5$Museum
National Academy of Design

#66 · New York

National Academy of Design

Historic art school and museum with rotating exhibitions.

4.5$Museum
Asia Society and Museum

#67 · New York

Asia Society and Museum

Asian art and culture center with exhibitions and programs.

4.5$Museum
Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace

#68 · New York

Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace

Historic house museum and birthplace of President Theodore Roosevelt.

4.5FreeMuseum
Ukrainian Museum

#69 · New York

Ukrainian Museum

Ukrainian art, culture, and history museum.

4.5$Museum
American Folk Art Museum

#70 · New York

American Folk Art Museum

Folk art from 18th century to present day.

4.5FreeMuseum
China Institute

#71 · New York

China Institute

Chinese art and culture center with exhibitions and programs.

4.5$Museum
El Museo del Barrio

#72 · New York

El Museo del Barrio

Latino and Caribbean art and culture museum.

4.5$Museum
Studio Museum in Harlem

#73 · New York

Studio Museum in Harlem

Contemporary art by artists of African descent.

4.5$Museum
Brooklyn Children's Museum

#74 · Brooklyn

Brooklyn Children's Museum

First museum in the world dedicated to children.

4.5$Museum
Cold Spring Harbor Whaling Museum

#75 · Cold Spring Harbor

Cold Spring Harbor Whaling Museum

Maritime history and whaling heritage museum.

4.5$Museum
Heckscher Museum of Art

#76 · Huntington

Heckscher Museum of Art

Art museum featuring American and European art.

4.5$Museum
Guild Hall

#77 · East Hampton

Guild Hall

Cultural center with art exhibitions and performances.

4.5$Museum
Long Island Maritime Museum

#78 · West Sayville

Long Island Maritime Museum

Maritime heritage and boat building traditions.

4.5$Museum
Walt Whitman Birthplace

#79 · Huntington Station

Walt Whitman Birthplace

Historic home of American poet Walt Whitman.

4.5$Museum
Hallockville Museum Farm

#80 · Riverhead

Hallockville Museum Farm

Living history farm showcasing agricultural heritage.

4.5$Museum
Whaling Museum & Education Center

#81 · Cold Spring Harbor

Whaling Museum & Education Center

Cold Spring Harbor's whaling heritage and marine life.

4.5$Museum
Sag Harbor Whaling Museum

#82 · Sag Harbor

Sag Harbor Whaling Museum

Historic whaling industry museum in the Hamptons.

4.5$Museum
Dia Bridgehampton

#83 · Bridgehampton

Dia Bridgehampton

Contemporary art exhibitions in the Hamptons.

4.5$Museum
Improv 4 Kids

#84 · New York

Improv 4 Kids

A delightful improv theater offering interactive, unscripted comedy performances suitable for audiences of all ages.

4.5$Theater
Alice Austen House

#85 · Staten Island

Alice Austen House

Overlooking New York Harbor on Staten Island, this Victorian Gothic cottage was home to pioneering photographer Alice Austen. The museum showcases her groundbreaking images of everyday life, immigration, and women's independence at the turn of the 20th century.

4.5FreeMuseum
Bard Graduate Center

#86 · New York

Bard Graduate Center

Part research institute, part gallery, this Upper West Side center focuses on decorative arts, design history, and material culture. Its exhibitions explore themes such as craftsmanship, trade, and collecting through beautifully curated displays.

4.5$Museum
Bartow-Pell Mansion

#87 · Bronx

Bartow-Pell Mansion

Set within Pelham Bay Park, this elegant 19th-century mansion offers a glimpse of country estate life in what was once rural New York. Period rooms, formal gardens, and carriage house exhibitions illustrate how wealthy families lived.

4.5$Museum
BRIC House

#88 · Brooklyn

BRIC House

BRIC House serves as a lively contemporary arts and media hub in Downtown Brooklyn, bringing together performance, exhibitions, public programs, and community storytelling under one roof. Known for showcasing emerging artists alongside established voices.

4.5FreeMuseum
Bronx Children's Museum

#89 · Bronx

Bronx Children's Museum

The Bronx Children's Museum is designed as an interactive cultural learning space where young visitors explore science, art, and community through hands-on exhibits. Programs emphasize the borough's rich cultural heritage while encouraging creativity and curiosity.

4.5$Museum
The Bronx Museum of the Arts

#90 · Bronx

The Bronx Museum of the Arts

A leading contemporary art institution dedicated to amplifying diverse voices, particularly artists of African, Asian, and Latin American descent. Free admission and community programming make the museum an accessible cultural anchor in the borough.

4.5FreeMuseum
Castle Clinton National Monument

#91 · New York

Castle Clinton National Monument

Originally built for coastal defense in the early nineteenth century, Castle Clinton later served as an entertainment venue, immigration station, and aquarium. Today it functions as both a historic site and the main departure point for ferries to the Statue of Liberty.

4.5FreeMuseum
Center for Architecture

#92 · New York

Center for Architecture

A dynamic exhibition and education space dedicated to exploring the built environment and the role design plays in everyday life. Operated by the American Institute of Architects NY chapter, it hosts exhibitions, lectures, and walking tours.

4.5$Museum
City Reliquary

#93 · Brooklyn

City Reliquary

A quirky, beloved Brooklyn museum devoted to everyday New York artifacts and local lore. Its eclectic collection ranges from subway tokens and vintage postcards to oddball objects tied to the city's history and cultural myths.

4.5$Museum
Columbia Rare Book & Manuscript Library

#94 · New York

Columbia Rare Book & Manuscript Library

One of the country's premier academic research collections, preserving centuries of literary, historical, and cultural materials. Exhibitions and special programs occasionally open this remarkable collection to the public.

4.5FreeMuseum
Drawing Center

#95 · New York

Drawing Center

The Drawing Center focuses exclusively on drawing as a vital contemporary art form, showcasing both historical works and experimental practices. With lectures, artist talks, and educational programs, it plays a unique role in supporting one of the most fundamental forms of visual expression.

4.5FreeMuseum
Dyckman Farmhouse Museum

#96 · New York

Dyckman Farmhouse Museum

The Dyckman Farmhouse Museum offers a rare glimpse into Manhattan's rural past as the borough's last remaining Dutch Colonial farmhouse. Built in 1784, the restored home showcases period furnishings, local artifacts, and exhibitions exploring early life in northern Manhattan.

4.5FreeMuseum
Edgar Allan Poe Cottage

#97 · Bronx

Edgar Allan Poe Cottage

The Edgar Allan Poe Cottage in the Bronx preserves the modest home where the famed writer spent his final years and composed some of his most enduring works. The cottage features period rooms, interpretive displays, and insight into Poe's personal struggles and creative process.

4.5$Museum
General Grant National Memorial

#98 · New York

General Grant National Memorial

General Grant National Memorial, often called Grant's Tomb, is the final resting place of President Ulysses S. Grant and his wife Julia. Overlooking the Hudson River in Riverside Park, the imposing classical structure honors Grant's Civil War leadership.

4.5FreeMuseum
Gracie Mansion

#99 · New York

Gracie Mansion

Gracie Mansion, the official residence of the Mayor of New York City, stands along the East River as one of Manhattan's oldest surviving wooden houses. Built in 1799, the historic home functions as both a ceremonial space and a museum.

4.5FreeMuseum
Grolier Club

#100 · New York

Grolier Club

The Grolier Club is America's oldest society devoted to book arts and collecting. Its Midtown headquarters hosts scholarly exhibitions, lectures, and publications focused on rare books, printing, illustration, and literary history.

4.5FreeMuseum
Historic Richmond Town

#101 · Staten Island

Historic Richmond Town

Historic Richmond Town is a living history village that recreates centuries of Staten Island life through preserved buildings, costumed interpreters, and craft demonstrations. Visitors can explore restored homes, shops, and civic structures.

4.5$Museum
Hostos Center for the Arts & Culture

#102 · Bronx

Hostos Center for the Arts & Culture

Hostos Center for the Arts & Culture is a vibrant Bronx cultural hub presenting theater, dance, music, film, and visual arts that reflect the borough's diverse communities. Located on the campus of Hostos Community College.

4.5$Museum
Lefferts Historic House

#103 · Brooklyn

Lefferts Historic House

Lefferts Historic House in Brooklyn's Prospect Park is a restored 18th-century Dutch farmhouse that interprets early New York agricultural life. Through family-oriented exhibits, craft demonstrations, and seasonal events, the museum brings colonial-era history to life.

4.5FreeMuseum
Mount Vernon Hotel Museum

#104 · New York

Mount Vernon Hotel Museum

The Mount Vernon Hotel Museum preserves an early 19th-century country house that later operated as a hotel serving travelers heading north from Manhattan. Today, the restored building offers guided tours, period rooms, and exhibitions.

4.5$Museum
The Newark Museum of Art

#105 · Newark

The Newark Museum of Art

The largest museum in New Jersey, featuring diverse collections of American, African, Asian, and decorative arts, alongside contemporary exhibitions. The museum also houses a planetarium and offers educational programming.

4.5FreeMuseum
Queens County Farm Museum

#106 · Queens

Queens County Farm Museum

The Queens County Farm Museum preserves the borough's agricultural history on the oldest continuously farmed site in New York City. Visitors can explore historic farmhouses, barns, and fields, participate in seasonal activities, and learn about sustainable farming.

4.5FreeMuseum
Scandinavia House – The Nordic Center

#107 · New York

Scandinavia House – The Nordic Center

Scandinavia House–The Nordic Center promotes Nordic art, design, literature, and cultural exchange. Located in Manhattan, it hosts exhibitions, performances, lectures, and workshops showcasing contemporary and traditional Nordic creativity.

4.5FreeMuseum
SculptureCenter

#108 · Long Island City

SculptureCenter

Located in Long Island City, SculptureCenter is a leading venue for contemporary sculpture and experimental art. The gallery showcases emerging and mid-career artists through exhibitions, commissions, and public programs exploring new forms and materials.

4.5$Museum
Tibet House US

#109 · New York

Tibet House US

Tibet House US is a cultural and educational center in Manhattan dedicated to preserving Tibetan art, culture, and philosophy. Through exhibitions, lectures, performances, and workshops, the institution introduces visitors to Tibetan heritage.

4.5$Museum
Ukrainian Institute of America

#110 · New York

Ukrainian Institute of America

The Ukrainian Institute of America promotes Ukrainian art, history, and culture through exhibitions, performances, and educational programming. Housed in a landmark Upper East Side mansion, the institute provides a platform for contemporary Ukrainian artists.

4.5$Museum
Van Cortlandt House Museum

#111 · Bronx

Van Cortlandt House Museum

Van Cortlandt House Museum, the oldest surviving building in the Bronx, offers insight into colonial life and the region's Dutch heritage. Visitors can explore period rooms, historic furnishings, and interpretive programs illustrating early American domestic life.

4.5$Museum
Waterfront Museum

#112 · Brooklyn

Waterfront Museum

The Waterfront Museum, located on a restored historic barge in Brooklyn, explores the city's maritime history and waterfront culture. Exhibits include historic artifacts, model ships, and interactive installations about New York Harbor's industrial past.

4.5FreeMuseum
St. Nicholas Park

#113 · New York

St. Nicholas Park

A Harlem park with historic staircases, open lawns, and tree-lined paths, offering a peaceful retreat with views of City College.

4.5FreePark
Marcus Garvey Park

#114 · New York

Marcus Garvey Park

A historic Harlem park featuring an amphitheater, elevated lookout points, and cultural events that reflect the neighborhood's heritage.

4.5FreePark
Citi Bike

#115 · New York

Citi Bike

This extensive public transit network provides an eco-friendly and efficient way to navigate the five boroughs and parts of New Jersey using a vast fleet of shared bicycles. With thousands of stations strategically placed throughout the metropolitan area, users can easily unlock traditional or electric-powered cycles for quick commutes, leisurely explorations, or last-mile connections. Offering various access levels from single trips to annual passes, the system serves as a cornerstone of urban mobility, allowing residents and tourists alike to bypass traffic while enjoying the scenic streets

4.5$Landmark
The Vessel at Hudson Yards

#116 · New York

The Vessel at Hudson Yards

Striking honeycomb-like structure with interconnected staircases offering unique views of the city.

4.4FreeLandmark
The Paley Museum

#117 · New York

The Paley Museum

Museum exploring television and radio history.

4.4$Museum
Skyscraper Museum

#118 · New York

Skyscraper Museum

Museum dedicated to the history and future of tall buildings.

4.4$Museum
South Street Seaport Museum

#119 · New York

South Street Seaport Museum

Maritime museum preserving New York's port history.

4.4$Museum
The Drawing Center

#120 · New York

The Drawing Center

Contemporary and historic drawing exhibitions.

4.4FreeMuseum
National Museum of the American Sailor

#121 · New York

National Museum of the American Sailor

Naval history museum honoring American sailors.

4.4$Museum
Graffiti Hall of Fame

#122 · New York

Graffiti Hall of Fame

Outdoor gallery celebrating street art and graffiti culture.

4.4FreeMuseum
Goethe-Institut New York

#123 · New York

Goethe-Institut New York

German cultural center with exhibitions and language programs.

4.4FreeMuseum
MoCADA - Museum of Contemporary African Diasporan Arts

#124 · Brooklyn

MoCADA - Museum of Contemporary African Diasporan Arts

Contemporary art from the African diaspora.

4.4$Museum
Bronx Museum of the Arts

#125 · Bronx

Bronx Museum of the Arts

Contemporary art museum in the South Bronx.

4.4FreeMuseum
Southampton Arts Center

#126 · Southampton

Southampton Arts Center

Contemporary art center in the Hamptons.

4.4$Museum
African American Museum of Nassau County

#127 · Hempstead

African American Museum of Nassau County

African American history and culture in Nassau County.

4.4FreeMuseum
Long Island Science Center

#128 · Riverhead

Long Island Science Center

Hands-on science exhibits and planetarium.

4.4$Museum
East End Seaport Museum

#129 · Greenport

East End Seaport Museum

Maritime history and boat building in Greenport.

4.4$Museum
Custom House Museum

#130 · Sag Harbor

Custom House Museum

Maritime and customs history in Sag Harbor.

4.4FreeMuseum
East Hampton Historical Society

#131 · East Hampton

East Hampton Historical Society

Local history collections and historic buildings.

4.4$Museum
Amagansett Historical Association

#132 · Amagansett

Amagansett Historical Association

Preserving Amagansett's maritime and agricultural heritage.

4.4FreeMuseum
Water Mill Museum

#133 · Water Mill

Water Mill Museum

Historic water mill and local history exhibits.

4.4$Museum
Americas Society

#134 · New York

Americas Society

On the Upper East Side, this cultural institution promotes dialogue and artistic exchange across North, Central, and South America. Its gallery presents contemporary Latin American art exhibitions alongside concerts, talks, and public programs.

4.4FreeMuseum
Austrian Cultural Forum New York

#135 · New York

Austrian Cultural Forum New York

Housed in a striking modernist tower on East 52nd Street, this cultural center serves as Austria's official arts and cultural outpost in the United States. It hosts exhibitions, film screenings, concerts, and lectures.

4.4FreeMuseum
Bernard Museum of Judaica

#136 · Bronx

Bernard Museum of Judaica

Located within Temple Emanu-El on Fifth Avenue, this museum presents Jewish ceremonial art from around the world. Displays include historic Torah ornaments, textiles, and ritual objects, alongside rotating exhibitions.

4.4FreeMuseum
Bowne House

#137 · Flushing

Bowne House

One of New York City's oldest surviving homes and a powerful symbol of early religious freedom in America. Built in the 1660s, it tells the story of John Bowne, whose resistance to colonial restrictions on Quaker worship helped shape the principle of religious tolerance.

4.4$Museum
Clemente Soto Velez Cultural & Educational Center

#138 · New York

Clemente Soto Velez Cultural & Educational Center

A major hub for Latino and multicultural arts on the Lower East Side. Housed in a historic school building, the center supports theater companies, visual artists, writers, and community organizations through rehearsal spaces, exhibitions, and performances.

4.4FreeMuseum
Conference House

#139 · Staten Island

Conference House

A historic Staten Island landmark best known as the site of a failed 1776 peace conference during the American Revolution. The elegant manor now operates as a museum and cultural venue hosting exhibitions, concerts, and educational programs.

4.4$Museum
Derfner Judaica Museum

#140 · Bronx

Derfner Judaica Museum

Derfner Judaica Museum presents exhibitions exploring Jewish history, ritual objects, and contemporary cultural expression. The museum combines traditional Judaica collections with rotating art exhibitions that reflect Jewish life across generations.

4.4FreeMuseum
Harbor Defense Museum

#141 · Brooklyn

Harbor Defense Museum

The Harbor Defense Museum, located within Fort Hamilton in Brooklyn, explores the military history of New York Harbor. Exhibits include coastal defense weapons, uniforms, and archival materials that trace the evolution of harbor protection.

4.4FreeMuseum
Jamaica Center for Arts & Learning

#142 · Jamaica

Jamaica Center for Arts & Learning

Jamaica Center for Arts & Learning serves as a cornerstone of Queens' cultural life, presenting exhibitions, performances, and arts education programs across multiple disciplines. With a focus on community engagement and accessibility.

4.4FreeMuseum
Jewish Theological Seminary Library Galleries

#143 · New York

Jewish Theological Seminary Library Galleries

The Jewish Theological Seminary Library Galleries showcase rotating exhibitions drawn from one of the world's most important collections of Judaica, manuscripts, and rare books. The galleries present scholarly yet accessible displays.

4.4FreeMuseum
King Manor

#144 · Jamaica

King Manor

King Manor in Jamaica, Queens preserves the home of Rufus King, a Founding Father, diplomat, and early advocate against slavery. The restored house museum offers period rooms, educational exhibits, and public programs that explore early American politics and family life.

4.4FreeMuseum
Korea Society

#145 · New York

Korea Society

The Korea Society promotes greater understanding between the United States and Korea through cultural programs, exhibitions, lectures, and policy discussions. Its Manhattan gallery presents contemporary Korean art and historical displays.

4.4FreeMuseum
Living Torah Museum

#146 · Brooklyn

Living Torah Museum

The Living Torah Museum in Brooklyn presents biblical history through artifacts, reconstructions, and immersive displays that link ancient traditions to the modern world. Its exhibits include rare objects and interactive experiences designed to make religious history tangible.

4.4$Museum
Mmuseumm

#147 · New York

Mmuseumm

Mmuseumm is a tiny yet inventive museum located in a Tribeca alley, dedicated to examining modern life through small objects and curated artifacts. Despite its size, it presents thought-provoking exhibitions about global culture, consumerism, and everyday design.

4.4FreeMuseum
National Academy Museum and School

#148 · New York

National Academy Museum and School

The National Academy Museum and School showcases works by American artists and provides studio art education in Manhattan. Its collection spans paintings, sculpture, and decorative arts, while educational programs foster emerging talent.

4.4$Museum
Newhouse Center for Contemporary Art

#149 · Staten Island

Newhouse Center for Contemporary Art

The Newhouse Center for Contemporary Art at Snug Harbor Cultural Center presents rotating exhibitions by emerging and established contemporary artists. With a focus on experimental and thought-provoking work, it engages visitors with innovative approaches to visual arts.

4.4FreeMuseum
Noble Maritime Collection

#150 · Staten Island

Noble Maritime Collection

The Noble Maritime Collection at Snug Harbor preserves maritime history through artifacts, models, and archives documenting shipbuilding, navigation, and life at sea. The museum offers educational programs and exhibitions highlighting New York's connection to maritime commerce.

4.4$Museum
Salmagundi Museum of American Art

#151 · New York

Salmagundi Museum of American Art

The Salmagundi Museum of American Art, located in Greenwich Village, celebrates the country's artistic heritage through exhibitions, collections, and educational programs focused on American fine arts including painting, sculpture, and decorative arts.

4.4FreeMuseum
Swiss Institute Contemporary Art New York

#152 · New York

Swiss Institute Contemporary Art New York

Swiss Institute Contemporary Art New York presents cutting-edge exhibitions by international artists alongside performances, talks, and educational programming. The nonprofit gallery focuses on innovative contemporary art practices.

4.4FreeMuseum
Wyckoff House

#153 · Brooklyn

Wyckoff House

Wyckoff House, built in the 17th century, is the oldest surviving structure in Brooklyn. The museum preserves the Dutch Colonial architecture and interprets early settler life, offering educational programs and exhibitions that explore the area's rich historical roots.

4.4FreeMuseum
Yeshiva University Museum

#154 · New York

Yeshiva University Museum

The Yeshiva University Museum presents Jewish art, history, and cultural artifacts with a focus on scholarship and public engagement. Exhibitions explore religious traditions, material culture, and contemporary artistic expression.

4.4FreeMuseum
Museum of Comic and Cartoon Art

#155 · New York

Museum of Comic and Cartoon Art

Celebrating comic books, cartoons, and animation.

4.3$Museum
Museum of Reclaimed Urban Space

#156 · New York

Museum of Reclaimed Urban Space

Exploring New York's squatter and activist history.

4.3$Museum
Museum of American Illustration

#157 · New York

Museum of American Illustration

Showcasing American illustration art and history.

4.3FreeMuseum
Staten Island Museum

#158 · Staten Island

Staten Island Museum

Art, natural science, and local history museum.

4.3$Museum
The Museum of Interesting Things

#159 · New York

The Museum of Interesting Things

Quirky collection of historical artifacts and curiosities.

4.3$Museum
Hofstra University Museum

#160 · Hempstead

Hofstra University Museum

University museum with diverse art collections.

4.3FreeMuseum
Southold Historical Society

#161 · Southold

Southold Historical Society

Local history museum in historic buildings.

4.3FreeMuseum
Southampton Historical Museum

#162 · Southampton

Southampton Historical Museum

Colonial and local history museum.

4.3$Museum
Bridgehampton Historical Society

#163 · Bridgehampton

Bridgehampton Historical Society

Local history museum in historic buildings.

4.3FreeMuseum
Bayside Historical Society

#164 · Bayside

Bayside Historical Society

Operating out of the landmark Castle on the Bay in Fort Totten, this Queens institution preserves the heritage of Bayside and surrounding neighborhoods. Exhibits, walking tours, and community programs trace local development from colonial farms to modern suburb.

4.3$Museum
Bronx River Art Center

#165 · Bronx

Bronx River Art Center

Bronx River Art Center blends environmental awareness with artistic expression, offering gallery exhibitions, art classes, and community projects rooted in the surrounding neighborhood. Its mission connects creativity, community development, and environmental stewardship.

4.3FreeMuseum
City Island Nautical Museum

#166 · Bronx

City Island Nautical Museum

City Island Nautical Museum captures the maritime heritage of this small Bronx island long known for boatbuilding and seafaring traditions. Exhibits highlight the community's shipyards, yacht culture, and working waterfront.

4.3FreeMuseum
Coney Island Museum

#167 · Brooklyn

Coney Island Museum

Coney Island Museum celebrates the colorful, eccentric history of one of New York's most famous seaside destinations. Exhibits explore amusement park culture, sideshow traditions, vintage rides, and the personalities who shaped the boardwalk's mythic reputation.

4.3$Museum
Czech Centre New York

#168 · New York

Czech Centre New York

Czech Centre New York promotes Czech culture through exhibitions, film screenings, lectures, and design showcases. The center connects New York audiences with contemporary Czech art, literature, and innovation while celebrating historic cultural contributions.

4.3FreeMuseum
Garibaldi-Meucci Museum

#169 · Staten Island

Garibaldi-Meucci Museum

The Garibaldi-Meucci Museum celebrates the lives of Italian patriot Giuseppe Garibaldi and inventor Antonio Meucci, who lived together in this Staten Island home. Through exhibits on immigration, innovation, and Italian-American history, it highlights the broader immigrant experience.

4.3$Museum
Godwin-Ternbach Museum

#170 · Flushing

Godwin-Ternbach Museum

Located on the campus of Queens College, the Godwin-Ternbach Museum presents rotating exhibitions drawn from its collection of modern and contemporary art, design, and cultural artifacts. The museum emphasizes academic engagement and public programming.

4.3FreeMuseum
Kingsland Homestead

#171 · Flushing

Kingsland Homestead

Kingsland Homestead is an 18th-century house museum that now serves as headquarters for the Queens Historical Society. The carefully preserved building presents exhibitions on borough history, architecture, and community life.

4.3$Museum
Museum of Public Relations

#172 · New York

Museum of Public Relations

The Museum of Public Relations explores the history, impact, and evolution of the public relations industry. Through exhibitions, archival materials, and interactive installations, the museum highlights how communication strategies have shaped business, politics, and culture.

4.3FreeMuseum
Parsons The New School for Design Gallery

#173 · New York

Parsons The New School for Design Gallery

The Parsons The New School for Design Gallery showcases student, faculty, and visiting artist work across fashion, design, and visual arts. The gallery highlights innovative approaches to design and creativity.

4.3FreeMuseum
Sandy Ground Historical Museum

#174 · Staten Island

Sandy Ground Historical Museum

Sandy Ground Historical Museum highlights the history of one of the oldest African-American communities in the United States. Through exhibits, photographs, and artifacts, the museum explores the lives, culture, and contributions of free Black settlers on Staten Island.

4.3$Museum
Seguine Mansion

#175 · Staten Island

Seguine Mansion

Seguine Mansion, dating back to the early 19th century, is a Staten Island historic house museum that interprets the life and architecture of prominent local families. Visitors can tour the mansion, view period furnishings, and attend programs on Staten Island's history.

4.3FreeMuseum
Voelker Orth Museum

#176 · Flushing

Voelker Orth Museum

The Voelker Orth Museum preserves a historic 19th-century Queens home and garden, offering visitors a glimpse into local history, architecture, and horticulture. Its period rooms and seasonal events provide context for understanding the borough's cultural development.

4.3FreeMuseum
Williamsburg Art & Historical Center

#177 · Brooklyn

Williamsburg Art & Historical Center

The Williamsburg Art & Historical Center combines contemporary art exhibitions with programming that celebrates Brooklyn's cultural and historical heritage. Located in a historic building, the center hosts rotating shows, community events, and educational workshops.

4.3FreeMuseum
Quogue Historical Society

#178 · Quogue

Quogue Historical Society

Village history and historic building preservation.

4.2FreeMuseum
Westhampton Beach Historical Society

#179 · Westhampton Beach

Westhampton Beach Historical Society

Local history museum with rotating exhibits.

4.2FreeMuseum
Billiou-Stillwell-Perine House

#180 · Staten Island

Billiou-Stillwell-Perine House

One of the oldest surviving homes on Staten Island, this farmhouse dates to the late 17th century and reflects early Dutch colonial life. Furnished period rooms and demonstrations highlight domestic routines and farming practices.

4.2$Museum
Luggage Storage NYC - Penn Station

#181 · New York

Luggage Storage NYC - Penn Station

Secure luggage storage near Penn Station allowing travelers to explore the city hands-free with flexible pricing and easy access to subway lines.

4$Tour
Freedom Liberty Cruise

#182 · New York

Freedom Liberty Cruise

A scenic boat tour highlighting close-up views of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island with narrated American history.

3.7$Tour

Frequently asked questions

How can I do NYC on a budget?

Walk between attractions in Manhattan, use the subway ($2.90/ride), visit free or pay-what-you-wish museums, eat at delis and food halls, and book Broadway via TKTS for up to 50% off. A NYC CityPASS can also save 40%+ on the top 5 attractions.

What is the cheapest way to see NYC?

Take the free Staten Island Ferry for skyline and Statue of Liberty views, walk the High Line and Brooklyn Bridge, and visit free museums like the Federal Reserve Bank and the National Museum of the American Indian.

How much money do you need for a week in NYC?

Budget travelers can manage NYC on $100–150/day (hostel, subway, cheap eats, free attractions). Mid-range trips run $250–400/day with hotels, sit-down meals and 1–2 paid attractions per day.

More NYC guides

Free Things to Do in NYC

New York City is famously expensive, but many of its best experiences cost nothing. This guide collects 40 free things to do in NYC — from the Staten Island Ferry and the High Line to always-free museums and skyline viewpoints across all five boroughs.

Things to Do in NYC with Kids

Traveling to NYC with children? These 50+ family-friendly attractions are kid-tested favorites — from the American Museum of Natural History and the Bronx Zoo to interactive museums and stroller-friendly tours.

Romantic Things to Do in NYC

From sunset over the Hudson to candlelit dinners in the West Village, NYC is one of the world's great date-night cities. Here are 30 of the most romantic things to do in New York — picked for couples on a first date, anniversary trip or honeymoon.

Things to Do in NYC at Night

NYC truly comes alive after sunset. From Broadway shows and observation decks after dark to jazz clubs, comedy and harbor cruises, here are the best things to do in New York City at night.

Things to Do in NYC in Winter

Winter in NYC is magical — ice skating at Rockefeller Center, holiday window displays, Bryant Park's Winter Village and a packed Broadway season. Here are the best things to do in New York City in winter.

Things to Do in Brooklyn

Brooklyn is NYC's coolest borough — and arguably its most rewarding. From DUMBO's iconic Manhattan Bridge view to Williamsburg's food scene and Coney Island's boardwalk, here are 30+ of the best things to do in Brooklyn.

Christmas in NYC

From the Rockefeller Center tree to Bryant Park's Winter Village and the Dyker Heights light displays, Christmas in NYC is one of the world's great holiday experiences. Here's everything to do — markets, skating rinks, shows and Christmas Day openings.

Things to Do in NYC in Summer

Summer in NYC means rooftop sunsets, harbor cruises past the Statue of Liberty, free Shakespeare in the Park, and weekends at Coney Island or the Rockaways. Here are the best things to do in New York in summer.

Things to Do in NYC in Fall

Fall is arguably NYC's best season — crisp air, Central Park's October foliage, the Village Halloween Parade, and the start of Broadway's biggest openings. Here are the top things to do in New York in autumn.

New Year's Eve in NYC

NYE in NYC is the world's biggest party. From the Times Square ball drop to midnight harbor cruises past the Statue of Liberty and rooftop parties with the Empire State Building in view — here are the best ways to ring in the new year.

Best Observation Decks in NYC

NYC has five major observation decks and each has a different view. Edge has the glass floor, Top of the Rock shows the Empire State Building in your shot, Summit has mirrored rooms, and Empire State is the original. Here's how to pick.

Best Museums in NYC

NYC has more world-class museums than any other US city. Here are the 20 best museums in New York — the icons (Met, MoMA, Natural History) plus the smaller gems like the Frick, the Tenement Museum and the Whitney.

Best Broadway Shows Right Now

Broadway has 41 theaters and 30+ shows running on any given night. Here are the best Broadway shows in NYC right now — the long-running icons, the new hits and the Tony winners.

Things to Do in NYC on a Rainy Day

Rainy day in NYC? Good news — most of the city's best attractions are indoors. Here are the top picks for a rainy day in New York City, from world-class museums to underground food halls and Broadway matinees.

Things to Do in SoHo, NYC

SoHo is NYC's most photogenic shopping neighborhood — cobblestone streets, cast-iron facades and a tight grid of boutiques, galleries and brunch spots. Here's what to do in SoHo.

Things to Do in Williamsburg, Brooklyn

Williamsburg is Brooklyn's cultural heart — independent food, vintage shopping, music venues and East River views straight to Manhattan. Here's everything to do in Williamsburg.

Things to Do in DUMBO, Brooklyn

DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass) is home to the most photographed view in Brooklyn — the Manhattan Bridge framing Manhattan from Washington Street. Here's everything to do in DUMBO.

Things to Do in Harlem

Harlem is one of NYC's most culturally significant neighborhoods — the Apollo Theater, Sunday gospel services, jazz clubs and a soul food tradition that defined American cuisine. Here's everything to do in Harlem.

Things to Do in the West Village

The West Village is NYC's most romantic neighborhood — tree-lined streets, brownstones, jazz clubs and tucked-away restaurants. Here's everything to do in the West Village.

Things to Do in the Lower East Side

The Lower East Side blends immigrant history with the city's best dive bars, dumpling spots and live music. Here's everything to do in the LES.