New York City on a Budget: What to Do, Where to Stay, and How to Save
From free concerts to discounted museums to affordable hotels, here’s how one family of five makes the most of the Big Apple without breaking the bank
Our family of five has always loved visiting New York City. Now that my twins are in college at Fordham University in the Bronx, we are frequent visitors. With two college tuitions to pay, I’m always looking for ways to keep costs down while still having fun.
NYC has a reputation for being expensive, but there are plenty of bargains and even free experiences if you know where to look. Here are some of my family’s favorite ways to enjoy New York City on a budget.
Free or low-cost attractions
Parks
When we need a break from all the noise of New York City, we head to one of its many public green spaces. While NYC might bring to mind images of steel and cement, the city actually has more than 1,700 parks, playgrounds, and recreation facilities. The most famous—and the largest—is Central Park, but my family also loves The High Line and Bryant Park. Beyond relaxing on a bench, these parks often offer free events, such as performances. We even saw a free Taylor Swift concert in Central Park through Good Morning America’s Summer Concert Series.
Events
One of the best things about New York City is that there’s always something going on—often for free. We’ve also enjoyed free yoga in Times Square and a silent disco in Lincoln Park. The easiest way to find out what’s happening before your visit is to search online for “free events in NYC” along with your travel dates. I also follow a few Instagram accounts that regularly share details about free activities around the city:
Museums
The above Instagram accounts also regularly highlight NYC’s free museums. Some are always free, such as the Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology and the American Folk Art Museum. Others offer free admission on specific days—for example, the 9/11 Memorial & Museum is free on Mondays. If you plan to visit multiple museums, consider purchasing a CityPASS for discounts.
TV studio experiences
Attending a live studio recording is a fun and unique experience, though it usually requires a bit of planning. You can see late-night shows or daytime talk shows for free by booking in advance at 1iota.com. We went to The View and enjoyed watching how the show was filmed, especially the behind-the-scenes action during commercial breaks. Some shows have age requirements, so be sure to check in advance. If you’d rather not plan ahead and don’t mind waking up early, you can catch a live broadcast of a morning show, such as the Today Show, by staking out a spot at Rockefeller Plaza. We even took a selfie with Hoda Kotb when we went.
Affordable accommodations
There are thousands of options for hotel stays in New York City. My family usually prefers to stay near Times Square or Grand Central Station—both central locations to a wealth of attractions, which is especially ideal for first-time visitors.
One of our favorites is Park Central Hotel New York. It’s a short walk to both Central Park and Times Square, making it perfect for sightseeing. The rooms are surprisingly spacious for NYC standards, and they offer accommodations for up to four—a feature not all NYC hotels provide. And if you need to get two rooms or adjoining rooms for families larger than four, you won’t have to break the bank.
We’ve also stayed at the Hyatt Grand Central New York, which also features affordable rooms that comfortably accommodate four people and offers adjoining rooms, too. Its location next to Grand Central Station provides easy access to subways and commuter trains, and there’s even a direct subway line from Grand Central Station to Times Square.
Finding accommodations in New York City on a budget can be tricky, but it's possible with the right planning. Stretch your travel budget with these tips:
- Stay overnight on a weekday, which are typically less expensive than
- Consider an off-peak visit. If your travel dates are flexible, consider visiting in the fall, late winter, or early spring—these times usually offer lower rates.
- Book early if possible. New York hotels can fill up quickly, especially during major events or holidays.
- Check for hidden fees. Some NYC hotels charge daily “resort” or “facility” fees, which can add up quickly.
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Take it from this family of five: With some smart planning, you can explore New York City on a budget while creating memories you’ll cherish for years to come.