The Ultimate Inexpensive Guide to Exploring New York City Like a Local

POPSUGAR Photography | Kathryn McLamb
POPSUGAR Photography | Kathryn McLamb

Eclectic, eccentric, and oh so enchanting, it only takes one bite of the Big Apple to leave you wanting more. More of the contagious and upbeat energy. More of the breathtaking skyline. More of the world-famous, thin-sliced pizza. More of the . . . well, you get the idea.

It goes without saying, New York City is an incredibly magical place to visit. However, if you're not careful, a trip to this buzzing city can add up quickly, leaving you with an empty wallet and one-too-many "I Love New York" trinkets.

As someone who once called this place home, I can certainly attest to how expensive this city can be. But I can also vouch for how great of an area this pocket of the north is for any budget. Over the course of several years, I scoured the city to find the best things to see, explore, and discover, all on an ultracheap budget. And trust me, the options are endless!

So if you're heading to this concrete jungle anytime soon, be sure to check out these 30 unique, budget-friendly things to do. Not only will this guide save your bank account from depletion, but it also will provide you with a taste of living like a local — hence why you won't find Times Square on the list. Get ready for an unforgettable New York adventure!

01
Enjoy a classic film on the lawn of Bryant Park

Enjoy a classic film on the lawn of Bryant Park

There are lots of free outdoor movie screenings that take place in the city each Summer. However, one of the most beloved locations is Bryant Park.

So grab a blanket and stretch out on the spacious green lawn with some good food and great friends to enjoy a classic film under the city skyline. The lawn opens at 5 p.m., and the screening starts at sunset.

Find this Summer's movie lineup here!

02
Take an early morning stroll along the Brooklyn Bridge

Take an early morning stroll along the Brooklyn Bridge

Can you imagine anything more peaceful than taking a leisurely stroll across the Brooklyn Bridge? With the city still sound asleep and the sun just beginning to rise above the soaring skyline, this iconic walk will be sure to kick-start positive vibes for the new day ahead.

03
Join the fun in Brooklyn Bridge Park

Join the fun in Brooklyn Bridge Park

With spectacular skyline views and a plethora of outdoor activities — the majority of them being free! — the waterfront neighborhood of DUMBO, which stands for "Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass," is becoming quite a hot spot for both travelers and locals.

And with Brooklyn Bridge Park located in the heart of this area, there is just so much to do, see, and explore. From biking and boating to a pop-up pool and even an iconic carousel, discover all that this 85-acre stretch along the East River has to offer by joining in on the fun.

To read more about the park's activities, click here!

04
Search for hidden treasures throughout the Brooklyn Flea

Search for hidden treasures throughout the Brooklyn Flea

If you're a lover of old, retro, and vintage, then the Brooklyn Flea will be your own sliver of paradise. This is the city's largest flea market and is home to hundreds of top, unique vendors and local artisans selling everything from crafts and furniture to clothing and collectibles.

And with the Flea open year-round every Saturday and Sunday, you'll have plenty of time to cross things off your wish list.

05
Give in to your carb crush with New York City bagels

Give in to your carb crush with New York City bagels

There is no doubt New York City has the best bagels. Think: round, hand-shaped, kettle-broiled, and just enough chewiness on the inside. So when you're in the city, it would be a shame not to chow down on at least one or two, don't you think? That's at least what I tell myself to avoid any layer of guilt.

06
Become inspired at ABC Carpet & Home

Become inspired at ABC Carpet & Home

If you're looking to tap into a portal of creativity and uncover design inspiration, look no further. ABC Carpet & Home is the perfect place to spend a rainy afternoon, or any afternoon for that matter.

Persian rugs, modern furniture, and plush bedding are just a few of the many unique finds you'll discover in this multistory flagship store located in Midtown of Manhattan.

07
Discover the overflowing magic of Union Square

Discover the overflowing magic of Union Square

Anchored by its central plaza, Union Square is one of New York City's most enchanting public spaces. From skilled chess players to street performers — and even fortune tellers — so much magic takes place in this pocket of the city. All you need is an open mind to discover it!

08
Treat your sweet tooth to HUGE homemade doughnuts

Treat your sweet tooth to HUGE homemade doughnuts

Rolled, stamped, fried, and then dunked into delicious glazes, there is a reason Dough doughnuts rise above the rest. And with exciting flavors such as toasted coconut, mocha-almond crunch, and hibiscus, there is no denying the artists behind these doughnut masterpieces have quite the fun in the kitchen.

09
Play your day away at Chelsea Piers

Play your day away at Chelsea Piers

Chelsea Piers is one of Manhattan's most popular destinations to play, and with over 25 different sports, there are entertainment options for everyone! So whether you're looking to golf, kayak, bowl, or even take a trapeze class, you can do it all here on these series of piers spread out along the Hudson River.

10
Walk above the city streets on the elevated High Line

Walk above the city streets on the elevated High Line

What used to be an old rail line, the High Line has since been converted into a popular 1.45-mile-long linear park 30 feet above street level. Located on the west side of the city, this unique park offers plenty of places for people to sit, relax, and enjoy awe-inspiring views of the skyline.

11
Stand in line for Cronuts at the famous Dominique Ansel Bakery

Stand in line for Cronuts at the famous Dominique Ansel Bakery

The ever-so-popular Cronut has been a crowd-pleaser since its official launch in 2013. And by the looks of the long lines still today, it doesn't seem like the popularity for this croissant-doughnut hybrid will simmer down anytime soon.

So are these French-inspired pastries worth standing in line for? You bet! I did it, and I would highly recommend you carving out the time to do so, too, when visiting the city. Because who doesn't love a fresh, handmade pastry in the morning?

The bakery opens at 8 a.m., so if you get in line by 7:30 a.m. on a weekday, you have a pretty great shot at getting your hands on your very own decadent Cronut!

12
Grab a front-row seat for street performances in Washington Square Park

Grab a front-row seat for street performances in Washington Square Park

Located in the center of Greenwich Village, Washington Square Park is a great place to rest and unwind. Because this park is a common gathering spot for local musicians and street performers, chances are you'll have front-row seats to an awesome, free show.

13
Climb inside the Statue of Liberty's crown

Climb inside the Statue of Liberty's crown

If you are looking for an adventure and want to gain a new perspective of New York City, there is no better way than by climbing up the 354 steps to inside Lady Liberty's crown. Be sure to plan ahead, though, as the National Park Service only allows 240 people to make this climb per day!

For another beautiful and up-close view of the Statue of Liberty, consider hopping aboard the Staten Island Ferry. The boat passes directly in front of the statue, and the best part about this option is that it's free!

14
Eat the "best cookie in all of New York" at Levain Bakery

Eat the "best cookie in all of New York" at Levain Bakery

Although it started as a mission between two friends to create the world's greatest chocolate-chip cookie, Levain Bakery has since become a legendary stop when visiting the city. These massive, softball-sized cookies consistently rank on the "Best of New York" lists and are so popular, in fact, a cookie-line camera has been installed in each location to show the length of lines. And just as with the Cronuts, the lines are so worth it!

15
Picnic in Central Park

Picnic in Central Park

Free and fun to do, picnicking in Central Park is a must when in New York City. And with a size of 843 acres, you're sure to find the perfect spot to plop down and enjoy a nice, low-key Summer meal. The Great Lawn, Sheep Meadow, and Cedar Hill are just a few of the many options to find the perfect balance between play and peacefulness.

16
Grab an oar and rent a rowboat in Central Park

Grab an oar and rent a rowboat in Central Park

After a delicious picnic, continue your afternoon of leisure by renting a rowboat in Central Park. They're available from 10 a.m. to sundown, so you can take all the time you desire to peacefully paddle around the water and embrace the beauty of the park.

Boats are only $15 per hour (cash only) and can hold up to four people.

17
Be a kid again by exploring Belvedere Castle

Be a kid again by exploring Belvedere Castle

Named for the Italian meaning "beautiful view," the observation deck of Belvedere Castle offers just that — a breathtaking overlook of the lush Central Park. This whimsical castle is free to explore, so make sure to climb atop both of the balconies for spectacular panoramic views of the park.

18
Escape the crowds of Manhattan to find even more serenity in Prospect Park

Escape the crowds of Manhattan to find even more serenity in Prospect Park

While many people gravitate toward Central Park to take a break from the copious amounts of concrete, very few are aware that Prospect Park — the largest park in Brooklyn — is home to even more serenity. And with 585 acres of open space right at your fingertips to explore, you'll be sure to find the perfect spot for some peace and quiet.

19
Attend free concerts in the park

Attend free concerts in the park

Who doesn't love a good Summer concert? And thanks to the partnership between the Prospect Park Alliance and BRIC, a nonprofit arts and media organization in Brooklyn, there are tons of shows and events taking place throughout Prospect Park. All. Summer. Long. Did I mention the majority of the performances are free?!

From classic soul to indie rock, this concert series offers a wide variety of genres for everyone to enjoy. Check out the entire lineup here!

20
Treat yourself to an ice cream flight at Ample Hills Creamery

Treat yourself to an ice cream flight at Ample Hills Creamery

Hands down, Ample Hills Creamery makes the best ice cream in the city. No, in America. No, in the world! OK, while that is my personal opinion, I guarantee that once you take a bite, you will think the same exact way!

So what makes this ice cream so delicious? Well, these ice cream artisans make all of their frozen treats from start to finish. That means they pasteurize all the ingredients — milk, cream, sugar, and eggs — together on site. And with just one bite, you can truly taste the difference. With unique flavors such as Ooey Gooey Butter Cake and Baby I Was Churned This Way, you'll have no choice but to treat yourself to a flight of six scoops, as you won't be able to choose just one!

21
Study years of art history at the Met

Study years of art history at the Met

Wandering through the many galleries at the Metropolitan Museum of Art is such a lovely way to spend an afternoon. Just be sure not to end your tour without visiting the rooftop for breathtaking views of Central Park and the city skyline!

While the ticket counter shows an admission price of $25 for adults, please note this is a suggested admission price, making this museum a great option for any budget.

22
Maze your way around contemporary artwork at the Guggenheim Museum

Maze your way around contemporary artwork at the Guggenheim Museum

Whether you're a fan of contemporary artwork or not, mazing your way around the spiraling corridors of the Guggenheim is enough of a reason to check out this phenomenal museum. And with hundreds of pieces of artwork, there is no surprise why this museum is one of the city's most adored cultural institutions.

Because museum fees can add up quickly, be sure to visit on Saturdays between the hours of 5:45 p.m. and 7:45 p.m. It is during this time that the museum offers a "pay what you wish" entrance fee.

23
Visit the World Trade Center site, the 9/11 Memorial, and Ground Zero

Visit the World Trade Center site, the 9/11 Memorial, and Ground Zero

The 9/11 Memorial is an important destination for visitors to pay tribute to those lost in the attacks of Sept. 11. Visiting Ground Zero is a powerfully touching experience and a place I would highly recommend anyone to visit if presented with the opportunity.

24
Unwind by listening to live jazz

Unwind by listening to live jazz

After a day's worth of exploring, what better way to unwind than with some live jazz? Smalls Jazz Club delivers just what the name implies — live jazz bands and jam sessions in an intimate underground club.

It's located off a busy street corner in Greenwich Village, and as soon as you step foot in this quintessential jazz club, all the hustle and bustle taking place outside will suddenly slip your mind. And live, soothing jazz at a small price — what's not to love?

25
Embrace the taste of "Curry Row" in the East Village

Embrace the taste of "Curry Row" in the East Village

Tucked away on 6th Street between 1st and 2nd Avenues, you will find "Curry Row," a collection of delicious Indian restaurants in the heart of the East Village.

A popular favorite is Milon, an eccentric Bangladeshi restaurant. Once you've been lured inside this teeny-tiny eatery decorated entirely with colorful wallpaper and flashy Christmas lights, you're sure to not only have a good meal at an affordable price but also an extrafun time!

26
Join a walking tour and wander the cobblestone streets of SoHo

Join a walking tour and wander the cobblestone streets of SoHo

Cast-iron architecture and cobblestone streets are what attract so many wandering souls to the delightful neighborhood of SoHo. And what better way to experience this trendy hot spot than with a free walking tour! Join the tours given by Free Tours by Foot to make the most of your time in this enchanting pocket of the city.

27
Sip on local whiskey, bourbon, and spirits

Sip on local whiskey, bourbon, and spirits

Visit Kings County Distillery, the city's oldest operating whiskey distillery, for a behind-the-scenes look at sustainable and traditional whiskey production. Join a daily tour for as little as $14 to learn all about the history, culture, and science of distilling whiskey. Your ticket will also include a tasting!

28
Float out into New York Harbor for the happiest of hours

Float out into New York Harbor for the happiest of hours

Ever heard of the Honorable William Wall? When this floating clubhouse isn't serving as a platform for members of the Manhattan Yacht Club to watch sailing events, it turns into one of the best places to hang out in the New York Harbor. For $20, you can catch a boat ride out to this Summer hot spot to spend an afternoon, all while taking in the gorgeous view of the downtown skyline.

29
Get nautically inspired with oysters and Rosé at the Grand Banks

Get nautically inspired with oysters and Rosé at the Grand Banks

If you are fond of the idea of boats but would rather stay on land for happy hour, then head on over to the Grand Banks, a popular seasonal bar on the deck of a historic fishing boat. Celebrate the long days of Summer with nautically inspired cocktails, fresh oysters, and a stunning grand view!

30
See the city that never sleeps in all of its glory on the Top of the Rock

See the city that never sleeps in all of its glory on the Top of the Rock

Once the sun sets and the black curtain falls on the day, watch the city come alive as Manhattan lights up the night sky. With an unobstructed, panoramic view of the skyline, it won't take long to realize why the Top of the Rock Observation Deck is on everyone's bucket lists when visiting this magical city.