Whether you're an uber-avid local, newly-minted New Yorker or visitor, New York City sightseeing can have a hefty price tag.
Whether you're an uber-avid local, newly-minted New Yorker or visitor, New York City sightseeing can have a hefty price tag.
Do you like to take the weekend and sightsee? Is it a date night, relatives coming to visit, or are you spending a summer vacation in the "City That Never Sleeps?" We've researched a few local's recommendations and curated a list of a few of the best deals in New York City attractions, live shows, and other entertaining excursions.
Cheap Deals on Fun Things To Do In New York City
New York City is just waiting to entertain visitors and locals, and every type of entertainment is offering deep discounts to attract business once again. We know funds are low for many right now, so we found some inexpensive deals under 20 bucks. We recommend checking the business's website for any updated information. You can do so by clicking the highlighted name or entering the web address into your search.
Things To Do In New York City 20 Bucks And Under
Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Website: www.bbg.org/visit
New Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Sunday: 10 am to 6 pm
Thursday, Friday, Saturday: 10 am to 8:30 pm
Brooklyn Botanical Gardens is poised to re-open its doors on August 7, 2020. A visit to the beautiful 52-acre gardens normally runs $12-$18 per person, however on Saturday mornings from 10 am to noon, you can get admission to all its gardens and conservatories for nada. The Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden, Desert Pavilion, Orchid Collection, and Aquatic House are high-quality attractions to spend some well-deserved time in this floral oasis. Come springtime; the big attraction is the Cherry Esplanade and its rows and rows of bright-crimson blossoms, which usually hit maximum bloom in the last week of April. Other free opportunities are winter weekdays from Tuesday through Friday in December, January, and February. BBG members receive free admission year-round and children under 12 are always free.
The Oderdonk House
Website: www.oderdonkhouse.org
Hours: Wednesday: 3 pm to 6 pm
Saturday and Sunday: 1 pm to 5 pm
The Onderdonk House, constructed in 1709, is the oldest Dutch Colonial stone house. After a massive fire in 1975, residents saved the house from demolition and then formed the Greater Ridgewood Historical Society. Onderdonk is on the National Register of Historic Places and maintained by the Germans from Russia Historical Society. It's a fave budget-friendly thing to do in New York City for only $5 bucks. The Vander-Ende Onderdonk House is a gem of a find with two acres of beautiful gardens and historic architecture. The Onderdonk House also has deals available for private events, public events, and school groups.
Museum Of The American Gangster
Website: www.historic80stmarks.com/museum-of-the-american-gangster/
Hours: Daily: 1 pm to 6 pm with tours beginning at 1 pm, 2:30 pm, and 4 pm.
Mondays: 5:30 pm guided tour added
For $20, tour guides escort you through the theater, speakeasy, and tavern. Also, learn about the smuggling tunnels and basement bunker utilized by the owner of the building, who himself was a bootlegger. Inspect up close original features of the building that hid the speakeasy for security purposes, and see the bomb triggers that were at the entrance of the smuggling and escape tunnels, installed to destruct in the event of a raid.
North River Lobster Company
Website: www.northriverlobsterco.com
Hours: Check website for exact cruise times
North River Lobster is open Thursdays through Sundays from noon until late. Bring your friends, set sail on their unique boat, have drinks, and enjoy a full menu. Take in the fresh sea air while looking at the New York City skyline from the Hudson River aboard the lobster shack on the water. Buy individual passes for only $10 each online or in-person at the Pier 81 box office. You can also purchase a pass that allows you to board as many times as you want all season! No reservations needed. People who've reviewed and commented on North River had everything good to say about the sunset, skyline, food, spirits, and sea air.
New York City Ferry
Website: www.ferry.nyc
Hours: Check website for schedules
For the same price as the crowded subway, which is 2.75 one way, you can embark on a fun trip aboard the NYC Ferry operated by Hornblower. The ferry provides New Yorkers a dependable and safe alternative to the noisy, gritty subway and connects Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx along the East River. Not only NYC commuters take the ferry, but it's a must-experience attraction for visitors too. Their state-of-the-art vessels give you comfortable conveniences, including concessions and charging stations. Check the website for any canceled routes the day you plan to visit.
The Statue Of Liberty
Website: www.nps.gov/stli/index.htm
Hours: Daily: 8:30 am to 6:30 pm
There is no entrance fee but visitors must buy ferry tickets through Statue Cruises, currently 19.25 per person. It's worthwhile to mention Statue Cruises has other excursion tour packages. Visiting the Statue of Liberty on Liberty Island and the Immigration Museum on Ellis Island is a complete historical experience, so to make the most out of the visit plan to be there the entire day. The Statue of Liberty is made of copper 3/32 inch thick, equal to two US pennies stacked together and stands 305 feet tall, equivalent height of a 22-story building. Upon its completion in 1886, it was the tallest structure in New York.
Carnegie Hall
Website: www.carnegiehall.org
Hours: Varies according to showtimes
Check out exciting live shows featuring inspiring music, stellar artists, and fascinating new directions in entertainment. Carnegie Hall offers a limited number of tickets to Stern Auditorium and Perelman Stage concerts, even if the show is sold out, for only $10. Public Rush Tickets are on a first-come, first-served basis. They're available to buy on the day of the concert in person, only at the Box Office. The Box Office is open Monday through Saturday from 11 am to 6 pm, and Sunday from 12 pm to 6 pm.
National September 11 Memorial
Website: www.911memorial.org
Hours: Memorial open daily: 1 pm to 8 pm
The two reflecting pools at One World Trade Center is a reminder of the cataclysm of September 11, 2001. The breathtaking visual memorial is a must-see for any traveler. To appreciate the history and symbolism of the somber site, join their two-hour walking tour. For $19 per person, knowledgeable guides will detail the significance of the pools and share hidden facts regarding the memorial before leaving your free to pay your respects. Take in panoramic views and a live interactive history lesson to learn the meaning behind the 9/11 Memorial, what occurred on 9/11, and how people responded in the aftermath of the attacks.
Live Studio Audience Member
Website: www.nycgo.com/articles/live-tv-show-tapings-and-tickets
Hours: Varies according to show tapings
Even though shows have stopped taping in the meantime, this attraction is so cool it's worth the wait. It's free to attend live tapings of popular TV shows recorded in New York City. You'll get star-struck seeing some of your favorite TV personalities up close, and your friends at home might even see you in the audience shots. The wait for TV show tickets is lengthy, so it's best to write in advance or reserve online far before you plan to attend. Still, many shows have a standby list if you don't mind waiting in line. Take part in a live studio audience for shows like The Daily Show with Trevor Noah, Good Morning America, The Rachel Ray Show, Saturday Night Live, The View, and many more. The link above will take you to the NYC: The Official Guide website for more details on shows, showtimes, and other information. Check nyc.go to sign-up for notifications on when your favorite shows are playing.
Prospect Park
Website: www.prospectpark.org
Hours: Daily: 5 am to 1 am (Woodlands, Parade Ground, and playgrounds close at sunset)
The Brooklyn counterpart to Central park isn't as big, but traversing its length can still feel like quite a task on your own. A twenty spot will get you a guided four-hour foraging hike led by "wildman" Steve Brill walking you through less accessible areas of the park. He'll show you how to seek out wild-grown seasonal foods like berries, mushrooms, sweet parsnips, and burdock root. Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, who designed the famed Central Park, also put their stamp on the 526-acre Prospect Park. Prospect Park is full of family-friendly activities like pedal boats, skating rink, carousel, and much more.
As you can see, there is plenty to do in New York City, and it won't cost you a pretty penny. A reminder before planning to attend any NYC attraction, familiarize yourself and your family with the COVID 19 regulations. Look at the businesses' website for updated information regarding closings re-openings and amended hours related to COVID 19.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional consultation or advice related to your health or finances. No reference to an identifiable individual or company is intended as an endorsement thereof. Some or all of this article may have been generated using artificial intelligence, and it may contain certain inaccuracies or unreliable information. Readers should not rely on this article for information and should consult with professionals for personal advice.