10 Exciting Things You Can Do in NYC for $10 or Less

New York City is the most populated city in the United States, with an estimated population of 8,804,190 in 2020. It’s also the country’s most densely populated major city, with 29,091.3 people per square mile. When you think of New York City, “expensive” might be one of the first words that come to mind. The Big Apple is notorious for its pricey nature regarding Broadway tickets and fine dining. However, you may not know that you can explore the highlights around the city for less than $10. 

Not everyone is visiting NYC on big bucks, so there are some wallet-friendly options while staying in NYC. It doesn’t have to be expensive to be exciting. Here are ten awesome things to do in NYC for $10 or less to help you enjoy your NYC adventure.  

Stroll the High Line

Cost: Free.  

Tip: Best visited at sunset.

The High Line is an elevated park built on an old rail line that provides a different kind of green space in the middle of Manhattan. It’s easy to see why over 8 million visitors flock here yearly to enjoy the Hudson River and skyline views.  

Enjoy Shakespeare in the Park

Cost: Free.   

Tip: Come on early to reserve a great spot! 

Enjoy free Shakespeare in the Park open-air productions at the Delacorte Theatre in famed Central Park in the summer. These works’ performances are celebrated worldwide, and professional actors and audiences are drawn from across the globe. For more than 45 years, the Theater has welcomed over five million visitors worldwide, creating unforgettable experiences for audiences.

Kayak on the Hudson River

Cost: Free.   

During the warmer months, the Manhattan Community Boathouse offers free kayaking sessions on Pier 96 in Hudson River Park so you can see the island from the water. No experience is necessary, and these sessions include a quick safety briefing.  

The Roosevelt Island Tram

Cost: $2.90 (Use a MetroCard)  

Tip: Be sure to time your ride for sunset, as it’s a magical and photo-worthy experience.

Enjoy stunning aerial views of Manhattan and the East River for the price of a subway fare ($2.90) and ride the Roosevelt Island Tram.   

Savor a Gray’s Papaya Hot Dog

Cost: $5 for the “Recession Special.”  

Tip: Round off your hot dog with their well-known tropical drinks.

Every trip to NYC without a classic hot dog makes it not complete! Head to Gray’s Papaya for a five-buck meal–two hot dogs and a drink.   

Go for Street Food by The Halal Guys

Cost: $10 per platter.  

Tip: Only use as much hot sauce as possible because it can get hot! 

For just $10, the Halal Guys serve some of NYC’s iconic food cart chicken or gyro platters. Their portions are as satisfying as they are affordable.   

Pay-What-You-Wish Museums to Visit  

Cost: Select your donation or free during specific hours.  

Tip: Look up museum websites for schedules and updates.

Several NYC museums offer “pay-what-you-wish” admission, allowing you to experience world-class exhibits at a fraction of the cost. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Brooklyn Museum, and the American Museum of Natural History are renowned for their “pay-what-you-wish” admission policies. 

This flexible approach allows visitors to explore their world-class collections while contributing an amount of their choice, making access to exceptional exhibits more affordable and inclusive.   

Wander Through Central Park 

Cost: Free.  

Tip: Explore the Conservatory Garden and other less-known gems for a tranquil stroll.

One of the most bountiful free attractions around is Central Park. Strawberry Fields, Bethesda Fountain, and Bow Bridge are must-sees. Pack a picnic, fly a kite, or sit around people-watching in this iconic green escape.   

Visit the Staten Island Ferry

Cost: Free.

Tip: To enjoy the ride, avoid rush hours. 

Ride the Staten Island Ferry to take to the water. It’s a free commuter ferry that provides excellent views of the Statue of Liberty and Manhattan skies. 

According to the NYC Government, the ferry can accommodate 5,200 passengers and has a crew of 15. It measures 310 feet in length and 69 feet 10 inches in width, with a draft of 13 feet 6 inches. Weighing 3,335 gross tons, it boasts a service speed of 16 knots and is powered by 7,000 horsepower.

Feast on Chinatown Dumplings

Cost: $5 for 15 dumplings. 

Tip: The ultimate crispy treat is the fried dumplings.

Close your budget-friendly NYC adventure with Chinatown. At Jin Mei Dumplings, your budget can get up to 15 dumplings for $5.   

You don’t have to feel like budget travel equals passing up on stellar experiences; NYC is living proof. With these ten affordable activities, the Big Apple has something amazing for everyone—even for less than the $10 mark. Though these activities barely scratch the surface of what NYC offers, they are cultural gems and iconic treats.  
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.

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