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[title]Carnegie Hall
If you're between the ages of 20 and 40, you're eligible for the Notables Program; $20 annually guarantees you a pair of $20 tickets for every performance throughout the year. Even if you don't qualify, you can still score seats on the cheap: Stop by the box office at least a half hour before it opens to snag $10 day-of discount passes. Just make sure to arrive extra early for popular or sold-out shows. 154 W 57th St between Sixth and Seventh Aves (212-247-7800, carnegiehall.org)
Metropolitan Museum of Art
Savvy museumgoers who splurge on a Met Net membership can hit up both the Cloisters and the museum's principal location as often as they like, while also receiving invites to special exhibition viewings (held when the institutions are closed to the city's hoi polloi). And if you're balking at the $70 fee, just think of it as making up for all those times you sheepishly gave the ticket clerk a buck in exchange for a day's worth of peeping priceless art. Bonus: You're granted access to the exclusive Members Dining Room, which overlooks Central Park, and you receive a 10 percent discount on purchases from the Met Store. 1000 Fifth Ave at 82nd St (212-535-7710, metmuseum.org)
Metropolitan Opera
Opera buffs who don't want to fork over a lot of money have multiple options at this world-class institution. Twenty bucks will get you either a weekday rush ticket (if you can spare four hours to wait in line) or a standing-room ticket. Alternately, you can take your chances with the online weekend-rush lotto, which could win you a $25 seat in the orchestra or grand tier. Between 10am and 11:59am on the Monday before you want to go, check to see which performances are available and enter your details. Winners and wait-list names are pulled at noon on Tuesday, and tickets must be purchased by 5pm the next day. Lincoln Center Plaza at 65th St (212-362-6000, metoperafamily.org)
Museum of Modern Art
Instead of blowing $25 on one day's admission, invest in an annual $85 individual membership. VIP perks include skipping the entry-ticket line, free access to film screenings and a 10 percent discount at the museum's stores and restaurants. If you're still not sold, here's one other benefit: The museum often gives members early viewing slots to blockbuster exhibits, such as "De Kooning: A Retrospective," so you can view the works in relative peace and quiet. 11 W 53rd St between Fifth and Sixth Aves (212-748-9400, moma.org)
New York Botanical Garden
Shell out for a $75 membership to this lush oasis, and you'll enjoy access to its 250 acres anytime you like. This comes in especially handy during the holiday season: The garden reserves special members-only days for its big exhibits, including the Holiday Train Show. Bronx River Pkwy at Fordham Rd, Bronx (718-817-8700, nybg.org)