Festivals and events in New York: Cheap NYC activities

Free and cheap tickets to NYC's best museums? It's possible! One of the benefits of living in or visiting New York City is all the incredible cultural institutions and museums are at your beck-and-call like The Metropolitan Museum Of Art, MoMA or the Guggenheim. They are among the finest in the world—there’s just one hitch: They’re often pricey to get into. Unlike cities such as London or Washington, D.C., New York isn’t big on publicly funded museums, which is too bad, especially if you actually live here and have to pay most of your wages on food and rent. Granted, there are senior and student discounts, and memberships that let you get in gratis if you’re willing to pay for the annual fee. There is one alternative, however: most museums offer free hours or days and pay-what-you-wish admission. You just have to know where and when they are. We’ve got the info you need in our guide to all the free museum days and cheap admission in NYC you should know about, whether you live here or are planning a visit. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best museums in NYC

New York is a hotbed of artistic expression. The city’s art museums—including The Metropolitan Museum Of Art, the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) and the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum—display some of the best artists spanning centuries. And with more than 1,000 galleries, you can check out the latest and greatest artists at any time, in all mediums from painting to sculpture. You’ll find the best galleries in NYC concentrated in Chelsea, but also Brooklyn and Queens to the Upper and Lower East Sides of Manhattan. Visit NYC’s legendary art galleries and you’ll see some of the best artists from around the world.

If these 4:30pm sunsets in NYC are getting you down, this new immersive experience at Genesis House might be just the antidote. Called STARSCAPE, this light installation explores the beauty of darkness and the wonders of the cosmos.   The walk-through exhibit was designed by Ethan Tobman, who is known for his visual storytelling as creative director of The Eras Tour. But unlike Taylor Swift's concerts, this experience is completely free to see with no tickets required. Tobman drew inspiration from Dongji, the Korean Winter Solstice, to craft an awe-inspiring journey through the longest night of the year. RECOMMENDED: Feel ASMR tingles at this immersive holiday art experience coming to NYC When you step inside this Meatpacking District venue, you'll head downstairs into a luxe lounge before walking into the darkened exhibition area. First, take note of the panels hanging from the ceiling, each becoming the backdrop for colorful designs. Then, notice the geometric light fixtures along the ceiling that coordinate with colorful bursts. These 590 glowing lights re-create the constellations that illuminate Seoul and New York, showing a nightly connection between the distant cities. Photograph: By Rossilynne Skena Culgan for Time Out New York Finally, step into the main event, a captivating light show zooming through the journey of an evening star. Unlike other immersive experiences, the displays aren't just beamed from a projector. Instead, these LED projections take over...

Groups! Can’t live with ‘em, can’t try almost everything on the menu in one sitting without 'em! Ok, maybe some can, but many will, at one point, still need to find restaurants perfect for large parties celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, big promotions, belated or pre-lated holidays and general getting the band back together events.  Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx and Staten Island each have options for your next fête, and these are our favorites for those expanded occasions. Most allow you to book space for up to six via conventional platforms, save for noted exceptions that go up to about ten, and all have room for more when you connect via email or phone. RECOMMENDED: See all of the best restaurants in NYC

Under the sticky heat of the afternoon sun yesterday, dozens of fully nude models and artists (some of them nude, as well), gathered in Union Square for the final NYC Bodypainting Day. Each painter brought their artistic vision to life on the exquisite canvas of the human body, with some designs featuring intricate patterns and others with bold sweeping decorations.  Artist Andy Golub founded the annual event a decade ago and said this year would be the last for NYC Bodypainting Day in this form. It's likely that the news of the last hurrah attracted some of the throngs of onlookers who gathered around to watch the painters at work. Other attendees stumbled upon the event as they passed through the park, some suppressing surprised gasps or nervous giggles.  RECOMMENDED: This NYC vegan dinner party requires you to have dinner naked The event celebrates the human body in all of its beautiful shapes, sizes, genders, ethnicities and ages (ranging from the 20s to the 80s at the event). Artists carefully wield paintbrushes to cover their subjects from head to toe in theatrical makeup.  "I wanted people to take a moment and really celebrate humanity," Golub told Time Out New York. "I think the event is really about spreading joy and feeling joy." When thinking back on the first bodypainting day, Golub describes it as "magical" with "this incredible feeling of positivity."  Ten years later, that energy imbued this year's event as well. While this is farewell to NYC Bodypainting...

Although many will be celebrating the New Year on December 31, New Yorkers know that's really just the beginning of a month of parties. A few weeks later, starting on January 29, the city will be out again for the Lunar New Year, a holiday that originated in China and is celebrated in many countries with large Chinese diasporic populations, including Vietnam and Malaysia. The holiday lasts roughly two weeks and, in New York, it will end with a giant parade featuring lion dancers, drummers and other performers in Chinatown on February 16.  RECOMMENDED: Why are the New Year's Eve fireworks canceled in NYC? This upcoming Lunar New Year is the year of the snake, which applies to those born in 1941, 1953, 1977, 1989, 2001 and 2013. In the Chinese zodiac, the snake represents wisdom and transformation, since the animals tend to shed their skins. That is all to say: this year might be a good time to let go of the past and fully lean into your future self.  The Lunar New Year parade in 2025 will start at 1pm on Mott and Canal Streets on Chatham Square and will continue through East Broadway before ending next to Sara D. Roosevelt Park. One of the best parts of the parade is seeing the lion dancers perform in front of different small businesses across Chinatown, a tradition that seeks to bring them good luck and abundance in the coming year. According to ABC News, over 25,000 people are expected to join in on the celebration.  It's never too early to plan, so make sure to keep an...

As more people abandon in-person shopping in favor of online retail, previously beloved brick-and-mortar stores have been closing all over the city. The latest casualty? The beloved Amsterdam-based luxury streetwear brand, Daily Paper, which just announced it will be closing and selling its NYC flagship on the corner of Chrystie and Delancey on the Lower East Side. Even if you've never entered the store, you'd definitely recognize the building's exterior: it's become a staple of the Downtown streetscape with an eye-catching facade decorated with more than 13,000 flattened aluminum cans that pay homage to Afro-futurism and Dutch architecture. RECOMMENDED: Why the claw machine arcade is NYC's hottest spot right now The flagship's closure announcement coincides with an announcement that the brand's revenue dropped to just above $14 million in the 2023-24 fiscal year, per FashionUnited—a slight growth in profits, but apparently not enough to keep the New York store open. Daily Paper attributes the closure to low revenue in the American market and the increasing operational costs required to keep its NYC store open. The two-story, 1,140 square-foot space opened in 2020 and was Daily Paper's first location outside of Amsterdam. It was designed in partnership with 4Plus Design, a firm that decked out the interior with mosaic, arches, glass floors, murals and an elegant juice and coffee bar lounge. Daily Paper was created in 2012 by Hussein Suleiman, Abderrahmane Trabsini, and...

Don’t scoff, jaded New Yorker—there are a lot of free things to do in NYC today. We understand: When you live in the most expensive city in the world, it’s hard to imagine how anything in this town could be gratis. But guess what? Every event on this list is free and actually awesome! That’s right, we found the free art exhibitions, comedy shows, cultural celebrations and NYC park activities, so you can have the time of your life without paying a dime. Whether you’re looking for fun date ideas or something to do with visiting relatives, we got you. Do you want more great stories about things to do, where to eat, what to watch, and where to party? Obviously you do, follow Time Out New York on Facebook for the good stuff.RECOMMENDED: See all free things to do in NYC

Let’s face it: NYC is expensive, both for visitors and locals. For those of us living here in the city, we’re constantly choosing between going out and, say, paying rent. While it’s certainly nice to splurge on one of the best restaurants in NYC, the reality is that we mostly have to focus on cheap eats and happy hour deals. We’re here to help: when it comes to going out in the city, you can still have fun without facing a hefty price tag. There are plenty of cheap things to do in NYC to fill your days without emptying your wallet. Some are even worthy cheap date ideas, if you’re looking. Simply walking the streets of New York can make for an entertaining day out, but if you look closely you can find fabulous things to without paying a fortune. Did you know that some of NYC’s top attractions are also affordable? Or how about comedy — a good laugh doesn’t have to cost much. Manhattan and Brooklyn have beautiful parks to stroll, and for a small fee you can get around on a bike or a boat. You can catch free shows from up-and-coming bands, or catch a movie for under $10. Entertainment in NYC can be cheap, or even free, so get out there and have some fun! RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best things to do in NYC 

Within Grand Central Terminal, find the New York Transit Museum's 20th annual Holiday Train Show, an ode to all kinds of locomotives. You'll feel positively giant while wandering around the 34-foot-long display, festooned with miniature versions of city landmarks such as the Brooklyn Bridge and the Empire State Building. Watch as Lionel model trains depart from a miniature replica of Grand Central. Then they travel over the river (the East River, to be exact) and through the wood to reach their final destination, the North Pole. The Holiday Train Show will be on view at Grand Central Terminal through February 2025. The free show is open Monday-Friday, 10am-7:30pm; Saturday-Sunday, 10am-6pm; and closed major holidays. Find it in the shuttle passage on 42nd Street and Park Avenue, adjacent to the Station Master’s Office.

In New York City, it's becoming increasingly difficult to find cocktails under $18 (let alone, cheap things to do)— the idea of spending the same amount on a mixed drink as you might on a main course is absolutely ludicrous. But affordable imbibing doesn’t have to just take place at the best dive bars in NYC (love them though we do) or during an afternoon happy hour. Need proof? Consult our guide to the best cheap bars for lovers of beer, cocktails and pretty much anything with an ABV. (And if you want some top-notch cheap eats after those cheap drinks, we've got your back, too.) RECOMMENDED: Full guide to best bars in NYC

No matter where you are or where you work in New York, you’re probably stressed out. As great as our fair city is — with so many amazing things to do, fabulous restaurants and top-notch bars — it’s hard to find time to chill out. Taking a weekend getaway or relaxing on a nearby beach are good ways to relax, but often we need serenity NOW (and let’s face it: sometimes planning that beach trip or weekend getaway can lead to even more stress!). A relaxing spa treatment can be just the thing for a quick fix. Problem is, most of us can’t afford the luxurious spas that promise instant bliss. Fortunately there are a number of spots for affordable spa treatments in NYC. Whether it’s a facial, a massage, a mani-pedi or a body scrub, one to two hours at a spa will give you the re-set you need. You’ll feel refreshed and glowing in no time. When was the last time you treated yourself? We think now is the time to get that affordable spa treatment. If you’re looking for more affordable ways to unwind, take a calming stroll through one of New York’s parks, or get a scoop of sweet, refreshing ice cream and tune out for a while before getting back to the hustle and bustle. RECOMMENDED: Find more spas in NYC

Opened in 1938, this basement joint doles out old-fashioned Chinese-American dishes like chop suey and sweet-and-sour pork.

New Yorkers might know their city like the back of their hand, but there are some hidden pockets of NYC still to be discovered. There’s always something new taking the place of something old in NYC, but luckily for us, there’s still a plethora of old places to explore, you just have to know where to look. From historic residential groves and tiny roads that have been left behind by the requirements for vehicle traffic to alleyways that were only used for horses and carriages back in the day, below are 10 amazing hidden streets in NYC you can visit right now. RECOMMENDED: Secret NYC: 26 speakeasies, underground gigs and more 1. Washington Mews (Greenwich Village) Photograph: Shaye Weaver/Time Out A private, gated (but often open) street just north of Washington Square Park, between Fifth Avenue and University Place, is a trip back in time to the day of row houses and stables. These mews (a row of stables) serviced horses from homes in the neighborhood during the 18th and 19th centuries and some were also were homes. Around 1950, NYU rented most of these buildings and converted them into faculty housing and offices.  2. Doyers Street (Chinatown) Photograph: Shutterstock Once known as the Bloody Angle, Doyers Street is a 200-foot-long curved street between Pell Street to Bowery that was once one of the deadliest streets. Sure, it’s full of restaurants like Nom Wah Tea Parlor, barbershops and other stores now, but during the early 20th century, it was the site of numerous...

We really like eating around the city, and we're guessing you do, too. So lucky for all of us, we've packed all our favorite restaurants under one roof at the Time Out Market New York. The DUMBO location in Empire Stores has fried chicken from Jacob’s Pickles, pizza from Fornino, delicious bagels from Ess-a-bagel and more amazing eateries—all cherry-picked by us. Chow down over two floors with views of the East River, Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan skyline.  RECOMMENDED: The best things do in NYC

You know the saying: “A picture is worth a thousand words,” and at the International Center of Photography Museum is where you should go to immerse yourself in the world visual storytelling. The institution caters to a wide audience—not merely shutterbugs and Instagram-fans.  The library at ICP houses back issues of photography magazines and thousands of biographical and photographic files. Photojournalism is an important part of the center's program, which also includes contemporary photos and video. The two floors of exhibition space often showcase retrospectives devoted to single artists. Plus, if you’re more comfortable holding a camera than picking up a paintbrush, the International Center of Photography is the art school for you. The renowned school offers classes for teens and adults on every aspect of film and digital photography, from shutter speeds to editing your images in Photoshop. There’s even a workshop on iPhone photography.

After graduating from NYU in 2006, Milwaukee native Kate Goldwater opened this funky shop, featuring a curated selection of vintage and thrift clothing ($5–$25) and accessories ($3–$30) that are easy on the eyes and the wallet. Most pieces inside are $30 or less and her finds are perfectly on-trend, which means you’ll find plenty of ’80s and ’90s pieces right now.  

There's no denying that New York City during the holiday season is downright magical. But there's also no denying that it's downright expensive. That's why we relish any free seasonal splendor we can find, and there's a very special example of that opening this week.  NYC's only free holiday train show is reopening in Grand Central Terminal on November 14. As hulking locomotives chug into and out of the transit hub, miniature versions of the trains will click-clack along a stunning model train display—and you can see it all for free!  RECOMMENDED: Christmas in New York: Best things to do for a magical time this holiday season This beloved holiday exhibit features Lionel model trains traveling along a 34-foot long, two-level, "O" gauge model train layout. The New York Transit Museum has set up this spectacular showcase each year for the past two decades, and considering their dedication to transit history, you can expect to be impressed. Photograph: By Ben Hider / Courtesy of New York Transit Museum Departing from a miniature replica of Grand Central Terminal, the Transit Museum's collection of model trains, including Metro-North, Polar Express and vintage subway train sets, zip past New York landmarks and onto the North Pole.  "The Holiday Train Show is a family tradition, providing a sparkling and joyful place for our customers and visitors to be delighted by the magic of miniature trains and vibrant artwork," New York Transit Museum Director Concetta Bencivenga said...

Homelessness is a serious issue around the country, especially in NYC. As temperatures drop, the situation becomes even more dire. Fortunately there are organizations working tirelessly to help the homeless, and you can get involved. Whether you want to give back through a holiday volunteer opportunity or, even better, commit to volunteering regularly, here are some amazing non-profit organizations that help the homeless in NYC. These organizations offer shelter and counseling, advocate for fair housing, provide job training, serve meals and more, all to benefit the homeless. Contact each organization directly to find out what kind of volunteer work they need most. Some may need people with a particular skill set, others just need donations, and others need hands-on help. Volunteering is an incredibly rewarding thing to do, and helping the homeless is an urgent and constant need. If you wish to include homeless animals in your volunteer search, check out these pet adoption organizations in NYC. RECOMMENDED: Where to volunteer in NYC

At this massive art institution, find the classics in contemporary art (Picasso, Matisse, Pollock), alongside art by new and up-and-coming artists, with a special focus on women and artists of color. The museum covers a whopping 708,000 square feet, and every inch is packed with paintings, sculptures and films. The galleries are divided by era, so you can literally walk through the evolution of modern art.

Ditch the drink minimum! You don’t need to shell out cash at these free comedy shows in NYC. The city has an embarrassment of riches when it comes to comedy—on any given night, you can hit up some of NYC’s best comedy clubs to see sets from the city’s best-rising comedians, along with well-established names—but you can also find hella funny sets around the city for nothing! Check out our rundown of free shows in town, which will satisfy die-hard fans of comedy podcasts and even clue you into budding comics in on the best open-mic nights in town. RECOMMENDED: See all free things to do in NYC

Dating back to 1938, B&H is one of the last beloved vestiges of its era in the East Village. Its storefront is narrow but hard to miss beneath its vintage-style sign, and the slip inside tracks more as cozy than cramped. Squeeze up to the counter and choose from a menu longer than the spot’s footprint, featuring tons of omelets and egg plates, potato pancakes, knishes, heaping sandwiches and salad platters. 

Looking for some classic summer fun? Roller coasters and thrill rides are not just for kids, and there are a slew of amusement parks near NYC where you can chase those heart-palpitating plunges and scream-inducing twists that take you back to your carefree days. Hitting up an amusement park can be as easy as taking the subway to Coney Island, but go a little further—say, New Jersey or Pennsylvania—and you’re in for even more thrills. You might encounter hordes of teens or families during peak times, but that’s all part of the fun. If you’re not into the jaw-dropping speeds and dizzying heights of an amusement park, there are plenty of thrilling day trips from NYC that don’t involve near-death feelings. If you need a little down time after getting jazzed up with all that amusement park stimulation, check out one of NYC’s hotel pools open to the public.

As big fans of this treasure trove of modern and vintage finds, we’re ecstatic that Brooklyn mainstay Beacon’s Closet (which has stores in Williamsburg and Park Slope) opened up shop in Manhattan. The simple space is adorned with three large chandeliers crafted from buttons by engineer Doug Newton and features one wall covered in dark, floral wallpaper. Although it’s half the size of the nearly 5,000-square-foot Williamsburg location, the Manhattan storefront boasts plentiful racks packed with retired closet duds consigned by locals, many of whom are trendy college kids from nearby schools. You’ll likely come across designer goods such as a Christian Dior cropped blazer ($25) or a Marc Jacobs men’s corduroy jacket ($30), although castaways from chains like H&M and Charlotte Russe are also in the mix. The store is abundant in one-of-a-kind accessories, including funky United Nude orange-and-red checkered booties ($50), but also stocks simpler shoes such as guys’ Gourmet red suede sneakers ($18). Drop by and exchange your own gently worn, in-season clothes for 35 percent of the resale value in cash, or 55 percent of store credit for your next purchase.

According to history buffs, in 1904, O. Henry wrote “The Gift of the Magi” in what was then a quiet Gramercy pub. Today it’s three deep at the bar, and O. Henry would have a hard time parking it anywhere. Though Pete’s—a Civil War–era survivor—draws its share of tourists, you’ll also rub shoulders with neighborhood types who slide into the wooden booths to snack on affordable Italian eats with standard suds (16 beers on tap include a hoppy house ale) bubbling in frosty mugs.