New York, New York is a city full of historic, cultural and entertaining activities. With a reputation as one of the most expensive cities in the United States, it can sometimes be difficult to stay on a budget while still enjoying what New York City has to offer. There are, however, tons of activities in the Big Apple that won’t break your budget.

Gardens and Parks

Most people have heard of New York City’s Central Park, Washington Square Park or Battery Park. There are actually over thirty different parks and garden spread across New York’s different neighborhoods that welcome locals and visitors to take a break from the brick and mortar jungle in a serene, green environment. These beautiful parks and gardens do not charge an admission fee and the larger destinations like Central Park provide free, downloadable walking tour maps on their respective websites. You could easily spend an entire day visiting great hidden gem parks like Manhattan’s High Line Park without spending a dime on your fun.

Rockefeller Center

There are so many attractions, exhibits, tours and landmarks at, in and on Rockefeller Center that you would need to put more effort into not finding an activity to suit your budget than the adverse. Rockefeller Center is home to several tours, including the ‘Top of the Rock’ tour ($15 for adults) that takes visitors to the rooftop observation deck of the prodigious landmark and the more expensive Arts and Observation tour ($30) that walks visitors through the impressive collection of art that makes its home at Rockefeller Center. If you visit New York City during the magical winter months, you can also stay on your budget by going for a spin at the world famous ice rink at Rockefeller Center. You can purchase a private lesson or arrange a special event for a sizeable fee, but the public skating is extremely affordable, especially if you own a pair of ice skates.

New York Public Library

If you want to experience literature like never before, you have to visit the New York Public Library. This destination encompasses one of the most important cultural, historic and architectural landmarks in New York City. Admittance is free and residents of New York can apply for a library card that gives them fuller access to the library’s resources. While some may say that a library isn’t a fun activity, once they set foot inside this incredible building and experience the breath taking amount of history housed here they are sure to change their tune. At the New York Public Library you can view rare items like the Guttenberg Bible and, in June and July, the original Declaration of Independence. Anyone who loves history, books, architecture or antiques will have a great time taking in all that the New York Public Library has to offer.

The best free activity in New York City is to simple walk around the different areas and experience the diverse, vibrant and alive atmosphere of this one of a kind city. There are so many museums, concerts, exhibits and incredible window shopping scattered in every corner of New York, you’re sure to find the perfect fit for your interests and budget.