Save money in New York this summer

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For travelers considering a trip to New York City this summer, there’s plenty to do in the city that never sleeps. They’ll be in good company, too: The city is expected to welcome 63.3 million visitors in 2023.

NYC Travel + Meetings, the official destination marketing organization and convention and visitors bureau for the five boroughs of New York City, is highlighting a series of free and affordable experiences for visitors to enjoy this summer.

“New York City has something for everyone, no matter your interests, length of travel or budget, with more sights and activities than almost anywhere in the world,” said Fred Dixon, New York City President and CEO. More than any other city.” NYC Travel + Conference. “During the summer, New York City is filled with street festivals, outdoor dining and cultural events, in addition to the beautiful parks, beaches and green spaces. We invite visitors to make the most of the value of visiting New York in the summer and enjoy the many great things all five boroughs have to offer free and affordable events.”

Here are some upcoming free or low-cost events:

annual event

  • SummerStreets returns on select Saturdays this summer, offering miles and miles of open streets for people to play, walk and bike. The show will air July 29 in Queens and Staten Island; August 5, 12 and 19 in Manhattan; August 26 in Brooklyn and the Bronx.
  • The 48th annual Harlem Week, August 10-20, will highlight the neighborhood’s rich cultural heritage with festivities including live music, dance performances, dining, shopping and more.
  • Take the subway (only $2.75 one way) to Brooklyn for the West Indies America Day Mardi Gras, which opens Aug. 31. Festivities culminate in a September 4th parade.

Celebrating the Origins of Hip Hop

  • Hip-hop music started 50 years ago on August 11th, 1973. Celebrations include free concerts such as “The Birth of a Culture,” Master Flash and Friends Concert August 4 at Crotona Park in the Bronx and BRIC Hip – Celebrating 50 Years August 11-12 weekend.
  • Beatstro is a hip-hop-inspired Mott Haven restaurant whose menu is a fusion of Southern comfort and Puerto Rican cuisine. Enjoy happy hour from 4-8pm and Beats n’ Brunch on weekends.
  • Join a professional dance instructor for free Extended Classes at Times Square Ellie Dance, including Hip-Hop’s 50th Anniversary Celebration on August 10th.

Restaurant Week returns

  • New York Restaurant Week is back! This summer, the bi-annual meal program returns July 24-August 24. 20 Hundreds of restaurants across the five boroughs offer fixed-price menus for lunch and dinner. A full list of participating restaurants will be available July 6 at nyctourism.com/restaurantweek.

Go island hopping, beach hopping

  • The city is surrounded by water and is made up of islands. All five boroughs are connected by the New York Ferry, which costs $4 one-way.
  • Brooklyn’s waterfront Coney Island neighborhood is perhaps best known for its boardwalk, home to the Whirlwind and Thunder coasters, the Wonder Wheel, other rides and games, and Nathan’s famous hot dogs.
  • Once called “New York City’s Riviera,” Orchard Beach in the Bronx sits on the Long Island Sound with views of City Island, the borough’s fishing village.
  • Visit Manhattan’s new Isle of Park, where free waterfront views, interactive art, shows and events are available.
  • Another summer favorite is Governors Island, a car-free island with walking and biking trails, hammock groves and food trucks. Free events and workshops at the Governors Island Arts Center are held on the third Saturday of each month from May through October.
  • In Queens, the Rockaway has New York City’s only surf beach. Enjoy the sand and surf, and be sure to grab lunch at Takoway Beach.
  • Hop aboard the free Staten Island Ferry from Lower Manhattan for views of the Statue of Liberty, then visit South Beach and Midland Beach. These oceanfront communities feature beaches, 2.5 miles of boardwalk, and fishing piers.

outdoor entertainment

  • Outdoor performances are a staple of summer in New York. Central Park’s beloved Shakespeare Park presents Hamlet, free through August 6 at the Dracorette Theatre.
  • Enjoy free concerts in parks across all five boroughs featuring performances across a variety of musical genres through the First Capital City Park Foundation SummerStage.
  • BRIC celebrates Brooklyn! The Lena Horne Bandshell in Prospect Park is celebrating its 45th season. Also in this year’s lineup are free performances of NxWorries featuring Kelela (July 8); Marcia Griffiths (July 15); The Wallflower (July 27) ; Jorge Drexler (August 3); Head and Heart (August 24); and more.
  • Starting Sept. 1, you’ll be able to catch free movies at the Movies outdoor screening at Lincoln Center; and Flicks on the Beach, starting July 10, offers family-friendly viewing. Movies; and movies every Thursday, July 6-August. 24 at Brooklyn Bridge Park.

public art

  • New York City is one of the world’s great cultural capitals, from museums and galleries to extraordinary public art programs across the city.
  • The Public Art Fund provides free exhibitions of contemporary art to the public, and works are currently on display in New York City parks, bus shelters and transportation hubs, including LaGuardia Airport.

Visit nyctourism.com for more things to see and do in New York City.

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