Times are hard and unless you are from an affluent family or just got lucky, a lot of us don’t have the ability to drop a week’s worth of a paycheck on a date… especially when you pay rent in New York City or are disproportionately paid less than your white, cisgender, straight, able-bodied, neurotypical, etc. (or all of the above!) counterparts.

Here are five things to do with a date in NYC between $20 and $30!

1. Go to a Concert

New York City has live music every single day, it’s really a matter of figuring out which band, instrumentalist or singer you would like to see. One way to figure out who you want to see is using Bands in Town, a website dedicated to as its name suggests.

This isn’t a sponsored story. We actually like this website because 1) we can keep an eye on the performers we love and 2) we can find a concert last minute for an affordable price.

Going to a concert isn’t for everyone, of course, but for those who love to see live music, this one's for you. (Please make sure you're vaccinated and get tested before and after the concert. Your safety is important to us)

2. Take a Walking Tour or Hop on a Tour Bus

While there are the tours that will take you to the tourist spots, there are also tours that are extremely niche. For example, there are ghost tours, bar tours, history tours, movie tours and more.

NYC is a HUGE city with a LOT of history (both good and bad) so there is much to learn and to see. By taking your date on a tour, you both will be able to enjoy each other's company while learning something new.

Perk: a lot of the tours are on Groupon and other money saving websites.

3. Take a Day Trip Somewhere

Visit the Greyhound and Amtrak websites and choose the cheapest round trip tickets to a place that neither of you have been to before. This may not be a great first date idea because the thought of leaving the city with a stranger is a little scary, tbh, but it is a great adventure for an established couple.

When you get to your destination of choice, you have endless options: visit their local museum, walk around to see the sights, go hiking (if applicable), eat at a restaurant, and more. If the place is a dud, well, then both of you have something to laugh about.

4. Wine or Beer Tasting

This date is for those of legal drinking age and for those who consume alcohol, obviously.

There are countless wine and beer tasting offerings around the city, just choose one! This is a great way to find something new that you love (or hate)!

Perk: a lot of these tastings are offered on Groupon and other money saving websites.

5. NYC Cruise

The city is incredibly beautiful and famous for its architecture. There are several cruises that sail up and down the skyline for an affordable price. At the time of writing this, it’s very, very cold; however, the view of the NYC skyline is breathtaking nonetheless and it may be worth it to layer up and brave the cold.