7 Free or Cheap Things to Do in New York City

New York City is an exciting and bustling place. There is so much to see and do in New York City that you'll never run out of things to keep you busy. That said, New York City can be expensive. Broadway show tickets can cost over $100 and admission to some of the museums can be steep. But if you know where to look, you can find lots of things to do in New York City that don't cost a lot, or even better are free!

Visit MoMA on Target Free Family Nights
The Museum of Modern Art, or more commonly known as MoMA, is one of the world's great museums. It's a must see for any trip to New York City. And while the $20 admission price is well worth it to see the impressive collection of modern art, in this economy the admission price might be out of the reach of a lot of people. But if you visit MoMA on Fridays between 4pm and 8pm you will get free admission. You should expect lines but it's a great way to see some the MoMA for free.

Download free NYC walking tours to your iPhone or iPhone
Login to Apple's iTunes store and download GPSMyCity.com's free New York City walking tours app. The free app features interactive maps and several self guided walking tours of New York City. Get the free app at http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/new-york-map-and-walking-tours/id350105605?mt=8.

Attend the taping of a TV show
There are many hit talk shows that are filmed in New York City. David Letterman, Wendy Williams, Dr. Oz, , The View and many more all filmed here and tickets to be part of the studio audience are free. Check out http://www.nytix.com/Links/TV for a list of available shows.

Take a tour of Central Park
The Central Park Conservancy offers free tours of Central Park such as Conservatory Garden Tour, Amble Through the Ramble, and other tours. Check out the The Central Park Conservancy's website at http://www.centralparknyc.org for times and dates.

Listen to music and explore the art at American Folk Art Museum's Free Music Fridays
Every Friday from 5:30 to 7:30 the American Folk Art Museum hosts Free Music Fridays. Admission to the museum's galleries is free and there's also free musical performances in the museum's atrium.

Grab lunch at Gray's Papaya
A New York institution, Gray's Papaya has several locations in Manhattan where they serve their famous Recession Special" which is two hot dogs and a refreshing papaya drink for only $4.45.

Take a free road trip to IKEA
If you're looking to get out of the City for a few hours, you should head to the beautiful Elizabeth, New Jersey! Elizabeth is home to the area's IKEA, the Swedish furniture chain that is famous for it's Billy bookcases and many other unpronounceable things that you never knew you needed until you saw them.

Every Saturday and Sunday IKEA offers free bus service from the Port Authority in Manhattan for the 30 minute trip to the store (and free return service, too). You can shop tax free and eat at the IKEA restaurant that, surprisingly, serves good and inexpensive food. Try the Swedish meatballs with mashed potatoes and a side of Lingonberry preserves for only $3.99. And if you're looking for some time to shop without the kids, IKEA offers free childcare while you shop (and eat)!