• Saint Patrick's Cathedral, a NYC attraction.Cathedral In New York image by Cooltails from Fotolia.com
  
  While it's true that most of the major New York City tourist attractions cost a fortune, budget travelers can get around the tourist traps with a little ingenuity. For example, avoid the long lines and hefty fees of sites like the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building and opt instead for a free ride on the Staten Island Ferry, where picturesque views and important landmarks can be seen from a distance.
  
  

Brooklyn Botanic Garden

• Treat yourself to an escape from the crowded city streets with a trip to the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, where 52 acres of beauteous landscape will captivate your senses and bring a little Zen to your New York city vacation. As of 2010, regular adult admission is $8 on most days with free admission offered all day on Tuesdays and from 10:00 a.m. until noon on Saturdays. From November 17 -- March 2, admission is free on weekdays. Tourists planning to visit the Brooklyn Museum can save even more by purchasing an Art and Garden ticket for $16, which includes admission to both the garden and the museum.
  
  Brooklyn Botanic Garden
  
  1000 Washington Ave.
  
  Brooklyn, NY 11225
  
  718-623-7200
  
  bbg.org
  
  

Saint Patrick's Cathedral

• Take a free tour of Saint Patrick's Cathedral, stop inside to light a candle or join a mass, or simply enjoy its Gothic beauty from the outside. One of New York City's architectural landmarks, Saint Patrick's Cathedral holds a fascinating 150-year history in the city's Catholic community. Saint Patrick's Cathedral is located on Fifth Avenue, between 50th and 51st Streets.
  
  Saint Patrick's Cathedral
  
  460 Madison Ave.
  
  New York, NY 10022
  
  212-753-2261
  
  saintpatrickscathedral.org
  
  

Carnegie Hall

• Since Tchaikovsky's opening-night performance at Carnegie Hall in 1891, the venue has been a top destination for anyone who enjoys orchestral performances, chamber music, jazz, choral music or musical theater. A true treasure for New York City music lovers, Carnegie Hall presents more than 180 concerts each year. Clever locals and tourists on a budget can catch a concert at Carnegie Hall for a fraction of the regular price by purchasing RUSH tickets for that evening's show. Go to the box office, located at 57th Street and Seventh Avenue, after noon for $10 tickets to that night's performance. Another option is to purchase Partial View tickets at half off the regular ticket price.
  
  Carnegie Hall
  
  881 Seventh Ave.
  
  New York, NY 10019
  
  212-903-9600
  
  carnegiehall.org
  
  

Queens Museum of Art

• The Queens Museum of Art packs plenty of art and educational exhibits and programs into a relatively small space at a fraction of the admission cost of many New York City museums. Exhibits range from mid-20th century American photography to Tiffany Glass collections. As of 2010, admission is by suggested donation of $5 for adults and $2.50 for seniors and children. The museum is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Wednesday through Sunday, the museum is open from noon until 6:00 p.m. The museum offers free hour-long tours on Sundays at 2:00, 3:00 and 4:00 p.m.
  
  Queens Museum of Art
  
  New York City Building
  
  Flushing Meadows Corona Park
  
  Queens, NY 11368
  
  718-592-9700
  
  queensmuseum.org