Tucked between Murray Hill and Gramercy, Kips Bay isn’t always the first name that comes up when talking about New York City adventures—but it should be, especially if you’re looking to explore the city without draining your wallet. This East Side neighborhood offers a surprising number of affordable gems, from no-frills eateries to peaceful escapes. Whether you’re a local on the hunt for a low-cost weekend plan or a visitor avoiding Midtown prices, here are five underrated places to check out in Kips Bay.
1. Bellevue South Park
First Ave & E 27th St
Looking for a break from the city bustle? Bellevue South Park is a quiet corner perfect for reading, relaxing, or people-watching. While small in scale, it’s large in charm. Locals treat it as a community living room, where you’ll see families with strollers, teenagers shooting hoops, and neighborhood dogs out on lazy afternoon walks. Bonus: it’s one of the best maintained parks in the area, and ideal for a free outdoor moment in NYC.
2. Kalustyan’s
123 Lexington Ave
You don’t have to spend a fortune to go on a global food tour. Kalustyan’s, a Middle Eastern and international grocery shop, has been serving spices, teas, and rare pantry finds since 1944. You can pick up small bags of exotic spices for a couple bucks, or grab a warm samosa from the upstairs deli. Just walking through the packed shelves is an experience in itself—and costs you nothing unless temptation wins.
3. School of Visual Arts (SVA) Galleries
209 E 23rd St
Art lovers, take note. The SVA student and alumni galleries offer free exhibitions that rival what you’ll find at some major museums. You never know what you’ll stumble into—photography showcases, sculpture installations, digital art pieces. It’s a fantastic way to see what the next generation of creatives is up to, and you won’t need to spend a dime.
4. Shake Shack (Kips Bay Location)
600 Third Ave
While Shake Shack might not seem like a hidden gem, this specific location near Kips Bay is usually less crowded than the Madison Square Park flagship. And when it comes to cheap eats that still feel like a treat, the Shackburger never disappoints. Grab a burger and sit at a nearby bench—it’s the kind of casual NYC experience that proves good food doesn’t need to be expensive or overhyped.
5. Dover Street Market Sample Sale (Seasonal Pop-Up)
160 Lexington Ave
If your timing is right, you might stumble upon one of the elusive Dover Street Market sample sales held in pop-up venues around the neighborhood. Fashion insiders know this is where high-end and avant-garde labels slash prices down to near fast-fashion levels. Keep an eye on social media and local listings—scoring a designer jacket at 80% off is very Kips Bay-on-a-budget energy.
Whether you’re seeking a quiet green space, some culture, or cheap food with flavor, Kips Bay offers more than meets the eye. Its underrated appeal is exactly what makes it worth exploring—especially if you’re trying to enjoy the best of New York City without spending like a tourist.
