6 Fun and Affordable Ways to Enjoy City Life with Friends, Family or a Date

Six fun and affordable ways to enjoy city life.

Inspired by my days in San Francisco—and just as fun in any city

City life can feel expensive and overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Some of my most memorable experiences in San Francisco didn’t involve fancy dinners or costly tickets—they were simple, accessible, and shared with good company. Whether you’re planning a fun outing with friends, spending quality time with family, or looking for a unique date idea, here are six activities that are low-cost, high-reward, and easy to replicate in most cities.

1. Join a Museum

Annual museum memberships are a hidden gem. In San Francisco, I paid around $100/year and gained unlimited access to exhibits, special tours, and even evening events with music, dancing, and cocktails. It’s the kind of experience that’s perfect to share with a friend or date—and a great way to support the arts while casually soaking in culture.

2. Friend the Symphony

One year, thanks to a Charles Schwab program, I became a “friend” of the San Francisco Symphony. Not only did my membership help fund access for kids, but it also encouraged me to attend more often and invite others to join. If your local symphony offers a similar program, it’s a wonderful way to give back while enjoying incredible performances.

3. Explore the Farmers Market

There’s something grounding and joyful about browsing local produce, grabbing a coffee, and soaking in the music and energy of a weekend market. I loved doing this in San Francisco and recently discovered a great one in Vancouver. Bonus points for grabbing pastries or lunch from the food trucks and people-watching in the sunshine.

4. Hit a Happy Hour

Happy hours are one of the best ways to explore your local dining scene without overspending. Whether you’re reconnecting with an old friend or meeting someone new, a shared plate and a thoughtfully crafted drink in a cozy spot can make for the perfect evening.

5. Attend a Lecture or Talk

If you’re curious and love conversation, lectures can be unexpectedly fun. I used to frequent events at the Commonwealth Club, World Economic Forum and Stanford VLab in SF. In Vancouver, I’ve found design and city planning lectures hosted by a high-end furniture store! Most are $25 or less, and they always give you something interesting to talk about afterward.

6. Celebrate Local Festivals

Cities everywhere offer free or low-cost events—from fireworks shows to street festivals. Vancouver’s Celebration of Light is one of my favorites, offering countless ways to enjoy the event, from beach picnics to boat cruises. San Francisco had a thriving festival scene too, with music, food, and community energy you can’t replicate elsewhere.

Whether you’re catching an outdoor concert or discovering a new neighborhood over a farmers market stroll, these activities have a way of making you feel more connected—to your city, to others, and to yourself. They’re the kinds of experiences that leave a lasting impression, not because they’re extravagant, but because they’re real.

I’ll never forget a man I once met through work who, after hearing about a few of these adventures, said to me, “You’re a really interesting person.” I think it was just a reflection of staying curious and saying yes to what city life had to offer.

I hope this inspires you—to find joy in your own backyard.

xx,
S