Trenton · Mercer County, NJ

Cheap things to do in Trenton

Scout analyzed 68 Trenton places and surfaced the ones that actually fit cheap day out.

Places analyzed

Matches

Typical spend

$25

Typical visit

1.4 hr

Scout-verified spots

Food & Drink

The Brookwood Cafe

The Brookwood Cafe is a solid spot for a casual weekend brunch, good for families or a relaxed meal with friends. Expect to spend about an hour and $15-25 per person on food and drink.

FoodRelaxedSocial

$15–$25 typical45 min visiteasy parking

Hanover Academy

Tracey's Kitchen LLC

Tracey's Kitchen is a good spot for a casual meal, perhaps before or after exploring downtown Trenton. Expect to spend about an hour and $10-25 per person for soul food.

FoodRelaxedSocial

$10–$25 typical1.3 hr visitmoderate parking

Food & Drink

Ristorante LUCCA & Piano Lounge

Ristorante LUCCA is a destination for a special evening meal, likely featuring live piano music. Expect a visit of around 2 hours and a high per-person cost.

FoodLive musicRomantic

$75–$150 typical1.3 hr visiteasy parking

Food & Drink

Turtle Beans Coffee LLC

This coffee shop is good for a quick stop for a drink and a light bite, perhaps before or after exploring Farnsworth Avenue. Expect to spend 30-60 minutes and $5-$15 per person.

FoodShoppingRelaxed

$5–$15 typical45 min visitmoderate parking

Food & Drink

Smachna Kawa Coffee Shop

This coffee shop is a good spot for a quick caffeine fix or a casual solo visit. Expect to spend 30-60 minutes and $5-$15 per person.

FoodShoppingRelaxed

$5–$15 typical45 min visitmoderate parking

Downtown

Skil-Lit Cafe

Skil-Lit Cafe is a good spot for a casual breakfast or brunch, perfect for a relaxed start to the day or a quick meal. Expect to spend $15-30 per person and plan for a visit lasting about an hour.

FoodRelaxedSocial

$15–$30 typical45 min visitmoderate parking

Outdoors

Baldpate Mountain

Baldpate Mountain is ideal for a 2-3 hour hike, offering scenic views and a good workout without any cost. It pairs well with a picnic or a post-hike meal nearby.

OutdoorsSportsViews

$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Nightlife

John & Peter's Place

John & Peter's Place is a casual bar and music venue, good for an evening of live bands and pub food, with an average visit lasting a couple of hours and costing around $20-$50 per person. It pairs well as a main evening event.

CocktailsLive musicFood

$20–$50 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Six Mile Run

Six Mile Run Reservoir Site

This hiking area is good for a free outdoor excursion lasting 1.5-3 hours, suitable for families or solo adventurers. It's best combined with other local activities as a half-day outing.

OutdoorsSportsViews

$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Nightlife

Firkin Tavern

Firkin Tavern is a casual pub ideal for catching a game, playing pool, or enjoying a relaxed meal on the patio. Expect to spend 1-2 hours and about $15-35 per person for food and drinks.

FoodCocktailsSports

$15–$35 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Hanover Academy

Mill Hill Park

Mill Hill Park is suitable for a free hour-long solo walk or a family outing, offering open space and views. It can be paired with a visit to nearby downtown Trenton attractions.

OutdoorsViewsRelaxed

$0 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Downtown

Capital Center

This downtown shopping mall is a quiet spot for a quick indoor stroll or light shopping, suitable for a solo break during a weekday. Expect to spend an hour and potentially a small amount if you make a purchase.

ShoppingRelaxed

$0–$20 typical1 hr visiteasy parking

Mercerville

Jersey Girl Café

Jersey Girl Café is a good stop for a casual, affordable meal like breakfast or lunch, fitting well into a solo errand run or a family outing. Expect to spend 45-60 minutes and $10-$25 per person on food.

FoodShoppingRelaxed

$10–$25 typical45 min visiteasy parking

Chambersburg

Blue Danube Restaurant

Blue Danube Restaurant is a good choice for a relaxed meal of Eastern European cuisine, suitable for a dinner outing or a family lunch. Expect to spend 60-90 minutes and $15-35 per person.

FoodRelaxedSocial

$15–$35 typical1.3 hr visitmoderate parking

Chambersburg

Trentini's

Trentini's is a casual Italian spot suitable for a relaxed dinner after work or a family meal on the weekend. Expect to spend 1-1.5 hours and around $15-35 per person for pizza, pasta, or a main course.

FoodWellnessRelaxed

$15–$35 typical1.3 hr visiteasy parking

Cadwalader Heights

Cadwalader Park

Cadwalader Park is suitable for a free, relaxed outdoor adventure, perfect for a couple of hours walking or picnicking. It can be paired with a local coffee shop or a visit to nearby historical sites.

OutdoorsViewsRelaxed

$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Lawrenceville

The Gingered Peach

Visit The Gingered Peach for a quick grab-and-go of pastries and coffee, ideal for starting a day out or as a sweet stop. Expect to spend $5-$15 per person for a treat and a drink.

FoodShoppingRelaxed

$5–$15 typical45 min visiteasy parking

West Trenton

CAFÉ Seventy Two

CAFÉ Seventy Two is a solid choice for a casual breakfast or lunch, especially on a weekend. Expect to spend about an hour and $15-30 per person for comfort food, potentially on their patio if weather permits.

FoodOutdoorsRelaxed

$15–$30 typical1.3 hr visiteasy parking

Chestnut Park

Malaga

Malaga is a good choice for an evening meal, especially if you enjoy Spanish cuisine, sangria, or live flamenco performances. Expect to spend 1.5 to 2 hours here and around $40-$75 per person for food and drinks.

FoodWellnessCocktails

$40–$75 typical1.3 hr visitmoderate parking

White Horse

The Stone Terrace

The Stone Terrace is an event venue and Italian restaurant, suitable for special occasion dining or private events. Expect a multi-course meal lasting 2-3 hours, with costs ranging from $50-$150 per person depending on the event or menu.

FoodUpscaleSocial

$50–$150 typical1.3 hr visiteasy parking

Outdoors

Mercer Meadows

Mercer Meadows is ideal for a free, multi-hour outdoor excursion like biking or walking with family, kids, or alone. It's best on clear weather days for a nature escape.

OutdoorsAnimalsViews

$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Food & Drink

Erini Restaurant

Erini is a good choice for a Mediterranean-inspired dinner with drinks, taking about 1.5 to 2 hours. Expect to spend $35-75 per person and reservations are recommended for prime times.

FoodCocktailsOutdoors

$35–$75 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Chambersburg

Pura Vida

Pura Vida is a neighborhood restaurant and lounge for an evening out, offering Costa Rican food, drinks, and entertainment like karaoke or DJs. Plan for a 1.5-hour visit, with an average spend of $20-40 per person.

FoodLive musicCocktails

$20–$40 typical1.3 hr visiteasy parking

Outdoors

Sourland Mountain Hiking Trail Hillsborough

Sourland Mountain Hiking Trail is suitable for a 2-4 hour outdoor activity, best for families or solo adventurers seeking exercise and views. It's a free activity that pairs well with a picnic or a post-hike meal nearby.

OutdoorsViewsWellness

$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking