Budget Night Out in Halifax

Halifax, Nova Scotia has become one of the top destinations for Canadian tourists in 2025. But it’s also becoming increasingly expensive to spend time there. You can still have a great evening out and not break the bank though. Here’s my itinerary for a budget night out in Halifax.

Walk the Waterfront

Halifax’s waterfront is a perfect place to start the evening on a budget night out. In the summer, there’s a festival almost every weekend. It’s the most bustling part of the city with restaurants, shops, and ships moving through the harbour.

Get your budget eats at happy hour

Loads of Halifax restaurants do a great happy hour special. For a budget night out in Halifax, just a few streets up from the waterfront, is Obladee Wine Bar. This less-touristy spot has $2 off wine, and specials on charcuterie and oysters during their happy hour evenings. For a budget night out, share a flight of wine tasters. Try the fondue plus a salad for an inexpensive light supper. If you hang out longer, there is often Celtic or jazz music for diners to enjoy in house.

Visit the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia on a Budget Night Out

The Art Gallery of Nova Scotia is the province’s provincial art gallery. It has a permanent collection, and features rotating and traveling exhibitions. Housed in a beautiful building on Hollis Street, it’s one of the best things to do in Halifax. The most popular permanent exhibit is Maud Lewis: Her House, Her Art, Her Legacy. Lewis was a Nova Scotian folk artist, and the gallery has managed to place her entire house within the exhibition.

During 2025, the Government of Canada has introduced the Canada Strong Pass. This promotion gives discounts on museums and free entry to National Historic Sites. At the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, the pass allows anyone under 17 to enter free. Youth ages 18-24 get in for $7. But it gets better. If you go on a Thursday evening between 5pm and 9pm, the Gallery is always free – for everyone!

Spend the (budget) night

If you’re planning to stay the night in Halifax, prices have become a little nutty. It will almost certainly be cheaper to find an AirBnB or inn outside of the city. When I stay over in Halifax, it’s always on Marriott Bonvoy points. I earn with my American Express card, and then use the points for free hotel stays around the world. Loads of hotels are now included in the Marriott family. In Halifax, lower-point stays are available at the Moxy or the Residence Inn. Or, stay for even less on the Dartmouth side and take the ferry over to Halifax. If you’ve accumulated lots of points (or can get an off-season booking) check out the Muir. Even if you can’t stay, check out their lobby, and have a drink at Drift – their in-house restaurant.

Be sure to check out all the lovely day trips you can take from Halifax as well. There’s so much to see in Nova Scotia.

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