The brighter Messier and NGC objects are usually visible. Because of my experience I feel comfortable telling prospective telescope buyers not to worry about spending money if they live in or near a major city. You'll still get lots of use from the scope. Our local club has the use of several dark sky locations about an hour drive west of the city. There, many deep sky objects are visible even in a small scope.
Amateur astronomy can be very enjoyable, even for a city dweller.
You just have to work harder at it.