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Table of Contents: How to Affordably Visit New York City. How to Visit New York City Budget: Local’s Tips & Tricks. Take the Subway from the Airport; As a Matter of Fact, Ride the Subway All Around; Visit Free Viewpoints Instead of Observation Decks; Eat Like a Local with NYC’s Best Cheap Eats; Limit Drinking to Happy Hour
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- How to Do New York City on A Budget
- How to Travel to New York City on A Budget
- Best Time to Visit New York on A Budget
- Best Areas to Stay in New York on A Budget
- What to Do in New York City on A Budget
- How to See New York City on A Budget
- Best Shopping in New York on A Budget
- Where to Eat on A Budget in New York
#1 You have to have a plan
With a bit of planning (and ingenuity), you’re sure to have a great time in the Big Apple even without spending a fortune. You’ll be amazed at the number of famous sights that are absolutely free of charge. Take for example the Brooklyn Bridge, Central Park or Staten Island Ferry, which offers close-up views of the Statue of Liberty – you’ll be spoiled with choices. In this travel guide, we’ll be focusing on low-budget travel, telling you all about the best sight- seeing attractions, museums,...
#2 Consider Alternatives for Arriving in New York City
Getting to New York City doesn’t have to be expensive. First, if you live on the east coast, consider taking the bus rather than driving. The bus ticket cost will be cheaper than paying for gas and parking once in the city. If you aren’t fortunate enough to live on the eastern seaboard, it’s a good idea to consider alternate airports. The NYC area is home to three major airports: LaGuardia, John F. Kennedy, and Newark International. While the ones directly in New York tend to be more expensiv...
#3 Plan Your Trip at a Less Busy Time of the Year!
Sometimes the timing of a trip is non-negotiable, but if your schedule is flexible, opt for a less busy time of the year. Yes, NYC is busy year-round, but during peak travel times such as the holidays and summer months, accommodations and flights are very expensive. However, if you visit at a time of the year that’s less busy for tourists, there are deals to be found. These times are usuallybetween the months of January and April and then again between September and November(so long as you do...
#4 Go for Queens & Brooklyn
Asking yourself “Where to stay in New York on a Budget”? NYC is known for exorbitant hotel prices for even the smallest of rooms. So, to visit New York City on a budget, it’s essential to shop around for places to stay. Just beware that for the cheapest rooms, you’ll probably end up with something a bit bigger than a closet with one window and a shared bathroom. While sharing a bathroom is not ideal for everyone, it is one of the most cost-effective ways to go. Alternatively, you should check...
#5 Take A (Free) Ride on A Ferry
One of the most remarkable New York experiences is riding one of the celebrated ferries, such as the NYC Ferry. These are passenger ferries that are within walking distance to nearly anywhere in NYC. Some ferries, such as those that travel the East River, St. George, and South Brooklyn areas, only cost $2.75, which is the same as the subway. However, the world-famous Staten Island Ferry is free to ride and runs 5.2 miles between the New York Harbor and the boroughs of Staten Island and Manhat...
#6 Sign Up to be an Audience Member at a Live Show
Are you a fan of late-night TV? Then save money by signing up to attend a taping of your favorite live show for free! This takes some advanced planning but shows such as The Daily Show with Trevor Noah, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, and Last Week Tonight with John Oliver all offer free tickets.
#7 Look for Discount Broadway Tickets
Most people visiting NYC want to see a Broadway show. In fact, this is a popular bucket list item, and if you don’t research it, you can end up paying high prices for the tickets. Luckily, if you’re trying to visit New York City on a budget, there are ways to score deals on cheap tickets! The most common way to go about this is to go to a TKTS booth where they sell same-day tickets for up to half-off regular price. You can also check online at places such as TodayTix to find great deals. Thes...
#11 Visit one of the Museums of New York for free!
New York City is home to many of the country’s best museums. But did you know that some of the most famous ones offer what’s called pay-as-you-wish entry fees? It’s true! This option includes museums such as the American Museum of Natural History, Metropolitan Museum of Art, BronxMuseum, Sculpture Center, and many more. Furthermore, the museums that don’t offer this option sometimes provide free entry on certain days or times during the week. These examples include the 9/11 Memorial, New York...
#12 Save up to 70% with the New York City Attraction Passes
If it’s your first time visiting the Big Apple and you want to see all the major attractions on a budget, then the New York CityPASSis the way to go. The prices start at $136 per adult and $112 per child, so while it’s not cheap up front, it does save money if you plan to see NYC’s six biggest attractions. Included in the price you can visit: 1. American Museum of Natural History 2. Empire State Building 3. Ferry access to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island OR Circle Line Sightseeing Crui...
#13 Opt for More Authentic Versions of Common Tourist Places
See New York City like a local, rather than falling into the typical tourist traps. In other words, rather than going to the Comedy Cellar, attend a local open-mic night, or go to Arthur Avenue rather than Little Italy. Another idea is to visit Molly’s Cupcakes instead of paying more for Magnolia Bakery, which was made famous by Sex in the City.
#15 Don’t Waste Money on New York Souvenirs
You can literally buy anything in Manhattan, from luxury items to souvenirs. One thing you will have to do if visiting New York City on a budget is not get drawn into shopping at every store you see. The best thing you can do is set a budget and stick to it! And always skip the cheesy souvenir shops because the items are commonly overpriced, and if we’re being honest, no local will wear a shirt that says I ‘heart’ NYC! Recommended article: Shopping in NYC
#16 Outlets in and around New York
New York is a shopping paradise. From the designer boutiques on Fifth Avenue, the hottest shops in SoHoto the hip second-hand shops in Williamsburg, you can easily shop your way through the entire city. Even though the city already offers you an eclectic amount of shops and malls, you will need to leave Manhattan if you want to snag the best shopping deals. The best way to do so is by visiting one of the many outlets in NYC and the surrounding areas. At the shopping outlets in NYC, you’ll not...
#17 Vintage Shopping in New York
There are lots of flea markets in New York. Apartments in the city are often small, so the locals are keen to declutter at every opportunity. Among the most popular flea markets in New York are ChelseaFlea Market (39 W 25th St), Hell’s Kitchen Flea Market (408-424 W 39th St), Hell’s Kitchen and Grand Bazaar (6902, 100 W 77th St). The stalls are packed with anything from vintage goods to jewelry, furniture, antiques, and bric-a-brac. New York’s flea markets are a real paradise for bargain hunt...
Good, affordable restaurants are a dime a dozen in New York. It’s just a question of knowing which ones are really worth a visit. As a general rule, you should steer clear of the tourist areas such as Times Square if you want to save money on eating out. You’ll be overwhelmed by the choice – but sometimes by the prices as well! Don’t forget that ta...
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Apr 25, 2024 · The most efficient and affordable way to get around New York City is by riding the subway. It’s really simple to navigate and there are maps on every train. This tip is especially important when you fly into the airport. Cabs charge $50-55 flat to get into Manhattan from NYC airports. Even more during rush hour. Don’t Stay in Manhattan.
May 10, 2023 · For our outlined 4 Day New York City Itinerary, we suggest using the subway, buses and walking – it’s the cheapest way to travel in New York! The unlimited weekly MetroCard is one of the best New York City travel trips for budget travelers.
- Don’t stay in Manhattan. If you’re wondering where to stay in New York that won’t consume your entire travel budget, here’s a tip: don’t limit yourself to Manhattan.
- Use the subway to get around. Knowing how to use New York’s public transportation is crucial, since the subway is hands-down the best and cheapest way to get around.
- Eat like a local. One of the best ways to keep your NYC trip under budget is to eat like a local—by indulging in the city’s incredible cheap eats! We’re talking breakfast cart bagels, $1 pizza slices, halal food, and more.
- Take advantage of museum deals. Lots of frequently asked questions about NYC concern its museums. Which ones are the best? What’s absolutely worth seeing?
Oct 31, 2018 · 1. Visit NYC at the Right Time. New York City is busy year round, but during peak tourist times, like the summer months and during the holidays, hotel prices will be ultra high. If you visit during a less busy season for out of town travelers, you’ll find much better rates. Cheapest times to visit NYC: January – early April.
Feb 1, 2022 · What’s a cheap way to see New York City attractions? Let’s Roam offers over 50 ways to see New York on a budget , including sightseeing tips. App-guided scavenger hunt tours in New York will lead you to the best attractions without emptying your wallet!
