A visit to New York City can be expensive. Luckily, there are ways to cut your costs without skimping on the fun!
Staying outside the city, eating at a less-popular restaurant and purchasing your tickets ahead of time are some ways to save money. Even a trip to the iconic Central Park is possible on a budget.
1. Stay in a Hotel Outside the City
Manhattan is New York famously pricey, but other NYC boroughs have hotels that can save you a bundle. Brooklyn, for instance, is a hotspot with trendy neighborhoods that boast a cool culture and budget-friendly dining. Staying here could save you money and give you a chance to explore the city’s hidden gems on a New York City Treasure Hunt or Escape Room Game.
Rather than hailing a taxi, get to know the city’s public transport system on an unlimited-ride MetroCard. A seven-day pass will cost you PS26 and gives you access to buses, the subway and even ferries. A hop-on hop-off bus tour is also a smart option and can cover many of the highlights in one go.
Alternatively, take to the streets on a self-guided walking tour to discover the city’s historic sights, iconic buildings and poignant memorials. Free tours like Free Tours By Foot lead pay-as-you-wish excursions into Greenwich Village, Harlem and Brooklyn’s Dumbo (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass). Alternatively, join SANDEMANs for a deeper dive into Central Park or food-focused neighbourhoods.
2. Go to a Movie in a Park
A trip to NYC isn’t cheap – even a short visit can set you back a tidy sum. But there are plenty of ways to make it affordable. From scoping out free museum nights and neighborhood explorations to getting your grub at budget-friendly eateries, here’s how you can go exploring on a New York City budget.
The 86th and 102nd floor observation decks at the One World Trade Center are among NYC’s top attractions, but tickets can be expensive. To save money, opt to see the towers from lower Manhattan on a self-guided walking tour. Check out historic places and iconic buildings, including the main branch of the New York Public Library (complete with the statues of Patience and Fortitude outside).
Take a ride on the beloved elevated rail turned urban park, the High Line, or enjoy the camera-worthy views from the Staten Island Ferry. The Brooklyn Bridge is another must-see. Then head to the Brooklyn Heights Promenade for a stroll through this picturesque residential neighborhood. If you’re a history buff, stop by the Wall Street area to check out the New York Stock Exchange and the Old Stonington Custom House.
3. Go to a Broadway Show
If you’ve been dreaming about Broadway shows, the good news is that it is possible to be a tourist in New York City on a budget and still catch a show. There are lots of great plays and musicals on the bill, from timeless fan-favorite productions to celebrity-led hits.
One of the best things about New York City is that it’s a very walkable city, and there are plenty of free ways to get around. If you’re planning on doing a lot of sightseeing, consider getting an OMNY card as soon as you arrive – a seven-day pass will set you back PS26 and includes unlimited subway and bus rides.
If you’re willing to be flexible, you can pick up discounted theatre tickets at TKTS booths for a fraction of the usual price. The main branch in Times Square usually has long queues, but there are also quieter branches in South Street Seaport and Brooklyn. Alternatively, you can buy advanced tickets weeks or even months in advance on TodayTix. Many of the hottest shows sell out quickly, so book your tickets as soon as you’re sure you’re going to be visiting NYC.
4. Go to a Museum
The Big Apple’s enchanting parks, iconic bites and storied landmarks offer plenty of free and affordable experiences. And with a little planning, discount tickets to world-class performing arts are easy to score.
New York City’s sprawling, state-of-the-art museums are renowned for their collections and architecture, but ticket prices have been steadily rising over the years. Fortunately, most of the city’s top museums offer pay-what-you-wish hours for New York, New Jersey and Connecticut residents, or visitors are encouraged to donate a suggested amount.
Other ways to save on museum admission is by purchasing a city pass for sightseeing, walking or bike tours or a Big Apple Greeter, which matches tourists with local volunteers who show them around the best of their borough. You can also see some of the city’s most famous sites for free, such as the Empire State Building, 9/11 Memorial and One World Observatory or strolling along the High Line, which repurposes old elevated train tracks to become a modern park above the streets.
5. Go to a Restaurant
Although a visit to NYC’s famous delis, like Katz’s or Carnegie Deli, is on many travelers’ must-do lists, their prices are often over the top. Instead, head to the aptly named Cuchifritos in East Harlem for fried Latin treats that won’t blow your budget. Meals (including a whole roasted chicken) cost less than $25 and are enough to feed four.
While the 86th and 102nd floor observation decks of the Empire State Building or One World Trade Center require a ticket, a trip to a less-crowded vantage point can be just as stunning. The Brooklyn Bridge, The High Line or the Staten Island Ferry are free options for stunning city skyline views.
Conclusion
Buying a MetroCard and riding the subway and bus is a great way to save on transport in New York. You can also skip the yellow taxis and invest in a CityPass that will get you unlimited rides for a set price. If you do decide to hop in a cab, opt for the shared shuttle service. Its rates are usually cheaper than those of individual drivers.
