The fact that New York is nicknamed the city of dreams is deeply embossed on our brains – but why should it merely be a dream to visit this fantastic city?
New York is notoriously expensive with flight prices and accommodation costs that can sky rocket. Many people therefore give up their dream of visiting the city that never sleeps, but if you do your research beforehand, that doesn’t have to be the case.
There are so many ways to save money on a visit to New York – and no, you don’t have to miss out any of the main sights! So here is my rundown of how you can enjoy New York city on a budget.
Getting there on the cheap
Just getting to New York in the first place can be a pricey business but there are various offers out there if you know where to look.
My first stop for each and every holiday is my trusty friend Skyscanner – just type in your departure airport, destination of choice and your holiday dates and Skyscanner will show you all the best offers. You can even set an alert for your desired dates and have any reductions in price sent straight to your inbox.
It is definitely worth considering all three of New York’s main airports. Whilst JFK might be the one we are all aware of, you could also consider flying into La Guardia or Newark, both of which are well connected to Manhattan.
When I visited New York back in 2012 I flew into Newark and was surprised at how quickly and easily I could get into the city – only 45 minutes by train direct to Penn Station. It also saved me around £100 in comparison to flying into JFK.
Finding somewhere to stay
Hotels in the city can be hard on the purse strings, especially in high season, so consider apartment rental sites such as Airbnb or Craigslist.
Another option would be to stay somewhere other than in Manhattan – try Brooklyn or even Jersey City for cheaper accomodation options. Both are well connected to Manhattan by commuter trains that take less than half an hour!
Be prepared to walk
Much of New York can be seen by foot which can save you a lot of hassle.
New York’s most commercial borough, Manhattan, is split into a number of different neighbourhoods, each of which have their own distinct characteristics and are definitely best seen by foot!
Perhaps pick one or two and spend some time wandering the streets soaking up the atmosphere. There will surely be something to see around every corner!
If you’re feeling brave and are a proficient enough cyclist (unlike me!) another alternative for cheap travel is to rent one of the Citi bikes.
Eat like a local
When you’re on a tight budget, the last thing you need is to blow your cash on a sit-down meal. Plus, it takes away valuable time which could be better used for exploring the city!
New York is packed full of places offering a variety of quality food at decent prices – from the popular Mexican grill Chipotle to the ever-growing food truck phenomenon or even Wholefoods.
For a top-notch burger head to Bill’s Bar and Burger in the Rockefeller Centre or the Meatpacking district. You will not be disappointed and a classic burger comes in at only $7.95. Bargain!
Also don’t forget that the portions are huge – one big meal a day might just be enough to fuel your adventures, or at the very least you could split the meal with your travel companion.
For breakfast and brunch I would also highly recommend a visit to The Grey Dog on Mulberry Street in Nolita. With a slight hipster feel with a reclaimed wood and exposed brick interior, it provides a great place to relax and enjoy your morning coffee before setting off to explore.
Look out for discounts
There are so many things to see or do in New York and it can be a mission trying to fit them all in to a visit, let alone conforming to your budget.
A discount pass is a great way of saving money on your visit to New York. There are different passes depending on your length of stay and how many tourist attractions you plan to visit. After some research the two top contenders are the New York CityPass, which gives you entrance into six main attractions for just $114 (about £72) and the New York Pass which works on a duration basis with different passes covering a 1, 2, 3 or 7 day validity.
Another top tip is to make sure that you have any relevant ID (student etc) on you at all times – many attractions offer a reduced rate for those with ID cards.
If this is still a bit expensive for you, remember that not all of New York’s attractions require coughing up the entrance costs. Some of New York’s most famous attractions are completely free to visit – Central Park, Brooklyn Bridge and the High Line just to name a few. Great views of the Statue of Liberty and Manhattan can be found by taking the free twenty five minute ferry crossing to Staten Island.
Free events around the city
There are also a handful of things to do in New York that don’t cost a dime.
The High Line, a one and a half mile long linear park in the lower east side of the city, has plenty to see at little or no cost and offers something for all ages. From free stargazing nights, free guided tours, live performances, tai chi, admiring the beautiful art or simply as a place to sit and watch the world go by, the High Line is a free, must-see New York destination!
Central Park is another obvious free place to visit where there is no shortage of free events and activities. Visit the beautiful Bethesda fountain and Terrace, Strawberry Fields and John Lennon’s Imagine memorial, stroll through the Conservatory Gardens or climb up Belvedere Castle – the list goes on!
Check out the park’s official website for an up to date guide on scheduled events.
Many of New York’s museums offer a free night once a week – usually Friday – but each museum varies. Wherever you want to visit, from the MoMa to the Met, simply type the name into Google and voila. Time your trip so it doesn’t cost a penny.
The Guardian has also made a great guide of the Top 10 free things to do in New York – I have already added some of these to my list of things to do on my next visit!
Discount shopping
If you are anything like me, you like a bit of shopping. Plus what would a trip to New York be without a wander down Fifth Avenue or a peak into Macy’s?
Whilst even the designer names are cheaper in the city than back in the UK it is worth noting that even better bargains can be found in some of America’s discount stores.
Century 21 on Broadway and TJMaxx on Wall Street offer designer names for less. In the US price tags are published without tax, so don’t be surprised once you are at the counter when the price is slightly more than you were expecting!
Hopefully this is enough proof to show you that visiting New York can be done on a budget and won’t break the bank.
Have you visited New York? What are your tips for saving money in the city?
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Happy Travels,
Love, Victoria xx
