It’s safe to say that everyone probably has New York on their “must-visit” list and it’s pretty easy to see why. New York is a melting pot of cultural diversity, history, iconic buildings and landmarks, high energy, great food, and unique experiences.
But one of the biggest stumbling blocks that budding visitors face when planning a trip to NYC is the cost. We all know that cities are expensive to visit and New York is certainly no exception, but in order to feel like you’ve made the most of your time in The Big Apple, it might seem like you need to dig into deep pockets to be able to say you made every moment count. Well, that couldn’t be further from the truth!
Of course, a trip to NYC will mean spending money, however, there are certain approaches you can take to ensure you can spend a long weekend in New York on a budget and enjoy plenty of must-do activities. Read on to find out how.
Accommodation on a Budget
New York is bursting with high-end boutique stays and 5-star luxury hotels. However, visitors on a budget can still experience a comfortable and enjoyable stay in the Big Apple without paying high prices for their accommodation. When booking a hotel in New York on a budget, consider options such as budget hotels or hostels in areas like Brooklyn, the Lower East Side, or Queens — while these areas have great amenities and there’s plenty to see and do, they’re off the usual tourist trail, so you can expect savings here. Or if you want to save even more money, consider staying outside NYC in places like Jersey City or Long Island and taking the ferry or the train straight to Manhattan.
Getting Around
Travel around NYC can be on the pricey side, particularly if you’re considering options like Uber and Lyft or the iconic yellow taxis you’ll see moving around. Budget travellers need to remember that although NYC is a large city, most of it is walkable (especially between landmarks and attractions) and areas like SoHo, Times Square and Central Park are best experienced on foot. Options such as the subway are also accessible and convenient. Buying a MetroCard can get you unlimited rides, which is ideal if you’re planning on navigating New York City like the locals do.
Must-Do New York City Activities on a Budget
There are countless ways to spend your time in New York, even if you’re not planning on spending a great deal. The first thing you should consider is exploring Central Park. This beautiful and immersive parkland offers a peaceful escape from the city sounds, lights, traffic and throngs of people. You can stroll through the park at your own leisure and maybe even enjoy a picnic on the grass with the locals, or even hire a bicycle and explore the winding paths from a different perspective. During certain months of the year, there may be free events happening in the Park or free performances to enjoy.
There are plenty of other famous landmarks to visit on a budget. Places like Times Square and The Brooklyn Bridge might be full of tourists and a little crowded, but these iconic locations are perfect for soaking up the atmosphere of the city and capturing some great selfies and photo moments. If you want to see the city from the water, the Staten Island Ferry is completely free and this round-trip provides great views of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.
If you’re happy to spend a little money but want to take advantage of discounted admissions, head to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where you can pay what you can afford to enter, and the Museum of Modern Art, which is free on Friday between 5.30 pm and 9 pm. Street art is in abundance in NYC, so taking a trip to Bushwick or Brooklyn is an interesting and completely free way to spend an afternoon. You may want to experience Chinatown or Little Ukraine or Little Italy for a unique walking experience that immerses you in vibrant new cultures.
Walking tours in NYC are plentiful and many of them are donation-based. With a little forward planning, you could even plan your own self-guided tour using apps or researching areas of particular interest to you.
Budget Dining in NYC
Yes. Budget dining in NYC is absolutely possible. Iconic street food like pizza, hotdogs and pretzel carts are on nearly every street corner, so you’ll be able to enjoy an authentic taste of NYC without going over budget. Local food markets such as Smorgasburg in Brooklyn provide affordable options, and if you decide to venture into somewhere like Chinatown you can find cheap, delicious food on the go, like dim sum and noodles.
Inexpensive sit-down restaurants like Joe’s Pizza are great for a slice of authenticity without breaking the bank, or consider heading into delis or bakeries in areas off the beaten path like Astoria or Lower East Side to avoid the tourist prices. You’ll also find food courts in places like Macy’s, where you can pick up a cheap and quick meal to refuel with before you continue exploring the city. Always remember to keep an eye out for Happy Hours and discounted meals or offers on certain days of the week.
Tips for Enjoying NYC on a Budget
To make sure you make the most of your trip without breaking the bank, consider these tips:
- Try to plan ahead: The more you plan, the more you can avoid unnecessary spending. Whether this means booking tickets in advance and discounted prices, or planning how you’re going to get around.
- Look for free events: Conduct some research into any free events that might be happening when you visit.
- Look for “pay what you wish”: This is a great way to save money and still enjoy some of New York City’s biggest attractions.
Final Thoughts…
NYC is known for its unique atmosphere, culture, and landmarks, but you don’t have to have deep pockets to enjoy your time here. How would you save money on a trip to NYC?
Stewart Thurlow
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