DON'T MISS A THING

The Big Apple. It’s a big place, with a big heart, but do you have to have a big budget to really enjoy your time here? The short answer – no! 

Naturally, you’re going to need some financial breathing room – after all, NYC is one of the most popular destinations and considered to be one of the most expensive cities in the world. But the good news is that you don’t need incredibly deep pockets or multiple credit cards to make the most of your trip here. 

With some careful planning, you can enjoy everything that NYC has to offer without overspending or having major regret when that credit card bill comes through next month. Here are our top tips for exploring New York City on a budget – and sticking to it! 

Where to Stay

Now I know what you’re thinking! Low budget = low quality. But! Just because you’re committed to a budget on your NYC visit does not mean you have to put up with hotels that are subpar. These days, travelling on a budget no longer means that you’re limited to dodgy-looking motels or guest houses with questionable cleanliness; in fact, travelling on a smaller budget means that you’re super savvy and can find great New York hotel prices at some of the best rooms in the city. Often, getting more for your money and a better experience in the process. Here’s how it can be done.

Book as early as possible: If you want better rates, then you need to book as far in advance as you can. This is important if your trip coincides with peak season, holidays, or during big events such as St Patrick’s Day or sporting events. 

Consider trying a hostel: Hostels usually conjure up all kinds of images and don’t often scream luxury, but hostels in NYC have good reputations and are known as great options for those who are on a tight budget, who are travelling solo and for those who don’t mind sharing their space. Many hostels also offer free walking tours and even free NYC events so they’re worth looking into. 

Look for Hotels with Extras: If you can find hotels that offer additional services as part of the price of your room, such as breakfasts, WiF, or even shuttle services to the airport, then you could save money on your trip.

Avoid Tourist Heavy Zones: You don’t have to be right in the middle of it all to experience NYC to the fullest. Tourist areas like Midtown Manhattan and Times Square will always be expensive. Consider hotels that are away from these areas, such as Queens or Brooklyn – they have amazing transport links and you’ll be back in the heart of the city within minutes. 

Attractions and Low-Cost NYC Entertainment

You might have your sights set on a magical Broadway performance, but how are you going to spend the rest of your time? Believe it or not, entertainment in NYC doesn’t always mean forking out the big bucks. Here are some of the best ways you can immerse yourself in the Big Apple, soak up the atmosphere, and enjoy some of the best entertainment in the world (on a budget)! 

Walk the Brooklyn Bridge: Enjoy skyline views and photo ops while walking from Manhattan to Brooklyn or vice versa! 

Stroll Along the High Line: An elevated walkway (previously an old railway bridge), here you can explore gardens, artwork, and beautiful views of the Hudson River. 

Explore Central Park: Bursting with iconic spots, dozens of statues to find, bridges, Strawberry Fields, entertainment, and the Zoo, there’s always something to see and do in the Park. 

Relax in Bryant Park: Located near the New York Public Library, this is a great place to catch a free movie in the summer or even join some free yoga and fitness classes during your stay. 

Visit Museums during free or pay-what-you-wish hours: There are plenty of popular and awe inspiring museums in NYC. And many of them offer free admission hours or select times of day where visitors can pay whatever they can afford. Some of these include the MoMA, which is free on Fridays, 4–8 PM, and the American Museum of Natural History, which offers pay-what-you-wish at ticket counters. The Whitney Museum hosts Free Fridays, 5–10 PM, Brooklyn Museum, which is free every first Saturday of the month.

Take the Staten Island Ferry: A completely free ferry that offers great views of the Statue of Liberty and the lower Manhattan skyline.

Try Visiting Some Cultural Neighbourhoods: Visitors can enjoy the atmosphere, markets, and even traditional architecture of these famous cultural sites, including Chinatown, Little Italy, Little Ukraine, Harlem, and Greenwich Village. 

Enjoy Great Food Without the Price Tag

NYC is home to some incredible eateries and world-famous restaurants, but you don’t have to have deep pockets to enjoy a slice or a bite of the Big Apple. There are cheap eats, authentic meals and local bites aplenty. One thing is sure – you’ll never be hungry in New York. 

• You’ll find plenty of street food and famous food carts offering everything from hot dogs and pretzels to halal meals and snacks, all at lower prices.
• Find dollar a slice joints for an authentic taste of NYC! Bros Pizza, Percy’s Pizza, or Joey Pepperoni’s are great choices.
• Stop by local delis and bodegas for options like lunch specials at $10 a pop. 
• Food trucks offer food from all over the world like Korean BBQ, Tacos and middle eastern offerings without the huge price tags. 
• Head to cultural neighbourhoods for ethnic eats and lower costs. Places like Chinatown and Little Italy will certainly have you coming back for seconds! 

Wrapping Up

So, there you have it. New York City is a great location for a trip, even if you’re on a strict budget or only want to indulge in certain things. Start by planning your trip as early as possible to find the best deals on your hotels and attractions!   

More to Love!

One Luxuriously Fashionable Day in New York
A Glamorous Afternoon Tea Affair at the Baccarat Hotel New York