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See The Best Of New York City On A Budget
One city I had been wanting to visit for years was the Big Apple – New York City. My wife and I finally made that happen a few seasons ago, from our home in BC, Canada. I thought I would share our experience, and how we saw the …
Best of New York City On A Budget
Living in Canada and with the lousy exchange rate for our dollar, we had to come up with a plan, to make our one week visit affordable.
As well, without missing out on most {major highlights and attractions}, the city has to offer. So prior to traveling, I got busy searching on the computer, for helpful travel tips and suggestions, from people who actually live in the city.
I also checked out some articles online from fellow bloggers, who had visited NYC previously.
Travel related forums and websites such as; TripAdvisor, can be a great resource, to get you started planning any vacation, and/or business trip.
Affordable New York City Travel
I’ve listed just a few things we did, that helped make our superb visit, budget friendly. I hope a few of these tips will be of help to you, should you visit this extraordinary and amazing city, in New York State, USA.
Accommodation
New York On A Budget #1
We quickly found out when searching for accommodation, New York City is an incredibly, expensive place to stay. If you have plans of staying in Manhattan in a hotel, then you better be prepared to pay … a pretty hefty price!
After a brief look at some of the major travel bookings websites for hotels, I quickly made the decision to check out listings on; Airbnb.
What a great decision and choice that turned out to be!
If you’re unfamiliar with this highly successful, world renowned business, and website for accommodation, then check out my post here on …
How To Book A Room With Airbnb
This is a great success story, started by a few young entrepreneurs, who have turned a; unique idea into a huge global enterprise around the world.
Without a doubt, this is an excellent alternative to pricey hotel accommodation, and especially for what they are in New York City. It’s also a great way to meet and interact with locals, in any city you may be visiting.
You have options to rent rooms of all types including; separate bedrooms in private dwellings, condo’s, to actual entire house rentals.
We stayed with a lovely family in {Harlem} the city, with our own private large bedroom, and private bath. All, at a fraction of the price of a typical hotel room.
Accommodation in New York City will be your biggest expense!
Footnote
Along with Airbnb, we also frequently use Booking.com for online reservations,most anywhere in the world. What I really like about this platform, is that they allow; free cancellation and no booking fees.
Be sure to check out my post here on Reasons Why We Use Booking.com for a more detailed review.
Transportation
New York On A Budget #2
Getting around New York City is easy and very affordable, using the public transit system.
As well, transportation to/from their two major airports, is a breeze. Moving around most anywhere around the city, can be done easily using the; New York Metro Transit Authority.
There are a number of options for you to help save money, depending on the length of stay, you’re in the city.
First and foremost, we were able to purchase a {Metro Pass} for just one dollar, for our first trip. If you do plan on using the transit and subway system a lot, then an unlimited; 7 day pass is a great choice!
You do have options to purchase other lessor amounts, for savings reductions as well. Basically, you just keep reloading your pass at kiosks in subway stations, and travel away!
Using the subway and transit system the first few times can be overwhelming, but don’t be afraid to ask for directions and help from the locals. At many of the major subway stations, there are attendants on duty, that will gladly assist you.
Once you get started and use the system a couple of times, it’s a great and affordable way, for getting anywhere, quickly and easily. For more detailed information on the MetroCard, I have listed MTA’s official website below.
Fares and MetroCard New York
Tours and Attractions
New York On A Budget #3
There are so many fabulous tours, attractions and sites to see in this magnificent city. We had just 5 full days to try to see everything, while on a tight budget as well.
There a few excellent money saving options, that are definitely worth taking a closer look at. One we used during our visit, saving a ton of money!
We chose the {New York Pass}, which had come highly recommended from friends, who previously visited the city. This was a superb way, to see many of the major attractions, at greatly reduced prices.
Just swipe your prepaid pass and you’re in!
After using this pass, I can’t believe why more major cities around the globe, are not using this method, for visitors to their city.
The New York City Pass
New York On A Budget #4
Be sure to grab a CityPASS® for your visit, and save huge on many of the cities major attractions.
We used the pass in New York City and it was excellent!
You never have to worry about money and paying for each attraction. In many cases, you get priority entry to some of the major attractions as well. The savings are excellent and a very convenient way, to see the cities most popular and busiest attractions.
Our pass included access to the Gray Line Hop On/Hop Off Bus and Ferry, which I highly recommend. Hop On/Hop Off Tour buses are excellent for getting around, and viewing the sites of the city.
These tour buses are also excellent for tourists, and not just in New York City. Numerous many major cities around the world, have these types of sightseeing tour buses.
A few major attractions not to be missed are …
Times Square – at least once a night to experience the neon signs and people;
Empire State Building – A fabulous view from the 86th floor;
Statue of Liberty and Battery Park;
911 Museum.
Walk the Brooklyn Bridge;
Grand Central Terminal;
Intrepid Aircraft Carrier and Submarine.
New York Yankees Baseball Game;
High Line Walkway;
Central Park.
Dining
New York On A Budget #5
You can virtually eat anywhere in the world, when in New York City. One of the highlights, certainly includes enjoying the huge variety of food choices, in this multi-cultural city.
Yes, you can eat very well on a tight budget, and in most parts of the city!
One of the great advantages of staying with a family residing in the city, is finding out where some of these excellent and affordable dining establishments are, and recommended by a local. There’s no need to dine in expensive restaurants, unless of course your heart desires.
From hot dog and hot pretzel carts on most every corner, to grocery deli shops in every block, the choice is endless. We found ourselves many times, entering the local grocery and purchasing healthy snacks, for the day.
We packed them along with us, to enjoy while riding the; ferry or the hop on/hop off buses.
You will be pleasantly surprised, at the huge variety of affordable dining options. Below, are just a couple of favorites that we enjoyed, during our stay. All offered delicious food, at very affordable prices and with a little; history thrown in to boot!
Grimaldi’s Coal Brick-Oven Pizza
Amy Ruth’s Harlem
Chelsea Market
John’s Pizza
With an amazing introductory special, I grabbed an Alaska Airlines flight from; Seattle to JFK Airport. Our week in New York City was an experience, not soon to forget!
We were also able to make our time in the city surprisingly affordable, with just a little pre-planning before leaving home.
So yes, you can visit the Big Apple, without costing you an arm and a leg. I definitely recommend seeing this massive concrete jungle, at least once in your lifetime!
I’ve also listed the Official {Guide to New York City} link below to their website. It’s filled with excellent information to assist in your travel planning, to this incredible city.
Be sure to check out the {Google Map} box at the bottom of this post for exact location.
NYC – The Official Guide
Footnote I Only Endorse Products/Services That Can Be Trusted & Verified & That I’ve Personally Used!
Safe and Healthy Travels!
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Unauthorized use is strictly prohibited.
Did You Know …
“New York City Had Plans To Open The World’s First Underground Park, That Was Named – The Lowline.” Join Me On Instagram For Travel Photos, Video’s & More!
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The Empire State Building Travel Guide {NYC}
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