Guest post by Kim Karter
New York City is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world and for good reason. With a fantastic cityscape, historic landmarks, and a specific atmosphere that is unmatched by any other place, the Big Apple has plenty to offer tourists.
However, because of its iconic status, New York is one of the most expensive cities to visit as well. You can easily spend thousands of dollars here, without even visiting the Fifth Avenue shops. Even so, tourists find creative ways to enjoy the charm of the City that Never Sleeps without racking up debt. Here are the top five travel tips you should keep in mind when planning a trip to NYC on a budget.
#1 Plan in advance
The two most expensive aspects of your traveling experience will be accommodation and transportation. This is why you must plan ahead and choose wisely. Hotels in New York City are known to be pricey all year round, with the cheapest months being January through March. If you don’t mind the chilly weather, then booking a hotel during this period a few months ahead will land you the best deal on accommodation.
Aside from choosing the right time to visit, you also need to consider the location of your hotel. Manhattan accommodation is the most expensive, but at the same time closest to most NYC hot spots. You can choose to find a two- or three-star hotel in Greenwich Village, generally considered the best area for a new tourist. If you don’t mind spending a bit more time traveling during your trip, then a hotel in Brooklyn or Queens will save you a considerable amount of money too.
The most expensive part of your transportation plan will most-likely be the plane ticket, depending on your point of departure. Much like with your accommodation, it’s recommended to be on the lookout for the best deals months prior to your vacation. When choosing the right airport, take into consideration both money saved and location. Since New York City is infamous for its traffic and packed airports, booking a JFK airport car service is often the best decision that you can make. The prices for professional transportation in NYC are competitive and more importantly, you will get a stress-free experience that is often cheaper than booking a random taxi.
Photo by Alexandr Podvalny from Pexels
#2 Make a priorities list
Choosing where you will stay and how you will get there is only the first step of planning. Next up, you should have a pretty solid list of your top points of interest. When traveling on a budget, you will not be able to visit all the top New York attractions. Still, you probably already know what you are most excited to see. Make a list of your top priorities and write down how much entrance costs. You will need to budget around this amount while choosing your other destinations during the trip.
#3 Get a NYC Sightseeing or City Pass
If you cannot decide on just two or three high-priced attractions, then consider getting a Sightseeing or City Pass. These “universal tickets” help you get into the most well-known landmarks of NYC while paying an overall discounted price. There are different packages that include a variety of locations. Therefore, you should decide for yourself which one best suits your NYC traveling goals. Regardless of which one you choose, make sure to get your money’s worth by visiting as many spots as you can.
Central Park – Photo by Marta Wave from Pexels
#4 Don’t fall victim to tourist traps
While on the topic of city passes, do not buy these from random people on the street! Sadly, NYC is filled with opportunist scammers that try to trick tourists in all sorts of ways. Some will pretend to sell you a legitimate city pass, while others will claim they are selling real designer bags.
Another common scam seen in Times Square is people selling tickets to imaginary comedy shows with big headliners that make tourists excited. All of these are pretty well-known, but scammers come up with new ways to trick people all the time. The best thing you can do, especially in tourist-filled locations like Times Square, is to ignore any stranger that wants to give you a “deal.” These deals only result in lost money and disappointment. Make sure to check out this post where we present the best budget travel tips for tourists.
#5 Check out the free activities
You can experience the lifestyle and history of New York City without spending a buck on entrance fees! There are plenty of attractions that do not require you to pay anything that are also a big part of what makes the Big Apple unique. For instance, Central Park is a must-see location in NYC that will make you feel like you are the main character of a movie. Even in the coldest months of the year, this 848-acres park offers great attractions like Bethesda Fountain, the Belvedere Castle, and numerous masterful statues.
Times Square is a staple on every tourist’s list and it’s completely free to visit! Here you can enjoy the bright billboards, talented street performers, and the buzz of the city. Don’t forget to get the quintessential New York picture as a souvenir from your trip.
Speaking of classic NYC pictures, you can visit the Brooklyn Bridge to get gorgeous shots of the Manhattan skyline. To get from one side to the other takes around one hour, so you will be able to catch up with your traveling partners and just enjoy the beautiful sights together. Go before the sunset for a breathtaking view.
If you plan everything just right, you can even visit the well-known Museum of Modern Art for free. The MoMA offers free passes on Friday evenings, between 5:30 and 9:00 pm. If you arrive early, you have plenty of time to see all the beautiful exhibits and still get a bite to eat before 9 o’clock.
You can even get a free historic tour while in NYC, as long as you are a fan of beer. The famous Brooklyn Brewery offers visitors completely free-of-charge tours of their establishment, with plenty of tasting opportunities. Not only that, but the Chelsea and the Bronx Brewery provide similar tours as well.
Visiting New York City on a budget is completely doable as long as you are organised and you do your research! Planning ahead and setting up an itinerary beforehand will help you make the best of your budget in this vibrant city.
