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New York is one of the most fascinating cities in the world to visit—but all that excitement comes at a price. New York is hard to do on a budget, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t ways to make your vacation dollars go a bit further. If an NYC trip is in your future, here are our favorite money-saving tips to help you stretch your hard-earned cash.
New York has some of the world’s most amazing museums—the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Whitney, and the Guggenheim, to name just a few. Try to visit them during museum-free hours to see the best art without spending a dime.
You can easily drop $50 on tickets for two, and if you have a coffee and pastries or a glass of wine and a snack, your museum excursion can top $100 or more.
Fortunately, major museums have free and pay-what-you-wish hours each week. Plan your visit around these times and save $50 or $100 for an Off-Broadway show or a game at Yankee Stadium.
It’s easy to spend $500+ a night or more on hotels in Manhattan’s most popular districts—and there’s something to be said for being right in the heart of the action. Save hundreds on hotels in Jersey and less popular districts
But if you’re willing to hop on the train, you can find great rooms for $100 to $150 a night in places like Jersey City, Williamsburg, Long Island City, Astoria, and Staten Island.
Less popular areas like Chinatown and the Lower East Side are also great places for budget hotels.
New York’s Theatre Development Fund (TDF) is a nonprofit organization supporting the performing arts. They have deeply discounted tickets to popular shows on Broadway and Off-Broadway, and special extra-low ticket prices for innovative new performances Off-Off-Broadway.
You can pre-order tickets up to six weeks in advance, or starting at 8 am for same-day tickets. Of course, the super-cheap tickets come with a trade-off—you can’t choose specific seats and you won’t know where you’re sitting until you actually buy the tickets. Another good option to save money on Broadway Shows is Today Tix.
But let’s be real: Is there even such a thing as a bad Broadway ticket?
Whether you fold it in half or eat it flat, a New York slice is an essential Big Apple experience. It’s also a great way to save $40 on a restaurant lunch. Pizzerias are pretty much everywhere—you won’t have to go far to find a great pie.
Rockaway Beach is definitely worth the trip. What makes it even better is the amazing views of the Statue of Liberty from the deck of the sleek, modern Hornblower ferries. Although the Staten Island Ferry is free, the Rockaway Ferry is a steal at $4.50 one-way and you get much closer to Lady Liberty. Make sure to enjoy a day at Rockaway Beach, too!
You can get amazing aerial views of the city from the Roosevelt Island tram for the cost of a subway ticket. That $2.90 MTA fare is good for a multitude of incredible New York experiences, not the least of which is the Roosevelt Island tram, the world’s most modern aerial tramway.
Depart from 59th Street and 2nd Ave in Manhattan and float your way to Roosevelt Island, the New York skyline laid out before you.
Don’t forget your camera! It’s almost impossible to take a bad shot.
Central Park is huuuuge, with over 800 acres of green space and outdoor entertainment. It’s easy to lose yourself there for a day without spending a dime.
Stop to admire the flowers at the formal Conservatory Garden—there’s a wisteria pergola, a lily pond, and acres of carefully tended blooms. Climb Belvedere Castle for commanding views of the park.
Skip Hamilton in favor of a free summertime showing of Shakespeare in the Park. Pay tribute to John Lennon at Strawberry Fields.
What’s the easiest way to cover lots of ground in New York without missing the sights? Ride a bike!
The Citi Bike program puts you on two wheels for just $25 a day! There are plenty of bike paths in Central Park and along the Hudson River Greenway.
Choose your own route, or choose one of the popular rides through the boroughs or the Jersey waterfront. It’s a great way to see the city (and work off a few of those carbs from your pizza lunch!)
Let’s face it—food in Times Square is way too expensive—try the street food instead. Meals are a big part of any vacation—and we’re all about splurging on a really amazing restaurant. But why waste money on overpriced touristy chains, especially in Times Square, when there are so many delicious food carts and trucks to sample instead?
How about Japanese rice balls or red curry ramen or a pork donut slider from a food truck? If you can crave (or imagine) it, you can probably find it somewhere on the streets of New York.
The views from the deck of the Rockefeller Center are picture perfect—and pricey. A trip to the top costs $35+ per person. Here’s our pro tip. Skip the deck and head over to Bar 65. For half the price, you get almost identical views and a drink besides!
You can also head to the Highline and grab a drink at Le Bain, the rooftop bar at the Standard Hotel for breathtaking city views.
The Manhattan skyline is an unforgettable sight—and what could be more unforgettable than the view from the water? Anyone can paddle the Hudson in a kayak for free, as long as you’re back in 20 minutes.
Don’t know how to kayak? No problem! Even kayaking lessons are free!
We’d love to help you find the best value for your New York City guided tour. Get in touch today and reserve your spot on one of our award-winning tours!
Q: What’s the best time to visit NYC on a budget?
A: Typically, winter months (January–February) and early spring (March) have lower hotel rates and flight prices. Avoid peak holiday seasons like Christmas or New Year’s Eve for the best deals.
Q: Are city passes worth it in NYC?
A: Yes, especially if you plan to visit multiple attractions like the Empire State Building, Top of the Rock, the Statue of Liberty, and museums. City passes typically bundle popular spots at a discounted rate.
Q: How can I save on meals in NYC?
A: Look for budget-friendly food trucks, local delis, and ethnic neighborhoods (e.g., Chinatown) for affordable eats. Also, explore restaurant “happy hours” for discounted meals and drinks.
Q: Is public transportation cheaper than taxis?
A: Absolutely. A weekly MetroCard can save you a lot if you plan to explore the city. Taxis and rideshares can be convenient, but they’re more expensive, especially during peak hours.
