New York City has a reputation as one of the most expensive cities to live in, not only in the United States, but in the world. So dismiss any notions that you can get off on the very cheap here. But that reputation is also somewhat exaggerated; you can spend a week in the Big Apple for somewhat less than a king’s ransom. In fact, you can make your trip to New York wallet friendly in lots of ways. Here are some tips on how to save money when visiting NYC.
Travel at off-peak times
Although New York doesn’t have a real off season, the prices at some hotels during nonpeak times are half of what they are during the peak travel seasons. If you can brace the cold weather, head to NYC October-April for the cheapest accommodations.
Try a package tour
For many destinations, you can book airfare, hotel, ground transportation, and even some sightseeing just by making one call to a travel agent or packager, for a price much less than if you put the trip together yourself.
Reserve a room with a refrigerator and coffeemaker
You don’thave to slave over a hot stove to cut a few costs; several hotels have minifridges and coffeemakers. Buying supplies for breakfast will save you money.
Always ask for discount rates
Membership in AAA, frequent-flier plans, trade unions, AARP, or other groups may qualify you for savings on car rentals, plane tickets, hotel rooms, and even meals. Ask about everything; you may be pleasantly surprised.
Ask if your kids can stay in the room with you
A room with two double beds usually doesn’t cost any more than one with a queensize bed. And many hotels won’t charge you the additional-person rate if the additional person is pint-size and related to you. Even if you have to pay $15 or $20 extra for a rollaway bed, you’ll save hundreds by not taking two rooms.
Try expensive restaurants at lunch rather than dinner
Lunch tabs are usually a fraction of what dinner costs at most restaurants, and the menu often offers many of the same specialties, in smaller portions. Many of New York’s best restaurants participate in Restaurant Week in January and June and some restaurants extend this fixed-price bargain throughout the summer or even year-round.
Don’t use the hotel phone
Some hotels in the moderate-to-expensive range now offer free local calls from rooms, but don’t count on it. Instead, if you have one, bring your cellphone and use it.
Stay away from the minibar
We know it’s tempting, but if you want snack, pick one up at the closest deli. Open that minibar and crack open that can of peanuts . . . and then a beer, and before long you’ve spent $20 on a snack.
Use the buses and subways
Before you can ride the subway, you’ll have to buy a metro card. Unlike London, one swipe of your metro card will allow you to go anywhere in the city, even if its the length of the whole subway line. One swipe of your metro card is $2.75, so if you’re planning on using the subway a lot or staying a week in NYC, we would recommend buying the Unlimited Weekly Pass for $33.
Walk a lot or rent a bike
A good pair of walking shoes can save lots of money in taxis and other transportation. Plus, you get to know your surroundings more fully because you explore at a slower pace.
For the adventurous, riding bikes in the city is favorite way to get around! Through CitiBike, you can get a daily pass for $15. If you are going to use CitiBike on your trip, be sure to download the CitiBike app so you can see where the nearest docking stations are, and how many bikes are available so you can plan your ride accordingly.
Seek out small, local restaurants
There will be expensive restaurants everywhere, but if you are in Times Square or other ‘touristy’ neighborhoods, expect that you will be ripped off. The restaurants in these touristy neighborhoods tend to be overpriced and bland. Instead seek out small, local restaurants. Often, not only is the food less expensive, but it’s also better than some of what you get at the bigname tourist traps.
Look for free activities
Visit museums that have a “suggested donation,” or go on the nights that are free. Instead of paying for the Statue of Liberty Ferry, head to Battery Park and enter the Staten Island Ferry terminal building to get the same views!
The latest free thing to in NYC is going inside the Vessel at Hudson Yards. The Vessel is this unique structure that has over 150 interlocking staircases leading you high above the city. The views from the top are incredible and the tickets are free!
Buy your Broadway and Off-Broadway tickets at TKTS
Want to see a broadway show, but don’t want to pay full price? Head to a TKTS booth where you can buy same-day discounted Broadway Tickets. There is the famous location in Times Square underneath the Giant Red Steps, or visit the booth at South Street Seaport.
Buy your drinks at happy hour
Many bars have happy hours, usually between the hours of 4 and 8 p.m. or thereabouts, when you can save considerably on the price of a drink.
