It’s true: New York City can be incredibly expensive. Anyone looking for a place to drop a bundle can do so in midtown Manhattan with the blink of an eye. But don’t write New York off your list of possible vacations list quite yet; there are dozens of ways to save money while visiting the city and many opportunities for totally free entertainment.
Save big on accommodations; consider staying at a hostel. New York has hundreds of dormitory-style rooms available for those who don’t mind sharing sleeping quarters and a bathroom. You may have to bring your own towels, but for less than $50 a night, give it a try. Many websites listing hostels offer ratings and comments from previous guests.
Eat well for less. Cheap and delicious meals are just a click away. Every year sites like Time Out and City Search publish an online list of the best eating out bargains in the city. Most of these sites list a variety of eating establishments by area. Using a few index cards and an envelope, you can make yourself a personalized restaurant guide. Simply label one card for each of the areas you plan to visit (Times Square, Upper West Side, etc.). Then take a look at a few of these websites and jot down places that sound appealing to you. Tuck the cards in the envelope and you’re set for some good eating at a great price.
Say no to taxis; say yes to buses and the subway. Buy the 7-day Unlimited Ride MetroCard, and you will be able to ride as many times as you like for $25.00. Visit the MTA site for information and maps; they also have a trip planner function that allows you to enter your location and your destination to find the best route.
Take advantage of the incredible number of free and low-priced attractions, tours, and entertainment venues New York has to offer. Almost all the city’s museums and exhibition sites offer a free, reduced or suggested admission day; for example, the Museum of Modern Art is free on Fridays from 4:00-8:00 pm and the Sony Wonder Technology Lab is always free. City churches often offer free concerts. Various organizations sponsor fascinating walking tours of the city. You might come across a free movie screening or an opportunity to be part of a studio audience at a TV show. Find these entertainment bargains on a variety of sites, several of which are listed below in the Additional Resource section.
