Accommodation is the biggest consumer of travel budgets, and this is no exception in New York City. It is the priciest destination in America, and third in the entire world, with an average hotel price of $241, according to the Summer 2010 Hotels.com Hotel Price Index. Generally, hotel prices decrease as you radiate outwards from Manhattan, and are less expensive on weekdays than weekends. But most people want to stay in Manhattan and want to visit New York on the weekend. Some hotels that offer rates at least 50 percent below the average are the Howard Johnson Express on Houston St., Union Square Inn, Cosmopolitan Hotel, East Village Bed and Coffee, SoHotel, Colonial House and Murray Hill Inn. Another option is to stay in New Jersey, where more luxurious accommodations can be booked for far less than its neighbor. Search for hotels in Hoboken, Secaucus and Union City. These cities are located just across the Hudson from Manhattan, where public transportation -- train, bus or ferry -- will get you to the city in less than 30 minutes.
It is not uncommon for restaurant bills for two to exceed $100 while dining in New York City. For short getaways in which you are short on cash, taking to the streets is the way to keep your stomach and wallet full. Street vendors selling kebabs, grilled sausages and hot dogs are plentiful on Manhattan's corners. For breakfast, bakeries can be found on almost every block, so settling for a traditional bagel and coffee provides enough sustenance to get you through the morning. Plenty of delis serve sandwiches, soups and salads for reasonable prices. Of course, New-York-style pizza is filling and inexpensive. Since you're in the city for only a few days, diets can be disregarded. Other dining options in which a meal can be had for less than $10 are the Dumpling House, Dojo, Cafe Edison, Chennai Garden, Great New York Noodle Town, Roll-n-Roaster, Sip Sak and Shake Shack.
Do not rent a car while visiting New York City. Hotels and parking lots charge at least $35 per day to store a vehicle. The subway and bus system is one of the best in America, and it is reasonably priced while traveling in the city. The key is to ensure you have the correct route. The Metropolitan Transit Authority's website lists all bus, subway and railway schedules. The least expensive and most immersing way to see the city is by walking. Allow yourself to be swept along with the river of people to feel the pulse of this great city.
The most economical way to see many of New York City's attractions is with Gray Line Tours, as they operate a city-wide system of double-decker buses. Passengers can select from a variety of options, from sightseeing downtown to exploring the city when it lights up at night. Many of the pricing packages allow passengers to hop on and off at their pleasure to explore additional sights. Prices for these tours begin at $39. For those wishing to see a Broadway show, go off-Broadway. Off-Broadway shows are more intimate and easier on the budget. You could see two or three shows for the cost of a Broadway show.
Leave Park Avenue and get lost in Chinatown. The cacophonous markets that line Canal, Mulberry and Elizabeth streets sell everything from ginger root to phony perfumes. You may not walk away with a bagful of goods, but you will have a memorable experience. Remember to avoid fake goods, as they are illegal, and always bargain before purchasing. Chinatown will prepare you for the discount stores, where the best shopping bargains are had. Battling shoppers, small dressing rooms and controlled chaos is a daily occurrence. The best stores for discount shopping are Century 21, Gabay's Outlet, Syms and Loehmann's.
