The Big Apple is one of the most expensive places to tour. However, it is possible to visit on a budget if you know where to look. Here are some tips that will come in handy if you want to enjoy NYC on a budget:
Take to the Water
The Staten Island ferry is free for everyone, which means that you can hop on it for a magnificent view of the Southern tip of Manhattan. You can also enjoy a view of the Statue of Liberty from the ferry or go there if you want to see Lady Liberty up close. The Ikea Ferry is also free during the weekends and only 5 dollars on weekdays if you want to save money.
Budget Accommodations
The cost of accommodations in NYC can be as high as its skyscrapers, but you can bargain if you want cheap accommodations. A bargain means that you have to spend at least 100 dollars per night, but if you are willing to split costs with another person, you should consider getting a roommate. If you don’t mind staying in stranger’s homes, you should consider flat swap websites.
Take a Stroll in the Park
The High Line is one of the most famous attractions in NYC, which makes it ideal for first-time visitors. When on the High Line, you will have a chance to stroll above the traffic in the midst of meadow plants, which makes for a peaceful respite away from the busyness of the city. If you want to escape from the noise of the city, you should head to Central Park, which is an 840-acre piece of land with sports fields, boating lake, and a reservoir.
If you want something smaller, you should go to the Prospect Park in Brooklyn to see the beautiful cherry trees that are in the Brooklyn Botanic Garden.
Get on Roofs
New York is a city that was made to be viewed from the top. Unfortunately, most reservation decks are expensive, especially if you are not alone. To avoid these hefty prices, you should go to a rooftop bar and enjoy a few drinks while looking out at the view. You can head to the Standard Hotel, which has a beautiful bar that overlooks the Hudson River.
Although the staff at the hotel are strict about whom they let in at night, you can always go there in the afternoon. You will see an amazing view without paying for anything apart from your drink.
Exercise
In the heat of summer, most of the outdoor swimming pools are open to the public in all the five boroughs. If you are looking for a good place to start, you should go to the Asser Levy Pool, which is located on East 23rd Street. However, if you would rather cycle, you can rent a bike and ride to your destination without forking out any money for transport, meaning that you will save further.
Take a Walk
Tours on foot are another great way to see the city without spending money on transport. Just keep in mind that even if the walking tour is supposed to be free, you have to tip the tour guide at the end of it. To save this money, you can ask a friend who lives in NYC to show you around for free. This way, you can bond with your friend and get the inside scoop from a local.
Whether you’re an out-of-towner, new to The Big Apple or a local realizing you’ve yet to fully explore the city, you should sign-up for a tour package, which is cheaper than buying individual tickets to every attraction.
These are great tips for visiting NYC without overspending!
I had never been to NY before last year and I got to go twice to Long Island because my fiance’s daughter had a baby. We went through the city but I didn’t get a chance to explore. Hopefully next time which will be soon.
A bus tour is an easy, affordable way to see all the main sights in any city.