New York City is a great destination for any traveler and can be quite expensive to explore especially as a student. With so much to do and see during your trip, it’s easy to find yourself spending more than you expected. But your trip to NYC doesn’t have to be too expensive. There are different ways you can explore what the city has to offer without overspending.
Here are six tips to enjoy New York City on a budget:
Pre-Plan Your Trip
While many travelers come to New York with a list of things to do, don’t think that you’ll be able to manage everything without proper planning once you arrive in New York. There are many things that you need to plan in advance for, like checking out current and upcoming events in the city, reduced entry fees in major tourist destinations and entry days and timings.
Pre-planning your trip before you arrive makes your trip more efficient, and also helps you save about half of what you would have spent without prior planning. Also, don’t forget to list down the destinations you plan to visit and tours you wish to experience such as the Statue of LIberty cruise & tour.
Opt for Passes
Despite being an expensive city, New York City offers a wide choice of tourist passes for a quick pocket-friendly admission to some of the major attractions in the city. These passes are suited for different traveler requirements. There are those suited for single-day trips, up to nine days and with different charges for adults and kids.
Some of the passes come with extra perks like discounts in theater shows, restaurants and concerts. It’s worth getting these passes. A subway pass like the MetroCard is also a must have to enjoy unlimited subway and bus rides. The subway is much more affordable, and with a subway pass, you get to save a lot on commuting.
Opt for Budget Accommodation
Plan your accommodation wisely and in advance. New York City accommodation can be expensive, especially during high season. A Trip Savvy article offering some money-saving tips for finding cheap hotels in New York notes that you should look for budget accommodation that’s in a location that will save you money on room charges and transportation.
The best option for budget accommodation is hotels outside of Midtown. Opt for hotels that offer shared bathrooms to save as much as $100 a night or go for other options like hostels which are much cheaper than hotels, Couchsurfing and rental apartments offered on sites like Airbnb. If you find a nice place to stay, book it in advance.
Save on Meals
New York City boasts a diverse list of fancy and expensive restaurants. But, if you don’t have the money to spend on expensive food and drinks, you can still find great places, preferred by locals, young crowds and even travelers who’re looking for something more homely. Such restaurants are spread across the city and offer tasty food at lower prices.
From little China, little Italy to little India, these districts offer authentic local foods that you’ll enjoy. Street food is also a popular option with plenty of food trucks and stalls offering fresh, tasty food, rolls, burgers, pizzas and desserts, as well as drinks. If you want a fine dining experience in NYC, opt for lunch instead which is much cheaper, even in the same restaurant.
Explore the City on Foot
The majority of New York’s top tourist attractions are very walkable, and a big part of Manhattan is no exception. Any traveler who’s been to NYC multiple times will tell you that the best way to explore the city is on foot. You only need a pair of comfortable shoes or boots and a great camera to capture those thrilling moments as you get going.
Exploring NYC on foot not only saves you money you would’ve spent on taxis and buses, but also allows you to experience New York on a personal level and discover much more than you could while moving around on a bus or taxi, according to a Huffington Post article.
Skip Shopping in Midtown
For any budget traveler, it’s best to avoid shopping around the Midtown area. There’s no doubt that the area has some of the best attractions, shopping stores and lots of great activities, but at the same time, prices can be through the roof. So, shop in another part of the city like Brooklyn if you can to save that money.
These are some of the tips that will help you save money on your next New York trip. Whether you are on a budget-friendly vacation or are a student looking for an escape from studying, New York will amaze you! Once you’re in New York, you’ll definitely find more money-saving ideas.
