According to the official website of New York City, the city saw 54.3 million visitors in 2013, with an expected overall economic impact of $58.7 billion. Lonely Planet shows midrange New York City hotels running upward of $300 a night and dinner for two ranging around $130, depending on the restaurant.
Despite New York’s reputation for expensive amenities and attractions, there are ways to see the city on the cheap without compromising on fun. Here are a few attractions to consider:
Take a Free Tour
New York offers hundreds of tours ranging from blockbuster movie themes to the photography-inspired. Free tours are also available in multiple languages for budget-conscious tourists who value an insider perspective on the city. Provided through the Welcome-Visitor Service with help from New York City volunteers, Big Apple Greeters share their expertise and can offer customized tours on subjects like architecture. They can also be a great resource to help visitors find their way around.
Look for Suggested Donations
New York is home to world-class museums like the Whitney, Guggenheim, Museum of Modern Art, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Many cost upwards of $30 per ticket, but locals know many museums offer suggested donations. This means their suggestion might be $30 upon entry, but any donation will do.
For completely free admissions, try the American Folk Art Museum, the Museum at FIT (Fashion Institute of Technology), and the Hispanic Society of America. Also, keep an eye out for free nights at area museums.
Museums aren’t the only attractions that offer free admission, however. Enjoy free admission on Tuesdays at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, and on Wednesdays at the Bronx Zoo.
Find Free and Cheap Events
Scour local listings for free events, entertainment, and concerts throughout the city. New York City’s parks, including Central Park, Brooklyn Bridge Park, and Battery Park, all offer completely free live entertainment. Bryant Park is home to free movies on a big screen in the summer, and the quirky Socrates Sculpture Park in Queens hosts free kayaking, a walk through an unusual sculpture garden, and special events.
Look at the NYC Parks’ website for ideas and event listings, and check out a few cheap travel tips from The DIG, DISH Insider’s Guide.
Use Cheap Transportation
Relying exclusively on private car hires and taxi cabs can bust your travel budget in New York City. A cab typically costs $2.50 for the initial charge, plus $.50 per fifth mile or $.50 per minute of slow traffic when the vehicle is stopped. These rates don’t account for surcharges and tolls, so it’s easy to drop $30 to $40 on a cab for just a single ride.
As a cheaper transportation option in New York, the subway is just $2.75 a ride. See more of the city by transferring from the subway to the Roosevelt Island Tram, and sail over the city on North America’s only commuter cable car.
Next, rent a CitiBike, just under $10, for a 24-hour pass or $25 for a seven-day pass and see the city on two wheels. NYC is also home to free kayaking options during the summer, including Governor’s Island and the Downtown Boathouse, among other locations. While you can’t kayak off into the sunset, you can get out on the water and take in the views without spending a dime.
These are all great tips Sean! By taking a cheap transportation would definitely save you a lot and by going to a free event is also a good thing to do.