Visiting New York for Less: Enjoy the City Without Breaking the Bank

Can you really explore New York on a budget? From vibrant theatre culture to 90s/00s sitcom greats, the Empire State Building and of course world famous Central Park (and its zoo), New York City is a treasure trove of attractions, culture, and unique history that’s best explored over as many days as possible – and some would argue – with as big a budget as possible.

But, if you’re only planning on visiting The Big Apple for a couple of days and on a limited budget, it can be tricky to know how to make the most of your time in the City that Never Sleeps. With so much to see and do, how do you get around? What should you see? Where should you stay? And how can you keep the cost of everything you want to do within your budget?  

Before you spend hours trawling through travel sites and online recommendations, I’ve come up with some invaluable New York City tips, ones that will help you enjoy visiting New York without breaking the bank. Read on to find out more. 

Where to Stay

When it comes to finding somewhere to stay in NYC, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. There’s so much choice you must get it right, especially if you have limited funds. Otherwise you might blow your entire budget before you’ve even arrived. It’s easy to make the connection between cheap hotels in New York and questionable cleanliness, unfriendly neighborhoods, and potential vacation nightmares. But, it doesn’t have to be this way! New York has plenty of budget options for travelers who want a wallet-friendly stay without compromising on quality. 

For the budget conscious traveler, consider searching for hotels and rooms in these areas:

Long Island City (Queens)

• Close Proximity to Manhattan: This area is much less expensive than staying in the heart of NYC. In LIC you’re just one subway stop away from Midtown, making it easy, cheap, and convenient. 
• Lower Hotel Prices: Here you’ll find cheaper hotel rooms and rates than areas like Manhattan. But, you can still expect good reviews and decent sized rooms.
• Food Options: Even though you’re not in the center of the city, there are still plenty of authentic NYC diners, local food markets, and ethnic restaurants to enjoy after a day of sightseeing.

Jersey City (New Jersey)

• Easy Access to NYC: Grab the PATH train and you’ll be in Manhattan in 15 minutes.
• Waterfront Views: Many hotels offer incredible views of the Statue of Liberty and the NYC skyline.
• Safer and Quieter: Generally Jersey City is less chaotic and calmer than staying in central NYC! 

Harlem (Manhattan)

• Budget Accommodation is Available: Rooms in Harlem are cheaper than those in Midtown or Downtown, but may still be on the pricey side if you’re on a budget.
• Parks and Green Spaces: You’re close to Central Park and Riverside Park, where there are lots of free activities.
• Great Food Scene: Soul food is in abundance and you’ll find plenty of authentic NYC dishes as well as international options.

Brooklyn (Bushwick & Williamsburg)

• Trendy and Affordable: Williamsburg has great budget hotels with lots of room size options.
• Hipsters and Trendsetters Paradise: Younger travelers will love the vibe here, with its art galleries, thrift stores and street art. 
• Good Subway Links: You’ll find easy access to Manhattan via the L, J, and M trains. 

How to Eat Well on a Budget in NYC

NYC is just as famous for its food as it is for its skyline and attractions. But don’t think that, just because you’re on a budget, you have to miss out! Here’s how you can enjoy an authentic taste of NYC without breaking the bank.

Try the Famous Food Carts and Street Food

• Hot Dog Stands: You’ve seen them in every movie and NYC-based TV show, and there’s a reason why. Nothing beats an authentic NYC hot dog from carts like Gray’s Papaya or Nathan’s Famous. They’re filling and cheap!
• $1 Pizza Slices: You’ll find that hundreds of pizzerias like 2 Bros. Pizza offer delicious slices of authentic NYC pizza for just $1-$2. They’re not small either! 
• Pretzels and Bagels: They’re incredibly delicious, famous, filling, and cheap! A New York bagel with cream cheese is an affordable and authentic option that will keep you fueled. 

Happy Hours and Lunch Specials

Hundreds of restaurants and diners in NYC offer happy hours and offers at certain times of the day. A little research and planning, and you could be eating at some of the best places in NYC for a fraction of the price. Check out eateries like Roey’s in West Village, The Mermaid Oyster Bar, Times Square or Serenco, Brooklyn for a wallet-friendly experience. 

Free and Cheap Attractions

I’m sure you’ve probably budgeted to see some of NYC’s most famous attractions like the Empire State or maybe even a Broadway show, but if you’re conscious of overspending during the rest of your visit don’t worry, there are plenty of free and cheap ways to enjoy NYC. Here are my favorites:

• Check out Free Museums: MoMA is free on Fridays, and the Met has a “pay what you wish” policy
• Explore Central Park: There’s so much to see, do, and find in Central Park you could easily spend a whole day here. From play areas for the kids, to ice skating, the Central Park Zoo, sculpture spotting, Strawberry Fields, and taking as many photos as you can in Central Park’s most iconic locations.
• Visit Times Square and Brooklyn Bridge: You can visit these iconic locations in NYC, soak up the atmosphere and get some great pictures without spending a dime.
• Walk the High Line: A unique and elevated public park built on a former railway track in Manhattan. It’s completely free and you can see public art installations, enjoy the lush greenery, and the spectacular views of the Hudson River and NYC skyline. 

Final Thoughts…

Who said you couldn’t enjoy NYC on a budget? While many of New York’s attractions will make a dent in your budget, many visitors find that they have to spend very little to enjoy the atmosphere and the energy of the city. Whether you’re on a road trip or you’re visiting New York for a special reason, it’s good to know that you don’t have to break the bank. How would you spend your time in NYC?