Planning a trip to the Big Apple is certainly an exciting time for anybody. Whether you’re visiting with friends, family, your partner, or even on your own, you’re sure to find plenty of things to see and do in the iconic city of New York. From shopping to dining and several amazing attractions, there’s something for everybody, no matter how short or long your trip is going to last.
But, New York can also be an expensive place to visit, making it a struggle for anybody on a budget to ensure that they fill in all their planned itinerary. In the big city, smaller costs such as taxi fares, eating out, and all the amazing shopping temptations can quickly add up, leaving you with little left to see everything that you’d planned to. But, don’t worry – we’ve put together an extensive list of savvy tips to help you make sure that you get the best of New York without breaking the bank.
Tip #1. Book Your Transport in Advance:
Getting to New York can be one of the biggest expenses of all, so booking as well in advance as possible is one of the best ways to get the cheapest deals and save on your transport fees. Depending on how you plan to arrive in the city, there are several great ways in which you can save. If you are planning to drive, consider sharing a car with as many other people as possible so that you can split the cost of gas further. If you’ve got a long way to go, this can also work out cheaper if you’re going to need an overnight stay at a motel at the half-way point, too.
For those planning to fly into the Big Apple, booking in advance is essential. Even domestic flights into New York tend to fill up quickly, so the sooner you can get your ticket the better. Be savvy when it comes to the day that you travel, too – business travelers tend to fly to the Big Apple frequently, so expect demand to be higher during the week. If you can, fly off-season – the school break, Thanksgiving and the holiday season are all periods to avoid since New York is a prime destination during peak times of the year. Check out the best deals at Flyporter.com for flights to New York.
Tip #2. Avoid Cabs from the Airport:
Once you arrive at the airport, there’s no denying that it’s going to be tempting to hail a yellow cab in true New York style. But, this novelty can set you back a fair amount, with cabs costing upwards of $60 from New York JFK into the city.
In addition, you’re likely to hit traffic, meaning that the ride itself could end up taking at least an hour. Instead, jump on the Air Train + A Train from the airport; you’ll save at least $50 on your cab fare and maybe even arrive at your final destination faster, particularly if you’re arriving during rush hour. The subway stops at every zone in the city, making it easy to get to wherever you need to be.
Tip #3. Get an Unlimited Metro Card:
If you’re planning to do a lot of exploring, then it’s certainly worth investing in an unlimited metro card. You can pick one of these up at any of the main stations for around $31. Don’t forget to ask for a free pocket map, too, or download the New York metro system map onto your phone to make it easier for you to get around and avoid getting lost. If you do get lost, don’t hesitate to ask somebody for help – most people are more than happy to offer directions.
The unlimited metro card is perfect for anybody planning to stay in the Big Apple for longer than six days. If your trip is shorter, then be sure to inquire at the metro station about the best options for getting around. Don’t forget to double check before you board whether the train is going uptown or downtown; forgetting to do so is one of the easiest ways to get lost!
Tip #4. Explore by Foot:
If you’re visiting New York when the weather is nice, then why not skip the subway as much as you can and explore the city on foot? Not only is it great exercise, it’s one of the best ways to see as much as the city as you can for free. If you’re unsure where to go, book a walking tour in advance to take advantage of the best prices and ensure that you don’t miss out on any corner of the city.
If you’re traveling on your own, then a walking tour can also be a great way to meet other like-minded visitors to the Big Apple, too!
Tip #5. Visit Street Food Vendors:
The cost of eating out in New York can quickly add up if you’re heading out to the best restaurants that the city has to offer every night. Thankfully, the good news is that there are several places in New York where you can get cheap, affordable and tasty eats too. If you see a long queue at a street cart, don’t pass it by – chances are, people like to eat there for a very good reason! Street vendors are a real staple in the city because they are cheap and delicious.
However, it’s also important to be careful – you don’t want to end up running your trip with food poisoning. Do some research online beforehand to figure out where you can find the most recommended street carts and avoid any that look like they have a high turnover and have been sitting in the sun for a while.
Tip #6. Take Advantage of Happy Hours:
Whether you’re heading out for a few quiet drinks or want a lively night out with friends in the Big Apple, there are several bars and restaurants that offer ‘happy hours’ on certain days of the week at varying times.
Keep an eye out for the regular ‘happy hour’ signs that start to appear in the afternoon to make sure that you don’t miss out on great deals such as unlimited brunch on the weekend or all you can drink mimosas, bellinis, or sangria for a small additional fee when you buy a meal. Most happy hours will start at around 4 PM, and many last for much longer than an hour, finishing up at around 6-7PM.
Tip #7. Refill Your Water Bottle:
Last but not least, make sure that you stay hydrated when exploring the city by bringing a refillable water bottle with you. Save money on expensive bottled water; NYC’s tap water is not only completely safe to drink, it’s also considered some of the best in the entire country.
You can fill up your water bottle at your accommodation for free before you leave for the day or ask to have it refilled with tap water at any restaurant or Starbucks, of which there are plenty. You can also find plenty of free water fountains.
Visiting New York City can be an expensive trip, but with these savvy tips, you can have more to spend on the best attractions.
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