Visiting New York On A Shoestring: How to Spend Less and Still Enjoy the Big Apple

Visiting New York On A Shoestring: How to Spend Less and Still Enjoy the Big Apple

It’s no secret that New York is one of the most expensive cities in the U.S. In the Big Apple, finding hotels, discovering affordable places to eat, and travel expenses can be difficult for prospective vacationers to not go over budget. However, just because New York is an expensive city doesn’t mean that vacationers cannot stick to a budget. 

Providing vacationers carry out research before their visit, they will find plenty of cost-effective – even free – activities in New York and ways to budget during their trip. So, before you book your ticket to New York, here are several methods for vacationers to spend less and still enjoy the Big Apple to avoid breaking the bank yet create a memorable vacation experience and reduce travel stress. 

Search For Cheap Flights

One way that vacationers can spend less yet still enjoy their destination of choice is by searching for and comparing flight tickets to New York. Providing that you are a savvy shopper, you can find a range of flight comparison websites that offer a range of flights to New York at affordable rates. 

Since New York is one of the biggest business hubs globally, it’s not hard for prospective visitors to find a selection of cheap flights to JFK, New York. However, if you’re struggling to find cheap flights to New York, you could try narrowing down your search to other areas of New York, such as JFK, Newark, or La Guardia. Ensuring that you shop around and compare cheap flights to JFK, New York is the only way travelers can hope to get the best price possible and give themselves more money to enjoy the Big Apple. 

Research Free Things To Do 

While you’re vacationing, you want to occupy your time by visiting tourist attractions, seeing the sights, etc. However, doing so can soon eat at your budget, so it’s worthwhile researching things to see and do in New York that don’t cost to enjoy. Pack your itinerary with some of the following suggestions to save yourself some money during your stay: 

  • Explore Central Park and take a homemade picnic with you to avoid paying for food. 
  • Visit Chelsea Art Galleries, where you can enjoy complimentary wine and light bites after 6:30 pm. 
  • Watch the free theatre event, Shakespeare in the Park, hosted in the summertime. 
  • Walk around Times Square. 
  • Enjoy the best shows on Broadway.
  • Head to Washington Square Park to take in the view, look at the fountains, grab a snack, and many more!

Consider Getting A Metro Pass

One aspect that can quickly eat into your budget while in New York is transportation. Sure, taxis are available with a convenient whistle; however, they can become expensive with prolonged usage. Save yourself money by getting an unlimited metro pass, available in 7-day or 30-day stints, which can save you a ton of money getting around the city. Even if you are only in New York for a long weekend, paying for the metro for a week will be considerably cheaper than relying on taxis.