If you’re reading this chances are that the City of Dreams is on your bucket list, and you’re also probably wondering if it is in your budget.
When you visit New York City you know you’re in for an exciting experience even when you’re on a budget!
The city offers a variety of affordable activities and dining options that don’t take away from the New York experience. If you’re on a budget and want to make the most of your New York City experience, you’ve come to the right place.
Attractions
The beauty of New York City is that it offers free or pay-what-you-wish opportunities at some of the world’s most renowned museums.
Places like the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the American Museum of Natural History offer times when you can pay what you wish- this is a great initiative for the budget-friendly folk who crave some history and art. Y
ou can also catch a free ride across the harbor on The Staten Island Ferry and see the Statue of Liberty and the downtown skyline. Another must-see is the High Line, a park built on a historic freight rail line raised above the streets of Manhattan’s West Side.
Dining Options
The city’s food scene caters to all budgets, big and small. You can consider having legendary New York street food. For the real New York experience, grab a hot dog or pretzel from a street vendor or a slice of pizza from a pizzeria. There are great places in Chinatown for budget-friendly meals and hitting up Queens also boasts keeping the wallet light!
Public Parks and Nature
New York’s public parks are free, and Central Park is a given and must-see when visiting the wonderful city. However, don’t overlook other green spaces like Brooklyn’s Prospect Park or the lesser-known Fort Tryon Park, which offers spectacular views and has a quieter atmosphere than the commercially known spaces.
Free Events and Cultural Experiences
New York has a wide variety of free events throughout the year like outdoor concerts and movies in Bryant Park during summer film festivals- a great way to experience up-and-coming talent making their debuts.
Best Hotel Locations in New York City
Choosing the right neighborhood can make or break the bank. Midtown Manhattan is centrally located and convenient. Areas like Long Island City in Queens and Williamsburg in Brooklyn are just a subway ride from Manhattan and won’t break the bank.
Budget Travel Hacks
For traveling within NYC itself, I recommend buying a MetroCard, which offers unlimited rides for days, this will cover all your subway and bus travel within the city and incentivize you to see as much as you can stomach!
You can also rent a CitiBike when traveling short distances which is also fun when you experience the city from that angle.
Conclusion
New York City is far more than paid excursions and slapping plastic everywhere.
It is all about the vibrant street life and city culture, the diversity of its neighborhoods, the residents, and the city’s atmosphere- this alone can be taken in for hours without burning cash.
