Cities can be expensive and New York is no exception but equally there are some attractions that a free, notably Central Park and the Staten Island ferry from which you can get as good a view of the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline as anywhere.
There are discounts available on Broadway; there is free entrance to some of the vast number of museums and galleries at particular times on particular days and American fast food is generally fairly cheap if containing perhaps a few more calories than you would like.
Flights to and from New York vary tremendously in price and there are low season discounts on accommodation; it’s a matter of doing research but the time spent can be worth it. If you are flexible with flight times, remember there are three large international airports and four smaller ones so there is competition for passengers.
Once in the city, there are plenty of hostels that are extremely cheap yet clean and comfortable if you have no luck with an inexpensive hotel room.
We’ve already mentioned the Staten Island ferry and Central Park. Times Square is vibrant and free, the Rockefeller Center likewise. However you have to spend money on some things but Broadway for example need not be the daunting expenses you would expect of world famous theatre. A little time on line can reveal savings of as much as 50% on even the most popular shows depending on when you enquire.
Grand Central Station’s famous opal four sided clock has been a meeting place in film and real life for decades. This is a working station but there is no charge for exploring and a small charge for a coffee while you watch New York life around you is no problem.
A few blocks away is the United Nations Building, worth a look just because of its significance in World Affairs. It may cost you a tenth of a cent in shoe leather but…..
There is cheap food to be had in many places, Chinatown is worth examining and several other ethnic restaurants will fill you up without it breaking the Bank. Whether a roadside hotdog and pretzel is one your agenda is up to you.
There is encouragement from the cultural side of New York to visit its many treasures. It needs some research but again there are opportunities to visit some museums free, or for a very nominal charge. Visitors to such a city for the first time don’t begrudge time spent in preparation for this exciting few days. You’ll be surprised at the deals that you will find during this research.
Cities around the World tend to be expensive; supply and demand but with a little research you can enjoy the delights of the wonderful city of New York for very little.
[box]This article was written by Steven, a travel writer and blogger for Nycvacationrentalsonline.com, a specialist short term vacation rental agency in vacation rentals NYC and holiday apartments NYC.[/box]
