Attracting visitors from throughout the country and all over the world, New York City is one of the top tourist destinations, hosting over 60 million visitors each year. Known as a city full of vibrant and diverse attractions, the it offers exciting opportunities for every type of travel.
Although a trip to New York City may sound glamorous, it is also known as one of the most expensive destinations to visit. Alongside some of its famous attractions such as the Empire State Building and the Statue of Liberty, the city is also home to top shopping destinations and renowned restaurants.
Traveling to New York City on a budget is certainly possible with some budget-saving tips and tricks. To help prepare for your budget New York trip, check out these best money-saving tips for New York to help you enjoy a visit to the city without breaking the bank.
1. Choosing Affordable Transportation
New York City is comprised of five boroughs, which include about 300 square miles in total area. Given the sheer size of the city, transportation around the city can add up more than you’d think.
As a tourist, you’ll likely to want to explore a variety of different attractions which may be on opposite ends of the city. Relying on ride-share apps like Uber/Lyft or using taxis to get around the city can quickly become a major expense. Especially when traveling during peak times (nights, weekends, holidays), using these forms of transportation can make a serious dent in your budget.
Instead of overpaying for transportation, smart travelers can utilize one of the best money-saving tips for New York: public transportation. The NYC subway system is the cheapest, fastest and most reliable form of transportation, which is accessible across the entire region. The NYC subway app can make it easier to navigate, providing route information in the palm of your hand.
Each subway ride will cost you about $3, a major savings compared to a taxi ride. While navigating the subway may take a bit of time to adapt to, tourists who can quickly learn the system can visit NYC and save some serious money. Instead of overspending on transportation, tourists can channel the saved money into visiting New York’s best attractions.
Benefits of Using NYC Subway
- Runs 24-hours
- Goes anywhere in the city
- Major cost savings over other forms of NYC transportation
- Fast and reliable (avoid traffic jams)
2. Look for Hotel Deals
Staying in the heart of Manhattan can be exciting, but can also leave you with very expensive hotel expenses. Instead, savvy travelers can enjoy a visit to NYC and save money by staying in the outer boroughs, offering steep discounts on hotels. As you browse for places to stay, consider staying in Brooklyn or Queens neighborhoods that offer a city-like experience and are only a short subway ride to Manhattan.
As you look through hotels, consider the amenities you’ll use, and avoid overspending on hotels above your budget. If you’re planning on sightseeing for most of your trip, perhaps you don’t need a four-star hotel experience. For special occasions, you can also consider splitting your hotel stay, choosing a budget hotel for the duration of the trip and splurging on one night at a higher-end, city hotel.
Benefits of Seeking Cheaper Hotels
- Save serious money on accommodations
- Utilize AAA discounts on hotels
- Stay at nicer hotels in other NYC boroughs
3. Take Advantage of Free Museums
A vacation to New York City can still be jam-packed with things to do using one of the best money-saving tips for New York. Many of New York City’s most popular museums offer free admission, giving you endless options of things to do without spending a penny. Some museums in the city are always free, such as the American Museum of Natural History and the Bronx Museum of the Arts.
Other museums in the city offer free admission on certain days of the week, so be sure to check what is available during your visit. If museums aren't your thing, several free outdoor parks throughout the city are perfect for spending time in nature.
Benefits of Free NYC Museums
- Rich history
- Different types of museums for every visitor
- Great to visit with kids
- Endless things to do and explore, featuring new exhibits
4. Visit During Off-Season (Winter)
While many tourists want to visit New York in the peak weather months, visiting in winter offers a great way to save money.
Although the weather will be brisk, there’s something magical about the air and atmosphere in NYC around the holiday season. In the winter, check out the Rockefeller Centre Tree and Ice Skating at Rockefeller Plaza. Complete with warm hot chocolate, visiting during the winter provides a unique and memorable vacation while saving some serious money.
Benefits of visiting NYC in Winter
- Cheaper rates on attractions and hotel stays
- Unique holiday atmosphere
- Winter-themed attractions
Traveling to the Big Apple on a Budget
With these money-saving hacks in mind, traveling to the Big Apple on a budget can be both realistic and enjoyable. Although it may take time, research and effort to plan a budget New York trip, saving money on travel necessities such as transportation and hotel costs can go a long way in helping to make your trip to the city affordable.
Book your New York City trip with a AAA agent today! Our travel agents make planning a trip easy, with access to vacation packages and a la carte planning options for every budget. Use your AAA membership for access to exclusive travel benefits, and use Trip Canvas for travel inspiration.