(Newswire.net — March 13, 2018) — New York City is one of the most tourist-visited cities in the United States. In fact, according to TripAdvisor, New York City has won first place in the Traveler’s Choice Awards for seven years in a row. Still, many travel enthusiasts avoid the Big Apple due to the belief that a trip will break the bank.
Fortunately, there are ways to see the City that Never Sleeps at all price points. Here are a few ways to see New York City on a budget.
Book a Hop-On-Hop-Off Tour
Booking a hop-on-hop-off tour is undoubtedly the best way to see any city on a budget. TopView New York City has various packages in which you can see major tourist attractions in Manhattan, getting off the bus to spend time at those you wish to experience, while simply viewing others as you pass by. They also offer a cruise that will take you along the East River, the Hudson River, and alongside the Statue of Liberty.
Booking a hop-on-hop-off tour also allows you to circumvent the often hectic subway system and the cost of cab fare. Rather than formal, guided tours, you can choose where to stop and spend extra time and money while bypassing attractions that are less interesting to you.
Seek Budget Accommodations
Staying in downtown Manhattan will cost you an exorbitant amount of money. Away from the main tourist attractions and in the other boroughs, there are plenty of budget-friendly accommodations. Alternatively, you can look at Airbnb to rent a small apartment for the duration of your stay, which can also help reduce the cost of eating at restaurants. If you aren’t opposed to sharing accommodations, look at renting a room rather than a whole unit.
Like many cities, New York City also has various hostel options that offer single rooms and dorms, along with shared or private bathrooms at different price points that are cheaper than hotels.
Take in the Free Sights
Many of the tourist attractions are free to view, depending on your angle. You can catch a subway to Grand Central station to take in the incredible scenery of this grand building. It is free to walk the Brooklyn Bridge, from which you can see the Statue of Liberty in the distance. The 9/11 Memorial does not charge admission and offers an incredible view of the One World Trade Center.
Taking the elevator to the viewing platform in the Empire State Building may cost a pretty penny, but dining on a rooftop patio can offer spectacular views for only the price of your meal. Central Park is an iconic New York City attraction that is free to enter and peruse for as long as you like.
Travel During the Off-Season
New York City never really slows down, but some months are less popular for tourists than others. The drizzly, winter weeks spanning January through March tend to be less busy than other periods. Note that the holidays are the most popular travel season for New York City, due to the many seasonal spectacles and events.
By traveling during the off-season, you will experience fewer crowds and be able to find deals designed to attract people into dormant attractions. You can even find Broadway shows at a discount during these months, to help while away a cold afternoon during your trip. You may also be able to find nicer accommodations at a discount during this span of time.
Skip the Shopping
Shopping in New York is a dream for some and a nightmare for others. If you are in the former category, pursue a different dream. Rather than stocking up on souvenirs, stock up on memories and photographs. While it might be fun to visit the stores you’ve seen in movies and television, most of them offer the same items you could purchase anywhere at a fraction of the cost.
Every traveler should aspire to see New York City at least once, regardless of budget!