There’s so much to do in NYC regardless of the season, I’ve never been bored visiting the city with little money. Although transportation fees have increased, the city is walk-able, making it the ideal location for me to enjoy myself without breaking the bank. From museums, to street food vendors, the options are endless. Heading to NYC soon? here’s some inspiration for you to enjoy NYC on a budget while having the time of your life.
7 Ways to Enjoy New York City on a Budget:
1. People watching in Central Park, no matter the weather is FREE! It won’t cost you a thing. Bring a picnic basket and a blanket for some rest and relaxation in this beautiful city escape. Central Park East begins at 59th and 5th Ave. ending at 110th and 5th Ave. It’s the perfect location whether your taking a break from a day of shopping or enjoying the city for a weekend.
2. Head over to the Metropolitan Museum of Art on 5th Ave. for a walk through our past. The museum is includes wonderful exhibit pieces from Egypt, Native American artifacts and Chinese paintings. Planning ahead? Keep in mind if you purchase tickets in advance you will pay the museums suggested fee of $25/adults. In addition children under 12 are always FREE! If you pay at the museum the amount you pay is up to you.  At times I’ve paid up to $5 or $10, depending on how long I plan to stay. Click on the link for more: http://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection
3. Purchase a MetroCard for public transportation on NYC trains and buses at $2.75 per ride. Another option would be purchasing an unlimited 7-day MetroCard, this will cost you $15.50.
Click on the link for more information:Â http://web.mta.info/metrocard/mcgtreng.htm
4. Enjoy some street food from the Halal Guys, where a plate of rice, salad and falafel will cost you as little as $7, perfect for any budget. Located just a few blocks from the Metropolitan Museum of Art the food truck can be found on W 53rd st. and 6th Ave. They’re the best in NYC, so there’s always a line.
5. Get a view of the New York City skyline by crossing over the Brooklyn Bridge on foot. There is no better symbol of NYC than the Brooklyn Bridge. You can even spot the Statue of Liberty in the distance as you cross over into Brooklyn. Most of all, remember to stay out of the bike path.
6. Take a walk along the New York City High Line located on the West Side of Manhattan. Because the High Line goes from Ganesvoort St. and Washington St. to W 34th St. and 11th Ave, your’re able to see spectacular views of city. Enjoy the city from above, by walking through this park in the sky, with opportunities to see beautiful gardens, and tracks of the historic freight line that once ran above the city until 1980.  The NYC High Line offers visitors a chance to shop and eat above the city. In addition, you might even get a chance to see live performances.
7. Finally, take a 25 minute ride on the Staten Island Ferry. In addition to being FREE! The ride gives you amazing views of the city, giving you another reason to love this beautiful city as you head from Manhattan to Staten Island. Follow the link for daily schedules: http://www.siferry.com/schedules.html
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These are great tips and will keep it in mind when I get the chance to visit NY. I would like to try that ferry ride to Staten Island or just simply walk around.
Thanks for stopping by. The Staten Island Ferry has always been my favorite thing to do in NYC since childhood.
These are great tips and will keep it in mind until I get the chance to visit NY. I would like to try the ferry ride to Staten Island or just simply walk around.
great spots shared…my personal favorite being the island ride
Glad you liked my post. More to come! Thanks for stopping by.
You definitely had most of the things I’ve done in NYC on a budget! It’s tough to do – but there’s so much to see I usually just get lost people watching and chasing down awesome cheap food in ethnic neighborhoods! The Highline is so dang cool! Great post!
The Highline is amazing. My first time going there was last fall. It’s awesome, especially with the little shops. Thanks for stopping by and showing my blog some love.
In a city like NYC you definitely need some budget tips – so thanks for these. Another great free activity I did in NYC was get free tickets to the David Letterman Show and sat in the front row and saw The Killers perform – that was awesome – that was 10 years ago though – can you still get free tickets to see shows like that?
I never knew about the free tickets. I’ll look into whether they’re still free. NYC is certainly one of those places where things add up quickly when you’re having fun.
Think about enjoying New York City on a budget seems quite difficult , more like a tough challenge. But your tips eased the difficulty and just gave me a new perspective about New York City being affordable and wonderful at the same time.
Thanks for the feedback Sandy. NYC can seem intimidating and expensive. But you have to be crafty. Hope my tips are useful.
Thanks for the list. I didn’t know of many of these ways you can enjoy new york city on a budget. Particularly the free tickets and metro card are really wonderful tips
I love the High Line so sooooo much! New York can get pricey but people fail to realize that most of its best parts can be savored without killing your finances. I don’t think I’ve ever even really walked all of Central Park! And I had no idea that buying tickets in advance at the Met meant paying the suggested price! I usually go in for a $1 😛
Thanks for stopping by. Yes girl, I couldn’t believe the information about the Met either. I try to be reasonable with my “donation” when I go.
Great tips! I also love your photos of New York. I wish going there is easy so I can also experience New York personally. I definitely love Central Park. Greenery always catches my attention.
I loved NY even quite long time has passed while I was there. Metropolitan museum was incredible. Thank you for great tips!
These are great ideas! When I go to NYC I always seem to spend a fortune. I love Central Park and Brooklyn Bridge. I got engaged on the bridge 🙂 The Staten Island ferry is really cool – I couldn’t believe it was free when i was there.
Thanks for stopping by. How romantic to be proposed to on Brooklyn Bridge.