Things You'll Need:
- Metro card
- City Pass
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Step 1
Get to know the MTA and PATH. Public transportation is your best friend when you are traveling on a budget. New York City has one of the best public transportation systems in the world, via ferry, subway, bus or commuter railroad. The MTA offers a worthwhile Metro card for daily, weekly and monthly travel (see website link below).
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Step 2
Make friends with someone who has a couch for you to crash on. If you don't have a friend and can't afford a "budget" hotel in Manhattan, which can be pricey compared to the rest of the country, stay out in the boroughs, or stay in a hostel if you can. Be prepared to prove that you are from out of state if you stay in a hostel.
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Step 3
Eat cheaply by eating on the go. The streets of New York are filled with vendor carts selling everything from fruits and veggies to hot dogs, pretzels and knishs. Almost every street corner in Manhattan has a take-out bodega with a salad bar and buffet, a pizza slice joint or a Chinese place.
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Step 4
Know the cheap and free things to do. Certain museums and other cultural institutions are free on certain days. Take the Staten Island ferry for great views from the harbor. Walk around Central Park if the weather's nice. Do your research beforehand and you'll have a grand time without breaking the budget.
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Step 5
Buy a City Pass. This will allow you to do up to six major attractions for basically half-price. It's worth it if you have the time. Look at the list of attractions and if you're dead set on doing at least three of them, buy the City Pass (see link below).
Comments
mattsaboy said
on 8/26/2009 Great article. 5 stars and a recommendation.