How to See New York For $35 a Day

Most tourists visiting New York spend a lot of money on tours, expensive hotels and restaurants. However, it is possible to see New York for $35 a day if you are low on cash or on a budget. Check out these ways to enjoy the city and stay within your budget.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

1. Get a metro card for $7.50. The 1 Day Fun Pass is good for unlimited subway and bus rides. Buy these cards at a metro card vending machine at any subway station or online. Be sure you get a map as well so you can find your way around the city.

2. Start your day early, bring your camera and wear comfortable shoes and clothes. Get breakfast at a street food cart. Coffee and bagel can cost $3.00.

3. Take the train to lower Manhattan and hop on the Staten Island Ferry. It is a free ride and you can get a great view of the city, Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. After your return trip, visit Wall Street, and the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.

4. Board the train again and go to Little Italy and Chinatown. Explore the shops and look at the variety of souvenirs available. Get some lunch at a food cart. For $5.00, you can get a hot dog, drink and some fruit.

5. Continue your trip uptown to see the Empire Building, Grand Central Station and the Chrysler building and take some photos of these landmarks. Hop on a bus and go up Fifth Avenue to the New York Public Library (free tour), Rockefeller Center and St. Patrick's Cathedral. If you're sightseeing on a Friday, you can visit the Museum of Modern Art for free between the hours of 4 to 8 PM. Take time out to sit and rest on the library steps.

6. Go to Central Park and enjoy the gardens, open spaces and lake. The Central Park Conservancy offers free walking tours of the park.

7. Find a restaurant and have a nice dinner with the $19.50 you still have left. You can find a good place in the Village or on the Lower East Side. Times Square after dark with the spectacular bright lights is the best way to end your sightseeing tour of New York for $35 a day.