How to Save Money on a Trip to Manhattan
Manhattan is one of the most desirable places to visit in the United States. But with hundreds of attractions and expensive hotels, it can be a very pricey place. But if you budget your money just right and make certain sacrifices, it shouldn't have to be more expensive than any other city, and could turn out to be even cheaper.
- Difficulty:
- Easy
Instructions
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Getting to Manhattan
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Check out travel websites for the best deal. Since New York is such a desirable place to visit, many websites offer deals and packages. It will be more expensive if you fly into Newark Liberty Airport of White Plains Airport, because you cannot take a local bus or subway to Manhattan from these locations (see Resources below).
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Take the bus, probably the least expensive way to get to Manhattan. The Megabus company (megabus.com) provides service to New York with fares starting as low as $1! The bus will drop you off at Penn Station or at the Port Authority Bus Terminal. Greyhound also has service to Manhattan, but is usually more expensive.
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Hop on the train. Most of the time, a train ticket will be cheaper than an airline ticket. The train will drop you off at Grand Central Terminal right in the heart of Manhattan. This will save you money getting from an airport to the city. Two helpful websites for trains are mta.info/mnr/ and amtrak.com.
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Drive or take a commuter train in. If driving, it might be hard to find a place to park in Manhattan for less than $25 a day. It will cost less to take in a commuter train. Compare parking rates at nyc.bestparking.com.
Free Attractions
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Take the Staten Island Ferry. The ferry runs from downtown Manhattan to Staten Island. It will give you great views of the city and of the Statue of Liberty. The best part is that it's free! Just take it to see the sights and hop back on to come back (siferry.com).
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Go to Times Square, know as the "crossroads of the world." You can hang out and take pictures there for free. It is located at the junction of Broadway and Seventh Avenue, stretching from West 42nd to West 47th Streets.
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Walk the Brooklyn Bridge, one of the most famous bridge in the United States. The Brooklyn Bridge is free to walk across, and gives you great views of the city from an elevated point.
Lodging and Food
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Stay at a hostel to save money. Hostels are abundant on the island of Manhattan. If you're willing to sacrifice some privacy, it could save you hundreds of dollars. They average about $20 to $40 a night (see Resources below).
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The Carter Hotel is famous for being known as one of the most inexpensive hotels in Manhattan. One night there will cost $92 to $120. The average hotel in New York costs about $300 (carterhotel.com).
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Pick the best time to go. The least expensive months to book a room in Manhattan are January and February. If you plan on staying downtown, prices are usually higher on weekdays.
Where to Eat
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Have a hot dog or sausage from a street vendor for just a few dollars. It's a real New York experience.
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Check with the server at a restaurant for daily specials. If you want to save money ordering water, make sure it's only tap water and not a $5 bottle.
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Get an authentic Chinese meal. Most places are less expensive in Chinatown. Getting a meal here is practically like having a meal in Beijing.
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Go to the chain restaurants. Burger King, McDonald's and Subway all have locations in Manhattan. It's not an authentic Manhattan meal, but it will save you money.
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Resources
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