How to Get Around New York City on the Cheap

New York is one of the world's busiest and most exciting cities, but it can also be terribly expensive. Here are some hints to help you navigate New York on a budget.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Money Belts
• Walking Shoes
• Maps
• Day Packs

1. Get a good guidebook, preferably one that includes a subway map and other transit information.
2. Walk whenever possible. Many residents and tourists firmly believe that New York is best seen on foot. Walking also allows you to avoid the inevitable traffic jams that occur at all times of day.
3. Take the subway. New York's subway system is more than 700 miles long and runs 24 hours a day. Look into the Metrocard, which is available in either pay-per-ride or unlimited use options.
4. Take the bus. It may be slower than the subway, but you'll get to see more of the city if you are traveling aboveground.
5. Ride a bike if you dare. Cycling in New York is probably best left to experienced riders, but there is a network of bike paths covering the city, and lots of bike messengers zoom around Manhattan throughout the day.
6. Share a taxi. While a cab ride in New York can be expensive, a group of people may find this to be a convenient, relatively affordable option.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear comfortable shoes. Pedestrian traffic moves fast in New York City, and you should give your feet as much support as possible.
• When trying to find your way around, remember that Manhattan is based on a simple grid system; you should be able to guess your way to most places, as long as you know the street address.
• Be careful on the subway and bus system, especially at night. Stay awake, keep valuables in a safe place (or better yet, leave them at home) and act as you would in any large city.
• Take extra precautions as a pedestrian. New York's traffic is always congested and everyone seems to be in a hurry, so be careful when crossing roads or racing to catch buses.