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.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Money Belts
• Walking Shoes
• Maps
• Day Packs
• Maps

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.

on 2/21/2006 Lines tend to form at the turnstile, if you are left digging through your purse for your card, it is best to keep it some place accessible so you can pull it out and zip through.
But, not so accessible that it will fall out or is easily pick pocketed.

on 11/22/2005 For the guys (or ladies who use wallets),
Put your wallet in your front pants pocket. It is a lot more difficult for a person to pickpocket you from the front.

on 11/22/2005 I live in Brooklyn, but I go to school in Atlanta. Being away from home I realize that I am from the best city in the world. We have the best transportation, the best places to visit, the best nightlife, the best music. Regardless of the stereotypes that are placed on us, everyone should visit New York.

on 11/22/2005 When people first come to New York City, many of them find the subway and subway-talk very confusing. New Yorkers think it is the easiest thing on earth, and we end up with the bad reputation of being cold and rude. The truth is, we're in a hurry. Sometimes we get annoyed with tourists asking us how to get to Times Square on the subway. If you are confused, definitely ask before getting on a random train. But ask either a hotel concierge or the worker in the turnstile booth, not a native New Yorker.