Planning a trip to New York City with kids and want to save a few bucks? Keep scrolling to find out my top tips for how to save money in New York City!
This post about how to save money in NYC was written by family travel expert Marcie Cheung and contains affiliate links, which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
Visiting New York City can be expensive, but it doesn’t have to be! I’m here to show you how to save money on your trip to the Big Apple.
These tips apply to anyone who wants to save a few bucks, even if you aren’t doing a budget trip to New York City.
From transportation and food to activities and accommodations, I’ll give you all my best New York City tips so you can enjoy your time in NYC without breaking the bank.
In recent years, more travelers have looked for creative ways to explore expensive destinations like New York without compromising on experience.
Follow my tips and you’ll be able to experience everything New York City has to offer without spending a fortune. Check out my blog for more information on saving money while traveling.
And don’t forget to book your trip soon – NYC is always a popular destination!
Keep scrolling for my top tips on how to save money in New York City!
Save Money on Airfare to NYC
New York City is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world. And, it’s also one of the most expensive. If you’re planning a trip to New York, it’s important to budget for your flights.
Here are a few tips to help you save money on airfare.
First, compare prices. Use a price comparison tool like Skyscanner or Kayak to find the best deal on your flight. Make sure to also check flights to Newark, New Jersey. It’s a convenient airport that is often cheaper than JFK or LaGuardia.
Next, book early. Most airlines offer discounts for tickets booked in advance. Another way to save is to be flexible with your dates. If you’re not tied to a specific date, try to be flexible with your travel dates, and you may be able to save some money.
For example, fly during off-peak times. Flying during unpopular times, like the middle of the week or early morning/late night, can save you money. The offseason is typically from January to March and from September to December. Prices for hotels and airfare are typically lower during these times.
Also, consider flying in and out of NYC on low traffic days. Certain days, especially midweek departures, tend to have lower airfare.
So, if you’re looking to travel to New York City on a budget, keep these tips in mind! New York is an amazing city, and with a little planning, you can visit without breaking the bank!
Affordable Transportation in NYC
New York City is notoriously expensive, but there are a number of ways to save money on transportation.
One of the most affordable and convenient ways to get around New York is by public transportation. For just $2.75, you can ride the subway or bus anywhere in the city. If you are staying more than a few days, you can even purchase a 7-day Unlimited MetroCard to save even more.
Travelers can also use local buses for short distances within boroughs, which are included in MetroCard coverage.
There are also several apps and websites that offer discounts on transportation, including Ride-Sharing apps like Uber and Lyft.
You can also explore nearby areas using Metro North Railroad or Long Island Rail Road—great options for day trips out of Manhattan that accept MetroCards and offer discounted fare rates on weekends. However, these lines are not included in the Metrocard and would need a separate ticket.
If you’re planning to visit New York City, be sure to take advantage of these affordable transportation options!
Save Money on Accommodations in NYC
New York City can be an expensive place to visit, but there are ways for budget travelers to save money while they’re in town.
Of course, staying with friends or family is the cheapest option. But many people don’t have that option.
There are ways to save money on hotels in the best areas of New York City.
One way to find cheap hotels in New York City is to stay in a neighborhood that’s outside of Manhattan. Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx all have neighborhoods that offer plenty of hotels, hostels, and Airbnbs for much less than you’ll find in Manhattan.
If you are willing to travel a bit farther, Staten Island is also a great option—it’s quiet and has stunning views of the Statue of Liberty and Lower Manhattan.
Another way to save money on hotels in New York City is to travel during the off-season. Hotel rates will be lower during the winter months (January-March), and you’ll have your pick of places to stay, even for a weekend in NYC.
Of course, you’ll need to be prepared for cold weather if you go this route!
Affordable Food Options in NYC
If you’re looking for a good meal in New York City but don’t want to spend too much money on it, there are plenty of affordable food options available. From street vendors to ethnic restaurants all over town, the city has something everyone will love!
New York City is home to some of the best food in America. The city’s neighborhoods are full of unique dishes that can only be found here and hidden gems you’ll want to take advantage of before they’re gone forever!
One of the best ways to find cheap food in NYC is to explore the city’s many neighborhoods. Each neighborhood has its own unique cuisine and culture.
One way we’ve always found great deals on delicious meals is by exploring New York’s many little delis and mom-and-pop shops. These are where you can find incredible pastrami sandwiches, bagels and lox, and egg creams.
There are also tons of places to get pizza slices for $1-$3. These are great for a quick lunch as you’re walking around the city, or you can grab a whole pizza and bring it back to your hotel room.
If you’re looking for some great deals on food in New York City, check out the city’s many street vendors. They have hot dogs and tacos to falafel or shawarma- doubt there is anything that will disappoint!
You can find these street vendors in many of the city’s parks. So pack a picnic and take advantage of this great way to eat for cheap in NYC. Take a walk around the neighborhoods and see what you can find!
And you can always take advantage of Happy Hour deals. Not only is it a great way to save money on cocktails, but you can also get discounted prices for small plates.
Visiting a grocery store is another excellent budget-friendly option. Stocking up on snacks and breakfast items can help you avoid pricey sit-down meals every day.
Planning your meals in advance and sticking to a grocery list can help you avoid overspending and reduce food waste while traveling.
Save Money on New York City Activities
New York Pass
If you plan on visiting many NYC attractions, the New York Pass is definitely the way to go. It has 115 top things to do in NYC, and you’ll save a lot of money.
Here are some of the top New York City attractions included in the New York Pass:
- Empire State Building
- Edge
- Statue of Liberty
- The Ride
- Tons of walking tours
- and more!
The New York Pass is perfect for people staying 3+ days in New York City and want a packed itinerary at a fraction of the cost. Some passes even include additional rides on hop-on hop-off buses and ferry tours.
Visit Discounted and Free Attractions with a CityPASS
The Big Apple is a popular tourist destination, but visiting all the popular attractions can be expensive. CityPASS is a great way to save money while visiting New York City.
A CityPASS can help save money by providing admission to some of New York City’s top attractions at a discounted price. Attractions that are included in the CityPASS include:
- Metropolitan Museum of Art
- Guggenheim Museum
- American Museum of Natural History
- and more!
There are also several attractions that offers free admission with a CityPASS. These include the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, the Statue of Liberty, and the Ellis Island Immigration Museum.
Cheap Broadway Tickets
If you are a fan of the arts, you probably want to see a Broadway show in NYC. I mean, it’s one of the most iconic things to do in New York City.
However, tickets can cost several hundred dollars, which may or may not fit your NYC budget.
To save money on Broadway tickets, use online sites like NYTIX or Broadway Box. It’s the easiest way to score last-minute deals on Broadway shows.
There are also the TKTS booths in Times Square and Lincoln Square. You need to stand in line there physically, but it’s worth it if you’re already in the area.
More Free Activities in NYC
Visitors to New York City will find that they do not need to spend a fortune on activities. In fact, many things can be done without paying anything at all!
A walk through Central Park gives you some exercise while exploring the Bushwick Collective offers artistic inspiration – both are free. You could even return to Central Park at different times of day to enjoy a completely new atmosphere each visit.
It’s also really awesome to walk across the Brooklyn Bridge or the High Line to get epic city views. These are both amazing things to do in NYC on a budget.
If it’s hot outside, head over to Bryant Park, where they show films every summer under their outdoor cinemas. During the winter, lace up your skates and go ice skating instead.
Big Apple Greeters is a great organization that offers free private walks with a local. This way, you can really get to know a neighborhood in NYC. Opting for a free walking tour instead of a paid tour is one of the best ways to save money in NYC. Read our full Big Apple Greeter review.
The Staten Island Ferry is also a great way to see the Statue of Liberty without paying for a tour. The ferry is free and runs throughout the day.
And don’t forget Times Square—window shopping here might seem like a waste of time, but it’s a memorable experience! Plus, there are tons of things to do in Times Square!
Are you heading to NYC for the holidays? There are tons of things to do in NYC for Christmas for all budgets, including a free skating rink!
Best Places to Shop in NYC on a Budget
If you love shopping, you’ll be awed by the amazing stores in NYC. From big-name brands to small boutiques, NYC has it all.
First, you’ll want to avoid buying anything in Times Square. While it’s fun to window shop, prices here are the most expensive in the city.
For a unique shopping experience, head to Chinatown. They have a bunch of NYC souvenirs for a fraction of the price you’d pay in Times Square. Usually, they are the same items. Plus, they have some really cool Chinese items.
If you want to get a lot of bang for your buck, check out stores like Miniso or Uniqlo. These are especially worth checking out if you don’t have one in your home state.
Another option is to visit vintage shops where you can sometimes score great bargains.
Of course, minimizing souvenirs and shopping sprees is one of the easiest ways to save money in NYC.
New York City on a Budget FAQs
While it might be tempting to use Uber or Lyft, public transport is much cheaper. When you land at the airport, you can take the AirTrain instead of a taxi. You can also get around the city using the subway and bus system. Both are affordable and really easy to use.
Absolutely! While New York City is famous for being expensive, there are plenty of cheap and free things to do in NYC. Plus, there are cheap places to stay and affordable restaurants if you know where to look.
If you’re hoping to plan a budget trip to New York City, you’ll want to visit between January and March. Flights and hotel rooms are cheapest during these months. There are also fewer tourists, so it’s easier to find deals on tours and attractions.
How to Save Money in NYC Wrap Up
By following the tips mentioned in this article, you should know a few simple ways to save money in New York City.
There are plenty of ways to reduce your expenses, whether you are looking to save on attractions, transportation, or food and drink.
So why not try some of these methods for saving money in NYC on your next visit?
Looking for more NYC content? Check out my kid-friendly 7-day New York City itinerary, where to stay in NYC with kids, NYC in 4 days itinerary, best NYC day trips by train, New York City travel tips, Real New York Tours review, and Museum Hack tour of the Met review.
