Your Guide to an Affordable NYC Vacation

15th April 2023

New York City is a popular tourist city and one of the top US digital nomad destinations for a reason, but it can also quickly start to get expensive if you plan to spend any amount of time there. Some people allow this to put them off, and with good reason – if you’re traveling as a student or as a family, for example, then it’s unlikely that you have too much money to throw at your visit.

The good news is that if you’re strategic about it, there are plenty of ways to keep costs down while still making sure that you don’t miss out on anything during your visit. Here are just a few of the best.

Affordable NYC

1. Stay in an Airbnb

Travel bloggers often suggest staying in an Airbnb as a way to keep costs down. It’s a smart approach, especially if you choose an area like Brooklyn which is close to the city and convenient to explore from without having to cost you a small fortune if you plan to stay there. If Airbnb doesn’t work for you, consider a hostel instead.

2. Go walking

New York City is a walker’s paradise, and even lifelong residents of the city have been known to make discoveries that they would never have expected as they walked the city’s streets. In particular, it’s worth stopping off at each of the city’s major tourist spots including Central Park and the High Line, where you can wander in the city while still surrounded by nature.

3. Take a cruise

Now, you’re probably wondering how going on a cruise has made it onto a list of affordable things to do in New York City. The truth is that cruises are nowhere near as expensive as they once were, and many providers specialize specifically in providing budget cruising experiences. You can even head off on a family cruise from NYC without breaking the bank.

4. Look for discounts

Many popular tourist attractions offer special discounts to families who travel in a group. Some even allow you to book tickets online before your visit, and many of these online booking systems have discount vouchers that you can find on voucher sites. Be sure to shop around!

5. Make your own food

Eating out can quickly get expensive in New York City, and so if you’re looking to keep costs down then it can help to cook your own food instead of eating out at fancy restaurants. If you can’t cook your own food for whatever reason, you can also save a few dollars by eating at cafes instead of at restaurants.

Conclusion

Now that you know just a few of the ways to enjoy New York without spending a huge amount of money, you can start to finalize your travel plans and to book things in. You can save a lot of money by booking in advance, especially when it comes to flights and accommodation, and if you avoid the more popular times of year then that can save you a few pennies, too. Happy travels.