Spending Too Much Money On Food In Nyc
NYC is an expensive city and the price point at its restaurants are higher than other large cities, such as Toronto. However, with some careful planning, there are plenty of great ways to save money when eating in New York City.
- Get the lunch specialMany popular NYC restaurants offer affordable lunch specials. This can be a great way to enjoy a tasty meal for cheap.
- Eat and drink during Happy HourIf you dont mind eating a little early , I highly recommend taking advantage of New York Citys happy hour specials. Enjoy discounted menu prices on a selection of both food and drinks.
- Dollar pizza slicesOK, we cant be healthy all the time. Grabbing a slice of New York pizza is one of my favorite meals when Im on-the-go sightseeing in the city. If youre visiting New York City for the first time, getting NYC-style pizza is a MUST!
- Find cheap eats in the Village, Lower East Side, and ChinatownThink everything in NYC is expensive? Think again. There are plenty of delicious restaurants with affordable eats in these neighborhoods.
- Street foodFrom ethnic food trucks to familiar hot dog carts, theres lots of street food options to choose from in New York.
PRO TIP: No matter where you decide to eat in New York, make sure the restaurant has an A rating from the NYC Health Department. If you dont see an A rating posted outside the restuarant, find a different establishment to eat at.
National September 11th Memorial And Museum
Plan your visit to the Memorial with our detailed guide Visiting the 911 Memorial and Museum.
The centerpiece of the Memorial is the Reflecting Pools, two massive cascading fountains set in the exact location that the twin towers stood.
Inscribed around the bronze edges of the pools are the names of those who died on 9/11.
For details on the other sites within the Memorial, we have a short, self-guided tour and a GPS audio tour.
NIGHT
Dinner Downtown
Since you will be downtown already, check out the Food Hall at the Westfield World Trade Center.
The Westfield is the relatively new and spectacular new mall in the World Trade Center.
Not only are there tons of food options like Eataly, Shakeshack, and Wasabi Sushi, there are also fast food options and upscale restaurants.
Even if you don’t have a huge appetite, visit the Center and its main hall.
The Oculus, an all-white, architecturally stunning space is definitely worth a look and you will want your camera with you!
Westfield is open on Monday – Friday 10 am – 9 pm and Sunday 11 am – 7 pm.
If your night ends here, you can hop on one of the many subway lines nearby. Many subway lines are found at the Fulton Street Station, including the 2/3/4/5/A/C/J/Z.
Greenwich Village Soho And West Village
While youre here, you have to take some time out for local New York.
These three neighborhoods Greenwich Village, SoHo, and West Village are brimming with life and allow you to experience the real city, the way us locals do every day. Its the energy of these neighborhoods that really make New York the amazing city that it is.
While time may be limited, and you may not get a chance to visit all three, definitely make sure to include at least one in your trip. Go shopping in SoHo, catch a comedy show in Greenwich, or grab a bite in the West Village. Each is fun in in its own way, and experiencing local culture is a necessary part of any good vacation.
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Buy A New York Citypass
Buyinga New York CityPASS is by far our number one travel tip for any NYC itinerary. Weve talked about it a lot in this article, and thats because the New York CityPASS is just great value. For only USD$136 youll get access to some of the most popular attractions in the city.
This includes the Empire State Building, the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, Rockefeller Center Top of the Rock, a Statue of Liberty or Circle Line cruise, entrance to the Met as well as the American Museum of Natural History.
If you did all of these independently it would cost you $92 more, giving you a saving of 42%. Well worth it if youre planning on seeing all the best things in this NYC itinerary.
Best Neighborhoods To Stay In Manhattan
Tribeca, The Lower East Side, and Nolita: All three of these neighborhoods are next to each other. Theyre residential, but very much downtown. There is a good mix of shops and restaurants here, though it wont be the cheapest place to stay in New York.
Chelsea/Greenwich: As covered in day 1 of my New York Itinerary, this area of New York is quite trendy and great for day and night activities. You will have plenty of options for places to eat, drink, part, and more. Youll also find a few budget accommodation options.
Upper West Side: This is a great area to stay if you want something quieter, and it will set you up nicely for day 2 in my New York itinerary, as you will be close to Central Park and the Museum of Natural History.
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From Impressive Architecture To Breathtaking Views
Edge Observation Deck
The Rockefeller Center
One World Observatory
The Flatiron Building
Empire State Building
The Chrysler Building
40 Wall Street
The Apprentice
Gehry New York
Metropolitan Life Tower
New York Life Building
Trump Tower
How much does it cost?
How To Visit New York City
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Whether it’s entertainment you’re after, shopping, culture, history, architecture or parks, New York City’s got it all. It is a massive city that offers a wide variety of entertainment options for visitors. If you’re planning a trip to New York, it can feel overwhelming. However, take your time and plan accordingly. Find an affordable flight and a hotel. Before leaving, break down the city into sections by neighborhood and plan your days around visiting one neighborhood at a time. Make time to see New York’s best attractions, like Central Park, the Statue of Liberty, and more.
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What To Do In Nyc: Day 1
Take a Walking TourStart your trip off with a walking tour. The city is home to dozens of walking tour companies offering tours in every niche possible. History, food, booze, TV/film if you like it, chances are there is a tour revolving around it. Walking tours offer a unique look at the city that never sleeps from a local guide who can answer any and all of your questions. I always take my friends on at least one when they visit.
Three of my favorite walking tour companies not to be missed are:
But, for way more suggestions, check out my favorite NYC walking tours.
See the Statue of Liberty/Ellis IslandThough the line for the ferry from Battery Park is long, if you get there early, you can avoid most of it. The Statue of Liberty is spectacular to see up close , but the real highlight of this combo is Ellis Island. This is where you can learn about the immigrant experience and get a sense of the people who helped build NYC . Theres such a great sense of history there that you cant help but be impressed.
Tip: If the lines too long and you dont want to wait, take the free Staten Island ferry for photos of the statue and harbor instead. You wont get up close but its faster and cheaper
Battery Park, +1 201 604 2800, nps.gov/stli. Ferries operate from 9am3:30pm. Tickets are $23.50 for the ferry, which includes access the pedestal and Ellis Islands Great Hall. Tickets must be purchased months in advance.
1650 Broadway, Times Square, +1 212 956 5151.
Best Ways To Explore New York City
This post contains affiliate links, which means we may receive a small commission, at no additional cost to you, if you make a purchase through these links. See our full disclosure here.
Since New York City is the largest , busiest, and most culturally diverse city in the United States, you might be tempted to believe that getting around is a nightmare.
Au contraire! With an excellent public transportation network and lots of other enticing options, navigating the characterful neighborhoods within its 5 boroughs, visiting famous attractions, and getting a feel of the city is easier than you think.
Here are the best ways to explore NYC, whether you prefer to walk, bike, sail, or take in its buzz and magic from above.
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Where Should I Stay In New York City
After visiting New York City several times and staying in different neighborhoods, I recommend staying in one of these 6 areas:
- Midtown The BEST neighborhood for first-timers
- Times Square The heart of Manhattan. You cant beat its location.
- Upper East Side Ideal for museum lovers and close to Central Park
- Brookyln or Queens Ideal for travellers on a budget
Avoid staying at Airbnbs in New York as they are illegal. Youre better off booking a hotel for the ease and comfort of your trip.
What Is The Best Family
Exploring New York with the family is huge fun – I myself have been to our favorite city with my kids numerous times. Among my personal highlights is a trip to the Statue of Liberty, the visit to the One World Observatory, and Central Park with its lakes and playgrounds. Also really exciting is the Museum of Natural History, which will be familiar to many from the movie “Night at the Museum”.
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Arrival Into New York City
New York City has 3 airports nearby, JFK, Laguardia, and Newark Liberty in New Jersey. If your flight arrives into JFK or Newark, it is possible to take commuter trains and/or the subway to get into NYC.
Visitors arriving into Laguardia, on the other hand, have fewer public transportation options. If taking a taxi or car service from Laguardia, brace yourself for at least an hour ride into Manhattan as the traffic can be horrendous in this area depending on the time of day your flight arrives.
New York City taxis are available at JFK and Laguardia. Its a flat $52 fare from JFK plus tolls and tip. The fare is calculated by the meter for rides from Laguardia. You will pay to sit in traffic. To save money, book a ride with the most trusted shuttle from the New York Airports. Theyre comfortable, reliable, and far cheaper than a taxi.
If you live in the northeast and are coming for your first visit to New York City, youre better off taking a commuter train like Metro-North, NJ Transit, or Amtrak into the city. Or, for an even cheaper option, take a bus directly to New Yorks Port Authority Bus Terminal, just 1 block from Times Square.
Bethesda Fountain And Terrace
Bethesda Fountain on Bethesda Terrace stands between the Lake and the Mall, and is one of the architectural highlights of Central Park. The fountain was dedicated in 1873 and the statue, Angel of the Waters, in 1842. The Spanish-style detailing of the double staircase with tiles and friezes was done by Jacob Mould. The terrace is a popular place for photos and a pleasant area to relax.
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American Museum Of Natural History
The Sightseeing Pass in NYC will also get you into the American Museum of Natural History, which is so big that you cant possibly take it all in during one visit. Therefore, youll discover something new every time you return.The museum features more than 30 million artifacts and specimens, including immense dinosaurs, the largest collection of fossils in the world and the biggest blue star sapphire on the planet.The planetarium is an excellent place to get romantic with a date. It also offers spectacular shows for children and adults. There is also a theater with a state-of-the-art sound system and enormous screen that shows 2D and 3D films. Screenings are offered every hour on the half hour from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.The permanent exhibits include the Biodiversity and Environmental Halls, in which you can learn about a wide variety of ecosystems in North America. The Birds and Reptiles and Amphibians Halls depict these animals in their habitats.Other permanent exhibits include: Earth and Planetary Sciences Halls Fossil Halls Human Origins and Cultural Halls Mammal Halls Theodore Roosevelt MemorialThe museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. every day except Christmas and Thanksgiving.
Take The East River Ferry Back To Manhattan
Buy your ticket from DUMBO to Wall Street and have your camera ready to go to get fantastic, unobstructed photos of the Manhattan skyline and the harbor.
For information read our post about the East River Ferry.
The ride costs $2.75 but the view is priceless. The ride is approximately 4 minutes. Be sure to check the schedule to plan your afternoon.
Disembark from the ferry and leave the dock. You will be at the intersection of Gouverneur Lane and South Street.
Cross South Street and turn right, walk one block up South Street until you come to Wall Street. Make a left and begin walking along Wall Street.
At this point, you can take a look at our self-guided tour map.
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Sleepy Hollow And Tarrytown: Colonial
Sleepy Hollow is a colonial-era village on the Hudson River , an area that was historically a center of farming and milling. It’s easy to arrive here by car or the Metro North Railroad .
Sleepy Hollow was the setting of Washington Irving’s The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, the story about a headless horseman, and is famous for its Halloween festivities throughout the month of October, when the town comes to life with haunted hayrides, glowing pumpkins, live music, literary events, street fairs, and parades. Of course, the Headless Horseman is sure to make an appearance.
The Sleepy Hollow Cemetery is considered a must-see sight during Halloween or any time of year. Daytime and evening cemetery walking tours are offered from April through October. For the evening tours, the cemetery is illuminated by kerosene lanterns.
Other tourist highlights in Sleepy Hollow are the 17th-century Old Dutch Church and the Philipsburg Manor, both mentioned in Irving’s short story.
Visitors can also try to find the Headless Horseman Bridge, although it’s unknown which of the rustic bridges spanning the Pocantico River is the one that Irving described in his story.
Another top attraction is Kykuit, a landmark registered by the National Trust for Historic Preservation that is open to the public for guided tours. Four generations of Rockefellers lived in this stately mansion, which is perched on a hilltop surrounded by magnificent gardens overlooking the Hudson River.
Supporting Horse Carriage Rides In Central Park
Riding a horse-drawn carriage sounds like a fairy tale. But the reality is, carriage horses often live and work in inhumane conditions.
Horse-drawn carriages shouldnt share the same roadways as honking cars and cyclists as it puts both the animal and the public at risk. These horses work long hours and even when the weather is unbearably hot or freezing cold.
Paying for a horse-drawn carriage ride continues to support the industry. So while it might sound like a nice way to experience Central Park, youll want to pass on this idea.
DO THIS INSTEAD
There are many other great ways to explore NYC. Some of my favorite ways to get around the city include riding the metro, walking, , Hop-On Hop-Off Bus. And if you want to splurge, consider doing a NYC helicopter tour.
Ride the metro Besides walking, this is the fastest and most cost-effective way to get around New York City.
Walking Put on your walking shoes and explore the city. This is my favorite way to get around and sightsee. To make it more fun, consider joining a local walking tour. If youre using the New York Pass, there are several walking tours available for every interest.
Explore New York City by bike. Check out the citys urbans parks or ride along the dedicated greenways. If youre using the New York Pass, you can rent bikes for FREE in Central Park a $54.44 value!
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Cold Spring: A Country Village In The Hudson Valley
Considered one of the best-preserved 19th-century towns in the Hudson Valley region, Cold Spring is a charming country village only 50 miles north of Manhattan. The picturesque historic center was built up along the Hudson River.
A babbling brook runs right through the town’s Main Street, which is lined with restaurants, boutiques, and antique stores. During summertime, visitors enjoy having coffee at sidewalk cafés and dining by the riverfront or at the restaurants with outdoor patios, many of which offer live music.
Cold Spring has a pleasant riverside park and gardens that inspire relaxation. In the wooded rolling hills surrounding the town are many hiking and biking trails that lead through pastoral scenes of leafy trees and alongside freshwater streams.
Visitors can also participate in water sports, including boating, kayaking, canoeing, paddle-boarding, and waterskiing on the river. In the autumn, fall foliage cruises are popular.
During the summer months, the Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival takes places at an outdoor theater in nearby Garrison on the grounds of the Boscobel House and Gardens. This Georgian-style mansion has exquisite gardens on the banks of the Hudson River. Visitors may picnic on the Boscobel lawn or enjoy snacks from a café beside the theater.
In Garrison, the Philipstown Depot Theatre presents top-notch original theater performances throughout the year. Garrison also has several excellent restaurants.