New York on a budget

Planning a trip to New York on a budget? This buzzing metropolis feels expensive because, well, it can be. But with a little local know-how you can eat, sleep and sightsee like a New Yorker without spending a fortune. These are our top tips on how to do the Big Apple without breaking the bank.

1. When to go

Flights and hotels dip outside school holidays, Christmas and major events. If you’re flexible, aim for January–March (post-New Year lull) or late autumn – you’ll find cheaper room rates and fewer queues. Mid-week stays are often cheaper than weekends. Browse our cheap New York hotel deals to nab a bargain.

2. Getting there – smart airport choices and transfers

Picking your arrival airport matters. JFK and Newark both have public transport options into Manhattan, so it’s worth comparing flight prices. LaGuardia Airport is closer to Queens and Manhattan, but has fewer rail links. The cheapest way from JFK into the city is via the AirTrain plus subway/LIRR, rather than taxis or rideshares. Once you factor in traffic, there’s often not much difference in time, either.

3. Getting around – use the subway (and understand OMNY)

The subway is your budget best friend. A single ride costs far less than a taxi, and the new tap-and-ride/OMNY system caps your spend – once you hit the seven-day cap you ride free for the rest of that period, so short stays can be especially good value. If you’re in the city for several days, factor the weekly cap into your budget rather than buying lots of single fares.

4. Where to stay

You don’t have to bed down in Manhattan. Brooklyn neighborhoods (DUMBO, Williamsburg, Park Slope), Long Island City in Queens, or even Harlem offer character, better prices and quick transport into central sights. They’re some of the best areas to stay in New York if you’re on a budget.

Hot tip: look for small family-run hotels or budget boutique options. And book refundable rates if prices are up and down.

5. Cheap eats

Eating in New York on a budget is easy as pie. The city’s a paradise for cheap, brilliant food: $1–$3 pizza slices, bagels from a corner deli, halal carts, and huge deli sandwiches. There are also neighborhood gems (immigrant-run eateries) where you’ll pay far less than tourist traps. Chinatown, Little Italy, East Village and Harlem are all great for inexpensive eats.

Money-saving tip: eat like a local (lunch specials, food markets), share large dishes, and avoid tourist restaurants around Times Square.

6. Free & low-cost attractions

You can do classic New York for next-to-nothing. Think Central Park strolls, the High Line, Staten Island Ferry for skyline views, walking the Brooklyn Bridge, and many museums’ pay-what-you-wish or free hours.

Central Park
There’s no cost to roam. And it’s the perfect place for a picnic. Think: Belvedere Castle, Bow Bridge, the Ramble, Sheep Meadow. Sunrise or sunset walks are especially lovely.

Brooklyn Bridge
Connects Manhattan to Brooklyn with jaw-dropping skyline views. Walk over, explore DUMBO on the other side, maybe grab a cheap slice. Best during golden hour.

Staten Island Ferry
This is totally free, and gives you a view of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the southern tip of Manhattan. Especially good at dusk when the lights come on.

The High Line
An elevated park built on old railway tracks on Manhattan’s west side. Gardens, art pieces, views. Free and open every day.

Grand Central Terminal

Even if you’ve not got a train to catch, this station’s a must-see. The Beaux-Arts masterpiece is known for its celestial ceilings, ornate chandeliers and Whispering Gallery.

Washington Square Park & other parks
Washington Square Park in Greenwich Village is iconic. Watch street performers, enjoy the fountain, people-watch. Tompkins Square Park in East Village is another nice (and quieter) option.

Top tip: Don’t pay for observation decks like the Empire State or Rockefeller if you’re on a tight budget – free vistas from Brooklyn heights or rooftop bars (order one drink) can be just as impressive.

7. Time your museum visits wisely

Here’s the thing: in New York, timing is everything, especially when it comes to museums. Many of the city’s biggest and best cultural institutions offer free entryor pay-what-you-wish slots during certain days or hours. So a bit of planning ahead can save you a small fortune, and you’ll still get all the cultural bragging rights. If you’re flexible, shape your sightseeing schedule around these magic hours:

• The Guggenheim – ‘Pay what you wish’ on Mondays and Saturdays from 4 to 5.30pm. The suggested contribution is $10, but the minimum is $1.
• The Whitney Museum of American Art – Free every Friday from 5-10pm and on the second Sunday of every month. Don’t miss the rooftop terrace views of the Hudson.
• The Frick Collection – ‘Pay what you wish’ on Wednesdays from 1.30-5.30pm. See old-master paintings in a stately mansion setting.
• The Jewish Museum – Free entry on Saturdays and for under 18s.

Hot tip: If you’re heading to a ‘free hours’ session, make sure to arrive early or reserve tickets in advance – they get snapped up quickly.

8. Saving on shows & attractions

Want a Broadway show? Use official discount channels: TKTS booths (same-day discounts up to around 50%) and apps like TodayTix or official lotteries/rush tickets. For paid attractions, compare single tickets with city passes – sometimes passes save you money, but only if you’ll actually visit enough paid sites to make them worthwhile.

9. Bargain buys

If your idea of a souvenir is slightly fancier than a fridge magnet, don’t worry – you can still shop ‘til you drop in New York without sending your credit card into meltdown. Outlet stores are a great place to start – Woodbury Common Premium Outlets and Empire Outlets both offer big discounts on designer names, like Coach, Burberry, Nike and Levi’s. Or, hit up the thrift and vintage shops in Brooklyn, or discount department stores, like Century 21, Nordstrom Rack and T.J.Maxx.

Final tips

• Book hotels early with a free-cancellation rate to catch price drops.
• Use local apps for subway maps, cheap eats and theater lotteries.
• Avoid Times Square restaurants – nearby neighborhoods are cheaper and tastier.
• Keep a little cash for street vendors and tips.

If you’re looking for budget hotels in Brooklyn, Queens or pocket-friendly options in Manhattan, we’ve got a range of cheap hotels to suit.