New York is an expensive city to live in and to visit. However, you can still do NYC on a budget if you plan accordingly. There are many free or inexpensive sites to see. Also, if you visit on the off-season you can save some money on hotels as well.
Want a guided tour to start out your trip and get acclimated to the city? Then check out Guru Walks for a free guided tour. You can book online to reserve your spot and pay what you wish when you get there. Check out the tours in New York here.
US Ghost Adventures is an awesome company that offers a variety of guided tours and haunted experiences across different cities in the United States. Visitors can learn the compelling history and stories of the paranormal and the city’s darker side. Make sure to check out the variety of tours offered in New York here. They are very affordable too!
Where to Stay
My preference is always to stay in Midtown, but it can sometimes be a bit more expensive than other areas. Check for hotels or Airbnb in Greenwich Village, Soho, or downtown. These are still nice areas with lots of shops and food around.
What to See
Brooklyn Bridge: FREE
Walking across the Brooklyn Bridge is FREE and provides some amazing views as you stroll across this iconic bridge. It is one of the oldest roadway bridges in the United States. On the Brooklyn side, you can catch some spectacular views of Manhattan.
Bryant Park: FREE
During the wintertime, Bryant park boasts an ice skating rink and various boutiques. In the summertime, it is a great place to relax with a book. It does not cost anything to window shop or relax with a good book!
Central Park: FREE
This sprawling 843-acre park is great for a stroll, a bike ride, or a carriage ride. Throughout the park are various water features, monuments, and attractions. You can walk around the park and look at the monuments and statues for free. You can also rent bikes for a reasonably priced amount. Sometimes Groupon or Livingsoc
Columbia University: FREE
New York’s Ivy League college is a must-see for the architecture alone. You can walk around the grounds and peak into the building for free.
Federal Hall National Memorial: FREE
The first capital of the United States is now a museum. Inside visitors can learn about the history of our nation as well as see where George Washington took his oath of office. This building is run by the National Park System, so it is free to get in.
General Grant National Memorial: FREE
A monument dedicated to president Grant. It is also the location of Grant’s tomb where he resides next to his wife. Since it is run by the National Park system, it is free.
Governor’s Island: FREE
During the summer months, you can take a ferry over to Governor’s Island, which was home to the US Army from 1794-1966. On weekends, the ferry is free. On weekdays, it costs $2 round trip. On the island, there are spectacular views of Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty as well as some various forts and other sites to see.
Grand Central Terminal: FREE
This transportation hub is also the location of many shops and restaurants. Make sure to take a stroll through the Main Concourse. This is a great place to rest your feet and people watch.
Hamilton’s Grave: FREE
Visit Alexander Hamilton’s Grave at Trinity Church downtown. It is free to walk around the cemetery and visit the inside of the church.
The High Line: FREE
The High Line is a 1.45-mile-long park that is elevated above the streets below. It lies on what was once the New York Central Railroad. It boasts lovely gardens and gorgeous views. It is free to walk along.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art: Pay as you wish
The endless art collection from various eras. Do not miss the portrait of Washington Crossing the Delaware and the plethora of Monets and Van Goghs. You do not have to pay the listed price. The price of entrance is a donation of your choosing.
National September 11 Memorial: FREE
The memorials where the two towers of the World Trade Center once stood are free to visit. Spend some time walking around the area and viewing the unique monuments.
National September 11 Museum: Splurge
Although you do have to pay to get into the museum, it is definitely worth it. This museum about the 9/11 disaster stands where the World Trade Center used to. Make sure to visit both the above-ground memorial and the below-ground museum. This is an emotional museum, so I would not recommend visiting with young children. Tip: Get there when it first opens to beat the crowds and buy your tickets from the building on Rector St. and Greenwich St. There will be shorter lines.
New York Public Library: FREE
This main library of NYC contains over 44 million items and is over 646,000 square feet. Make sure to see the iconic lions that guard the front of the library as well as the Rose Main Reading Room. In the children’s section, you can also view the original Winnie the Pooh and friends.
Rockefeller Center: FREE
The iconic Rockefeller Center boasts the famous Christmas tree and skating rink during the holiday season. There are also a plethora of shops around.
Staten Island Ferry: FREE
If you do not want to pay to take the ferry out to the Statue of Liberty, you can get views of it from the Staten Island Ferry which is free to take!
Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace: FREE
This is the boyhood home of Theodore Roosevelt run by the National Park service. Learn about his childhood and see some of the rooms he grew up in at this free site.
United Nations Visitor Center: FREE
The United Nations is an international organization that helps promote and maintain international order. The headquarters to the United Nations is in New York City. They have some exhibits and a shop in the lobby that is free. Visitors can also pay to go on a behind-the-scenes guided tour.
Where to Take Your Lunch Break
Faicco’s: 260 Bleecker St. (Greenwich Village)
Italian Deli with very large sandwiches perfect for bringing home on the plane. These sandwiches are big so you could make them last a couple of meals.
Joe’s Pizza: 7 Carmine Street (Greenwich Village) or 1435 Broadway (Midtown)
Traditional New York-style pizza by the slice. A slice is only a couple of dollars, so it is a good value for a meal!
McSorley’s Old Ale House:
Spend some time resting your feet at McSorley’s. This alehouse has been around since 1854. You can order light or a dark beer and they bring you two each time! It is a bargain for $5.50 each!
Professor Thom’s: 219 2nd Ave (East Village)
This pub boasts the best nachos in NYC. A plus is that it is also a pub so there are lots of beers on tap. If you are with another person, these nachos are big enough for 2-3 people!
Xi’an Famous Foods:
An authentic Chinese fast food place. Visitors can try several Western Chinese dishes. Beware that many of the dishes are quite spicy! The pork burger is about $6 and is quite filling for a cheaper meal.
