Insider Tips for NYC on a Budget by a New Yorker

I was born and raised in NYC. This post is for anyone who wants to visit New York on a budget ($10 or less) and would like to benefit from insider tips from a real New Yorker. Some things mentioned here are meant to be crowd-pleasers, but I want to show you the undiscovered New York.

I’ll explain how to get to NYC on a budget, how public transportation works in NYC, where you can stay in NYC on a budget, and what cheap activities await you in NYC. Discover the best things to do in New York City on a budget like a local.

If you’re planning a trip to New York City on a budget, I promise you that it’s possible because there are many things to do in NYC on a budget.

Here’s a list of the best cheap things to do in New York City, including some in other boroughs (Brooklyn/Queens). Everything is under $10 with tips for saving money in New York.

How to get around NYC on a Budget: Use the subway in New York City

The most essential item is a Metrocard, which is New York’s transit pass for New York City’s extensive public transportation system.

A single ride on a bus or train is $2.75 + a $1 one-time fee for the Metrocard, but it’s worth getting the 7-day unlimited pass for $31 if you’re in NYC for 4 days or more. If you’re in NYC for 3 days or less, load $19.05 onto your Metrocard. Click here for more information on mastering the NYC subway and subway budget hacks. Use Google Maps for directions.

Cheap Accommodation in NYC

If you’re wondering where to stay in NYC on a budget, hotels will cost you at $100-150 at the low end in Manhattan although you can find a room in a motel in Queens or a hostel for about $100. Renting an entire apartment on Airbnb is now illegal in NYC unless the host is staying with you OR the rental is for more than thirty days.

Simply, don’t rent a full apartment on Airbnb in NYC without checking the legalities first. There are a number of hostels (94 last time I searched!) available all over NYC where you can rent a bed or a private room.

Click for insider tips for staying in New York City on a budget!

Where to Stay in New York on a Budget

Important when it comes to the question of where to stay in New York on a budget: Get out of Manhattan. If that’s not for you, your options are limited to Hell’s Kitchen (10th Avenue with great food!), Alphabet City, Morningside Heights (near Columbia University), and perhaps some parts of the Lower East Side . You should also consider the Pod hotel chain, which offers cheap rooms in central locations.

For the same price, you can find cheaper accommodations in Astoria (Queens), Williamsburg (Brooklyn), Carroll Gardens (Brooklyn), and St. George (Staten Island). All of these places give you access to Manhattan as well as some great neighborhoods. If you’re on a really tight budget, consider Jersey City or head further in to Queens and Brooklyn

The best cheap things to do in Manhattan

When you think of New York, you probably think of Manhattan: skyscrapers, taxis, incredible views from above, Times Square, etc. Even I can’t resist the appeal of Manhattan, but it is possible to visit Manhattan on a budget. ( If you’re here for the holidays, read my insider’s guide to the holiday season, New Year’s Eve, Christmas, and Thanksgiving in NYC .)

1. Best Museums in New York City on a Budget: Under $5!

It saddens me to edit this, but after March 2018, only New York State residents with valid ID will be able to get into the Met at a suggested admission price. Everyone else pays the full price.

You can visit the Museum of Natural History with a suggested entrance fee to learn more about anthropology, science and history. (This may not include special exhibitions.) Otherwise, reserve Friday evening for free admission to MoMa (for modern art) from 4-8pm and the beautiful Morgan Library from 7-9pm.

2. The Highline: New York City’s park with the best and most Instagrammable views in NYC

The Highline is a park built on old, elevated train tracks that were once used to transport meat and coal. It was an eyesore, although it has now been redeveloped as a lush modern park above the streets. It offers an impressive view of the architecture around the park.

3. New York Citys bester Buchladen & das Village

The Strand is New York’s LARGEST bookstore with 18 miles of books. You can get used books outside for as little as $1 and admire rare books on the top floor.

I love strolling both sides of the Village, eating takoyaki, sitting in Washington Square Park, escaping to student bars, and sniffing the fresh coffee beans at Porto Rico Importing Company.

4. New Yorks schönste Bibliothek: Hauptstelle der New York Publick Library

The main building of the New York Public Library was constructed in 1911 at enormous expense. Today, however, you can enjoy its beautiful decorations, historical collections (including a Gutenberg Bible), and tranquil reading rooms for free.

5. Central Park

New York’s most famous park. An insider tip: You can see free Shakespeare performances here in the summer and listen to free music from top artists in the summer.

You can picnic in the Sheep Meadow (where sheep grazed until 1934!), jog around the reservoir, and admire the Needle of Cleopatra (carved in 1450 BC).

6. Watch Leunte: one of the best free things to do in NYC!

I love people watching. (Just don’t do that on the subway!) I enjoy sitting down at one of New York’s many 24-hour diners or watching the chess masters duel in Washington Square Park/Union Square Park. My tip: Bring a magazine, a book or the New York Times. My favorite game: Make up a story.

7. How to see the Statue of Liberty for FREE

If you want to see the Statue of Liberty for free , don’t pay for a cruise and take the Staten Island Ferry instead. It’s free . You can take the ferry as many times as you like until you get the perfect photo.

8. Best Rooftop Bars in NYC: Stunning views at affordable prices

The best way to get a breathtaking view of New York from above is to visit a rooftop bar.

Save yourself the $32 for the Top of the Rock or the Empire State Building and treat yourself to a drink (or two) instead. You should be dressed nicely (no sneakers, no jeans for men), and be over 21 years old.

The best part? The only costs are the prices for your food/drinks. Check out the happy hour deals beforehand.

9. Go Underground

If you take the 6 train towards Brooklyn Bridge, get to the last stop and stay on the train! After turning around, you’ll ride through the abandoned City Hall Station, a beautiful remnant of New York’s first subway line from the early 1900s. You may not be fast enough to take a photo AND the lights may be off.

10. Vintage Style Shopper

If you’re on a budget or a vintage fashion lover , New York is a great place to shop. For surprises at very low prices, your best bet is Salvation Army or Goodwill .

For better curated finds and designer brands, Beacon’s Closet, Buffalo Exchange, or Housing Works are your best choices.

Before you wear your new fashion find, toss it in a local laundromat’s dryer at high heat for 20 minutes to make sure that…

11. Harlem/Columbia Heights

You’ll find your way around 110th Street! For Ivy League lovers, there’s a free tour of beautiful Columbia University, although architecture enthusiasts will love Harlem with its beautiful row houses.

You can learn about Harlem’s history as a mecca for African Americans and its role in black history at one of Harlem’s many institutions.

12. Visit the architectural landmarks and pay tribute at the 9/11 Memorial

Don’t miss the Whispering Gallery in Grand Central Terminal, the Flatiron Building, or a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge. Something free can still be so magical – and so quintessentially New York.

Some lesser-known landmarks: The Chrysler Building for its Art Deco architecture and the New York Building for its sign.

Don’t forget to also visit the 9/11 Memorial (free with a $2 reservation fee; museum not included) to pay respect to those who died on 9/11.

(As a New Yorker, I kindly ask you not to take smiling selfies or remove the flowers out of respect.)

Free things to do in Brooklyn!

12. Brooklyn Heights/Promenade: The most romantic walk in Brooklyn

After walking across the famous Brooklyn Bridge, you’ll find the Brooklyn Promenade near Pierrepont Street. Fans of “Annie Hall” will recognize this place, although it can be quite romantic at night, with great views of Manhattan.

Don’t forget to admire the famous turn-of-the-century brownstones. Click here for a complete guide to Downtown Brooklyn. 🌉🌃

13. Williamsburg

For a glimpse of the hipster haven, browse the Brooklyn Flea Market or enjoy a beer at Brooklyn Brewery before browsing the shops. I admit that I have a weakness for games of skeeball and cheap beer on the patio at Union Pool. (Subway: Metropolitan Ave (G) / Bedford Avenue (L)) 🍻🎯

14. Coney Island & Brighton Beach

Most tourists don’t leave Manhattan, but it’s worth it for the boardwalk and experiencing “Little Odessa.” You can enjoy the historic Coney Island Cyclone wooden roller coaster (built in 1927!) before strolling along the boardwalk.

Once you’ve worked up an appetite, try Russian/Ukrainian/Uzbek sweets, taste fresh caviar, and even drink some vodka with the locals!

In early June, the annual Mermaid’s Parade takes place, a parade where everyone dresses up as a mermaid. (Subway: Last stop on the F to Brooklyn: Coney Island) 🎡🏖️🧜‍♀️

The best things to do in Queens on a budget

My favorite part of New York and my home area. If you’re looking for the best food in New York, diverse neighborhoods, and culture without the crowds, Queens is the place. It was named the #1 travel destination by Lonely Planet in 2015. 🌆🍽️🌍

15. Flushing

Flushing is the real Chinatown. Here you’ll find amazing food from all over Asia, bubble tea, Chinese pharmacies and karaoke. Unlike American karaoke, here you have a private room to embarrass yourself in front of three friends at karaoke (KTV). (Subway: Main St (7)). 🎤🍲🍵🏮

Jackson Heights: An off-the-beaten-path neighborhood in Queens

It’s a mix of people from all over the world with the best/cheapest food in New York . You can find everything from custom-made saris to Colombian sweets. It’s incredible to stroll the streets and discover a block for EVERY country in Latin America.

Subway stop: Jackson Heights (7 train). For Little India go to 74th Street, and for the Latin American neighborhoods go east along Roosevelt Avenue. 🌍🍽️🛍️

17. Astoria: New York’s most famous Greek district

Astoria is changing rapidly as more and more millennials are unable to find affordable housing in Manhattan. However, you can still experience old Astoria with many Greek diners and patisseries if you stroll along 31st Avenue/30th Avenue. 🏘️🥞

Socrates Sculpture Park

A free, open-air waterfront sculpture park with rotating exhibitions. It’s a great place to spend a lovely afternoon or Saturday while laughing (or thinking) at the many sculptures. 🌳🎨🏞️

Museum of Moving Images

Free entry from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday evenings. This museum is one of New York’s hidden gems because it houses so much film and cinema history. You can go to the famous diner from Seinfeld and see original masks from Star Wars. 🎬🍔

Astoria Bohemian Hall

Eat, drink and be happy here. It was first built in 1910 for the many Czech people to preserve their traditions, one of many in New York although it is one of the few remaining. (Subway: Broadway N/Q Subway Lines) 🍽️🍻🎉

18. Flushing Meadow Park

US Open for tennis

If you’re a tennis fan, you can watch the pros practice for free and even get tennis balls signed by your favorites during Kids’ Day during the US Open. I’ve met many big tennis stars while they were walking around alone; don’t try to kiss Roger Federer. Click here for more insider tips for the US Open ! 🎾🌟📝

Queens Museum of Art

Worth seeing is the Queens Museum of Art, a fantastic art museum in NYC that has a suggested entrance fee, with a hidden secret: the panorama. It is a scale version of New York (1:1200) from 1964.

Every single building is carefully recreated. You’ll feel like a giant as you walk across it, realizing the GIGANTIC size of New York and appreciating its history.

The museum is great for emerging artists with innovative art exhibitions. Outside is the famous Unisphere. 🏛️🌆🗽

19. Corona

Corona was more recently an Italian neighborhood, but is changing rapidly and becoming increasingly Hispanic.

If you’re near Flushing Meadow Park, you must visit Lemon Ice King of Corona ($2 for a large portion) for New York’s most famous ice cream.

They are made with water and a lot of sugar, but make sure to order it in a CUP and not paper. Ice cream is the perfect cure for the sweaty heatwave that summer in New York can be.

Across the street is the bocce ball court, where you can often see older Italian-American men playing bocce ball on weekends while you enjoy your ice cream. Just don’t pick a side if someone says the other side is cheating! 🍧🏖️🎲

20. Forest Hills Gardens

My favorite pizza shop in NYC ( Dee’s ) is just a bus ride from Forest Hills (Metropolitan Avenue) and offers quality brick oven pizza and incredible salads. When you find Dee’s, also stop by Eddie’s Sweet Shop for old-fashioned ice cream and glass figurines.

Not too far away you’ll find Forest Hills Gardens, a historic district full of HUGE English-style Tudor homes built in the early 1900s in the “Garden City” style.

This was one of the earliest planned communities that aimed to keep residents surrounded by nature as much as possible despite living in the “city.” Ascan Avenue is the place where you can walk to feel far away from Manhattan. 🍕🍦🏡🌳

How to get to NYC cheaply

If you’re coming from the East Coast, buses are your best option, especially the Chinese buses that run from Chinatown. There are also commercial bus lines such as Megabus, BoltBus, and Greyhound that operate between major US cities. You can read more tips about taking a bus in the US here .

You can also take the Amtrak train to Penn Station, although it is often more expensive than the bus. Otherwise you will fly via JFK, LGA or Newark.

How to get from the airports to Manhattan

To get from JFK to Manhattan:

From JFK, you can purchase an AirTrain + Metrocard (single use) ticket from the machine and then take the A train toward Inwood to go to Brooklyn/Manhattan. It’s a long ride but only costs $2.75.

To get from Manhattan/Brooklyn to JFK, reverse the directions above and take the A train toward Rockaway Beach before getting off at Jamaica Station to take the AirTrain.

To get from LaGuardia Airport to Manhattan, there are several options:

Take the Q70 bus and transfer to the E, F, M, R, or 7 subway lines in Jackson Heights, depending on where you want to go in Manhattan. (Cost: $2.75)

To get from Newark to Manhattan: Take the Newark Airport Express

There are faster public transportation options for JFK/Newark, such as the LIRR ticket from Jamaica Station to JFK and the AirTrain/Amtrak options, which cost around $15.

Another good option is the private shuttle buses that you can find right at the airport that go directly to/from Manhattan and cost around $15-20. Even more expensive is a taxi or Uber, which will cost you significantly more. Click here for more New York City subway tips with subway budget tricks.

When you visited New York, what was your favorite sight? If not, what are you most looking forward to seeing?

If you’re a New Yorker, tell me about your favorite place to show your friends off the beaten path!?