Yes, New York is an expensive city but is possible to visit the big apple also on a low budget.

Since I was a child, my dream city was New York. I dreamed of Carrie’s vibrant life, the magazines from 5th Avenue, the amazing Christmas lights and, the Empire State Building. And, now, here I am, writing about my trip to New York. And let me say, it was fantastic. And, not too expensive considering it’s the no.1 visited city in the world.

For another incredible city, check out https://www.letsenjoyworld.com/things-to-do-under-50-euro-in-sydney/.

Tips in visiting New York on a low budget

Before going to New York, spend some time in reading blogs, searching for good deals.

1. Book tickets online 6 months before for the shows and tourists objectives you want to visit; Is much easier and cheaper; I bought tickets to visit Rockefeller Center, Empire State Building, Broadway show, movie tour, a ride with the ferryboat to see Statue of Liberty, only 475 $/ 2 persons.
2. Broadway show – buy tickets online; is an easy and safe process and you will not have to wait in line;  You can buy tickets at a lower price from TKTS tickets but you have to wait and wake up early;
3. Book the hotel 3-6 months before and make sure you don’t have to pay an incidentals deposit – I had to pay 400$/ 8 nights; there goes my shopping money. I stayed in Lower East of Manhattan but you can find cheaper hotels in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens. Buy one with breakfast included; -> 2000 $/ 8 nights/ 2 persons;
4. Download a metro – map and buy a metro card – 2,75$/ ride; It’s definitely much cheaper and you can’t say you’ve been to New York if you didn’t use their metro.
5. Wednesday is free entrance to Bronx Zoo – the largest metropolitan zoo in the United States and among the largest in the world. They have all kind of animals and is huge. For some areas, you will have to pay extra;
6. New York has a lot of museums with free entrance
7. The best way to see New York is to walk. Enjoy your vacation by doing long walks in Central Park or on the streets near Times Square;

Tips to spend only 50 $/ day in New York for food

• breakfast at the hotel
• lunch: doughnuts, muffins, bagels, and coffee.
• dinner: Applebee’s, Chipotle Mexican Grill, McDonald’s
• ordered pizza at the hotel, or bought food from the store markets

What to see in New York on a low budget

1. Times Square – some of you will say it is just a crowded place where companies advertise their products on very big screens with lots of tourists. You’re absolutely right but this makes New York a special place, the people’s energy.

• The stunning views from Rockefeller Center, Top of the Rock Observation Deck, 259 meters. You can see the Empire State Building, Central Park, Chrysler Building.

Tip: Go to a rooftop and you will avoid the crowds. 

3. Central Park, it’s huge. Do you remember the movie scenes with people having a picnic, playing American Football? This is Central Park. There were also carriages with horses to walk along the park but 50$ / hour is too much in my opinion.

4. Bronx Zoo, one of the biggest zoos in the world. I liked you could see the animals from close and you could buy a train ticket to see the wild animals. The zoo is in the Bronx, so it’s best to go in the morning. Oh, and you have to try the ice cream from the truck. And on Wednesday is free entrance.

 5 Broadway Show – I saw the Phantom of the Opera – it was an awesome musical and I’m not a fan of musicals. The actors and the music, everything was perfect. So, I definitely recommend buying tickets because you will not regret it.

6 Brooklyn Bridge, Statue of Liberty. 

On the final day, we went with the bus to Washington DC to see the White House. It was a nice but short trip. Cost: 300 dollars/ 2 persons.

Visit New York on a low budget, total cost: 3225 dollars, 8 nights, hotel in Lower Manhattan/ 2 persons. Not bad for a first trip.

This was my first trip to New York and my tips on how to visit New York on a low budget. It was even awesome being the first trip to the USA. I think you can visit any city in the world and not spend a fortune doing it but you have to do lot of research and find the best deals.

New York, I can’t wait to see you again. Next time, I will definitely go to some rooftop parties, TV-Shows, and stand-up shows.