New York City is, and has always been, one of the biggest vacation destinations in the world. There is something in New York City for everyone, the trick is to enjoy as much as possible without breaking the bank and yes it can be done.
The first place to start saving money is in finding a place to stay. The hotels are great and during tourist season, expensive. And busy. One great way to save money on your vacation is to stay in a bed and breakfast. I know when you mention bed and breakfasts the first image that comes to mind is a quaint inn in the country. But there are bed and breakfasts in New York City also and you can save money when staying in one for your vacation. They are mostly in stately old brownstone mansions and in all the neighborhoods from the north end of Manhattan to the south. The owners will also be a good source of information on the best restaurants and events going on in their neighborhood that are off the regular tourist vacation trails. No matter where the bed and breakfast is located, you will be able to get to anywhere fast. On thing about New York City is that there are so many busses and trains going north and south. A for going east and west, Manhattan is only about 11 blocks wide, and if you are in the middle of the island, that means it is only a 5 or 6 block walk to either the East or Hudson rivers.
Speaking of transportation, purchase on of the unlimited ride Metro Cards. They are available for a day for $7, a seven day one for $24 and a thirty day one for $76. Just think of all the traveling you are going to do in one day. This can save you big money over a one or two week vacation.
As for restaurants, the most expensive are in the Upper East and West side neighborhoods. Having a dinner in o ne of the five star restaurants here is an experience that you should have, but it can cost upwards of $100, not counting drinks. To a little bit south, and you can get a great meal for much less. For instance, if you want great Italian food at a great price, go downtown to Little Italy and try one of the small restaurants with the red and white table cloths.
If this is your first visit to New York City, take one or more of the walking tours. They are not expensive, and you get a good overview of many of the New York attractions. Then, if there is something you particularly want to see, you can make plans to go back when you have more time to visit.
All summer long, there are street festivals going on in New York City and they are a great source of free entertainment and a way to get to meet some of the locals. They have great ethnic food, all kinds of carnival games and good deals on merchandise. And with the closing of Astroland Park in Coney Island, the closest thing to an amusement park in New York City. Yes, they do have amusement rides and petting zoos and pony rides.
Do a search on line. There are many sites offering discounts on Broadway shows. You can also consider seeing a show off Broadway. They are usually cheaper than the Broadway ones.
If you want to go to a club, contact them and find out the different prices for the different times. Many of them do have a discount if you go at a time when they do not usually sell out.
Once you come to New York City, you will want to come back again and again. There is so much to see and do all 12 months of the year. And just think of the money you can save every time you come.
