Visiting New York City on a modest budget – Part 6

It has its contenders, but New York City remains the most expensive city on earth. Though it may be the playground of the rich and famous, those on a budget can still take a bite of the big apple. With a little forward planning a little can go a long way to creating the trip of a lifetime.

Location, location, location…

In a lodging, seek cleanliness and excellent locale. Choosing well placed basic accommodation over a premium out of town hotels is a no-brainer. Taxi fares will quickly eat into a limited holiday budget, and with everything this city has to offer you will only need a place to rest you head. There are many excellent budget accommodations, seek out traveller’s reviews online for accurate descriptions.

Do it your way…

Joint admission passes are available at several of the major attractions and can be an excellent way of combining and saving. Do be wary of passes combining lots of attractions, trying to get value for money from these can end up dictating your schedule. It’s worth remembering that some of the best attractions don’t cost anything at all: Lady liberty is unmissable. The Staten Island ferry, a free service departing every thirty minutes from Whitehall ferry terminal, offers an excellent view of the city as well as well as getting up close with the lady herself.

Going out and eating out

There are some New York eateries that ought not to be missed, so pace yourself. Splurge on trips to old New York restaurants uptown or celebrity spot in the meatpacking district. Then save at lunch by picking up a deli lunch and picnicking in Central Park, or eat on the go from hotdog and doughnut vendors, so New York, so delicious! For dinner, China town is literally bursting at the seams with well priced, family run restaurants.

I am therefore I shop…

Shop vintage in the lower east side. Between 7 and 12th street there are unbelievable gems to be unearthed, discover wallet friendly designer handbags, cashmere knits and silk scarves – as well as some fabulous weekend markets and boutiques. The selection for men is a little more limited, but for the fashion savvy gentleman there are bargains to be had. Keep your eyes peeled, many unassuming shop fronts house excellent vinyl, books and antique collections. Admire the windows of Madison Avenue and contemplate blowing the whole budget and if the designer bug does get you, visit the downtown designer outlets, but do go prepared to rummage.

Do not miss out on the novelty of hailing a yellow New York cab, but for the most part, take to the sidewalks on two feet. Walking around is an excellent way of soaking up the atmosphere and working off enormous New York lunches. Finally, splurge with what you do have – time. Linger over a coffee and the paper at Sunday brunch or stop for a cold beer between sites. It is easy to get caught up in the breakneck speed of New York residents, but as a tourist you have the luxury of time. Take it slow.