Three Thrilling Days in NYC on a Budget

New York for the frugal traveler: Discover the Big Apple without breaking the bank.

22 June 2023

Explore the bustling city of New York on a tight budget with these tips. Visit iconic attractions such as Central Park, the Statue of Liberty, and Times Square, which are mostly free. Save money by opting for affordable eats at food trucks and local delis, and utilizing public transportation to get around.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Exploring Lower Manhattan

  • Check into Pod 51 Hotel, a budget-friendly option in Midtown East
  • Take the subway to Financial District and visit the 9/11 Memorial
  • Stop by the Charging Bull statue and snap a photo
  • Walk to Battery Park and enjoy views of the Statue of Liberty
  • Grab a slice of pizza from Joe's Pizza, a New York institution
Day 2

Culture & Art in Midtown

  • Visit the iconic Empire State Building and take in the city skyline
  • Walk to the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) and explore the exhibits
  • Enjoy a stroll through Central Park and people watch
  • Stop by the Guggenheim Museum and experience the unique architecture
  • Have a drink at the speakeasy-style Bar SixtyFive at the Rainbow Room, with breathtaking views of the city
Day 3

Exploring Brooklyn

  • Take the subway to Brooklyn and explore the trendy neighborhood of Williamsburg
  • Walk along the Brooklyn Bridge and admire the views of Manhattan
  • Eat at Smorgasburg, a weekly food festival with diverse local vendors
  • Visit the Brooklyn Museum and explore the art and history galleries
  • End the day with a bagel and lox from Russ & Daughters, a classic New York deli.

Length of stay

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Type of trip

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How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to New York City by plane would be to fly into John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), which is the main international airport serving the New York City metro area. Other airports within close proximity include Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) and LaGuardia Airport (LGA).

Car

The best way to get to New York City by car would be to take the major highways leading to the city, including the New York State Thruway, the Garden State Parkway, and the New Jersey Turnpike, among others. However, driving in the city can be challenging with heavy traffic and limited parking options.

Train

The best way to get to New York City by train would be to take the Amtrak, which provides both regional and long-distance train service to New York City with Penn Station as the primary rail hub.

Boat

The best way to get to New York City by boat would be to take a ferry or cruise ship, which provides a scenic and relaxing way to arrive in the city. Ferries depart from various ports within the metropolitan area and nearby cities, while cruises usually dock at the Manhattan Cruise Terminal or the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal.

Bus

The best way to get to New York City by bus would be to take the Greyhound or Megabus, which offer frequent service to New York City from major cities throughout the United States.

Destination

New York

New York, the city that never sleeps, where the only thing taller than the skyscrapers are the egos of the people walking the streets. It's a concrete jungle where the rats are big enough to hail a cab.

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Number of days

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Type of trip

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4 Days of Thrills: Exploring NYC on a Budget

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