Saving Tips
New York is expensive, but with these strategies, it becomes affordable:
- Dollar Pizza: On almost every street in Manhattan, there are pizza shops offering a slice for $1–2.50. Not gourmet, but tasty and filling. The best: Joe's Pizza (Greenwich Village), Prince Street Pizza (SoHo), Scarr's (Lower East Side).
- Free Attractions: Central Park, Brooklyn Bridge, High Line, Staten Island Ferry (free view of the Statue of Liberty!), Washington Square Park, Grand Central Terminal, Times Square, DUMBO waterfront, most churches, and many museums on certain days.
- Museum Savings Tricks: The Met Museum is Pay-What-You-Wish for NY State residents — for tourists, it's $30, but worth it for a whole day. The MoMA offers free admission on Fridays from 5:30 PM (UNIQLO Free Friday). Brooklyn Museum: free on the first Saturday of the month (5–11 PM).
- MetroCard 7-Day Unlimited: For $34, unlimited subway and bus rides — worth it after 12 rides in 7 days (so practically always).
- TKTS Booth: At Times Square (red steps): Broadway tickets for same-day shows with 20–50% discount. Also in Downtown Brooklyn and at Lincoln Center. The app TodayTix offers digital lottery tickets starting at $10.
- Happy Hours: Many bars in Manhattan offer discounted drinks (2-for-1) and free snacks between 4 and 7 PM. Especially in Midtown and the Financial District.
- Eat in Brooklyn or Queens: The same quality as in Manhattan, but 30–50% cheaper. Jackson Heights (Queens) has the best and cheapest international food in the city.
- Breakfast at the Hotel or Deli: Instead of a brunch restaurant ($30–50 with tip), get a bagel at the deli ($3–5) or a breakfast sandwich from the bodega ($5–7).
