9 travel tips and ideas to help you save money while traveling in New York City! I lived in this city for 4 years and continue to travel here often and these are some of the ways I do “damage control” on how much I break the bank while I’m traveling NYC.
1. Find Cheap Hotels in NYC Traveling in the Winter
If you’re wondering “how to find a cheap hotel” in NYC, consider going in one of the shoulder months or during the winter months.
According to data from hotel booking websites, hotel prices in New York City during the winter months you can save up to 30% off hotels than during the peak summer months of June, July, and August. In particular, January and February are considered to be the low season for tourism in the city.
I’ll be honest: it’s a gamble. I was lucky to get 50°F days while traveling to NYC at the end of January.
Generally New York City experiences cold and often snowy winters. The average temperature during the winter months (December, January, and February) is around 32°F (freezing). However, temperatures can often drop below freezing, especially at night, and can sometimes reach as low as 0°F (-18°C) or lower during cold snaps.
Maybe the idea of a 4 star hotel at $90 a night might make you reconsider. I stayed at The Distrikt Hotel at this amazing rate and later, stayed at luxury boutique, The WestHouse, which was going for about half the price it normally goes for.
I was lucky in the summer months to get the Hampton Inn at $143/night. See the full review and tour of this property in the video below!
Want more ideas on where to stay in NYC? The map below shows top reviewed hotels that are 3 stars and up!
3 pro travel tips for booking hotels!
1. After booking your hotel, check rates again prior to your trip. Hotel prices fluctuate week to week and sometimes the hotel rate will drop
2. Filter hotel results by traveler rating. While star rating is important, it’s not the only way to rate a hotel
3. Join the hotel loyalty program. Even if you’re not sure you’ll stay at that hotel group again, it never hurts to accumulate points
2. Get Discounted Broadway Tickets
The average price of a Broadway ticket can be $125-$150 per ticket in New York City, and can vary (and be significantly more!) depending on things like the popularity of the show, the time of year, the day of the week, and the location of the seats.
Below you’ll find a few ideas to get discounted Broadway tickets – I used both discounts methods on my latest trip.
2a. Score 2 for 1 Broadway Tickets with Broadway Week
Broadway Week is a biannual event that takes place in New York City in the winter and in the fall. During Broadway Week, participating Broadway shows offer discounted tickets for select performances, typically for a two-week period.
The exact dates of Broadway Week can vary from year to year, but it typically takes place in late January or early February for the winter edition, and in early to mid-September for the fall edition.
During Broadway Week, tickets are typically offered at a 2-for-1 discount, meaning that you can purchase two tickets for the price of one. This can be a great opportunity to see popular shows and save money on ticket costs.
The other option I used? Get premium seats for $125 per ticket. This was at over half the price of what I would normally pay for a ticket to see Harry Potter’s Cursed Child in the 7th row.
2b. Use the TKTS Booth for Significant Broadway Show Discounts
If you’re looking for a show that night or next day matinee, consider heading to one of the locations of TKTS.
It’s best to look the show offering online on their website (click here to see the current listing) and then go to one of their locations.
The TKTS booth in Times Square tends to be the most busy. These are their two locations (they recently closed their other locations):
- Times Square: The main TKTS booth is located in the heart of Times Square, at 47th Street and Broadway. This booth is open seven days a week and offers tickets for same-day evening performances and next-day matinee performances.
- Lincoln Center: The TKTS booth at Lincoln Center is located at 62nd Street and Columbus Avenue, near the David Rubenstein Atrium. This booth is open seven days a week and offers tickets for same-day evening performances and next-day matinee performances.
A bonus tip? Save your ticket stub and you’re able to skip the line if you go back to the TKTS booth for another ticket at a later time.
Quick tip!
When booking tours in NYC, it’s important to book ones with top traveler reviews and are easily refundable if travel plans change.
3. Save on Transportation Around NYC by NOT Using Taxis
When possible, try to use other methods of transportation than taxis in NYC to save a bundle when traveling.
If you don’t know how taxis price work, here are the basics: Taxis charge a metered fare that varies based on the distance traveled and the time of day. The standard taxi fare in New York City is as follows:
- Initial charge: $2.50
- Each additional 1/5 mile or 60 seconds of waiting time: $0.50
- Peak hour surcharge (weekdays 4pm-8pm): $1.00
- Night surcharge (8pm-6am): $0.50
- New York State tax (0.50% of the fare)
- Passenger surcharge ($2.50 per trip for all trips that start in New York City)
What can you do as an alternative? Here are a few ideas:
3a. Save Money in NYC by Taking the Subway
Depending on traffic, taking the subway can often be a faster way of getting around NYC (especially during rush hour). The fare for a single ride on the New York City Subway is $2.75. This fare is valid for a one-way trip, regardless of the distance traveled or the number of transfers made.
However, if you’re traveling to NYC for a longer period of time, consider a week long ticket. The Unlimited Ride MetroCard allows for unlimited rides on the subway and buses for a specified period of time, ranging from 7 days to 30 days. The cost of the card varies depending on the length of the period and whether it includes unlimited rides on express buses. Generally a 7 day ticket is around $33.
Considering taking the train from JFK into Manhattan? Click here for a quick video to help you quickly and easily get from the airport into New York City!
3b. Walk or Use Citi Bikes Around NYC
Unlike San Francisco, NYC is very flat city built on a grid making it easy to walk or bike around. Generally it takes 1 minute per block and 3 minutes per avenue block (i.e. walking from 5th avenue to 6th avenue) to get around.
Want a faster idea? Try the bike share program Citi Bikes!
Citi Bike is a popular bike sharing service in New York City that allows you to rent a bike for a short period of time and return it to any Citi Bike station in the city. Here are the steps to use Citi Bike in NYC:
- Sign up for a membership: You can sign up for a membership on the Citi Bike website or mobile app. There are several membership options available, including a single ride, a day pass, a monthly membership, or an annual membership.
- Locate a bike: Once you have a membership, you can locate a Citi Bike station using the map on the website or app. Stations are located throughout the city and are marked by a blue Citi Bike sign.
- Unlock a bike: To unlock a bike, simply enter your account information on the keypad on the bike or use the mobile app to scan the QR code on the bike. The bike will automatically unlock and you can begin your ride.
- Ride the bike: Citi Bikes are equipped with a bell, a front basket, and a front and rear light for safety. Be sure to follow all traffic laws and wear a helmet if possible.
- Return the bike: To return the bike, simply park it at any Citi Bike station in the city. Push the bike firmly into the dock until the light on the dock turns green, indicating that the bike is securely locked.
- End your ride: Once you have returned the bike, you can end your ride on the keypad on the bike or using the mobile app. Be sure to check that your ride has ended properly and that you have not incurred any additional fees.
It’s important to note that there may be additional fees for rides that exceed a certain length of time or for bikes that are not returned properly. Be sure to check the Citi Bike website or app for the latest pricing information and terms and conditions.
One thing to consider: even Beyonce bikes around NYC to get to her show performances…
One thing NOT to consider? Using pedi cabs. Did you know they can set their own rates? It means you can pay anywhere from $3-$7 per minute and it’s not uncommon to get scammed.
Want to read more about common NYC scams to avoid? Click here to checkout the full blog post or see the video below!
4. Dine at Fancy NYC Restaurants During Happy Hour
If you want to sample some of the high end restaurants in NYC, but don’t want to pay the full price, consider coming for the happy hour!
A few of my favorites include:
- Flute Champagne Bar
- STK Steakhouse
- RH Rooftop Restaurant
- Valerie Cocktail Lounge and Bar
- Cibar
- Boucherie West Village
- The Mermaid Inn – Chelsea
- Izakaya Juraku
- 40/40 Club
5. Save on Shopping in NYC with Sample Sales
Not familiar with what a sample sale is?
Sample sales in New York City are temporary sales events where designers, manufacturers, and retailers offer merchandise at deeply discounted prices. These sales typically last for a few days to a week and offer the opportunity to purchase high-end clothing, accessories, and other goods at a fraction of their regular retail price.
Sample sales may be held by individual brands or by third-party companies that specialize in organizing sample sales for multiple brands. These sales are often held in warehouse spaces, showrooms, or other venues throughout the city.
During a sample sale, customers can expect to find a wide range of merchandise, including overstock items, past season items, and samples from the current season. Discounts can vary greatly, but customers can expect to save anywhere from 50% to 80% off the regular retail price.
It’s worth noting that sample sales in New York City can be extremely popular and can attract long lines and large crowds. It’s a good idea to arrive early to have the best selection of merchandise and to be prepared to wait in line. Additionally, many sample sales are cash-only, so be sure to bring enough cash with you if you plan to make a purchase.
How do you find a sample sale in NYC?
There are several listing sites that keep track of sample sales and designer sales happening around the city.
Check online listings and websites such as NYC Insider Guide, Racked, and Clothingline. These sites list upcoming sample sales in New York City and often provide information on the date, time, location, and discounts available at each sale.
6. See Talented NYC Performers at Smaller Venues
New York City is full of amazing talents and while you are certain to find the absolute best at large scale venues at Lincoln Center for example at the Metropolitan Opera, you can also expect to pay over $400 for premium orchestra seats.
One thing to consider is to head to the Village for some smaller venues (with smaller prices), but GREAT talent.
Here are a few of my favorites:
6a. Smalls Jazz Club
Smalls Jazz Club is a legendary jazz club located in Greenwich Village, New York City. The club was founded in 1993 and is known for hosting some of the best jazz musicians in the world.
Smalls Jazz Club has a cozy and intimate atmosphere with a capacity of around 50 people. The club features live music every night of the week, with multiple sets per night. The music ranges from traditional jazz to modern and experimental styles.
The cover charge for Smalls Jazz Club varies depending on the night and the performer, but it typically ranges from $20 to $30. The club also has a two-drink minimum policy, which means that all patrons must purchase at least two drinks during their visit.
Smalls Jazz Club is a must-visit destination for jazz lovers in New York City. The club has a rich history and has hosted some of the most iconic jazz musicians in the world. If you’re looking for an intimate and authentic jazz experience, Smalls Jazz Club is the perfect spot.
6b. The House Band at Cafe Wha
For an amazing night of talented musicians singing top hits you can dance and sing along to, come to Cafe Wha in the West Village.
Cafe Wha is a historic music venue located in the West Village of New York City. The club was founded in 1959 and quickly became a hub for the Greenwich Village folk music scene of the 1960s. Cafe Wha has hosted many famous musicians and comedians throughout its history, including Bob Dylan, Jimi Hendrix, and Bill Cosby.
Today, Cafe Wha continues to host live music and comedy shows seven nights a week. The club features a variety of music genres, including rock, blues, jazz, and folk. The venue also offers food and drinks, including a full bar and a menu of classic American fare.
You can expect to pay around $10 and up for tickets with a 2 drink minimum (drinks tend to be between $10-$15 each and the staff is really friendly).
Cafe Wha is a must-visit destination for music and comedy fans in New York City. The club has a rich history and continues to showcase some of the best up-and-coming and established performers in the city. If you’re looking for a fun and lively atmosphere with great entertainment, Cafe Wha is the place to be.
6c. Student Recitals at Julliard School of Music
Not only do they happen daily and multiple times per day, but student recitals from highly talented Julliard students are free.
The Juilliard School is a prestigious performing arts conservatory located in New York City. It was founded in 1905 as the Institute of Musical Art and merged with the Juilliard Graduate School in 1926 to form The Juilliard School.
Juilliard is renowned for its excellence in music, dance, and drama education, and it attracts some of the most talented and dedicated students from around the world. The school offers undergraduate and graduate programs in music, dance, and drama, as well as pre-college programs for young students.
The faculty at Juilliard includes some of the most distinguished artists and teachers in their respective fields, and the school’s alumni include many of the most celebrated performers in the world of music, dance, and theater.
Juilliard is located in Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, which is home to some of the most renowned cultural institutions in the world, including the Metropolitan Opera, the New York Philharmonic, and the Lincoln Center Theater. This provides students with a unique opportunity to learn and perform in a world-class setting.
There are several recital halls at Julliard – some of them being simple rooms and others being grand halls.
6d. See Big Comedians at Small Comedy Clubs
It’s not uncommon for a big name comedian to drop into NYC and do a random show at one of the basement comedy clubs. One of my favorite places to try to catch comedians? Comedy Cellar in the Village!
Want to SEE this blog post as a video? See the video below for more helpful tips!
7. Use Groupon for Discounted Tours and Tickets
Generally people have Groupon top of mind when they are looking for everyday goods and services at home, but don’t often think about it while they are traveling.
Did you know Groupon works with local tour companies and attraction providers to offer discounted prices to consumers?
The types of tours and tickets available on Groupon for New York City can vary widely, but some common examples include:
- Hop-on-hop-off bus tours
- Walking tours of various neighborhoods and landmarks
- Cruises around Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty
- Admission tickets to popular attractions such as the Empire State Building, the One World Observatory, and the American Museum of Natural History.
It’s important to carefully read the terms and conditions of any Groupon deal before purchasing, as some deals may have restrictions on usage, expiration dates, or other limitations.
Overall, Groupon can be a good way to save money on tours and tickets in New York City, but it’s important to research the tour or attraction provider and compare prices with other sources to ensure that you are getting the best deal.
Looking for more ideas of things to do in NYC? I used to live in Manhattan for 4 years and this video shares some of the things I do every time I travel back...
8. See Top Attractions Using a Tourist Pass
The Go City New York City Pass is a tourist pass that provides discounted admission to multiple popular attractions and activities in New York City. The pass can be purchased online or in-person, and it offers savings of up to 55% on regular admission prices.
With the Go City New York City Pass, visitors can choose from a list of over 100 popular attractions, including the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the 9/11 Memorial Museum. The pass also includes access to a hop-on-hop-off bus tour and a choice of a variety of walking tours.
The pass comes in several different durations, ranging from 1 to 10 days, and visitors can choose the number of attractions they want to visit during that time period. The pass is activated the first time it is used at an attraction and is then valid for the duration of the chosen time period.
Using the Go City New York City Pass can be a great way to save money and time on popular attractions in New York City. However, it’s important to note that not all attractions are included, and some may require reservations or additional fees. It’s best to research the attractions you want to visit and compare prices before purchasing the pass to ensure that it is a good value for your specific itinerary.
Similar to this is CITY PASS. Check out their latest offerings and consider mapping out your itinerary and making sure the attractions you want to see are covered before choosing which to buy.
9. Plan your trip by area to save TIME
Saving time is saving money. Try bundling the things you want to do in NYC together by neighborhood so you can save time getting around the city and save money on transportation.
Below is an example itinerary I used on my last trip:
- Started in Columbus Circle and ate pork belly buns Momofuku
- Walked around Central Park
- Went to Times Square to watch Harry Pottery on Broadway
- Had drinks and dinner at Peachy Keen
- Played ping pong and drank bubbles in a nightclub like space at Spin NY
- Took a dance class at Forward Space
- Painted the town red in the West Village (for cocktails, jazz and downstairs bars with dancing and live music at Cafe Wha)
Quick tip
NOT looking lost can help you to safely travel New York City and not be targeted for one of the many scams around the city. Some of the scams to lookout for can be found in the full blog post below.
One other thing to consider: don’t waste any time GETTING LOST. See this blog post or the video tutorial below for key tips on how to use Google Maps (that many people don’t know about!)
Bonus tip
One thing a lot of people forget about is Manhattan is an island surrounded by water and something else most people don’t know: boating around this island can be cheap or free.
From boats you can eat lobster and drink on to free views of the Staten Island Ferry, checkout this video with 8 boating experiences for you to try out without breaking the bank.
Bottom Line
There are many ways to save money traveling in NYC. This city has a lot to offer and an unlimited number of things to see, do, and eat – but by planning ahead and knowing some of the simple ways you can cut costs, you can find yourself either spending less on your trip or having more to spend on things that matter to you.
One thing to consider? Don’t get scammed while you’re traveling in NYC. Click to read the next blog post so you know what to look out for.