After having lived in and near NYC for many years, I certainly know how cost prohibiting a visit may seem to some people. But as I’ve mentioned here on this blog many times, there are tricks of the trade to explore the best of NYC without breaking the bank. I’ve partnered up with CityPASS this month to shed light on a few ‘underground tips’ when it comes to conquering the concrete jungle.
Choosing the Right Hotel
Although, NYC is known as “The City That Never Sleeps”, you will find yourself wanting to lay your head somewhere comfortable. Before spending your entire vacation budget on a hotel, do a little investigating by calling ahead or searching online for accommodations that fit within your budget.
Another option to maximize vacation budget is to consider finding a hotel that may be near some spots you plan on visiting. A hotel within walking distance of several stops on your itinerary may seem more expensive; however, you may wind up saving beaucoup bucks on transportation costs or cab fare, by choosing nearby lodging. To help estimate what you may spend, you can use the Taxi Fare Finder website to estimate far costs. You can then weight these costs against what you believe you might save by staying at a comparatively cheaper hotel verses one with swankier accommodations. You just may discover that a closer, seemingly more expensive hotel may save you a bit of cash in the long run.
Citi Bike Share Program
When the long city blocks become too tiresome for your feet and taking a cab isn’t an option, there is one particular form of transportation that is easy, efficient, exercise and exciting. The New York Citi Bike system is a bike share program that offers thousands of bikes at hundreds of strategically placed stations all around the big city. Bikes are available 24/7, 365 days a year. This form of transit allows visitors to be in control of their own adventures and has become increasingly popular among New York City citizens as well. Citi Bike memberships cost $9.95/day, $25week and $95/year. If you think you might enjoy experiencing the sights and sounds of The Big Apple full on, the Citi Bike share program is perfect for you, and even the little ones!
If you enjoy the sights and sounds of the big apple, the Citi Bike share program is perfect for you, and even the little ones.
Saving Money One Meal at A Time
New York City plays host to a spectacular array of cuisine. The city is full of famous restaurants, deli’s, bars and everything in between, but sometimes prices can be rather steep. Below are some quality “chow down” spots that will leave you quite satisfied with your food and your bill.
- Fiore’s Pizza– 165 Bleecker St, Lower Manhattan. Plain slices starting at $2.50- a small price to pay for some of the best thin-crust pizza in the city.
- Hybird– 75 Ninth Ave, at 15th St, Meatpacking District. Old school fried chicken drumsticks, egg dumplings, cupcakes, biscuits and more.
- Blue Collar– 160 Havemeyer St, Williamsburg. Cross the bridge for this hamburger joint that brings homestyle food back to its roots old fashioned patties, dogs and shoestring fries, all for under $5.
- Glady’s– 788 Franklin Ave, Crown Heights. A bit off the beaten path, this sandwich shop offers big portions, quality ingredients and unique creations.
When New York City is calling your name and your looking to have some fun and still save some cash, let CityPASS help you experience The Big Apple for all its worth.
Disclosure: This sponsored post was written by Dan Patterson, Director of Internet Marketing for CityPASS.
I am always searching for deals. For NYC I use the guide book 365 Guide New York City. It lists restaurant deals and bar specials. http://www.365guidenyc.com Saves me a ton of cash.