There are many attractions in New York City. But the cost of getting, staying and eating there as well as the things you do while there are going to set you back some serious dollars. But there are steps you can take, things you can do, that can substantially reduce these costs. We'll explore them in this article.
Planning
The single most important step on any vacation is to take the time, prior to your trip and plan what you want to accomplish. Buy some guidebooks (recommendations below) and read about what's available before you travel. Many guidebooks are geared towards giving information that can save you money. They also tell you what attractions you need to call ahead (such as the Statue of Liberty). They also give you details about the attractions such as the history, the architectural gems, i.e., of buildings in New York, etc. You get to have an insider's look well before you even take your first step into the city.
Communicating
I've already touched on this but you should call many of the places you have set in your plan to visit. Get on mailing lists or simply email them. There is a lot of construction going on in the city and this can put a damper on your plans. The attraction that is experiencing construction may still be open but the construction will more than likely take away from the experience. It's possible that the center may not openly volunteer this information so you should be prepared to inquire about any such variances.
City Resources
In 1931, the Empire State Building finished construction. It was completed at the start of the Great Depression. So the owners of the building had quite a difficult time getting tenants for the building. During that time, the building was nicknamed, "The Empty State Building." But interestingly enough, it was able to survive the depression by providing tours. It's in the city's best interest to promote tourism because it is a true money maker. If businesses are making money than the city is too. New York City has many resources for you to check out and is a great tool to add to your list of ways to save money.
Coupons and Discounts
Previously, I mentioned about calling places that you want to visit. I said that by calling you can get insight into whether you'll need reservations, whether there is construction going on, etc. But you can also find out it they are offering any deals. Several places even offer free entry on certain days. That's one of the ways to save.
How to Save BIG Money when Visiting New York City
Tours
Taking a tour of any city you are in is a great way to get up to speed with what attractions are available. Tour guides often have insider knowledge on which are the best places to eat, stay and the best things to do. Some tour guides however, may advise you on a particular attraction because they may be cross promoting or get a fee for the referral. So you have to be careful when heeding any advice. Most guides will likely steer you in the right direction. I know from experience that visiting numerous attractions and taking sightseeing tours greatly enhances the pleasure and memorability of a vacation.
Location
When you are visiting the city, try to stay within the same area. There is plenty to do in each of the areas (Lower East Side, Soho, Midtown East, or West, etc.) By staying in an area you will spend less on transportation (unless you walk) and you will end up being able to do more. It can take some time to get from one location to the other. If you do that often enough you will eat up a good portion of your time traveling. New York City is best toured over a span of two days or more. Again, it's all about planning!
Books
It’s a good idea to get a guidebook before you come to New York. You don’t want to spend too much time reading while you’re on the streets of New York. You want to get a general feel for what to do and get a historical perspective as well as getting phone numbers and contacts of who to call. There are several books that I use when I head out into the city.
The definitive guide is the one recommended by New York government, The Blue Guide: New York. It’s is required reading in order to pass the licensing to become a tour guide in New York City.. It gives a lot of history as well as specific walks defined by area. There is a link in the Resources on how to get your copy today. Other resources are listed below.
Best Resource
There are plenty of ways to save while touring New York City. The top of the list though, is The New York Pass. If you want to discover the best of what this amazing city offers while still saving some time and money on your visit, the New York Pass is a must have. Granted, you save the most when you buy a multi-day pass (if you tour the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building in one day you'll eat up the most of the time for that day). But even a one day pass will save you a substantial amount. You can also avoid long lines as you can jump to the head of the line when you have the pass. You can visit any of the attractions that are included as many times as you want. The New York Pass was launched in July 2002. It is a smart card worth over $450 in attraction admission fees and special offers. Using the New York Pass is an excellent, affordable way to tour the city.
Resources:
Resources: