Around New York City on the Cheap

Whomever said that you had to spend a fortune to visit NYC is very much mistaken. There are a huge amount of places to stay, eat at, and visit that won't cost you every dollar you've ever made. My advice is to avoid as many "tourist traps" as you possibly can. If you're insistent on seeing these places, do it the right way...with discounts. Besides, it's better to see the places the locals go to in order to get more out of your visit.

The best way, hands down, to get around NYC is by subway. Cabs are hugely expensive. Yes it might be slightly intimidating, however one site will help you conquer the subway with ease. Hopstop.com gives you the opportunity to type in your starting address and destination to give you directions you can print out. They also have a free service called Hopstop mobile, where you enter in some of your information on the website and you receive a number to text and call from your cell phone from wherever you are, at any time, and you can request directions on how to get to your destination. You can only get around the subway with a MetroCard (check the MTA site, it gives a list of where you can purchase metrocards, plus offers tons of other information on the card) , and there are several choices you can go with to get the most for your money. The two best options are a one day pass for $7 (unlimited subway and local bus use from first use until 3am the following day) and a 7 day pass for $24 (unlimited subway and local bus rides until midnight, 7 days from day of first use).

For places to stay, the best deals you can get are through travel sites such as Orbitz.com, Expedia.com, or Priceline.com.

Eating around NYC can completely empty your wallet if you don't know the right places to go to. In all honesty, as far as breakfast is concerned, you're better off grabbing a bunch of fruit, yogurt and granola bars from the market nearest to where you are staying. Breakfast turn out to be the most expensive meal that you have otherwise. For lunch or dinner you can go to some great casual places that are very inexpensive. Burgers & Cupcakes(located at 265 W. 23rd St between 7th and 8th Avenues, they literally serve only Burgers and cupcakes), Papaya King(Hot dogs, sausages, Fries, smoothies and the like. Several locations are around the city), Gray's Papaya (Serves hot dogs and the like- located at 402 6th Ave at 8th Street), and Shake Shack (serves Hamburgers, etc and is located in Madison Square Park) are four places that should not be missed.

More upscale dinners don't need to be expensive either. Il Corallo Trattoria (located 176 Prince Street between Thompson & Sullivan Streets) and Maria Pia (Located at 319 W 51st Street between 8th and 9th Ave) have delicious food that won't leave you crying over the bill. To search more in detail for restaurants in a certain price range and location, Menupages is the perfect site. Reservations are highly recommended. Oh, and don't leave without having a pretzel from a hotdog cart. You'll never look at a pretzel the same way.

You cannot come to New York City and not shop. Unfortunately, some places will try to rip you off. One way to make sure you don't get ripped off and not pay more for an item then you should is to not look like you have no idea where you're going. Some merchants smell a tourist a mile away simply by the map in the hand and the confused look on the face. If you want to buy an item from anywhere, put the map away and if you have to ask for directions, ask them after you already purchased the item.

Little boutiques are a great way to shop in the city that will have you leaving with bags full of clothes. Be prepared however, most of these places only have one dressing stall. They are scattered all throughout the city, just be wary of extremely raised prices and flimsy material. Greenwich Village is an excellent place to find unique and beautiful items and not just clothes. The Manhattan Mall hosts a large amount of stores, and H&M and Century 21 always have great deals that you cannot find anywhere else in the city. If you're looking for bootleg DVD's off the street, don't bother. Not only do they not work, but there is a huge crackdown on not only the sellers but also the buyers. Buy them legally. If you really insist on buying a few I love New York t-shirts, this is another item you can get ripped off on. If they cost any more then 4 for $10 you're paying too much. Check on 8th Avenue, they have several little shops to choose from that carry them. Don't hesitate to buy accessories from the little shops in Little Italy, especially down by Bleeker Street. Flea Markets run year round where you can always find fabulous items and deals. If vintage items are your thing, the Goodwill, Salvation Armyand thrift stores are all over the city for your browsing. It may take you a bit to find an item you love, but it's worth it.

For admission to tourist places such as the Empire State Building and several different museums, the New York Pass and the New York City Pass are two great ideas. They offer several plans starting from $65 that include a packet filled with the hours of operation, admission, and other assorted information. Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises also offers several combo packages to makes sure you get discounts to places that you want to see (they also offer both of the passes listed above).

For some greenery in the middle of NYC, check out Bryant Park and Union Square Park. Central Park is perfect for picnics and it's right near FAO Schwarz. Street fairs are always happening and free events are abundant (check sites for the schedule). If you have the chance to go to Blue Note Jazz Club, it's an experience you won't forget. Comedy clubs are all over...Laugh Factory, Caroline's on Broadway, and Comedy Cellar are some great places to start. For Broadway and Off-Broadway plays and musicals up to 50% off visit the TKTS booth in Times Square or at the South Street Seaport (both only sell tickets to performances for THAT DAY). If you prefer to get your tickets in advance, Theatermania is the place to start. Not only do they have discounted tickets to Broadway, Off-Broadway, but they also have discounts to several events.

New York City is a great place to visit and experience, and it doesn't have to cost you a fortune either. Spend as little as you can and have the time of your life.