Experience New York City Like a Local

The glitter of New York City is undeniably irresistible, but it can also filled with tourist traps that will break your budget before you manage to hail your first quintessential yellow taxi. As an ex-patriot of the Big Apple who has traversed the entire city, I will show you hotels to stay and places see as well as tourist traps to avoid like the plague. Experience New York City not as a tourist, but as a local who knows this never sleeping city like the back of your hand.

Places to Stay
Finding a cheap and affordable place to stay in the city is like finding a needle in the haystack, but here are some I have rounded up. The three I have listed are places I would personally feel comfortable letting friends and family lodge in. They are hidden jewels that not everyone knows about. Well, not before this travel guide, anyways.

Hotel 17: A chic budget hotel that's located in one of the best neighborhood. It is an ultra clean yet inexpensive. Hotel 17 is located in Gramercy Park, one of the ritziest neighborhoods in Manhattan. This hotel is a brownstone converted into a European style budget hotel. According to their website, Woody Allen filmed his movie Manhattan Murder Mystery at Hotel 17. Madonna has stayed here, as well as many other celebrity artists, models, and actresses.

Hotel 31: The sister hotel of Hotel 17, it is conveniently located in Murray Hill, an up and coming neighborhood in the city. They have private air conditioned rooms, twenty-four hour concierge, daily maid service, cable T.V., telephone. For all the amenities you are getting, it is truly one of the best deals in town.

Marrakech Hotel: Located in Upper West Side, this hotel has gone through a complete renovation. It is also a youth hostel, but they have private rooms with their own bathroom. The Décor is very vibrant and colorful, a real bargain gem. They have their own internet access and lounge. The hotel is conveniently located a block away from the subway for all your sightseeing needs.

Places to Eat:

Corner Bistro: ( 331 W. 4th St) If you are looking for cheap beers and juiciest hamburger in the world for less than $10, this is the place to be. It is one of the oldest tavern in the city located in the West Village and a classic New York City landmark. Be prepared for a long line, but totally worth it when you bite into the best burger you will probably ever have.

Mercer Kitchen: (99 Prince St.) It is located in Soho right next to the Mercer Hotel where all the celebrities stay when they are in the city. It's not very budget friendly but just for the ambiance alone, I would splurge. Food is delicious and people watching is at its best. Celebrities sighting is very common but probably not the place to ask for autographs. I recommend the weekend brunch as a more affordable option.

Sushi: (St. Marks Place between 2nd and 4th Ave) One of the best places to get affordable sushi is St. Marks Place in the East Village. There's several joints that are non-descript but the fish is fresh, authentic, and affordable. Just walk up and down the strip and find one that you find appealing. They are all good.

Places to See

Union Square: Hang out in Union Square Park long enough and you can watch the entire city walk by. There is always street performers, protesters, or dogs to amuse you for free. The park includes a dog run, grassy knolls where you can lounge, or park benches where you can watch people walk by. The square also has the farmer's market where you can find freshest produce from the upstate farms.

EmpireStateBuilding: It is an absolute tourist trap but one worth going to. Take the elevator up to the observatory and you can see the entire city. I recommend going at dusk. It is beautiful watching the sunset from up there.

Greenwich Village: The beautiful brownstones, chic bistros, cobblestone streets, just walking around feels very historic. It is known as "little Bohemia" although I have to say it has been gentrified due to the influx of Wall Street bankers and families moving into the place.

The MetropolitanMuseum of Art: One of the greatest museum in the world, it has a vast collection and some of the most famous art work is housed there. With a suggested donation, you can get in without having to fork over a fortune.

Central Park: This is where all New Yorkers go to get in touch with their natural side. It is free, vast, and perfect on a spring day. During the summer, the park arrenges free plays, concerts, and even Operas. I would avoid Tavern on the Green, but try out the Boathouse if you get hungry. If all else fails, get a hot dog from the hot dog vendor.

Places to Avoid

Time Square: The worst tourist trap with unscrupulous electronic stores and street venders. They will try to sell you everything from generic New York City souvenirs to charcoal drawings of yourself that will most likely to be stashed away once you return home.

Statue of Liberty: It is claustrophobic, out of the way, and a big let down. If you have limited time in the city, avoid this area. It is time consuming and desolate. This includes the Financial District and Battery City Park.

Museum of Modern Art: Overpriced and overly ambitious, I actually prefer the old MOMA. $20 entrance fee can be a big drain on your budget, and you can see some modern works at the Met for much less.

With this guide, I hope you will get to enjoy one of the greatest city in the world and appreciate it like a local. There is limitless options when it comes to things to do and see in New York City, and you don't have to break your budget to do so.