Things to Do, New York City-Style, When You're on a Tight Budget

If you've planned a trip to New York City, you probably spent hundreds of dollars on the airplane tickets and your hotel, so when you arrive in the city, you're probably gonna want some tips for how you can save some cash. Here are some things to do New York City style that won't break the bank.

Cheap Eats

When you need to eat in New York City and you want to save money, there are plenty of alternatives to expensive restaurants. One of the best places to get a good cheap meal is from a lunch truck on the street. Some of them have the tastiest food, and it usually costs $5 or less. Another option is a lunch or dinner buffet. At some of the buffet spots in New York City you can get a nice plate of food for just $4 or $5.

Free Partying

Every dedicated New York City club goer knows that you need to hook up with a party promoter in order to have a good (free) time at a hot club. These party promoters are usually commissioned to bring in as many "beautiful" and "sexy" people they can find to help get a fairly new club established, or to keep up interest at an already established club. If you can find a good promoter, you can get into the club for free before a certain hour, be allowed to sit in a VIP section, and get free drinks at the table. The challenge here of course is to know someone who does club promotions. Or at least know someone who knows someone that does club promotions.

Subways or Hoofing it Instead of Cabs

Taking a cab to all of your destinations in New York City will surely break you. You will pay $2.50 minimum as the base rate, and then 40 cents for each 1/5 mile you travel. So you can easily end up paying $10 or $15 just to go downtown, and that's just one way. The only way this mode makes sense is if you've got a group of at least three other people sharing the cab.

If you want to save some serious cash while you're in New York, take the subway instead. It only costs $4 for a two way Metrocard that will take you to and from your destination and it's usually a pretty quick ride. Once you ride the subway a couple of times, it becomes less confusing. If the place where you want to go is within 20 blocks or a few avenues, you might just want to hoof it.

So if you want to save some money while in New York City, follow these tips. You don't have to spend a bundle in the city in order to have a good time.