Visiting The Big Apple on a Budget

Guest Post by Fatima Sanchez

There are very few of us who wouldn’t like to be able to visit New York City. The business hub of the Western world where catwalk models brush shoulders with Hollywood stars. Times Square, Wall Street, Park Avenue. We all know these names, and we probably know the expense of organising a trip to them. Perhaps you’ve used Dealchecker for holiday price comparison, you’ve found the flights and accommodation; but now you need to save money whilst you’re there.

Yellow Taxi Cabs

Yes, they’re world famous and yes you probably want to have the experience of using one. They could potentially save you money on a guided tour, if the rumours of the New York taxi drivers being the most talkative individuals on earth are true. But, I would limit your travel in these yellow icons of the Big Apple. Use public transportation, or even better; walk. Most residents walk in NYC, the roads are so congested that traffic jams can leave you missing your Broadway show. Use the underground and the Air-Tran, find out from the locals which buses stop where. You can buy unlimited stop cards if you plan to use public transportation a lot during your stay.

Street Food

There are a few places in the world where street food is internationally famous, and has to be experienced; New York City is definitely one of them. The ethnic diversity down town spills over onto the streets and you find a whole range of vendors and food stands. Of course, the great American hot dog is probably the most recognisable and you’ll be hard pressed to resist the fragrance of ketchup and mustard on hot sausage. Asian rice stands serve huge portions for less than $10, as do the Middle-Easterner’s Halaal trolleys. Street food is a way of life for New Yorkers, firstly because it’s delicious and convenient but also because it’s a lot cheaper than stepping into a restaurant.

Drinks and Alcohol

New York City is unlike most other places in the world. It has sectors which are expensive and those that are cheap, but the price in bars just a block away from each other can be drastically different. A hotel with more than one bar inside can even vary in price, there are buildings which share a wall that will serve a different price of beer. Shop around, listen to the street touts who try and lure you into their establishments and if in doubt, ask the locals. A lot of NYC bars are designed to attract tourists with their over-Americanised decor, and you’ll find yourself paying more because of it. Great attention should be paid to the signs on the street, they don’t lie!