How to Do the Big Apple Without Going Broke

New York City is known as many things: the Big Apple, City That Never Sleeps, Empire City and the concrete jungle. Of all the words used to describe one of the most famous cities in the U.S., “cheap” has never been one of them… until now. Though not well known or advertised, there are ways to enjoy NYC without needing to take out a second mortgage. Use these tips and travel hacks for accommodations and kid-friendly entertainment so that when you visit this urban playground, you can have your New York cheesecake and eat it, too.

Where to stay

For a city that never sleeps, hotel rooms sure are expensive. It may seem impossible to find a room for less than $300 a night in the City, and for the most part, it is. There are a few exceptions, though. Rooms at the Bowery House start around $95 a night for a double, while it’s about $80 for a single room with shared bathroom at the famed Chelsea International Hostel.

For those not willing to share a bathroom, AirBnB is an excellent choice. If you are willing to stay at a stranger’s home and welcome that stranger into your own, you can set it up for a nominal fee. Or if you are willing to roll the dice, Groupon often has “blind” deals where you are guaranteed the general area, star rating and discounted price of a hotel and purchase the voucher without knowing specifically which hotel and address you will be staying at. It’s a craps shot, but one of minimal risk.

What to eat

Restaurants in New York are known to be some of the best — and most expensive — in the world. So rather than blowing a week’s worth of spending on a single dinner, consider an event like Smorgasburg. This exciting and continuously growing event offers more than 100 vendors of “open-air food stalls,” sort of like a swap meet but just for food. It’s held on a Saturday in Williamsburg and a Sunday at Brooklyn Bridge Park.

If you are determined to sample some of NYC’s famous cuisine, check LivingSocial for deals on meals from specific restaurants. Often two-for-one vouchers are available.

What to do

New York is host to a myriad of things to do and sights to see, and not all of these cost an arm and a leg. In fact, some are 100 percent free. Since 1997, Ellis Island has boasted a free ride across the New York Bay with one of the most stunning views of the Statue of Liberty available anywhere.

Also at no charge is the 9/11 Memorial, which is located on the ground level of One World Trade Center. To commemorate the American tragedy and honor those fallen, two huge reflecting pools sit encompassed by trees and a wall listing the names of those who perished during the attacks are quietly displayed for visitors to see and ponder.

Additionally, those in the know are familiar with a method of acquiring theater tickets with acquiring debt. You can purchase discounted theater tickets, or try your luck in entering a lottery for free or highly discounted theater tickets to the most popular and frequently sold out shows in New York City.

Don’t let worrying about how to afford the City that Never Sleeps keep you up at night. The Big Apple doesn’t have to make a big dent in your wallet. If planning a trip to NYC, try these insider tips for stretching your dollar without skimping on the New York fun.