Indulge in the Occassional Shake Shack Visit

Too often, New York City is seen as a once-in-a-lifetime trip because of how much it costs. It doesn’t have to be that way! There are plenty of ways to enjoy Manhattan without breaking the bank – from cheap tickets to New York to bargain hotels and inexpensive entertainment. New York really does have everything, and that includes affordable fun.

Here are five ways to make your next New York vacation more affordable:

Flights: The trick with cheap tickets to New York City is to be flexible. The good news is that you have three airports from which to choose (JFK, LaGuardia and Newark). LaGuardia tends to be the most convenient, but JFK and Newark are still pretty easy. So, adding a little more distance between the city and the airport can save you a few bucks, without making a noticeable difference in your trip. Also, check out public transportation options to save even.

Hotels: There’s more to Manhattan than midtown! Stay in another neighborhood, and you can trim your bill by a few hundred dollars during your vacation, and use that to have more fun in the city! Take a look at a map, and identify the neighborhoods that have a lot of subway lines running through them (like the Upper West Side and Union Square area). You won’t have to sacrifice too much convenience in order to save a bundle.

Food: Think past street meat and hot dogs, although the latter is hard for me to suggest. Also, forget about any chain restaurants you see in Times Square. To save a bundle, start with the small diners that you’ll find on almost every block in the city. Basic breakfast doesn’t need to cost a fortune, and it doesn’t require any particular talent. This is also a great strategy for lunch, and you can get a sandwich at one of the bodegas (corner stores) if you want to stay on the go. Dinner will be tougher, but mix in the occasional Shake Shack visit and save the expensive restaurants for one or two truly special meals, and you’ll be in better shape.

Entertainment: There’s no shortage of free and inexpensive entertainment in New York City. From walks through Central Park to the action at Times Square to the free performances at World Financial Center, the only limit is your imagination. Between the free outdoor offers and the fact that the city itself is something of a free museum, you’ll have plenty to keep you busy. Check out the Museum of Modern Art on Friday, free admission, and note that the Metropolitan Museum of Art is technically free – the price of admission is just a recommended donation.

Nightlife: Pre-gaming can make a profound difference. Since the action starts late anyway, visit a more affordable bar to get started. Corner Bistro offers a great burger to go with your inexpensive beer (cash only), and 10 Degrees in the East Village has buy-one-get-one-free on all drinks … including bottles of wine! For a slightly different type of evening, head over to Dive 75 on the Upper West Side for a game of Jenga or Connect Four to go with your beer or win.

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Photo: dyobmit