New York City is known for being one of the most expensive cities in the world. I can absolutely attest to this and constantly feel as though I am throwing my money away with each passing day. Like, I might as well just take a wad of cash and distribute it in individual one-dollar bills like they used to do in music videos {yeah, remember those things?}. As a budget traveler, this is one of the most uncomfortable feelings and something I am doing my best to avoid.
That being said, if left to my own devices, I am able to cut costs like a boss anywhere I am.
Today I am here to share with you how to spend a day in the big apple for less than $20.
Of course, this is going to vary based on where you are staying in the city {Manhattan, Brooklyn, the Bronx, etc.}, any dietary restrictions you may have, and exactly what it is you hope to see.
As with any budget travel, the goal is to participate in as many free activities as humanly possible. Even if it means waking up at the butt-crack of dawn in order to do so.
I suggest starting your morning in Brooklyn, for pretty obvious reasons. Firstly, everything is significantly cheaper in Brooklyn. From accommodation, to restaurants, and any kind of services {spas, mechanics, etc}.
I know, I know.
If you are coming to the big apple, you want to stay in Manhattan, “Where it all happens…”. And I totally respect that. However, staying in the outer boroughs of New York can significantly reduce your overall costs and potentially allow you to actually spend more time in the concrete jungle.
And what better way to begin the day, than with an all-American New York bagel? Keep it simple and order an everything bagel with cream cheese for $2.75 from Pio Bagel, just a short walk to Dumbo and the Brooklyn Bridge. Bagel in hand, make your way to Washington Street to capture the infamous Manhattan Bridge.
From here, you can easily access the stairway leading to the Brooklyn Bridge within a few minutes. Walk across the bridge for the best view of Manhattan. All for free!
When you make it to the other end of the bridge, you will find yourself in the financial district. Take a right and find yourself in front of the ‘Law and Order’ courthouse. Or, take a left and wander through narrow cobblestone streets until you find yourself on Wall Street.
Feast your eyes on the New York Stock Exchange building and the Charging Bull on your way to Battery Park. Whether you desire fresh air, or you want to see the Statue of Liberty, or hey, both{?} hop on the free {yes, free} Staten Island Ferry. The ferry arrives every half hour and will take you on a 15 minute journey, past the Statue of Liberty, to Staten Island.
Upon return to Manhattan, grab a $1.00 slice of traditional New York pizza. You can literally find them anywhere in the city, but I can recommend ’99 Cents Fresh Pizza’ at 117 Orchard Street.
On a sunny afternoon, you will most definitely not want to miss out on a stroll through Central Park. Since you will be downtown, it is likely you will need to take the subway to make your way uptown. A single ride will cost you $2.75. Make sure to enter the park from the south end and head north.
There is no shortage of things to see in Central Park. The Pond, Belvedere Castle, the Zoo, the Mall {aka the most famous image you see in most NYC based movies}, the Alice in Wonderland statue, Bethesda Fountain, and live music around every corner.
About halfway through the park, you will come across the Metropolitan Museum. This museum is {practically} free. The MET functions on a ‘pay what you wish’ basis. For purposes of a daily budget, you can literally pay $1.00 to enter.
Finally, you will want to end your afternoon with your last meal of the day {I didn’t promise this would be a healthy food guide}. In midtown, you will find Uncle Gussy’s Greek Food Truck with a line around the block. Get yourself an $8.00 gyro and you will not be disappointed.
On your way back across the East River, do not miss a sunset on the Brooklyn promenade.
In total, your balance at the end of the day comes to: $15.50.
And there you have it, an entire afternoon spent in one of the most expensive cities in the world, for under $20. This itinerary can, of course, be modified. If you are looking for even more free activities to fill your day, stay tuned for an entire post dedicated to free activities in New York.
you post so inconsistently lately it’s not fun to read anymore. it feels like you’ve given up on blogging. and kind of life.
My lifestyle has changed a lot in the last six months and unfortunately my blog has become less of a priority.. but I can assure you I have not given up on life! Quite the contrary actually! Spending too much time enjoying the moment to find as much time to sit and write about all of my experiences. I hope to devote more of my time to writing in the near future. But we all get caught up in life every once in a while 🙂 I appreciate you reading the blog though, so thank you Mila! x