Free Articles Directory

New York, New York, so good they named it twice, but you don’t have to spend double your budget the next time you hit the Big Apple’s bright lights. A big city always has a great choice of good value (or free) highlights and necessities, and New York’s certainly no different. The next time you book that flight into JFK, here’s a few hints and tips to get the most from your trip without feeling the pinch.

First things first – accommodation. The city, in particular the hip neighbourhood of Brooklyn, is a hotbed of cool and characterful places to stay at a good price, and even better transport links make getting around no problem. For a central Manhattan location and a friendly welcome, try Bed & Coffee in the East Village. This relaxed bed & (almost) breakfast is like a home from home, with individually styled rooms, quirky layouts and very reasonable rates.

Getting around New York is generally split between either buses or the famous subway. Though buses may give better on route views, the subway is cheap, efficient and quick, plus it’s an experience in itself. $8.25 will get you a day ticket, so you can hop on and off whenever you like.

It’s easy to soak up the bright lights of New York on a budget as so much of the city is open and accessible to the public, or just plain in your face like the exceptional collage of illuminations across Times Square. For discounted tickets to a show on Broadway, head to the TKTS booth on Duffy Square only a street away.

Discover parts of the city that may not be so familiar with a walk through the likes of Bleecker Street down to the East Village, where a far more bohemian and creative atmosphere is enjoyed, which is reflected in the many street murals and quirky boutiques. Union Square is the place to go to for good value, tasty food thanks to its farmers’ market, and Greenwich Village also shares this arty and liberal ambience.

Pick up a slice of pizza or a doughnut and head to Central Park for the definitive New Yorker experience. Nothing can beat spending an afternoon meandering around this huge, iconic parkland, taking in the fountains, people watching and Strawberry Fields – the commemorative memorial to John Lennon. Afterwards, head downtown to Ground Zero, where a good view over the entire site can be gained from the adjacent World Financial Centre.

Grab a freshly baked pretzel and jump onboard the Staten Island Ferry to see the Statue of Liberty up close, and then catch Ellis Island on the way back, before further exploring lower Manhattan afterwards.

Whatever your budget, many cheap New York hotels offer great value for money, and the city’s worth visiting all year-round.

Adam Singleton writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.